The Missouri Department of Economic Development [DED] today announced that more than $8.5 million in low-interest energy loans has been approved by the state to assist 28 community organizations and institutions to make energy efficiency improvements and embark on renewable energy projects. These energy projects will result in the savings of nearly $1 million and are expected to create 205 energy-related jobs.
“Missouri’s energy efficiency programs not only help communities save money and reduce energy usage, but they spur economic growth throughout the region,” said Mike Downing, director of DED. “These dollars will go directly into the community and will create local jobs in the energy solutions industry and beyond.”
DED’s Division of Energy authorized $8.5 million in low-interest loans to 11 city governments, 13 schools or school districts, two institutions of higher education, one county government, and one hospital. Project plans include lighting upgrades, heating and cooling system replacements and solar energy installations. These improvements are expected to reduce electricity by almost 9.7 million kilowatt hours and carbon dioxide pollution by more than 7,300 metric tons—the equivalent to the pollution produced by 1,539 passenger vehicles.