Our Programs

The programs implemented by the Division of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency are designed to promote the production, conservation, and utilization of energy in a manner to meet human needs while maintaining Kentucky's economy at the highest feasible level.

Other benefits of these programs are to reduce energy costs, to make Kentucky businesses more competitive, and to reduce environmental impacts. The U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) provides extensive funding for many of the programs. A primary goal of the (USDOE) in funding these programs is to lessen the nation's dependence on foreign oil and to capture the environmental benefits from reducing the use of fossil fuels.

The State Energy Program (SEP) is the Division's primary federal grant program that allows the Division to carry out all division activities including those mandated by our enabling legislation. Such activities include emergency planning, promotion of thermal efficiency standards, and carpool/vanpool/ridesharing. In addition, SEP contains other activities such as electric utility demand-side management, residential/home energy rating systems, and used oil recovery coordination. Plan development, program progress, and financial reporting are developed to meet U.S. Department of Energy and state budget requirements.

As mandated by state legislation, the Division assembles, organizes and analyzes data from various sources. The data is processed in a manner that will increase its usefulness to policy makers and the general public. The U.S. Department of Energy's State Heating Oil and Propane Program (SHOPP) is also part of this program. SHOPP collects propane and heating oil prices from a sampling of 50-55 Kentucky distributors throughout the winter months and reports them to USDOE.

This program area allows the Division of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency to supply energy efficiency and renewable energy information to the general public and to conduct energy education activities. Two newsletters are published - a national newsletter, Conservation Update, and a statewide newsletter, Kentucky Energy Watch. Also, energy publications are published and distributed by the Division. This program is designed to help Kentucky's citizens make informed choices about the manner in which they use energy.

Kentucky Statutes passed in 1996 mandate a program for energy conservation in government buildings to reduce energy costs. This legislation directs the Division of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency to provide technical assistance to the Finance and Administration Cabinet for implementation of this program. The program will conduct workshops for state and local government operations and maintenance personnel and will assist in performance contracting as well as education and awareness for building occupants.

A public-private partnership that helps protect the environment while saving consumers money through energy efficiency. As an ENERGY STAR partner, the Kentucky Division of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency proudly promotes ENERGY STAR by increasing awareness and educating consumers about the benefits of ENERGY STAR and is working to expand the number of partners in the state.

Functions of this program include the Industries of the Future program as well as the coordination of various grant opportunities such as Sustainable Technology Energy Partnerships (STEP) and institutional workshops.

Mandated by state legislation, this program promotes the use of cost-effective renewable energy technologies in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Work includes surveying technical literature and producing a series of fact sheets that are continuously updated. The program develops projects for the use of alternate transportation fuels, and provides information to the state motor pool on alternate fuel vehicles and available fuel options. In addition, the program disseminates information regarding refueling sites in Kentucky, requirements for fleet conversions, and works with local communities trying to get "Clean Cities" designations.

The Division web site provides the public with information about the division's programs,events, and publications. The web site also includes energy tips as well as a listing of additional energy related web sites. The about us section of the web site includes general information about the Division.