By Brooke Smith Department for Energy Development and Independence

Energy—in the past decade it has been the topic on everyone's mind. No matter where you turn, energy independence is at the forefront of public discussion. With the threat of global climate change, the question is always the same: how can our country's energy needs be met in the cleanest, cheapest and fastest way possible?

This is a question Gov. Steve Beshear and the state of Kentucky have taken very seriously. In late 2008 Gov. Beshear released a strategic plan for Kentucky’s energy policy. The plan, Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky’s Future, was created to improve the quality and security of life for all Kentuckyans by creating efficient, sustainable energy solutions and strategies, by protecting the environment, and by creating a base for strong economic growth over the long term. A major goal of the governor’s plan is to assist Kentuckyans in increasing energy efficiency in all sectors of our economy.

The passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, also known as the “stimulus plan,” presented a huge opportunity to begin implementation of key elements of the governor’s energy strategy. In mid-2009 Gov. Beshear announced that the Commonwealth would receive more than $68 million in funding through the Department of Energy (DOE) to enhance and develop energy efficiency and renewable energy programs across the state. These programs are managed through the Department for Energy Development and Independence (DEDI) within the Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC). Funding for the programs will provide support through March 2012.

The goal behind ARRA funding is to enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities and stimulate local economies for the creation of “green collar” jobs. As of November 2009, the Kentucky DEDI has used ARRA funding, coupled with funds from an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, to create 735 jobs across the state and enabled energy savings of 2,950,586 million BTU’s (British Thermal Units) (see chart on Page 10).

“Becoming energy efficient in our homes, schools and businesses is one of the easiest ways for Kentucky to not only save money on energy costs, but to begin addressing how we impact our environment,” said Gov. Beshear. “We have a number of renewable energy resource possibilities in our Commonwealth, and this funding will help us achieve the goals of energy efficiency and developing renewable energy sources.”

and this funding will help us achieve the goals of energy efficiency and developing renewable energy sources."

The following provides a snapshot, by sector, of how these ARRA dollars will be utilized to further the goals of the governor’s energy strategy.

Kentucky Net-Zero Energy Schools ($1,422,588)

As schools become more energy efficient, it becomes more feasible to consider utilization of solar to meet the energy demands of the facility. Several schools are pushing energy efficiency levels below 30,000 BTU's per square foot per year, providing an opportunity to introduce the first net-zero energy school to Kentucky. This funding provides partial match for one or more schools to install solar thermal or photovoltaic systems sufficient to bring the school to net-zero or near net-zero energy use. Schools compete for this funding and must have a design that is sufficiently efficient to allow a solar system to make up the remaining energy needs of the school.

Kentucky Green and Healthy Schools Program (GHS) ($214,800)

GHS is a statewide, web-based and student-centered program that empowers students and staff to move their school toward becoming safer, healthier and more environmentally sustainable.