Carbondale to contract with SIUC to reduce energy consumption

The Carbondale City Council authorized the city manager Tuesday night to enter into a contract with SIUC that will bring $80,000 to Carbondale to promote energy conservation.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs recently awarded an $80,000 grant to Carbondale as part of the Community Energy Program.

Assistant City Manager Don Monty said Carbondale has a history of involvement in various energy conservation initiatives going back to the 1970s. He said the city used to have an energy division that worked with citizens to help reduce energy consumption, but it was eliminated for budgetary reasons.

Monty said that by contracting with the University, the city will be able to benefit from the technical expertise and resources that are already in place.

Councilman Brad Cole, who cast the only ‘no’ vote, said he voted against the program because he has not seen that it has produced significant results since it was first initiated in 2000.

“I’m not saying they’re not doing anything,” Cole said, “but I just don’t think it’s the best use of [the money].”

The U.S. Department of Energy program that promotes energy conservation, Rebuild America, has an SIUC offshoot. Its local director, Manohar Kulkarni, also an SIUC professor of mechanical engineering and energy processes, said the program hopes to raise awareness throughout the community about ways to conserve energy.

Kulkarni said the program runs about six workshops a year that are open to the public to teach methods of reducing energy consumption and offers free consulting for business start-ups on energy conservation at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center.

Money saved by reducing energy consumption can be spent in the local economy rather than being exported to energy companies outside the community, Monty said.

“Energy conservation in the community is something that is helpful in the long run economically,” Monty said.

The program will also provide assessments of local business, government and University buildings to find ways to be more energy efficient.

Grant money will also be used to offer rebates to people who purchase Energy Star-rated electrical products including washers and dryers, air conditioners, dishwashers and computers. Energy Star is a rating the Environmental Protection Agency gives to appliances that meet standards for energy efficiency and environmental impact.

The program also offers eight-week summer internships to local high school students who can receive $2,000 and have the opportunity to learn about energy efficiency.

Monty said $25,000 will be spent between Sept. 1, 2002 and April 30, 2003, and the rest of the grant will be spent between May 2003 and May 30, 2004.

Reporter Phil Beckman can be reached at