Issues and Lessons Learned in Planning and Implementing Energy Extension Service Small Business Programs: Some Case Examples

摘要

As part of an effort to lower energy-consumption levels among individuals and small establishments that use energy, the Energy Extension Service, operating in ten pilot states, has implemtned programs which focus on the particular needs of small businesses. In Alabama, Auburn University provides information and analyses to test the feasibility of using alternative fuels for small businesses. In Connecticut, the Department of Commerce provides audits to businesses throughout the state. In Michigan, the Department of Commerce, through two contractors, provides seminars to one tenth of the small businesses in southeastern Michigan. In New Mexico, the small-business program provides demonstration audits of small businesses using alternative energy sources. In Pennsylvania, EES, in connection with Pennsylvania State Univ., provides technical assistance to small businesses throughout the state. In Tennessee, the program provides audits, seminars, and counseling services to small businesses in three of that state's counties. In Texas, the Texas A and M College of Engineering operates an information retrieval system for small manufacturers through a bi-monthly bulletin. In Seattle, Washington, the small-business program provides audits to ''Mom and Pop'' type businesses in two of that city's neighborhoods. In Wisconsin, the Univ. of Wisconsin provides seminars and audits to hospitality industry businesses. In Wyoming, the small-business program provides seminars to firms in the building industry. This case study was prepared in order to describe these programs in further detail, and is presented in two sections. The first section consists of papers on topics of particular concern for persons operating or planning a small-business program. The second section provides a summary description of the small-business programs operating in each of the ten pilot states. (ERA citation 04:051798)