Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government in central Kentucky has purchased EnergyCap energy efficiency software with stimulus funds from a US DOE Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG).

According to Blaine Clapper, sales manager of EnergyCAP, Lexington-Fayette had been considering to purchase a more robust utility management system for some time, but tight budgets in recent years had been a concern.

Clapper said: “The availability of block grant funds was a key factor in making this project happen.”

He said that using the new energy management software, the first-year savings and cost recoveries will exceed 1% of the user’s annual utility budget, even if energy management programs have been in place for some time.

The purpose of the EECBG is to reduce fossil fuel emissions in an environmentally sustainable manner and to reduce the total energy use; and to improve energy efficiency in the building sector, the transportation sector, and other appropriate sectors.

James Bush, energy manager of Lexington-Fayette, said: ”Up until now, our utility bills and energy use have largely been kept separate. EnergyCAP will allow the city to better manage its energy use to control costs and identify opportunities for additional savings.”