(Marketwire) - The Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance is creating jobs, training programs, and new financing programs aimed at increasing energy efficiency in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area.

"The Energy Alliance is paving the way in terms of innovative energy efficiency programs here in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky,'' said Jonathan Cohen, DOE Building Technologies Program, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. "We have been more than impressed by the innovative work and results we have seen from the Energy Alliance."

Cohen spoke to the accomplishments of the non-profit during a 10 a.m. press conference at Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park Pavilion, which also recognized the 1,000^th homeowner in the region served by the Energy Alliance. Seven municipal government leaders spoke to the impacts of this cutting-edge program and were recognized for their energy efficiency leadership and collaboration with the Energy Alliance.

Funded by a $17 million Department of Energy Better Buildings Neighborhood Program grant over two years ago, the Energy Alliance has:

• Improved 1,000 homes through energy efficiency upgrades at a savings to homeowners
• Upgraded 24 schools, churches and other non-profit organizations
• Generated $10 million in direct investments into the region's homes
• Created more than 105,000 job hours in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area
• Attracted over $20 million of public and private capital at the local and national level
• Created a Building Performance Training Center at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

Andy Holzhauser, Energy Alliance Executive Director, said the program would not exist without the partnership with the counties of Hamilton, Boone, Kenton and Campbell and the cities of Cincinnati, Covington and Florence.

"We've come so far in such a short period of time. But we know we have just scratched the surface of what is possible,'' Holzhauser said. "Our market study shows that energy efficiency upgrades have the potential to save area residents $59.6 million in lower energy bills and create 335 local jobs."

Holzhauser added that Energy Alliance programs drive new demand for the work of private contractors through strategic partnerships and innovative financing focused on energy efficiency improvement.

"It has been, and will continue to be, our mission to create private-sector jobs by creating an accessible and transparent process that saves people money and conserves our natural resources," he said. "That's a triple bottom line."

The Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance is a nonprofit organization that supports energy efficiency in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky communities by providing education, expertise and innovative financing solutions. The Energy Alliance is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Better Buildings Neighborhood Program of the U.S. Department of Energy. For additional information please visit the Energy Alliance online at www.greatercea.org.

Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance

Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance

The Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky communities reduce their energy costs. The Energy Alliance provides education, expertise and innovative financing to help the region to become more energy efficient, saving money for residents while also creating local jobs. Visit www.greatercea.org

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