DEP Helped Local Governments Save Over $1 Million In Energy Costs Thru Shared Energy Manager Program In 2025; Apply Now For 2026

On December 23, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it helped 20 local governments across Pennsylvania identify over $1 million in energy savings in 2025 through the Shared Energy Manager Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.  

“It’s important for local governments to find innovative means to save money for their communities,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “The Shared Energy Manager Program not only helps municipalities save taxpayer dollars, but provides a way to save energy, reduce pollution, lower their carbon footprint, improve operations, and build a commitment to sustainability for future generations.”

The Shared Energy Manager Program helps local governments and municipalities conduct energy assessments, renewable energy studies, and other services to implement their climate action plans. 

An energy manager works with the program participants to reduce energy costs and cut greenhouse gas emissions. 

Since 2020, this program has helped participating governments identify nearly $4.8 million in energy savings and cut over 15,000 metric tons of pollution annually.    

Wilson Engineering served as the shared energy manager and worked with participants on a number of different tasks including energy benchmarking and planning; government building and facility assessments; feasibility studies to install renewable energy generation (primarily solar power); converting vehicle fleets to electric vehicles; and other ideas to reduce energy use.

How To Apply

Applications are still open to participate in the 2026 cohort. Any Commonwealth local government or regional planning organization as well as school districts looking to reduce energy use, save money and lower emissions are encouraged to apply.

Preference is given to applicants who are former participants of the DEP Local Climate Assistance Program (LCAP), governments or schools with environmental justice communities, and organizations with official climate action/energy transition plans.

Interested parties can apply for the program at the following link: PADEP Shared Energy Manager Program Application Form.

More information is available on the DEP Shared Energy Manager Program webpage. 

Click Here for the DEP announcement and a list of past participants.

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website.  Submit Environmental Complaints; Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter; sign up for DEP’s eNotice; Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

Resource Link:

-- DEP: PA Industrial Energy Assessments Can Find Energy Savings At Your Facility, Apply Today! 

[Posted: December 23, 2025]  PA Environment Digest