Governor Quinn Announces More Than $1 Million to Support Renewable Energy Development, Green Jobs

CHICAGO – June 17, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced more than $1 million in federal stimulus funds for S&C Electric Company to manufacture products that improve the distribution and transmission of electricity, and to install a new green roof.

The green roof will reduce the amount of energy consumed at the facility. The two projects are expected to create more than 300 jobs and retain 121 jobs. The investment is made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“Investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency are critical to our efforts to create jobs, boost the economy and build a more sustainable future,” said Governor Quinn. “This funding will allow S&C Electric Company to expand its workforce and support the development of renewable energy.”

S&C will receive a $1 million grant to increase its manufacturing capacity for energy-efficient electrical switching and protection products. The company’s products will facilitate connection of renewable sources, such as wind, to the electric system and facilitate development of smart grid technologies. The energy that is produced will benefit residential, commercial and industrial electric power customers in Illinois, including customers of Ameren and ComEd, and the City of Naperville.

The company will receive a second grant to install a new green roof at its facility, which will reduce annual energy consumption by 474 million BTUs and carbon dioxide emissions by 29 tons.

“If Illinois is going to remain competitive, we must invest in high-growth areas that are creating jobs for the 21st century economy,” said Warren Ribley, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). “Our combined investment in Illinois manufacturing and the renewable energy sector is helping to ensure Illinois manufacturers can continue to prosper and helping to advance the state’s green goals.”

The grants are a part of the state’s Energy Plan, administered by DCEO and funded by ARRA, which is Illinois' most comprehensive effort to date to achieve significant gains in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Governor Quinn also announced today that Illinois has added 70,000 jobs this year – more than any other state in the Midwest.