History

History header shape

Timeline

1998

West Penn Power restructuring agreement establishes a sustainable energy fund with a payment of $11,425,721 on December 31, 1998.

2000
2000 Group Photo West Penn Power

On May 3, 2000 the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund (WPPSEF) is incorporated as a Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation as a supporting organization of the Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland. On July 19, 2000, the WPPSEF receives its Internal Revenue Service determination letter that provides its 501(c)(3) status. On August 1, 2000 the WPPSEF issues a request-for-proposal for its Fund Administrator. The Pennsylvania State University is selected as WPPSEF’s Fund Administrator service on November 15, 2000.

2001
somerset windwills

WPPSEF enters its first year of operations. The WPPSEF Board approves its business plan, “The West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund: Unlocking Our Future. Economic Growth and Environmental Leadership” on May 10, 2001. WPPSEF first financial commitment was on May 10 to assist in the construction of the 9 MW Somerset Wind Farm. WPPSEF commits $300,000 as part of a subordinated loan with the Pennsylvania’s regional sustainable energy funds.

2002

WPPSEF provides its first educational grant to Slippery Rock University to develop a sustainable campus initiative.

2003
construction of windmill

WPPSEF provides funding for its first solar photovoltaic grant (3.6 kW roof-mounted array at the Friends School in State College), its first small-scale wind turbine (10 kW Bergey wind turbine at the Donahoe Center in Greensburg), and its first lighting energy efficiency improvement (Allenport Borough Municipal Building).

2004
WPPSEF Clean Energy Expo

WPPSEF Clean Energy Expo at Penn State’s Bryce Jordan Center draws over 11,000 attendees.

2005
Keystone Home Energy Loan

WPPSEF, AFC First Financial, and the Gemstone Group launches the Keystone Home Energy Loan (Keystone HELP) in the West Penn Power service region as a residential, ENERGY STAR financing program. WPPSEF commits $1.485M to launch Keystone HELP. In addition to Keystone HELP, WPPSEF commits $1M to the construction of the 24 MW Bear Creek wind farm near Wilkes-Barre.

2006
Keystone HELP is expanded to state-wide

Keystone HELP is expanded to state-wide with $20M in support from the PA Treasury. WPPSEF provides $25k to Carnegie Mellon University and $25k to Penn State to support the construction of their solar homes for DOE’s Solar Decathlon national competition in Washington D.C.

2007
PA Home Energy

WPPSEF launches PA Home Energy which focuses on ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes (new homes) and Home Performance with ENERGY STAR (existing homes). WPPSEF commits $1.14M to PA Home Energy and selects Performance Systems Development to manage the technical aspects of the program.

2010
WPPSEF receives the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2010 Special Recognition

WPPSEF receives the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2010 Special Recognition – Excellence in Energy Efficiency ENERGY STAR award for its PA Home Energy program.

2012
WPPSEF provides a $150,000 grant to Phipps Conservancy

WPPSEF provides a $150,000 grant to Phipps Conservancy to co-fund the construction of the Center for Sustainable Landscapes to Living Building Challenge standards.

2013
WPPSEF provides $625,000 to the Keystone Elk Country Alliance (KECA)

WPPSEF provides $625,000 to the Keystone Elk Country Alliance (KECA) to co-fund the construction of a LEED-certified Elk Country Campus Outdoors Building at the Elk Country Visitor Center near Benezette.

2014
WPPSEF provides $100,000 to Geisinger Healthcare System to install a 38 kW roof-mounted solar PV system

WPPSEF provides $100,000 to Geisinger Healthcare System to install a 38 kW roof-mounted solar PV system on the Janet Weis Children’s hospital in Danville. WPPSEF provides $100,000 to the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf to co-fund the construction of a LEED-Silver student residence building in Pittsburgh and $100,000 to Women-In-Need to co-fund the construction of a women’s advocacy shelter in Chambersburg.

2015
WPPSEF celebrates 15 years of sustainable energy

WPPSEF celebrates 15 years of sustainable energy, lighting the way for the next generation. The evening event included an ambitious agenda with discussions from the leaders in the sustainable energy community along with the pioneers that led the way. Interactive displays showcased various technologies in the industry from 2000-2015.

2017
WPPSEF provides $1.1M to ReFarm Café at Windswept Farm

WPPSEF provides $1.1M to ReFarm Café at Windswept Farm to co-fund the construction of a farm-to-fork restaurant to Living Building Challenge standards. WPPSEF works with SolarSense PA II PSU, LLC to provide $1.5M to co-fund the construction of a 3.0 MW solar farm in State College.

2018
WPPSEF commits $50,000 in co-funding to the State College Borough Water Authority

WPPSEF commits $50,000 in co-funding to the State College Borough Water Authority for variable speed pumps and roof mounted solar PV for the construction of the Nixon-Kocher water treatment facility which is designed to process 5M gal/ drinking water per day.

2019

WPPSEF provides the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship with $131,000 to co-fund the renovation and construction of PA Wilds Media Lab in Kane.

2021
WPPSEF works with Wesley Family Services

WPPSEF works with Wesley Family Services to install a 104 kW roof mounted solar PV system on their Pioneer Building in New Kensington which is certified to LEED and Passive House standards.

2022
WPPSEF dedicates its Six&Kane building

WPPSEF dedicates its Six&Kane building which was renovated during 2019-2022 to Passive House EnerPHit Plus standards.

2023

WPPSEF commits $146,000 to the Audubon Society of Western PA to install a 38.8 kW roof mounted solar system and induction cooking stovetops as part of their efforts to decarbonize the Succop Nature Park.

2024
WPPSEF works with Chatham University Eden Hall Campus Green Building program

WPPSEF works with Chatham University Eden Hall Campus Green Building program. Program involves student education, building retrofits, and community outreach.

2024
West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Rebrands
We changed our name

West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Rebrands. In a significant moment for our organization, the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund has officially adopted a new name, becoming the West Penn Energy Fund. This pivotal change reflects a strategic evolution in our focus, marking a broader commitment to innovative energy solutions while honoring our legacy of sustainable practices. Stay tuned as we continue to shape a brighter energy future under our refreshed identity!

Why did we change our name?