Press Release: PA Route 6 Energy Mini Grant Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

8.2026

PA Route 6 Alliance and West Penn Energy Fund Launch PA Route 6 Energy Mini Grant Program

New Program Supports Energy Efficiency and Community Revitalization in McKean and Potter Counties

McKean and Potter Counties- The PA Route 6 Alliance, in partnership with the West Penn Energy Fund (WPEF), is pleased to announce the launch of the PA Route 6 Energy Mini Grant Program, made possible through a generous grant from the West Penn Energy Fund with additional support provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

The program will provide grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 to assist businesses, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and community organizations with energy-efficient improvements that reduce operating costs and strengthen communities throughout the Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Corridor.

“The PA Route 6 Alliance is grateful to the West Penn Energy Fund for its investment in our communities and to DCNR for its continued support of our work throughout the Heritage Corridor,” said Candace Hillyard, Executive Director of the PA Route 6 Alliance. “This program provides an exciting opportunity to preserve historic buildings, lower energy costs, and create stronger, more resilient communities along Pennsylvania Route 6.”

“These mini grants demonstrate how strategic investments in energy efficiency can have a lasting impact on our communities. We’re excited to partner with the PA Route 6 Alliance to help organizations reduce electric operating costs while supporting the long-term vitality of the Route 6 Heritage Corridor.” – said Joel Morrison, WPEF Fund Administrator.

Eligible projects include:

• LED lighting upgrades
• HVAC improvements or replacement
• Heat pumps
• Smart thermostats and building controls
• Energy management systems
• Commercial refrigeration and kitchen efficiency upgrades
• ENERGY STAR® equipment and appliances
• Insulation and air sealing
• Energy-efficient windows and exterior doors
• Professional energy audits and assessments
• Small-scale solar demonstration projects
• Innovative demonstration projects that educate the public about energy efficiency

Funding Available

• Grant awards range from $1,000 to $20,000.
• Applications received by September 1, 2026 will be reviewed competitively.
• After September 1, 2026 applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling, competitive basis until all available funds have been committed or exhausted.
• Total funding is subject to program allocations.
• The PA Route 6 Alliance reserves the right to award less than the amount requested based on program priorities, application competitiveness, and available funds.
• A 1:1 cash match is encouraged but not required.

For more information about the PA Route 6 Energy Mini Grant Program, including application materials and program guidelines, visit PA Route 6 Alliance.

About the PA Route 6 Alliance:

The PA Route 6 Alliance, a 501(c3) corporation, was established in 2003 to manage the PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor and to implement branding and marketing plans, community development programs and other planning efforts along the corridor. The Alliance includes representatives from all 11 counties, 9 convention and visitor bureaus, 4 heritage areas, local development districts, local business owners, Chambers of Commerce, and other interested parties along the corridor.

The PA Route 6 Heritage Communities program is a program of PA Route 6 Alliance and PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor funded by the PA Heritage Area Program under the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

About the West Penn Energy Fund:

West Penn Energy Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit seeking transformational projects that will support the deployment of sustainable energy technologies in a manner that will improve the economic and environmental health of communities within the West Penn Power service region.

Our funding is focused on three broad categories:

• Deployment of sustainable and clean energy technologies
• Deployment of energy efficiency and conservation technologies
• Facilitating economic development, environmental betterment, and public education as they relate to sustainable energy deployment in the WPP service region.

For more information about the PA Route 6 Energy Mini Grant Program or to apply, visit: https://paroute6.com/

Media Contacts:

PA Route 6 Alliance
Candace Hillyard, Executive Director
info@paroute6.com

West Penn Energy Fund
Barbara Robuck, Marketing & Communications
brobuck@westpennenergyfund.org