Under a new, 10-year energy-management contract announced Tuesday (6/16), PP&L Spectrum will install energy-efficiency improvements in city buildings and provide money-saving energy management services. The annual savings in energy costs are guaranteed by PP&L Spectrum.

"The city of Bethlehem will recoup the entire cost of this $743,000 contract through guaranteed annual reductions in energy costs," said Frank Long, executive vice president of PP&L Resources, Inc. "The city also could receive another $170,000 in energy cost savings over the life of the contract."

"Through this partnership, the city will install cutting-edge technology, use energy more wisely and save money," said Bethlehem Mayor Don Cunningham. "The taxpayers are the real beneficiaries of this project."

PP&L Spectrum joined with another PP&L Resources, Inc., subsidiary, H.T. Lyons, Inc., a full-service mechanical and heating, ventilating and air-conditioning firm, to win the Bethlehem contract. "We're delighted to be a part of this project, and we're happy to help PP&L Spectrum expand the services it offers to large customers," said Ted Lyons, president.

PP&L Spectrum markets innovative energy solutions that meet its customers' business objectives. Bethlehem officials evaluated proposals from several energy services companies before choosing PP&L Spectrum.

"Our proposal was based on detailed engineering studies of city buildings and discussions with city employees to determine the best way we could meet their needs," Long said.

The contract includes heating, ventilation and air conditioning improvements; lighting improvements; and a new energy information system that will enable the city to collect data and monitor energy use in all its buildings.

"Our partnership will have immediate paybacks in better, more energy-efficient lighting and lower costs for heating and cooling city buildings," Long said. "This is the kind of value-added service PP&L Spectrum offers to customers throughout Pennsylvania and beyond."