“Beneficial electrification” is our way of saying there are advantages to using electricity instead of gas or other fossil fuels. AEP Ohio has a team of energy advisors dedicated to educating our customers on these advantages of making the switch, which include improved efficiency, reduced carbon emissions and improved productivity, safety and quality. Our team is committed to providing valuable insights to business owners through recommendations regarding construction, renovation and simple one-for-one equipment replacements and upgrades.
Enter the Hess family. Larry and Candice Hess live in the small village of Pomeroy, Ohio (population: 1,990), where they own and operate the River Roasters Coffee Company. Because they were looking to grow their business, a local AEP Ohio customer service representative connected Larry and Candice family with Holly Reitano, Consumer Program Coordinator, who assessed their operations to determine what their best options would be.
Holly knew the company could benefit from several cost-saving programs – such as, manufacturing promotions and deals on HVAC systems – but Holly went above and beyond those programs and investigated funding opportunities like the JobsOhio Inclusion Grant, which provides financial support to projects in economically disadvantaged communities. AEP Ohio’s energy advisors have established relationships with JobsOhio, Holly was convinced River Roasters Coffee was an ideal candidate. She encouraged them to apply and several months later they were awarded a $50,000 grant. Both the Hess family and Holly were overjoyed at the news.
“I’m thrilled they were able to qualify,” said Holly. “I’m so happy to see growth in southeast Ohio and to see our customers thriving. Victories such as these are good for the customer and good for the communities in which we live and work.”
Interested in learning what options and opportunities make the most sense for your business? Get connected with one of our expert energy advisors to learn more.
