Energize Delaware is pleased to announce they have recently hired James Purcell to be the Grant Manager for the new Empowerment Grant Program.  The Empowerment Grant is being financed with $4 million in merger settlement funds approved by the Delaware Public Service Commission’s authorizing of the Delmarva Power and Exelon merger agreement.

 As the managing agency of the Empowerment Grant Program, Energize Delaware will provide grants to organizations proposing energy efficiency programs that directly benefit Delmarva Power customers in their Delaware service area.

 Energize Delaware Executive Director, Tony DePrima stated, “Jim has over 25 years of experience in the public and private sector, and a strong background in public policy, non-profit management and human services. He served as an executive for the Communities-In-Schools program, and played a large role in building the program from the ground up.  He has all the skills to do the same for the Empowerment Grant Program.”

The Empowerment Grant Program will provide Delmarva Power customers whose households earn 60 percent, or below, of the state’s median income with valuable programs and services to save on energy costs. The grant monies will be used to identify and fund specific organizations providing energy savings programs.

“I am enthusiastic and encouraged by the opportunity that the Empowerment Grant will bring to our communities in Delaware,” said Jim Purcell, Empowerment Grant Manager. “The program will put organizations and residents in control of their energy costs by educating and supporting their efforts to create efficiency in their energy needs.”

The official roll out of the Empowerment Grant will take place in January 2020. The large-scale grant Request-For-Proposal will roll out first, and then in spring 2020 the Community Grant plans will be introduced. In each grant cycle Empowerment Grant staff will provide workshops, information and technical assistance to those interested in applying for the grants. More information on the Empowerment Grant, workshops, marketing and timetable will be announced in early January with the launch of a website: www.empowergrantde.org and a press event to kick off the program.

Jim holds a political science and history education degree, as well as, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Delaware.  He currently resides in Milford with his daughter McKenna.