HOLLIDAYSBURG - Blair County will pursue the opportunity to make some money by switching the courthouse's power to a generator during high-demand periods.
Commissioners voted Tuesday to sign up for the KoreEnergy LTD Demand/ Response Reliability Program.
Under the program, the county will receive $2,200 for electing, upon request, to put the courthouse on generator power for one hour during periods when Penelec has a high demand for energy.
Finance Director Robert Kuntz recommended the county's participation.
If there is a reason the courthouse cannot switch to generator power when asked, the county has the option of running a one-hour test of its courthouse generator, Kuntz said.
Commissioners Chairman Terry Tomassetti asked what time the county might be asked to switch the courthouse's power to a generator.
Kuntz said it would likely be between 4 and 5 p.m., when it shouldn't have any effect on courthouse operations.
Commissioner Diane Meling said the program was considered once before, but no action was taken.
"They wanted to include Valley View Home," she said.
Commissioners agreed that including the home was not a good idea, Meling said, because one of Valley View's generators is inside and using it would make too much noise and disturb the residents.
If the county fails to meet the program's requirements, the agreement allows the county to be fined. Kuntz said the fine would come from future payments to the county for its participation.
Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 946-7456.
