TVA helps local businesses become more energy efficient
Ten local businesses received a boost in their energy efficiency, courtesy of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Small Business Uplift program.
The businesses were chosen to receive free energy-related upgrades and resources.
“It was a blessing,” said Janet Ray, who owns the Hen House with her husband, Travis. They received two energy-efficient freezers, which were needed to store food for the restaurant.
To be selected, the businesses had to be locally owned and be located in a building that was at least 10 years old and had no renovations in the past two years. Ideally, the store space was less than 10,000 square feet, but it couldn’t exceed 20,000 square feet.
“We were excited that 10 of our local businesses received the upgrades so they could lower their energy costs,” said Mike Allmand, President and CEO of Ripley Power and Light Company. “The purpose of the program was to improve working conditions, boost sustainability and help our region prosper. Small businesses are the backbone of our community.”
Ripley Power and Light buys its electricity from TVA.
The businesses are …
- Mayo’s Flower Shop, owned by Amy Elder and her uncle, William Elder, 101 S. Church St., Halls. The shop has new LED lighting and an energy-efficient HVAC system and refrigerator.
- Halls Funeral Home, owned by Ty Brasfield, 109 S. Church St., Ripley. The funeral home received an HVAC system and had some of its lighting upgraded to LED.
- Brooks Harris Optometry Clinic, 190 S. Washington St., Ripley. The clinic’s lighting was upgraded to LEDs, and a new energy-efficient HVAC system was installed.
- The Hall of Heroes, a gaming store owned by David Cannon, 126 N. Jefferson St., Ripley. All lighting was upgraded to LED.
- Dazzles Hair Salon, owned by Melissa Drumwright, 119 W. Jackson Ave., Ripley. Dazzles received a 15-SEER HVAC system with a programmable thermostat.
- Fish’s Wing Shack, owned by Cory Turnery, 326 Washington St., Ripley. The restaurant received energy-efficient chest freezers, two-door freezer and refrigerator.
- Hen House, a diner owned by Janet Ray, 248 Washington St., Ripley. The diner has a new Energy Star-rated chest freezer.
- Kissell’s Kitchen, owned by Darin Kissell, 137 W. Jackson Ave., Ripley. The restaurant received an energy-efficient chest freezer, refrigerator and HVAC System.
- Emilee’s, a restaurant owned by Trina Burks, 815 U.S. 51, Ripley. Lighting was upgraded to LED. The restaurant also received an HVAC system.
- Mont’s Flower Shop, owned by Angela Thurmond, 321 Cleveland St., Ripley. Mont’s received an Energy Star-rated refrigerator and two energy-efficient HVAC systems.
“Our upgrades came at a critical time,” said Amy Elder, Mayo’s Flower Shop owner.
First the store weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and now Elder finds that with the uncertain economy, people aren’t spending their disposable income on flowers.
The lighting was needed to correct a broken ballast, and the new cooler keeps flowers fresh. Mayo’s Flower Shop, in operation since 1969, sells cut flowers, silks, flower arrangements and other gifts.
“We’re very fortunate to be in a community that was able to offer this for us,” Elder said.