Power Energy Corporation (PEC) has been awarded $1.44 million from the state of Illinois to assist them in building out the infrastructure at 20 retail gas stations to offer consumers higher ethanol blends choices at the pump. The grant was awarded from Illinois’ Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity as part of USDA’s Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) program.

The funding will be used to help install underground storage tanks and new dispensers that will offer E15, E30 and E85, as well as biodiesel. All stations are located within the Chicagoland area, an RFG market, that allows E15 to be sold year-round to consumers that drive 2001 and newer model year vehicles.

“I am very thankful for the efforts of USDA and the state of Illinois to expand retail infrastructure to support higher ethanol blends,” said PEC Owner Sam Odeh. “PEC is a strong supporter, and this effort will bring more fueling options to the Chicagoland area. I am also thankful for the leadership and continued relationship with Illinois Corn and RFA as we move forward.”

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) assisted PEC with station evaluations and recommendations on equipment configurations, and will continue to assist PEC throughout the grant execution process, equipment installation and product offering. PEC will utilize RFA’s Misfueling Mitigation Plan (MMP), the only EPA-approved MMP.

“We are pleased that PEC is helping to expand consumer access to higher ethanol blends,” said RFA Vice President of Industry Relations Robert White. “Sam understands the consumer benefits when there are more choices at the pump. We thank him for his leadership and look forward to more stations offering higher ethanol blends in the near future.”

PEC estimates these stations will generate an additional 3.1 million gallons in ethanol sales above today’s E10-only sales. Infrastructure work will begin immediately, with four to six locations open this year, and all stations open by next year.