Morgantown, WV (AP) -- West Virginia's industries of the future program is getting $733,000 to help companies cut their energy consumption 25 percent within a decade.

The U.S. Department of Eenergy funding is intended to help form partnerships in West Virginia, western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio.

Industries of the Future is a program at West Virginia University's National Research Center for Coal and Energy.

Program Coordinator Kathleen Cullen says the initial participants include three Ohio firms -- American Municipal Power, Fireline TCON Inc. and Titan Tire Corp. -- plus Weston-based HK Engine Components LLC.

Cullen says efficiency audits and technical resources will be advertised at six regional workshops and in other venues to try to attract more partners.

(Copyright 2009 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)