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The following are brief descriptions of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that state energy offices are involved in and that are published in the latest edition of the State Energy Program's (SEP's) bimonthly newsletter, Conservation Update.
SEP has published online more than 500 of these brief project descriptions since 2002, which are organized by state and by topic.
ENERGY STAR Helps Change Military Light Bulbs and Recycle Old Refrigerators
Efforts aim to cut energy costs for military and civilian residents. Two ENERGY STAR® campaigns continue the push to reduce energy use and energy bills while reducing greenhouse gases.
Operation Change Out Facilitates Efficient Lighting at Military Bases
In honor of Earth Day, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Defense announced a new ENERGY STAR campaign called Operation Change Out. The campaign will challenge military bases across the country to install ENERGY STAR-qualified compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in their on-base housing. State energy offices are being encouraged to support the bases in this effort.
Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman announced the new campaign at Camp Lejeune − a Marine Corps base near Jacksonville, North Carolina − as he installed the last of the 17,500 CFLs that have been placed in the camp's military houses. The new CFLs at Camp Lejeune will prevent more than 7.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions while saving nearly 5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and at least $500,000 on energy bills over the lifetime of the bulbs.
There are more than 200 military facilities throughout the United States; changing one incandescent light bulb to a CFL in every on-base housing unit could prevent emissions of more than 95 million pounds of carbon dioxide and would cut nearly $7 million in energy costs over the lifetime of the bulbs.
CFLs consume 75% less energy, produce 75% less heat, and last up to 15 times longer than standard incandescent light bulbs.
See the DOE press release and the Operation Change Out Web site.
Recycle My Old Fridge Campaign
An old fridge is an inefficient fridge. There are more than 47 million refrigerators more than 10 years old in the United States, costing consumers $4.7 billion a year in energy costs. DOE is addressing this problem with the ENERGY STAR Recycle My Old Fridge Campaign.
The campaign aims to permanently remove old refrigerators from the electrical supply grid and, when necessary, replace them with new ENERGY STAR-qualified models.
The ENERGY STAR models must be at least 20% more efficient than the minimum federal standard. According to DOE projections, if everyone purchasing a refrigerator in 2008 chose a model that meets the new ENERGY STAR criteria, consumers would save more than $92 million in energy bills each year and prevent the equivalent of 1.38 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year − about the same effect as taking 122,000 cars off the road.
This nationwide campaign to reach consumers is possible through the efforts of retailers, manufacturers, energy efficiency program sponsors, recyclers, and government officials.
For more information, see the Recycle My Old Fridge campaign Web site. State energy offices can participate by visiting the toolkits page and downloading the government sector toolkit, campaign posters, fliers, a Web button, and more. State energy offices are strongly encouraged to include a link to the campaign site on their own Web sites.
State News Published on the EERE Web site April - May 2008
How to keep track with so much going on across the country? The following are news stories published online by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) during the past two months. Interested in more news? Subscribe to a weekly state news report via email from EERE.
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May 28
Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed five bills into law on May 27 that will help low-income families with their energy bills, assist families with installing energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements, and improve energy efficiency statewide.
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May 21
A team from Mississippi State University has reengineered a Chevrolet Equinox SUV with a biodiesel-fueled diesel engine and a rear-axle electric motor. The high fuel economy, improved performance, and reduced emissions of the vehicle landed the team in first place at the Challenge X competition.
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May 14
The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) plans to invest nearly a billion dollars in energy efficiency over the next 10 years under its new Efficiency Long Island program. The program will launch on January 1, 2009, and will replace the energy efficiency part of LIPA's Clean Energy Initiative.
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May 14
If conditions are right, nearly all diesel fuel sold in Minnesota will contain 5% biodiesel by mid-2009, 10% biodiesel by mid-2012, and 20% biodiesel by mid-2015. The new biodiesel mandate could exempt higher blends during colder months, but proper blends should avoid any cold-weather problems.
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May 7
A new Ohio law requires the state's utilities to draw on renewable or "advanced" energy for 25% of their electricity supply by 2025, with renewable energy meeting at least half of that requirement. The new law also requires utilities to establish energy efficiency and demand reduction programs.
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May 7
The Long Island Power Authority is offering to buy solar electricity from developers under long-term contracts. The New York utility is offering to buy power from up to 50 megawatts of solar photovoltaic systems, making the project the largest block of solar energy in the state.
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May 7
New Jersey's Public Service Electric and Gas Company is now offering loans to cover roughly half the cost of solar photovoltaic systems installed in its service territory. The $105 million in loans will be enough to finance 30 megawatts of solar power.
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May 2
The very wind that devastated Greensburg, Kansas, a year ago will soon provide the city with much of its electricity. With help from DOE, the city is now an example of energy efficient building and city-owned wind power.
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April 30
All new large building projects in the City of Angels will have to meet rigorous green building standards, thanks to a new law signed on Earth Day. The new law is touted as the most aggressive green building ordinance of any big city in the United States.
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April 30
Maryland now requires utilities to draw on renewable energy for 20% of their electricity supply by 2022. The state will also be requiring utilities to establish energy efficiency programs, with the goal of a 15% reduction in per capita electricity use and peak demand by the end of 2015.
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April 30
For the sixth year in a row, the municipal utility for Austin, Texas, sold more green power to its customers than any other utility in the United States. So don't mess with Texas! More than 800 utilities across the United States now offer voluntary green power programs to their customers.
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April 23
Colorado Governor Bill Ritter kicked off Earth Day 2008 by issuing three climate-change executive orders, announcing a new residential insulation rebate program, and introducing the first 13 Colorado participants in The Climate Registry.
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April 21
The New Jersey governor has released an updated draft Energy Master Plan that describes a long-term energy strategy for the state and its energy needs through 2020. The plan will be subject to public hearings before being finalized.
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April 16
Texas is investing $1 million in the construction of HelioVolt Corporation's 125,000-square-foot manufacturing and test facility in Austin. The move is expected to create about 160 jobs in central Texas and generate $62 million in capital investment.
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April 14
Governor Ted Kulongoski has announced his vision for how Oregon can incorporate policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the states transportation plan. His plan includes alternative fuels and alternative vehicles.
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April 9
Texas still leads the nation in total installed wind power capacity, but on a percentage basis, Iowa generates more of its electricity from wind power than any other state. The growing wind industry has resulted in a wind blade plant in Colorado and plans for a wind turbine plant in Idaho.
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April 9
FPL Energy is the latest company to propose building a large concentrating solar power (CSP) plant in southern California, while other proposals could yield thousands of megawatts of CSP facilities. Pacific Gas and Electric Company has agreed to buy power from several of those proposed facilities.
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April 9
An agreement between the Sacramento Municipal Utility District and homebuilder Woodside Homes will lead to 1,487 new energy-efficient solar homes near Rancho Cordova, about 10 miles east of Sacramento, California. Another homebuilder is also launching new green homes in San Jose.
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April 2
"Renewable" is not normally a word associated with "natural gas," but new projects are changing that by producing pipeline-quality natural gas from manure and agricultural wastes. The projects provide a way to add green benefits to a traditional fossil-fuel infrastructure.
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April 2
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the State of Oregon have agreed to coordinate their reviews of wave energy projects along the state's coastline. The state wants to be a leader in wave energy and is preparing a comprehensive siting plan for wave energy projects.
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April 2
The California Air Resources Board is scaling back its requirements for battery-powered electric vehicles by allowing credits for the sale of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and vehicles with hydrogen-fueled engines. The revision will affect automaker requirements starting with model year 2009.
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April 2
Southern California Edison is planning to install 250 megawatts of solar photovoltaic panels on commercial buildings in its service area over the next five years. The project will cost $875 million and will cover 2.33 square miles of rooftop.
Arizona Building Earns Two Energy Efficiency Honors
Mohave County building exemplifies conservation ethic The Mohave County Administration Building in Kingman, Arizona, has received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and an ENERGY STAR® award. The county board of supervisors and staff celebrated the certification on April 21.
Gene Hepler, manager of the County Office of Management and Budget, said the building scored a 90% energy efficiency rating, compared to other buildings in ENERGY STAR's nationwide system. That system uses data such as square footage, natural gas usage, number of occupants, number of computers, kilowatt usage, and parking information to determine the rating.
The building earned LEED certification, in part, by incorporating the following during construction:
- Erosion and sedimentation control measures
- Minimal site disturbance
- Low volatile organic compound paints, adhesives, and sealants
- Waste management system that emphasized recycling
- Using 20% local wood
- Using 5% local and regional construction materials (besides wood).
The design features include:
- Permanent indoor carbon dioxide monitoring system
- Computer-controlled heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system
- Gray water system, which captured used (non-sewage) water to irrigate desert landscaping
- Waterless urinals throughout the building.
Mohave County Manager Ron Walker said, "Conservation and energy efficiency have been part of our planning for years." He noted that the Mohave County General Plan includes a large section on conservation, which incorporates air quality, water quality and conservation, and natural and scenic resource protection. He added, "These investments pay off year after year. Conservation design is just a smart way to do business."
The administration building was designed and built by OPUS West Construction Corporation of Phoenix. Six other county buildings have received ENERGY STAR awards: the Agricultural Extension Building, the Kingman/Cerbat Court Building, the Sheriff Administration Building, the County Attorney Building, the Lake Havasu City County Complex, and the Public Works Building.
For more information, see the Mohave County press release (PDF 48 KB)
and the Mohave County General Plan (PDF 12.2 MB)
Download Adobe Reader.
Contact: Darryle Purcell, public information director, 928-753-0729 ext. 4339, Darryle.Purcell@co.mohave.az.us
California Energy Commission Updates Building Energy Standards
Residents and businesses are expected to save money over the long term. The California Energy Commission has announced dozens of changes to energy efficiency building standards for new construction; those changes could save as much as 500 megawatts (MW) over the next 5 years.
The 2008 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, also known as Title 24, regulate construction of residential and nonresidential buildings. The new standards include code regulations for lighting; windows; roofing; skylights; swimming pool and spa equipment; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment and controls; and the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP). Part of the California Solar Initiative, NSHP provides financial incentives and other support to home builders to encourage construction of energy-efficient solar homes.
High-performance windows that are more resistant to heat and better insulated will now be required in new homes. Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems for homes and businesses must now be more efficient.
"Cool roof" standards have also been upgraded to include residential and nonresidential buildings. Cool roofs are made of highly reflective, insulated roofing materials that stay up to 40° cooler than normal roofing materials under a hot summer sun. Cool roof standards are designed to reduce air conditioner demand, save money, and reduce the urban heat island effect. A cool roof can reduce a homeowner's electricity consumption by as much as 20%.
The new standards also require energy efficient lighting, including expanded use of skylights in large nonresidential buildings. For example, the old requirement to install skylights in commercial warehouses larger than 25,000 square feet has been changed to include warehouses starting at 8,000 square feet. As a result, businesses will use more natural daylight and save on electricity costs.
Many of the changes in the standards are tailored to help reduce not only overall energy use, but peak energy use − electricity demand on hot summer days when air-conditioning loads can nearly double California's need for power. The latest efficiency standards are expected to cut the state's peak energy demand by 129 MW the first year the standards are in effect and increase cumulatively in subsequent years. By some estimates, the new standards will save as much as 500 MW by 2013.
For more information, see the commission's April 23 press release.
California Utility District To Sell Solar Power in Blocks
A wind power sales concept is adapted for photovoltaic-generated power Customers of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) will soon be able to buy blocks of solar power even if they don't own a solar electric system. SMUD has awarded a contract to enXco, a solar developer based in Escondido, to build a 1-megawatt (MW) solar panel array, the power from which SMUD will buy and then sell to customers through its SolarShares pilot program.
The program is the first of its kind in California and will allow customers to buy at least 10% and up to 50% of their energy from the solar project. SMUD says customers will pay $5 to $30 per month, depending on annual energy use and the size of the solar option selected. Customers can purchase the plan in increments to match their lifestyle, energy consumption, and support for solar energy. The price for each option will be fixed and subsidized by SMUD.
The solar project will be located on property near the town of Wilton in southern Sacramento County. The array will feature a fixed-tilt system using First Solar modules, which provide generation even in low light. The project is expected to begin delivering solar power in July.
As a private entity, enXco can take advantage of federal tax incentives to reduce installation costs, savings that SMUD can pass on to its customers. SMUD also has the option of working with enXco to expand capacity as the SolarShares program grows.
For more information, see the SMUD April 17 press release (PDF 35 KB)
Download Adobe Reader.
Georgia Funds 21 E85 Stations
Funding is available for E85 infrastructure The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) has awarded $282,968 in E85 Retail Infrastructure Grants to 21 fueling stations throughout the state. This will expand the network of gas stations that provide E85 to meet increasing demand.
The types of projects funded included the installation, replacement, or conversion of E85 storage and dispensing equipment. A total of $400,000 was available for the program. GEFA will use the remaining $117,032 for future projects.
E85 is a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Flexible-fuel vehicles can operate on E85, standard gasoline, or any mixture of both. The ethanol in E85 can be produced in Georgia from renewable resources such as forestry and agricultural products. Approximately 6 million flexible-fuel vehicles operate in the United States today, most of which are sold at the same prices as gasoline-only models.
For more information, visit the Georgia E-85 Retail Infrastructure Grant Program Web site.
Contact: Cyrus Bhedwar, 404-584-1077, cyrus@gefa.ga.gov
Governor Launches Conservation Campaign and Energy Center
Georgia challenged to reduce energy consumption 15% by 2020 On April 24, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue launched a new campaign to create a culture of conservation for Georgia residents, businesses, organizations, local governments, and schools. Conserve Georgia is a statewide multiagency marketing and public education effort to promote energy, land, and water conservation; prevent litter; and promote recycling.
The campaign's Web site will serve as the "one stop shop" portal for conservation resources in the state. The Conserve Georgia Council will be the decision making body, and will identify and partner with public and private sector entities to develop a strategic marketing plan, advise the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget about funding needs and allocations, and publish an annual performance assessment of the state's coordinated conservation programs.
The governor announced the energy challenge at Huntington Middle School, where a solar panel was installed in 2006 to help educate students about renewable energy. Perdue challenged Georgia to reduce the state's energy consumption by 15% by 2020.
This campaign comes in the wake of one of Georgia's worst droughts. In May, the governor stood on the banks of the depleted Lake Lanier and signed the Water Conservation and Drought Relief Act of 2008. For more information on that act, read the governor's May 23 press release.
To support alternative energy development, the governor is also creating the Energy Innovation Center to lead the commercialization of bioenergy derived from feedstocks grown or available in Georgia.
Contact: Cyrus Bhedwar, 404-584-1077, cyrus@gefa.ga.gov
Iowa Expands Renewable Fuel Infrastructure
Funding doubles for biodiesel terminals In early May, Iowa Governor Chet Culver signed legislation to expand renewable fuels infrastructure and access. The legislation updates and changes the 2006 Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program to:
- Expand renewable fuels infrastructure funding to include blender pumps that blend ethanol at difference percentages other than E-10 or E85
- Allow retailers interested in putting in both E-85 and biodiesel at the same location to receive funding for both as opposed to the current restriction of limiting for one or the other
- Increase funding for biodiesel terminals from $50,000 to $100,000
- Encourage state and local government fleets to use biodiesel when commercially available
- Tasks Office of Energy Independence to create a state-wide renewable fuels marketing plan and marketing campaign for owners of flex fuel vehicles.
“Iowa is becoming a national leader in the field of renewable energy,” said Culver. “We’re building a very diverse renewable energy portfolio, and developing a statewide energy plan. We’ve created 2000 green collar jobs of the future, and we’re on our way to becoming the renewable energy capital of the United States and the Silicon Valley of the Midwest.”
For more information, see the governor’s May 12 press release.
Kentucky Governor Touts Toyota Plant's ENERGY STAR Award
Energy efficiency efforts improve Toyota's bottom line Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear recognized Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. and Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing, North America at a ceremony April 21 for earning the ENERGY STAR® for a manufacturing plant in Georgetown and an office building in Erlanger.
The plant, which started vehicle production in 1988, is the only ENERGY STAR automotive plant in Kentucky and one of only 15 ENERGY STAR auto assembly plants in the nation. The office building is one of only two ENERGY STAR office buildings in the state.
Toyota’s improvements included replacing plant lights with energy efficient lights that have motion sensors so that lights are only on when needed; reducing weekend and nonproduction energy usage; and replacing steam with hot water in the paint shop. These efforts helped reduce energy requirements 4% in 2007, and 16% per vehicle during the past 4 years. In addition to the energy efficiency measures, Toyota is also instituting measures to reduce waste and water.
ENERGY STAR facilities use about 35% less energy than average buildings, and still provide high-quality service and comfort to their occupants and visitors. To earn the ENERGY STAR, a building must receive at least 75 out of 100 points according to the ENERGY STAR energy performance indicator tool for automobile assembly plants. The Kentucky plant rated in the top 25% of similar plants nationwide.
Beshear said, "This is a wonderful example of the benefits of energy efficiency; saving energy helps the industry bottom line, and protects the environment."
For more information, see the governor's April 21 press release.
Contact: Vicki Glass, 502-564-2611
Louisiana Establishes Second Clean Cities Coalition in New Orleans
Southeast Louisiana Clean Fuel Partnership promotes reduction in petroleum consumption The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently designated the Southeast Louisiana Clean Fuel Partnership as the 86th Clean Cities coalition. Based in New Orleans, the partnership is made up of local and state government agencies, private companies, and nonprofit organizations. The New Orleans partnership is the second designated Clean Cities coalition in Louisiana; the first was Greater Baton Rouge in April of 2000.
With the support of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, the partnership encourages the local adoption of policies and practices that reduce petroleum consumption in transportation.
Recently, the partnership's campaign "Let's Clean the Air over Mardi Gras" helped implement the use of biodiesel to power 100 tractors that pulled 1,000 floats in 19 different 2008 Mardi Gras parades.
Clean Cities is a government-industry partnership sponsored by DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Program. Its mission is to reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector. Clean Cities promotes alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, fuel blends, fuel economy measures, hybrid vehicles, and idle reduction technologies.
For more information, see the Louisiana Clean Fuel Partnership Web site and the Clean Cities Web site.
Contact: Rebecca Otte, 504-568-6611, rotte@norpc.org
Web site: http://www.cleanfuelpartnership.org/
Minnesota Cooperative Launches $20 Million Loan Fund for Energy Efficient Buildings
Loan fund aims to spur construction of energy efficient commercial buildings throughout the state Great River Energy has announced a new loan fund for businesses that want to construct buildings that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. Great River Energy is a generation and transmission cooperative and utility in Maple Grove, Minnesota, that serves 1.7 million people via 28 distribution cooperatives in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The utility has also created a zero-interest loan fund for energy-efficient equipment in its service territories. The announcement was made at the dedication ceremony for the new Great River Energy headquarters building, which is expected to receive a LEED-Platinum rating.
The $20 million revolving fund program will offer zero- or low-interest loans to enable commercial members of utility's cooperatives to finance the additional costs to construct LEED buildings. The utility will also finance 100% of the LEED application costs.
Additionally, Great River Energy will offer zero- or low-interest financing to commercial members through an $8 million program for the purchase and installation of energy efficient equipment.
The company's new headquarters is four stories high and has 166,000 square feet. The building will use up to 50% less energy than similar-sized buildings constructed with standard technologies. The building includes extensive use of glass for daylighting. There is a 160-foot tall, 200-kilowatt (kW) wind turbine on site and a 72-kW solar array on the roof. The array is expected to provide up to 15% of the building's electricity. Excess electricity from the wind turbine is distributed onto the local electric grid.
The company says the energy efficient features will save $90,000 annually in electricity costs; those savings will pay for the energy efficiency features in less than 7 years. At the dedication ceremony, Great River Energy President and CEO David Saggau said, "This is the first loan program of its kind in the region and will help companies practice energy efficiency and sustainability. Our building may be the first of its kind in the region, but this program will ensure it's only the first of many."
For more information, see the Great River Energy April 22 press release.
Contact: Randy Fordice, 763-445-5713, rfordice@grenergy.com
Montana Officials Visit Geothermal Plant in Iceland
Delegation explores hot energy ideas A group of Montana officials made an excursion to Iceland in April to examine how that country exploits its geothermal resources. The delegation, composed of state legislators, a representative from the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, and a member of the Public Service Commission, gathered information for possible use in developing geothermal energy in Montana.
Iceland is considered a world leader in geothermal energy; 72% of the energy it consumes comes from hydroelectric and geothermal sources. The trip's itinerary included meetings with engineers and tours of power plants and district heating systems.
Last year, Montana hosted business and government leaders from Iceland who were interested in developing geothermal technology throughout the world.
Montana's potential for geothermal development includes different types of resources in the western and eastern regions of the state. Western Montana, which is mountainous, features many hot springs and fault-controlled systems in which water descends into the earth, becomes heated, and rises back to the surface. The eastern part of the state, which is mostly plains, is home to the Madison aquifer, a very deep underground reservoir with high-temperature water that may be accessible through abandoned oil and gas wells.
For more information, see the April 13 article in the Helena, Montana Independent Record and a list of Montana geothermal sites on the Montana Department of Environmental Quality Web site.
Nebraska Governor Elevates Energy Office into the Cabinet; Nebraska Public Power Begins Wind Assessment
Energy gains a higher level of public visibility In late May, Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman underscored the importance of energy in his administration by elevating the Nebraska Energy Office into a cabinet-level position, and the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) began a wind assessment program.
Energy Office Now a Cabinet-Level Position
The governor said he has moved the Nebraska Energy Office into his cabinet in order to increase the visibility of energy issues in the state. Heineman also introduced the next energy office director, Neil Moseman, at a press conference in Topeka.
“A cabinet-level Nebraska Energy Office presents an opportunity to take our energy efforts to the next level," Heineman said. "Nebraska is a leader in energy production and conservation thanks to the gains we’ve made in ethanol production, and new investments being made in wind energy and biodiesel production.”
The Nebraska Energy Office oversees energy grant programs from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) such as the State Energy Program, energy efficiency loan programs, and the state's wind working group.
For details, see the governor's May 28 press release.
NPPD Begins Wind Assessments
The week before the governor's announcement, NPPD announced it has begun a wind resource assessment with an eye toward commercial development of wind power plants. NPPD is the state's largest utility and serves more than 1 million commercial and residential customers in Nebraska through rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities. Currently, NPPD operates two wind power plants with a combined rated capacity of 60 megawatts (MW), according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).
Nebraska ranks sixth in the country in wind power potential, according to DOE estimates. However, the state ranks 19th in installed wind capacity at 73 MW.
NPPD chose National Wind Assessments in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to install 10 meteorological towers to measure wind energy resources at 10 locations. Utilities and commercial wind developers usually require at least 1 year's worth of detailed wind assessments at a particular location before they will invest in a wind power plant. Read a history of NPPD's role in wind development on its Web site.
Nebraska Professionals Trained to Weatherize Mobile Homes
Mobile homes present weatherization challenges Fifty-five energy auditors, weatherization crew workers, and private contractors recently attended workshops in York, Nebraska, to learn how to seal and insulate mobile homes. The workshops were sponsored by the Nebraska Energy Office through its Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program.
The training covered a number of weatherization improvements specific to mobile homes:
- Sealing and repairing ducts
- Sealing and repairing the underbelly
- Installing insulation through the ceiling
- Installing ceiling insulation through the ends of the mobile home with a fill tube
- Installing ceiling insulation through the roof
- Installing underbelly or floor insulation through the underbelly
- Installing underbelly or floor insulation through the rim joists
- Installing a ground-laid moisture barrier.
Under the Nebraska program, weatherization of a home typically involves installing attic, wall, and floor insulation and sealing holes and cracks with caulking and weather stripping. All furnaces, cooking stoves, and water heaters are inspected for safety. Weatherization services do not include roof replacement, siding repairs, or replacement windows.
For more information, read Learning the Ins and Outs of Weatherizing Mobile Homes in the March 2008 issue of Nebraska Energy Quarterly published by the Nebraska Energy Office.
Contact: Dave Michael, Nebraska Energy Office, 402-471-3556, Dave.Michael@nebraska.gov
Nevada Launches Next Round of Funding for Solar Rebate Program
Photovoltaics rebate program shines on In January 2008, the Nevada Public Utilities Commission issued ruling R175-07, which established rebate levels for the SolarGenerations program through 2013. The program offers $5 per watt for solar projects for schools, public buildings, nonprofit buildings, and churches; and $2.50 per watt for such projects on residential and small business properties. The next round of applications will be accepted beginning in summer 2008. The rebate levels are scheduled to decline annually with each new program year.
The total installed capacity supported by the program each year in each participant category follows:
- Residences and small businesses: 1,000 kilowatts (kW)
- Schools: 2,000 kW
- Public and nonprofit Buildings: 760 kW
Residential systems will have a maximum 5-kW rated alternating current (AC) output per program year; small business, school, public, and nonprofit buildings are restricted to 30 kW of rated AC output. Systems must be grid-connected, net-metered, and installed by a Nevada-licensed electrical contractor, and must comply with all applicable standards, minimum warranties, and federal, state, and local codes.
For more information, visit the SolarGenerations Web site.
Contact: John Hargrove, 866-786-3823, info@SolarGenerations.com
Web site: www.sierrapacific.com
New Jersey Releases Energy Master Plan Draft; Utility Creates Solar Energy Pilot Program
After 10 years, a plan is proposed that includes requirements for renewable energy and energy efficiency New Jersey Releases Energy Master Plan Draft
New Jersey's draft Energy Master Plan, a framework for a long-term strategy for its energy needs through 2020, was released in April. The proposal is a collaborative effort of more than 500 stakeholders and will now enter the public forum for further discussion.
"It has been more than 10 years since any administration has updated the state's Energy Master Plan. While this has been a long process, we recognize the cost of doing nothing is critical and any action plan we implement must be done right."
- New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine
The proposal considers five broad goals:
- Maximize energy conservation and energy efficiency.
- Reduce peak electricity demand.
- Meet 22.5% of the state's electricity needs from renewable sources.
- Develop new low-carbon-emitting, efficient power plants to help close the gap between the supply and demand of electricity.
- Invest in innovative clean energy technologies and businesses to stimulate the industry's growth in New Jersey.
By law, public hearings must be held at least 60 days after release of the Energy Master Plan draft. At the conclusion of those hearings, a final Energy Master Plan will be submitted to the governor.
The draft plan, fact sheets, and a Frequently Asked Questions page are available on the State of New Jersey's Energy Master Plan Web site.
Public Service Electric and Gas Co. Will Provide Loans for Solar
The major utility in the state is also contributing its support to renewable energy. Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G) has created a subsidiary to provide $105 million in loans to residential and commercial customers to install solar energy systems. The loans will be repaid through the sale of solar energy credits generated by the systems. PSE&G will administer the loans through the subsidiary regulated by the Department of Banking and Insurance, so all the consumer protections required by the department's regulations will apply. PSE&G also agreed to lower the interest rate charged to residential consumers for the loans from 11.1% to 6.5% percent and to absorb half its administrative costs.
For details, read the March 19 article in the North Jersey publication, The Record.
Contact: Molly Davis, 973-648-7406, molly.davis@bpu.state.nj.us
New York Utilities Pursue Conservation and Wind Energy Forecasting
Electricity use fee will support energy conservation David Paterson has directed the Long Island Power Authority and New York Power Authority to aggressively pursue conservation, and the New York Independent System Operator is incorporating a centralized wind forecasting system.
New York Governor Proposes Energy Initiatives
At the governor's urging, the Long Island Power Authority is preparing a $1 billion, 10-year "Efficiency Long Island" initiative to reduce electricity demand on Long Island. The program will start on January 1, 2009, and will offer residential and business customers an array of incentives, rebates, financing options, and other programs to help reduce energy use. The program will be funded through a modest energy efficiency fee based on electricity use.
"We must accept the challenge of developing comprehensive alternatives to meet the growing demand for energy on Long Island and throughout the state. One of my goals as governor is to address high energy costs. By both reducing the amount of energy demand, and aggressively pursuing new responsible supply, we can get our state on a path toward lower energy costs, economic revitalization, and a cleaner, healthier environment."
- New York Governor David Paterson
Paterson also announced that the New York Power Authority has committed to almost doubling its conservation budget to $1.4 billion through 2015 to reduce electricity use by government buildings and schools throughout the state. And he said that his administration will explore how to integrate natural gas efficiency measures into its overall efforts to reduce electricity demand 15% below projected levels by 2015.
For more information, read the governor's April 10 press release.
Wind Forecasting Ability To Be Implemented
The New York Independent System Operator (ISO) in Schenectady will use a centralized wind forecasting system to facilitate the use of wind power in the state's electricity grid in an economical manner.
The ISO has contracted with AWS Truewind of New York to implement the wind forecasting capability, which will be implemented this summer. Windfarm owners will send meteorological data and the ISO will send power data to AWS Truewind, which then will create the forecasts. That information will allow the ISO to integrate wind power into the equation that balances the supply of electricity with consumer demand.
Currently, 500 MW of wind capacity is in commercial operation in the state, and another 7,000 MW of proposed wind projects are proceeding through the grid interconnection process administered by the ISO.
The ISO has also proposed wind-related revisions in market rules, which are subject to approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The proposals include increasing the amount of wind generation eligible for exemption from undergeneration penalties and full compensation for overgeneration; requiring wind projects to finance the costs of the centralized forecasting service; and establishing penalties for wind generators who continually fail to deliver meteorological data to the ISO forecaster.
For more information, see Power Operator To Use Wind Forecasting on the Renewable Energy Focus Web site.
Contact: Colleen Ryan, cqr@NYSERDA.ORG
Ohio Energy Companies Receive More than $20 Million in Third Frontier Awards
The lieutenant governor, who is also director of the state energy office, announced the grants. The Ohio Third Frontier Commission has awarded more than $20 million in grants to 29 entities to accelerate the development and growth of the advanced energy industry in Ohio. The commission serves the Third Frontier Project, a state initiative designed to build research capacity, help raise capital for developing new products, and finance advanced manufacturing technologies.
The Third Frontier Advanced Energy Program and the Third Frontier Fuel Cell Program help Ohio companies commercialize advanced, energy-related technology. The Advanced Energy Program Funds support organizations seeking to:
- Commercialize new products, manufacturing processes, or technologies
- Adapt or modify existing components or systems that can reduce the cost of advanced energy systems
- Address technical and commercialization barriers.
"By strategically focusing Ohio Third Frontier resources toward the development of advanced energy technologies, we can begin to unleash the economic potential for this emerging industry."
- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher
Awards were given to companies in the wind, solar, alternative fuel, energy storage and instruments, controls, fuel cell, and electronics sectors. Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher, who is also director of the Ohio Department of Development, announced the awards March 25. The department serves as Ohio's state energy office.
For more information, including the list of award recipients, read the March 25 Advanced Energy Grants and Fuel Cell Development Award press releases issued by the Ohio Department of Development.
Contact: Nikki Jaworski, 614-466-9161
Oklahoma BioEnergy Center Leases Land To Plant Switchgrass
A switch from gas to switchgrass The Oklahoma Bioenergy Center (OBC) at Oklahoma State University now has 1,100 acres on which it will soon plant switchgrass and sorghum. The crops will be used to feed a cellulosic ethanol plant currently under construction by Abengoa Bioenergy near Hugoton, Kansas. The new plant should be operational in 2010.
Switchgrass is a preferred potential feedstock for biofuels because it can reseed itself and grow on marginally fertile land with no irrigation or fertilizer.
Researchers at Oklahoma State developed the process for producing ethanol, which uses proprietary microorganisms and a patented bioreactor. Less than a gallon of water is needed to make a gallon of ethanol and the process returns 7.7 times the energy it takes to make the fuel. So, to make 100 gallons of ethanol, it requires a ton of dry material and less than 100 gallons of water.
The land for this program is being leased from Hitch Enterprises, a long-time, family-owned agricultural company in the region.
The OBC is a partnership between Oklahoma State, Oklahoma University, and the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation. The center was created last year at the direction of Governor Brad Henry to develop feedstocks (primarily cellulosic biomass), study the collection and transportation of feedstocks, and research conversion technologies and distribution. Henry said that Oklahoma is ideally suited for researching biofuels because the state produces many promising energy crops such as switchgrass and other native grasses. The OBC will be funded with $40 million over a 4-year period.
For more information, read the April 29 article in Renewable Energy World and the governor's January 30, 2007 press release.
Contact: Vaughn Clark, 405-815-5370, vaughn_clark@odoc.state.ok.us
Oregon School District Goes Energy Efficient; Geothermal Plant Planned
Greater Albany School District uses Energy Savings Performance Contract to upgrade schools The school district in the Willamette Valley deals with its aging, energy-inefficient school buildings. At the same time, a new geothermal power plant is planned in south-central Oregon.
Oregon School District Purchases Energy Efficiency Improvements
Oregon's Greater Albany School District in Willamette Valley is feeling the pinch of rising energy costs. The district serves 9,000 students in 14 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 2 high schools, and 1 alternative middle/high school. Growth projections indicate enrollment will increase by about 200 students each year for the next several years. But right now the average district building is more than 50 years old and systems and equipment are outdated and inefficient.
To address rising energy bills, Jim McGowan, facilities director of the Greater Albany School District, proposed using an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) to purchase energy efficiency improvements for the district's buildings.
"The school district administrators and board members were very receptive. They recognized how an ESPC would allow us to get the work done that could not have happened otherwise. This was a dynamic project. It's a partnership. And, that's important."
- Jim McGowan, facilities director, Greater Albany School District
District administrators and board members approved McGowan's proposal and the process began. The ESPC arrangement allowed the school district to select one company to manage numerous energy performance projects from start to finish. The district chose McKinstry Company, a major mechanical construction and engineering firm.
As with all ESPCs, no upfront costs were required from the district. The contractor incurs the cost of implementing the energy conservation measures and is paid from the energy savings resulting from those conservation measures over the term of the project.
The Greater Albany School District's ESPC was completed in four phases.
Phase 1: McKinstry upgraded lighting and conducted polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) remediation on 20 school buildings and the bus garage. (PCB remediation does not yield energy savings, but is required. Schools can be severely fined for not providing remediation when they upgrade lighting.)
Phase 2: Direct digital controls were upgraded at six schools, a new chiller and cooling tower were installed at South Albany High School, and four walk-in coolers were converted from water-cooled to air-cooled condensers.
Phase 3: Direct digital controls were upgraded at 11 schools and at the district office.
Phase 4: McKinstry upgraded direct digital controls at nine schools, installed high-efficiency water heaters at three schools, and replaced boilers at all three middle schools.
Costs of the four phases of the ESPC totaled $4.6 million. Projected utility savings are estimated to be $170,000 per year.
McGowan said one of the benefits in completing the energy projects was that the number of discomfort complaints from staff and students has been reduced considerably over the past 3 years.
Public schools in Portland General Electric and Pacific Power service territories have funds available for energy projects – money that was generated from a "public purpose charge" to utility customers. Greater Albany School District has access to approximately $2.54 million of such funds over a 23-year period that will help with loan payments for energy projects. Projects can also qualify for a Business Energy Tax Credit through the Oregon Department of Energy. Furthermore, a school can partner with an Oregon business that will accept the 35% tax credit in exchange for a cash payment of 25.5% of the eligible project costs to the school.
For more information on ESPCs, see the Oregon Department of Energy ESPC Web site and the Super ESPC Web site published by the Federal Energy Management Program, part of the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
Geothermal Heat Plant To Be Built in Klamath County
Raser Technologies, a Utah-based company, has announced plans for a $35 million geothermal power plant on 6 acres of land owned by Liskey Farms in south-central Oregon, just north of the California border. The Klamath County Planning Commission has approved a conditional use permit for the plant, which will produce 10 megawatts of power and have two employees onsite.
Another 300 acres will be needed for wells that will tap into natural hot water more than 2,000 feet below the surface. After the water is used it will be reinjected into the aquifer.
Liskey Farms uses geothermal energy to heat greenhouses and produce biofuels.
For more information, read the April 7 article in the Klamath Falls Herald and News.
Contact: Ann Grim, 503-378-4912
Pennsylvania Naval Yard To Produce Solar Energy
A brownfield in Philadelphia will be converted into a renewable energy supplier A 7-acre brownfield at the Philadelphia Navy Yard will soon help to meet Pennsylvania's energy needs with solar technology. The project is a joint venture between the city, EPURON LLC, and Conergy AG.
Exelon Generation Corporation has entered into a 20-year agreement to purchase the electricity generated from the solar center. The purchase is part of a 2007 power purchase agreement.
The facility will feature 6,000 to 8,000 solar panels on a tract of land north of the Aker shipyard, and will produce up to 1.4 million kilowatt-hours of electricity by the first quarter of 2009, which is enough to power about 200 homes.
The project represents a $12 million investment that will create approximately 40 construction jobs and 10 permanent jobs.
Pennsylvania is expected to add 850 megawatts of solar energy capacity by 2021 under the state's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) Act. That law requires that 18% of all energy generated in the state must come from alternative sources, including 0.5% from solar. The AEPS Act has helped Pennsylvania attract $1 billion in economic growth from projects that have generated about 3,000 new jobs in wind and solar power, biofuels production, and supporting sectors.
Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection Kathleen McGinty said,
"We have opened the door to new markets and targeted our resources to attract some of the world's leading renewable energy developers. Those investments have paid off as these companies are creating jobs for our skilled and talented workforce and helping us meet our energy needs in an environmentally friendly manner."
For more information, read Governor Ed Rendell's April 29 press release.
Contact: Neil Weaver, 717-787-1323
Tennessee Governor's Task Force Meets To Discuss Energy Policy
State buildings and vehicles are targeted as energy conservation opportunities Governor Phil Bredesen signed an Executive Order in March to establish the Task Force on Energy Policy that is charged with developing a state energy plan. The plan will direct the state government to lead by example and make recommendations to help Tennessee become a leader in energy efficiency and conservation, use of alternative fuels, renewable energy sources, and clean energy technology.
The Task Force held its first meeting on May 5 to discuss how to manage and reduce Tennessee's energy appetite. Tennessee ranks 14th in the nation in carbon emissions, 16th in per capita energy consumption, and 1st in per capita electricity consumption. The task force comprises 17 representatives appointed by Bredesen from state and local governments, businesses, utilities, and research organizations.
Bredesen stated three goals he hopes the task force will focus on in the months ahead:
- Tackle the "low-hanging fruit" of greening the state's own operations. The state owns 9 million square feet of buildings and 5,000 vehicles that should be easy targets for energy savings and renewable energy initiatives.
- Develop comprehensive public- and private-sector legislation aimed at improving the state's energy statistics.
- Use some local assets such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory to help drive the development of clean energy technology as an economic tool.
For more information, view the Webcast of the meeting on the Governor's Task Force on Energy Policy Web site.
Contact: Randall Lamp, 615-253-1945
Texas Energy Efficiency Rule Now Includes Small Combined Heat and Power
The state acts to conserve energy and avoid a power crisis
"The Commission was wise to include CHP in the range of options available for smaller customers to reduce energy use. We are eager to demonstrate how the use of CHP and other energy conservation technology can make significant reductions in energy use in Texas."
- Tommy John, Texas Combined Heat & Power Initiative Vice President
The Public Utility Commission of Texas has broadened the energy efficiency rule to include combined heat and power (CHP) smaller than 10 megawatts. The decision expands the Texas Legislature's omnibus bill (House Bill 3693), which was passed last year to promote energy efficiency, to provide near-term reductions in consumption and demand and to avoid a power crisis.
CHP recycles energy that is normally wasted when power is generated. Energy is captured and converted to useful heating. CHP already provides substantial efficiency advantages at many of the state's largest industrial facilities, including petrochemical plants, refineries, and manufacturing. The new rule recognizes the potential energy savings in smaller CHP systems, such as those located in buildings, hospitals, and small industries.
The Texas Combined Heat & Power Initiative, an industry-led nonprofit organization, champions CHP as an effective, economical, and environmentally sensible energy option for Texas.
For more information, visit the Texas Combined Heat & Power Initiative Web site and read the Business Wire March 27 press release.
Contact: Rich Herweck, 972-979-4737
Virgin Islands Recognizes Cassandra Dunn, Light-the-Way Energy Leader
Award winner practices what she preaches On Earth Day, Virgin Islands Energy Office Director Bevan Smith Jr. presented the annual Vincent D. George Light-the-Way Award for energy leadership to Cassandra Dunn at a celebration in Frederiksted. Dunn, who serves as a spokesperson for the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, received the award for her promotion of energy conservation in the territory. Dunn was credited with organizing the ENERGY STAR Change-a-Light, Change-the-World campaign to promote the use of energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs in the territory.
Smith explained at the ceremony that the energy office gives the award annually to an individual, business, or organization that has demonstrated the use of energy efficiency or renewable energy technologies. The award is named after a longtime energy office employee, Vincent D. George.
"Mrs. Dunn was selected to receive the award because of her tenacious attitude regarding energy conservation and professionally sharing that message with residents," Smith said. He noted that Dunn practices what she preaches and has a solar energy system at her home.
This year, the Virgin Islands Energy Office held Earth Day celebrations on the islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix.
Three weeks earlier, the V.I. Energy Office organized the annual Junior Solar Sprint at the Sunny Isles Shopping Center on St. Croix, where 130 students participated in solar-powered car competitions. Smith, who was responsible for bringing the Solar Sprint to the Virgin Islands 13 years ago said, "Over the years, with this race, students have gained knowledge, and are now miles ahead on solar energy. This is a thoughtful, fun activity to get kids involved."
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