U.S. DOE
New Energy Information Administration Web site
Energy information is now easier to find with the redesigned Web site of the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration (EIA). The new site, http://www.eia.doe.gov, has energy "channels' representing themes that customers most frequently follow in searching for energy information, such as by fuel, geography, price, or sector. The channels intersect in content and offer several paths to information. For example, electricity prices in Maryland can be found by following the price, geography, or fuels channel. The new design provides easier access to EIA publications, hot topics, and popular reports. Links also are provided to subject experts and the National Energy Information Center (NEIC). Any questions or comments, contact the NEIC at (202) 586-8800 or infoctr@eia.doe.gov.

4th Industrial Energy Efficiency Symposium and Exposition, February 2001
The 4th Industrial Energy Efficiency Symposium and Exposition will be February 12-22, 2001, in Washington, D.C. The biennial conference is cosponsored by U.S. DOE's Office of Industrial Technologies in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in partnership with several leading U.S. manufacturing and materials companies. Nationally recognized experts will share their perspectives on the competitive challenges and opportunities facing U.S. manufacturers and energy-intensive basic industries. For registration and more information, call toll free (877) OIT-SYMP (877-648-7967) or visit http://www.oitexpo4.com.

Energy 2001 Workshop and Expo, June 2001
"New Horizons - Solutions for the 21st Century" is the theme of the Energy 2001 workshop and exposition to be held June 3-6 at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri. This fourth annual national energy efficiency workshop and expo is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program and co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. General Services Administration. The program is designed to give government and private sector energy management professionals the latest resources, tools, regulations, and techniques to help them solve their organization's energy problems.

More than 1,000 energy managers from the government, utilities, private companies, and other organizations are expected to attend the Energy 2001 workshop, which will feature presentation tracks on acquisition issues, electric utility deregulation, facility operations and maintenance, laboratory and industry issues, project financing, renewable applications and water conservation, sustainable building design, technology, and a basic primer called "Energy 101." In addition, there will be a technical tour of energy-efficient buildings in Kansas City, several receptions and other networking opportunities, and an exposition featuring more than 125 vendors exhibiting their products and answering questions about energy products and technologies.

Complete details on the workshop and exposition, including sessions and speakers, online registration, and exhibitor information, are available at www.energy2001.ee.doe.gov, or by calling (800) 395-8574.

Alabama
Biomass Exchange Directory Producers and consumers of wood waste in the Southeastern United States now have a Web site designed to meet their needs. The online Biomass Exchange Directory has been announced by the Renewable Fuels Program of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs - Science, Technology and Energy Division (ADECA-STE). This has been a joint effort between ADECA, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama Forestry Association, U.S. Department of Energy - Southeastern Regional Biomass Energy Program, and the Southern States Energy Board.

Online since October 2000, the Biomass Exchange Directory allows producers of waste wood to list their waste on a Web site that provides access to potential consumers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A producer enters company information and creates a profile of the wood supplied, including wood species, moisture content, particle size, and quantity available. Consumers enter similar information about their wood waste needs to establish search criteria. Geographic location and zip code may also be used in the consumer search to exclude unwanted areas. If an exact match is not found in the database, the nearest match based on the search criteria will be listed. The producer or consumer may then make contact by e-mail, telephone, or other means. The Biomass Exchange Directory Web address is www.biomass.state.al.us.

The goal of the Renewable Fuels Program is to make Alabama less dependent on energy derived from fossil fuels and reduce environmental waste while making Alabama products less expensive and more competitive in the larger market. The Renewable Fuels program provides funds, primarily to wood industry customers, to convert from gas-fired combustion systems to wood-fired systems. ADECA-STE continues to seek opportunities to promote a climate conducive to the development, production, and use of alternative fuel sources.

Contact: Clarence Mann, (334) 242-5330

Arizona
Million Solar Roofs Initiative update
The Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office organized media tours of solar homes in Yavapal and Coconino Counties as a part of Earth Day 2000 activities. These counties were selected for special emphasis because of their solar community's leadership in the Million Solar Roofs Initiative. Yavapal and Coconino Counties reported more than 50 percent of all photovoltaic (PV) systems installed in Arizona in 1999 and helped make Arizona the leader nationally. While Arizona had a number of small non-qualifying rooftop systems, a total of 1010 PV rooftop systems installed statewide qualified for the Million Solar Registry (550 W or larger).

Contact: Jim Arwood, (602) 280-1409; jima@azcommerce.com

Photovoltaic workshops held
The Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office and the Western Area Power Administration Desert Southwest Regional Office hosted a series of photovoltaic workshops the week of May 8-12 in Tempe, Arizona. Ken Olson of Sol Energy was the principal instructor for both Photovoltaic Federal and Public Facilities and Photovoltaic System Design. Bill Brooks of Endecon Engineering and PVUSA instructed the third session, Utility Grid-Connected Systems. More than thirty people attended the workshops.

Contact: Jim Arwood, (602) 280-1409; jima@azcommerce.com

Institute helps students learn solar lessons
The Solar Energy Institute, sponsored by the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office, is an incentive program in secondary science education that rewards students for academic achievement. The program is conducted each summer in one of Arizona' most scenic locations-Camp Colton on Hart Prairie, north of Flagstaff. Thirteen high school seniors-to-be from throughout Arizona and Arkansas were invited to participate. The students were chosen through an application process that rewarded both leadership and academic achievement in science. Throughout the week, students learned various aspects of solar energy from nationally recognized leaders in the field. Students launched a solar hot air balloon, cooked in solar ovens, toured solar homes, and built and raced solar bicycles.

Contact: Jim Arwood, (602) 280-1409; jima@azcommerce.com

Building industry training
The Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office is partnering with Arizona utility companies to provide one-day training courses for the Arizona building industry in the fall and spring (2001). Conducted by John Tooley of Advanced Energy Corporation, the course introduces basic concepts of building science (air movement, heat transfer, moisture migration, house as a system) with a focus on the building shell.

The workshop is built around the concept of the 3-C Barrier, which stands for the continuous, contiguous, comfort barrier and is critical to the comfort, durability, and energy efficiency of a home. Its components consist of the framing, the insulation that attaches to the framing, the air barrier, and the vapor retarder system. Common mistakes and misunderstandings in both the design and the implementation of this barrier are examined. The consequences of a poor 3-C barrier include higher energy costs and reduced comfort in a room. Participants are informed about cost-effective and proven techniques for constructing an effective 3-C barrier.

Contact: Charlie Gohman, (602) 280-1428; charlieg@azcommerce.com

Wastewater treatment projects
Solid waste handling and waste lagoon aeration are energy-intensive operations for municipalities. In many Arizona communities, water and wastewater consume more than 50 percent of a town's utility budget. In central Arizona, the Town of Wickenburg recently installed a micro-filter to grind up waste solids. This finer filtering reduces motor-driven energy use downstream. A $75,000 filtering upgrade will save more than $24,000 per year. Most of the savings result from eliminating a 30-horsepower, $17,000 per-year aeration motor from a downstream process. The plant's digesting equipment now handles smaller waste solids. This means fewer trips to the landfill. In southwest Arizona, the City of Somerton has replaced a 40-horsepower wastewater lagoon aeration motor with four solar power aerators. The $100,000 project will save $25,000 in electric energy costs. In addition to the energy savings, the solar power units have reduced odor around the lagoon.

Contact: Gary Graham, (602) 280-1419; garyg@azcommerce.com

California
State to help test high-performance battery pack for electric school buses
A cleaner, lighter and more efficient battery system to fit electric school buses in California will be built and tested through a $375,000 contract awarded by the California Energy Commission to the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). The contract represents the Commission's share to support phase- two of a project to design, develop, and demonstrate a high-capacity Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery. Matching funds for the $1.3 million endeavor will come from SMUD, the main contractor, and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

In phase one of the project, the Energy Commission, through a $145,000 contract with OVONIC Battery Company of Troy, Michigan, tested and proved the validity of using NiMH batteries in California electric school buses.

The new NiMH 3.6-volt, 340 Amp-hour battery modules will be demonstrated on a Blue Bird electric bus operated by the Napa Valley Unified School District. This technology is lighter and has a longer life span than the batteries currently in use in electric school buses. When modified to use NiMH battery modules weighing less than 4,000 pounds, a production school bus can double its range to about 80 to more than 100 miles and have increased battery reliability and durability.

If demonstrated successfully, the new battery modules will result in the first full-scale NiMH battery technology designed specifically for electric buses manufactured by Blue Bird Bus Company (the nation's premier manufacturer of school buses) for use in California and other parts of the country. SMUD, the State's exclusive distributor of the Delphi Magne-Charge inductive charging system, will provide technical support and charging system installation.

Contact: Claudia Chandler, (916) 654-4989

Colorado
Energy office, partners demonstrate emerging electricity-generating technologies
The Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC) is teaming up with the City and County of Denver, Public Service Company of Colorado, Electric Power Research Institute, ADA Technologies, and Northwest Power Systems to demonstrate the use of residential-sized and small business-sized fuel cells for electrical generation and space and water applications. Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert a fuel's energy directly to electrical energy without combustion. The industrialized world requires sustainable, highly efficient energy production, which fuel cells may be able to supply.

Fuel cells are clean and reliable, make no sound, produce high quality electricity, and allow a load to be located on or off "the wire." A demonstration project is needed to help introduce this emerging technology, showcase its capabilities to Colorado electricity consumers, and facilitate its adoption.

Contact: Jay Brizie, (303) 894-2383; oemc@state.co.us.

Illinois
DCCA awards $300,000 grant for energy, environmental, and productivity enhancements
The Illinois Department of Commerce & Community Affairs (DCCA) announced a grant of $300,000 for direct assistance to the metal casting industry within the state. The grant, provided by DCCA's Bureau of Energy and Recycling and the U.S. Department of Energy's Industries of the Future program, will fund assessments and technical services at six or more Illinois metal casting facilities over the next two years. The goal is to develop a standardized methodology to aid a broader segment of the industry. DCCA is forming partnerships with the private sector to make Illinois companies more competitive and to encourage economic development.

Contact: Brian Reardon, (217) 524-5136; www.commerce.state.il.us

Iowa
Geothermal heat pumps for Energy $mart Schools
Many Iowa schools are enjoying greater comfort with lower heating and cooling costs with geothermal heat pumps (GHP). A grant from the U.S. Department of Energy will allow Iowa to expand this environmentally friendly technology to more Iowa schools. This grant will fund a multi-day GHP workshop and the dissemination of GHP marketing materials, including the production of a video to showcase the success of current GHP systems. These strategies will be used to achieve a greater market share for GHP systems in Iowa's public/private schools, colleges, and state universities.

The decision regarding heating and cooling system selection is a process shared by many. Therefore, the multi-day workshop will target a broad audience, seeking to (1) educate financial decision-makers on the options for choosing and financing GHP systems; (2) provide building operators with hands-on demonstrations of working GHP systems; and (3) train engineers and architects on how to incorporate GHP system technology into their building analysis and design, including the completion of life cycle cost analyses of GHP systems. Workshop goals will be measured through follow-up calls to workshop attendees.

Contact: Jo Shea, (515) 242-5852; jo.shea@dnr.state.is.us

DNR sponsors workshop on community change
In an effort to encourage community leaders to take advantage of the benefits of energy efficiency and sustainable development, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources sponsored a "Workshop on Creating Community Change" in April. The workshop provided participants with planning insight to help communities reduce energy costs and increase productivity in their homes and businesses. The one-day workshop was facilitated by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI).

Contact: Heather Silberhorn, (515) 281-5077; heather.silberhorn@dnr.state.is.us.

DNR funds precision management of nitrogen demonstration
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources provided funding for the demonstration of practical methods farmers could use to improve nitrogen management. This demonstration project, conducted by the Iowa State University Agronomy Department, showed the reliability of new precision farming technologies - Global Positioning Systems, Geographic Information Systems, late spring soil nitrate testing, stalk nitrate testing, and yield monitoring-and how they can improve nitrogen management on corn where manures have been applied. Many Iowa farmers do not take nitrogen credit from manure and apply more than the optimal amount of commercial fertilizer. The use of fossil fuels in the manufacture of commercial fertilizer and pesticides accounts for about 75 percent of the total energy required for Iowa corn production.

Project results show that old rules for nitrogen fertilizer applications are not satisfactory because they do not address the marked variability among sites and years in the amounts of manure nitrogen lost shortly after application. Farmers can benefit from fertilizer recommendations that emphasize on-farm evaluations as the primary method for identifying the best nitrogen fertilizer practices. Such recommendations would reduce the rates of nitrogen fertilizer applied to soils by properly taking into account manure nitrogen application. Improved nitrogen management using new precision farming technologies can reduce excessive commercial fertilizer applications, save energy, decrease farmers' production expenses, increase profitability, and prevent fertilizer from leaching into groundwater and running off into surface water.

Contact: Craig Stark at (515) 281-4739; craig.stark@dnr.state.is.us.

DNR explores carbon management and sequestration
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa State University, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have entered into an agreement to explore emerging policies and development of technologies involving carbon management and sequestration. The carbon sequestration project is located at the Neal Smith Prairie Center in Prairie City, Iowa. This study will focus on the impacts and benefits of carbon sequestration as it affects agricultural producers, society, and the environment. This environmental analysis will assist in an exchange of ideas and knowledge from a cross section of policy, science, and industry perspectives.

This analysis will assist in building a pilot carbon sequestration program in Iowa. By using the data identified by the project, all parties will evaluate carbon sequestering abilities, with the goal of becoming one of the first showcase demonstration sites in the nation.

Contact: Rebecca Spiess at (515) 281-8416; Rebecca.Spiess@dnr.state.is.us

Building energy code education for the insurance industry
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to conduct a pilot project to educate the insurance industry about the potential benefits of building energy code compliance. These benefits may reduce risks to health and property, claims, and losses. The Iowa project started in May 2000 and includes

• forming an advisory committee for guidance and direction;
• developing educational materials including a greenhouse gas primer;
• conducting a focus group meeting to identify barriers and strategies;
• conducting three small group meetings and one regional meeting;
• encouraging the insurance industry to offer premium reduction incentives for clients that comply with building energy codes;
• summarizing participant responses to meeting evaluation questionnaires; and
• preparing a final report to disseminate information about this project.

Contact: Craig Stark, (515) 281-4739; craig.stark@dnr.state.is.us.

Conference explores carbon management, sequestration
"Carbon: Exploring the Benefits to Farmers and Society," sponsored primarily by the Chariton Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council, brought together more than 450 participants from 32 states and several countries in Des Moines August 29 - 31 to discuss profitable means of carbon management and sequestration. Speakers ranging from farmers to economists to U.S. representatives gave presentations on the methods, economics, and mechanics of carbon management. More than 40 poster presentations gave more specific details on methods of sequestering carbon and other greenhouse gases.

For more information about Iowa's climate change and carbon sequestration program, see the contact below.

Contact: Jennifer Moehlmann, (515) 281-7018; Jennifer.Moehlmann@dnr.state.is.us

DNR receives $400,000 solar grant
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded the DNR Energy Bureau $400,000 to develop a program that will increase the use of photovoltaic (PV) technologies across the Midwest.

The two-year grant will target architects, engineers, land developers, realtors, and construction companies to expand knowledge of how PV technology can be incorporated into new and existing buildings. Activities will include a series of surveys to the target audiences, development of a strategic plan that will serve as a "how-to" manual, and tools and educational materials that address market barriers to PV use.

Contact: Angela Chen, (515) 281-4736; Angela.Chen@dnr.state.is.us

Iowa Energy Bank Has Near-Record Year
Iowa taxpayers will save more than $1.3 million annually, thanks to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' Energy Bank program. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2000 the program implemented $16 million in energy improvements for six schools, 11 local governments, and two private colleges. The projects represent the second highest results in the program's history, and double the amount of projects from FY 1999. The improvements mean big savings for Iowa taxpayers. The Energy Bank program helps schools, local governments, colleges, and hospitals lower energy costs by making building improvements.

Through the program, experts survey buildings and make suggestions for energy efficient improvements. The Energy Bank then creates a financing package, helps hire qualified contractors, and oversees projects. Once projects are completed, the program checks back to ensure energy efficiency. Since its inception, the Iowa Energy Bank program has enrolled 567 participants and installed $104.8 million in energy improvements. These improvements save taxpayers more than $11.6 million annually.

Contact: Chad Stobbe, (515) 242-5851; chad.stobbe@dnr.state.is.us

Building energy code education efforts reach out to new homebuyers
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reaching out to Iowa's prospective new homebuyer market in an effort to increase compliance with the state's building energy codes. The DNR is targeting this sector through a variety of avenues including demonstration projects and education of key stakeholder groups.

Through partnerships with statewide community and vocational technical colleges, demonstration projects will be established for use in collaboration with statewide workshops. Contracts are in place between the DNR and Indian Hills Community College (Centerville), Iowa Central Community College (Ft. Dodge), Iowa Western Community College (Council Bluffs), and Northeast Iowa Community College (Calmar). Each of the participating colleges is building its annual building trade project to meet or exceed the state's residential and/or commercial building energy code requirements.

In addition to energy-efficient cooling and heating systems, proper duct sealing, insulation and caulking methods, and proper ventilation methods, the demonstrations will highlight unique quality construction techniques and equipment such as insulated concrete form foundations and geothermal heat pump installation.

These demonstrations will augment other ongoing efforts to stimulate increased compliance with the state's building energy codes wherein the DNR is partnering with communities to host workshops for local real estate agents, mortgage lenders, first-time homebuyers, and city officials. The workshops will present the benefits associated with energy efficient construction - in terms of dollar savings, energy savings, and savings to the environment. Additionally, the DNR will be contracting with a circuit rider(s) to provide "traveling building official services" to rural communities.

Contact: Jenise Dahlin, (515) 281-4262; jenise.dahlin@dnr.state.is.us

Rebuild Iowa grows with Rebuild Muscatine
In January 2000, Muscatine Power and Water joined Rebuild Iowa on behalf of its city. The utility recognized an opportunity to help business, industries, and residents conserve energy, increase profitability, and improve the quality of life. "Rebuild is the type of program that can show business owners how to save money while making our community a nicer place to live," said John Root, coordinator of the Rebuild Muscatine program and energy services advisor at Muscatine Power and Water.

The Muscatine initiative, known locally as "Energize Muscatine," is developing a comprehensive menu of services for the entire community. A steering committee of citizens provides insight and direction for the program. The utility is currently providing audits to commercial customers and teaching energy classes to local students. The program will soon develop services for the residential sector, an energy rating system for buildings, and a financing program for projects. Through September 2000, Energize Muscatine has audited 48 local buildings, and more than $450,000 in improvements have been implemented. The town is will on its way to creating an energy-efficient community.

Contact: Heather Silberhorn at 515/281-5007; heather.silberhorn@dnr.state.is.us

Visit the Iowa Department for Natural Resources' Web site: www.state.ia.us/dnr/energy

Kansas
Kansas passes performance contracting legislation
Kansas has joined the ranks of states implementing energy performance contracting enabling legislation. The new legislation applies to all state agencies and municipalities throughout the state, including unified school districts, cities, counties, municipal hospitals, and state colleges and universities.

A task force worked on the draft legislation last fall. The legislation had strong support from trade associations and individuals representing schools, hospitals, state agencies, counties, cities, and the energy service companies (ESCOs) serving Kansas. The bill was signed by Governor Bill Graves on April 12.

Much of the success of this legislation can be attributed to the involvement of the Kansas Corporation Commission's Energy Programs in the Western Regional Coalition (WRC), a joint effort of ESCOs and 19 state energy offices in the western United States. The WRC provided the tools to move this legislation forward at a fast pace.

Contact: Jim Ploger, j.ploger@kcc.state.ks.us; www.kcc.state.ks.us/energy/epcel.htm

Kentucky
Division proposes changes in utilities' future plans
During the past year, the Kentucky Division of Energy has participated in four cases before the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) examining the plans of electric utility companies to meet the needs of their customers in the future.

The PSC requires each electric utility in Kentucky to submit an updated integrated resource plan (IRP) every three years to show that future demands for electricity will be met in the least costly and most efficient way. The Division of Energy intervened in these cases to ensure that the utilities are putting enough emphasis on programs to help their customers improve their energy efficiency. Starting in the fall of 1999, four companies in succession filed their updated IRPs.

The procedure calls for two rounds of written questions and answers relating to each utility company's plan; an informal conference where the company, the intervenors, and the PSC staff discuss the IRP; written comments by the intervenors; a written response by the company; and a PSC staff report summarizing the issues and making recommendations to the company.

In general, the Division of Energy found that all of the utility companies should be doing more to help their customers save energy in cost-effective ways. The division found that for all classes of customers-residential, commercial, and industrial- there are tremendous, cost-effective opportunities for improving efficiency. By providing accurate information, financing assistance, incentives, and appropriate rate structures, utility companies could help overcome barriers in the market and enable their customers to obtain the energy services they need at a greatly reduced total cost. An added benefit would be a reduction in air emissions in Kentucky.

In three of the four cases, the PSC staff issued a report that included a recommendation for the utility companies to address the issues raised by the Division of Energy in their next updated IRP. The division has found the process useful to establish the fact that extremely large cost savings are potentially available through improved energy efficiency, and to suggest that these potential savings represent an important untapped business opportunity.

Contact: Geoff Young, (502) 564-7192

State agencies work together to address concerns over winter fuel price increases
Sharply higher bills for winter heating fuels are going to put a crimp in the household budgets of many Kentuckians this winter. Prices for natural gas, heating oil and propane are projected to be up to 60 percent higher than last winter. The Kentucky Division of Energy has joined forces with other state and federal agencies and others in hopes of reducing the impacts of these increases. Although the division is not a regulatory agency, it is charged by statute with developing contingency plans for energy emergencies. Other partners in this effort include:

• the Kentucky Public Service Commission.
• the Office of Attorney General.
• the Kentucky Department of Military Affairs, Division of Emergency Management.
• the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children.
• the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor Vehicle Enforcement
• the Kentucky Department for Local Government.

Contact: Greg Guess, (502) 564-7192

Louisiana
Baton Rouge designated a Clean City
Baton Rouge was formally designated as the 78th Clean City in the country by U.S. DOE on April 12. The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Technology Assessment Division, Energy Section hosted the designation ceremony in downtown Baton Rouge to formally recognize the joint efforts of the Greater Baton Rouge Clean Cities Coalition composed of more than 50 stakeholders. The Baton Rouge Clean Cities Coalition will join U.S. DOE's nationwide effort by supporting alternative fuel vehicles, creating new jobs and commercial development opportunities, advancing clean air objectives, increasing public awareness, and supporting regulated fleets.

Contact: Paula Ridgeway, (225) 342-2133

Maryland
Maryland passes Clean Energy Incentive Act
Maryland consumers will soon be able to save even more money when they purchase energy efficient Energy StarŪ appliances or invest in energy saving technologies like solar power. As a result of a state law which went into effect July 1, the state sales tax on Energy StarŪ labeled clothes washers, refrigerators, and room air conditioners was repealed and tax incentives were established for the use of solar power, hybrid automobiles, fuel cells, and biomass fuels. Maryland is the first state to specifically repeal the sales tax on the purchases of Energy Star labeled appliances. Dan Reicher, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, joined Maryland Governor Parris Glendening and representatives from environmental groups at a ceremony celebrating the act. The gathering featured a display of gas-electric hybrid vehicles, solar panels, and Energy StarŪ clothes washers, refrigerators, and room air conditioners.

Contact: Paul Rosencrantz, prosencrantz@energy.state.md.us

Massechusetts
Report confirms benefits of energy efficiency programs
The Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources (DOER) released its report, "1998 Energy Efficiency Activities in Massachusetts." Major findings include: (1) Participants save an estimated $19 million annually in electricity costs. (2) The cost to conserve electricity will be 60 percent less than the cost to buy it over the productive life of the efficiency measures. (3) Average annual participant savings for low-income customers was 13 percent, all other residential customers 6 percent, commercial customers, 6 percent and industrial customers 7 percent. (4) Energy Efficiency measures reduced emissions of harmful pollutants.

The full text of the 8-page summary report can be found on the DOER web site at: http://www.state.ma.us/doer/pub_info/ee.pdf

Contact: Joyce A. McMahon, (617) 727-4732; joyce.mcmahon@state.ma.us

New Hampshire
Governor features energy programs on Earth Day
New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen highlighted the Governor's Office of Energy and Community Services' programs that are helping businesses, schools, and local governments save on energy bills and improve the environment at an April 21 Earth Day event at Hopkinton High School. On the Hopkinton school's roof, Hopkinton teachers and the Governor also discussed the operation of the 2-kilowatt photovoltaic system installed there in 1999 as part of the energy office's Solar on Schools Program.

Gov. Shaheen praised the energy office's New Hampshire Green Schools Program, coordinated nationally by the Washington, D.C.-based Alliance to Save Energy, which brings together students, teachers, school maintenance staff, and community partners in a creative, hands-on program to lower school energy costs. The program also teaches students math, science, and other important career skills while they learn about the benefits to the environment of energy conservation. Schools in seven New Hampshire school districts are participating in or planning to implement Green Schools programs.

The New Hampshire Solar on Schools Program is sponsored by the energy office and Public Service of New Hampshire. Participating schools are incorporating educational materials on renewable energy provided by the program into their curriculum.

Contact: Robin Read, 603-271-2611; http://www.state.nh.us

Ten communities receive energy efficiency funds
Ten New Hampshire communities and school districts will see lower energy bills because of $90,000 in energy grants from the Governor's Office of Energy and Community Services. The grants are the first issued by the Energy Office's innovative Community Energy Partnership program. The program is designed to support and encourage communities to form partnerships to lower their energy costs and help the environment by using fewer fossil fuels and more energy-efficient and renewable-energy technologies. All of the projects include public education campaigns and local matching funds. The program is part of the Energy Office's Rebuild New Hampshire program.

Contact: Kirk Stone, (603) 271-2611

Solar on Schools program expands
The number of New Hampshire high schools that utilize the sun's energy to generate a portion of their electricity will more than double to ten as a result of grants announced in June by the New Hampshire Solar on Schools Program. The program, now in its second year, is a joint partnership of the Governor's Office of Energy and Community Service (ECS), Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH), and Solar Works, Inc., of Wilton, NH, in cooperation with the New Hampshire Department of Education.

The ten schools participating in the program represent 20 percent of all high schools whose electricity is provided by PSNH. As the state's largest electric utility, PSNH provides electricity to 70 percent of New Hampshire citizens. Solar Works designs and installs solar electric, solar hot water, and wind systems throughout New England.

Each school will receive a roof-mounted 1-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system, a system monitor that can be connected to the school's computer for classroom projects, and educational materials on solar and other renewable energy resources. In their grant proposals the schools described how they will integrate the PV system and accompanying materials into their educational program. The schools will also develop activities to increase awareness in their communities about environmental issues and renewable energy.

Each solar electric system will lower greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1,500 pounds annually. ECS is a partner in the Millions Solar Roofs Initiative (MSRI). New Hampshire's Solar on Schools PV systems will count toward the MSRI goal of one million solar systems in the United States by 2010.

Contact: Robin Read, (603) 271-2611; RRead@Gov.State.NH.US; http://www.state.nh.us

South Carolina
Energy office announces lighting initiative for financially challenged school districts
The State Budget and Control Board through the South Carolina Energy Office is providing to qualifying schools the new Schools Initiative Lighting Grant Program. With lighting retrofits being the easiest and least expensive first step to energy efficiency, the South Carolina Energy Office encourages schools to give priority consideration to lighting upgrades for their facilities. The Schools Initiative will make available grants of up to $75,000 to the state's 28 most financially-challenged districts.

These grants will provide funding for projects that install energy efficient lighting and bring illumination levels into compliance with the South Carolina School Facilities Planning and Construction Guide. Districts will be required to contribute a minimum cost share of 25 percent of the project cost. If the district is unable to acquire the cost share, financing is available from the South Carolina Energy Office's ConserFund Loan Program. The total funding of $3 million will be awarded in three annual cycles of $1 million.

School districts not classified among the most financially-challenged may apply to the S.C. Energy Office for free energy audits and low-interest loans that can be repaid directly from energy savings.

Contact: Howard Coogler, (803) 737-8030

CONSERVATION UPDATE is a free monthly publication prepared by the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet, Division of Energy, with funding from the United States Department of Energy, to facilitate the transfer of current State Energy Program (SEP) and technical information among the states and territories. Please submit short articles that describe successful programs, solicit ideas, share reports, studies or evaluations, or announce new publications, personnel changes, office address changes, conferences, seminars and workshops. Submittals are due by the seventh of each month. Please send submittals, address corrections, or name changes to: CONSERVATION UPDATE, Division of Energy, 663 Teton Trail, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, phone (502) 564-7192, facsimile (502) 564-7484, email: landry@nrepc.nr.state.ky.us. Past issues are available upon request. For more information, contact Karen W. Landry, Editor, or John M. Stapleton, Director.

Visit the Division's Web site at www.nr.state.ky.us/nrepc/dnr/energy/dnrdoe.html

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