ACEEE
Consumer Guide Available: Several advances in residential energy efficiency are described in the Consumer Guide to Home Savings (4th edition). Notable revisions in this latest edition include: a new generation of energy and water saving clothes washers; high-tech, super-efficient windows; and new Energy Guide labels on appliances. Continuing in the tradition of previous editions, the book identifies the most energy-efficient major home appliances by brand name and model number, and includes updated text and illustrations to make the information most useful to readers. Stricter energy performance standards took effect for dishwashers and clothes washers in mid-1994, raising the average efficiency of these products about 20 percent. Improvements in design and controls allow the efficient machines to clean with less water just as well as older, less efficient models. This edition of the Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings includes an all-new chapter on high-efficiency windows. The consumer guide was written by Alex Wilson and John Morrill, two experts in energy conservation.

Contact: Glee Murray, (202) 429-8873

California
Commission Held Hearing on Deregulation Scenario: The California Energy Commission held a public hearing on the future of California's research, development and demonstration activities in the electric services industry as the state's plan to be first in the nation to open up electric utilities for competition unfolds. The Commission encourages people who will be impacted to attend - industry experts, independent energy producers, environmentalists, researchers, ratepayer advocates, government agencies, manufacturers, other informed groups and the general public. The hearing seeks information on the research, development and demonstration needed for the public interest which will not be provided by the newly competitive market. The hearing also is aimed at developing solutions for assuring that any gaps in the RD&D will be addressed through appropriate public policies. Commission figures indicate that under a climate of free enterprise, research efforts by investor-owned utilities for more efficient and environmentally beneficial means of electric generation will decline by 88 percent in 1995 from 1993 levels; overall research and development is expected decrease by 32 percent compared to 1992. Meanwhile, contributions to the Electric Power Research Institute from all California utilities are anticipated to drop by half this year from last year. The public hearing was held Tuesday, January 31, 1995.

Contact: Claudia Chandler, (916) 654-4989

Colorado
Fuel Guide Available: If you are a consumer interested in estimating the average yearly fuel cost for any vehicle, the Model Year 1995 Fuel Economy Guide is available for you. The Fuel Economy Guide, published by the U.S. Department of Energy, estimates miles per gallon for each vehicle available for the new model year. The guide is intended to help consumers compare the fuel economy of similarly sized cars, light duty trucks and special purpose vehicles. For your free copy, call the Governor's Office of Energy Conservation in Colorado.

Contact: Melissa A. Petrone, (303) 620-4292

Transportation Initiative Underway: The Governor's Office of Energy Conservation (OEC) introduced a new initiative, Transportation Partnerships, to support Colorado communities grappling with transportation, air quality and energy questions. This tightly linked trio of issues has an increasing impact on the quality of our lives, and it presents many solutions to some of our biggest challenges as Colorado grows. Communities across the state are exploring a wide range of options, and Transportation Partnerships will provide technical help, consultation and other services at local request. The program is designed to be used flexibly by local planning agencies, transportation authorities, businesses and anyone else with a stake in the future of their community. Thirty-five percent of Colorado's energy budget goes to transportation, which accounts for a high share of the state's air pollution, as well. This means any improvement in transportation efficiency has significant benefits - saving energy and improving air quality. Transportation Partnerships will help communities explore ideas ranging from transit design to car pool subsidies to public awareness campaigns.

Contact: Kate Fay, (303) 620-4292

Florida
AFV Projects Contracted: The Florida Energy Office has executed nearly $3 million in contracts with twelve local governmental entities for new and expanded alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) projects. Contracts were awarded to Palm Beach and Broward Counties; the cities of Deerfield Beach, Sunrise, Palm Beach Gardens, Tampa, North Miami, and Leesburg; Okaloosa and Sarasota County Sheriff's Departments; Miami International Airport and the Port of Tampa in conjunction with the new Florida Aquarium. These projects will result in an additional 665 vehicles and eleven fueling facilities in the project areas. Forty-two proposals were received in response to this most recent Local Government AFV Initiative.

Contact: Jan Rickey, (904) 922-6086

Guam
Newly Appointed Director & Deputy Director: Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez has appointed Fred P. Camacho and John A. Rios to the positions of Director and Deputy Director of the Guam Energy Office. Mr. Camacho has had many years of government experience. He served as Deputy Director of the Department of Commerce and Chief of the Agricultural Development Service with the Department of Agriculture. Mr. Camacho received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Guam. Mr. Rios, the agency's new Deputy Director is a graduate of Regis College, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. Mr. Rios brings to the agency a strong background in management, finance and organization. Prior to his appointment he worked with Motorola, Inc. in the capacity of Project Supervisor.

Contact: Cindy Rapadas, (671) 477-0557

Iowa
Energy Code Seminar Held: The Iowa Departments of Natural Resources and Public Safety sponsored a Building Energy Code Seminar on February 2, 1995. The presenters were David Conover, Senior Technical Program Manager with Battelle's Building Energy Standards Program, and Stephen Turchen, Residential Building Program Engineer with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Codes and Standards. Topics discussed included Model Energy Code (MEC) and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) energy code changes, and DOE assistance to states with building codes and proposed code changes.

Contact: Craig Stark, (515) 281-4739

Kentucky
Electricity Curtailment and Restoration Investigation Underway : Kentucky's Public Service Commission has initiated Administrative Case No. 353, An Investigation of Energy Curtailment and Outage Restoration Priorities for Electric Utilities. The investigation was prompted, in part, by the many problems that resulted from the snow and ice storms that occurred January through March, 1994. The Commission has also recognized a need to address the U.S. DOE's Telecommunications Electric Service Priority Restoration Initiative. The Kentucky Division of Energy (KDOE) has intervened in the case to support a requirement that jurisdictional electric utilities be required to file curtailment and restoration plans which would be subject to the approval of the Commission. KDOE also supports more broadly based disaster planning efforts by utilities and their customers in order to enhance preparedness for dealing with any disaster.

Contact: Greg Guess, (502) 564-7192

Maryland
AFV's Stressed in Address: Maryland's newly elected Governor, Parris N. Glendening stressed the importance of Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) in his State of the State address. The governor also introduced legislation before the General Assembly to provide a tax incentive to private sector fleets in order to expand Maryland AFV fleet capacity and assure the State is on target to meet federal Clean Air and Energy Act air quality goals. Introducing the AFV tax incentive legislation, the Governor said, "Marylanders must work together to assure cleaner air for future generations. Although the Administration is developing regulations to meet the mandates of the Clean Air Act Amendment, regulations alone are ineffective unless there is encouragement to change old habits that contribute to air pollution. Technologies for alternative fueled vehicles abound, and the Administration is dedicated to promoting the use and development of these technologies."

Maryland Milestone: Maryland State government has passed the ten million square foot mark in facilities which have had energy efficient lighting upgrades.

Contact: Ed Mason, 800-72-ENERGY

Michigan
Conferences Focus on Industrial Conservation: The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) sponsored a Region V Meeting on Industrial Energy Efficiency on December 15. Financial Support from DOE Chicago made it possible for thirty-four participants from the six states to meet and share information about industrial energy efficiency programs. Most participants came from state government (13) or utilities (11). DOE's Motor Challenge program was presented and discussed. The MPSC also helped plan the December 14 Waste Reduction and Energy Efficiency conference that was held in Detroit. Approximately 480 plant engineers, energy managers, environmental engineers, and other interested parties attended the one-day conference.

Contact: John Sarver, (517) 334-7234

Minnesota
Lighting Project Completed: The Department of Public Service has completed a two year demonstration project to implement lighting standards for new and remodeled buildings as required by the Minnesota Energy Code. This project was funded by the U.S. EPA Climate Change Division. The objective of this project was to evaluate the importance of providing training for lighting professionals and building inspectors to ensure successful implementation of the standards. The project demonstrated code enforcement was a key factor in implementing the new standards and that education was not sufficient to stimulate compliance with the lighting standards. One interesting finding suggests that the availability of new efficient equipment and utility rebates have the largest impact on changing lighting practices of designers and contractors.

Contact: Bruce Nelson, (612) 296-2313

Ohio
Pollution Prevention Loan Program Underway: The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the Ohio Department of Development are offering low-interest capital-improvement loans to small and medium sized businesses in the State of Ohio for Pollution Prevention. Loans will be available from $25,000 to $200,000, at fixed interest rate currently set at two-thirds of the prime rate. The loans also will carry a 0.25 percent annual servicing fee which reduces with the principle. The loans can be used for part of the costs of acquisition or renovation of machinery and equipment for pollution prevention and/or energy conservation, including Green Lights upgrades at this time. Preferential interest rates will be available on a case-by-case basis in distressed areas of the state. Ohio EPA will perform a technical review of the application then forward it to the Department of Development to determine loan eligibility. Applicants will be asked to describe the amount of pollution currently generated and how much will be prevented. Companies must be able to demonstrate measurable environmental improvements through pollution prevention for the program.

Contact: William Narotski, (614) 728-1264 Brad Biggs, (614) 644-8201

Oregon
New Newsletter for Energy Educators: The Professional Association for Consumer Energy Education (PACE) has published the first issue of its member newsletter PACE Setter. It features articles on evaluation of energy education programs, news about government and utility energy education programs, news about governmental and utility energy education programs, and strategies, tools and educational materials for effective consumer education. The editor is David Brook, Oregon State University Extension energy agent. PACE is a non-profit organization supporting the development and practice of effective energy education that assist consumers in making decisions to achieve environmental and economic sustainability. PACE assists utilities, weatherization programs and other energy programs with professional development, skill-building training and information for effective energy education. PACE also helps its members communicate with policy makers about the value of energy education. For membership information and a free sample issue of PACE Setter, write PACE, P.O. Box 151147 , Columbus, Ohio 43215-8147.

Contact: OSU Extension Energy Program, (503) 731-4104

SearchWebmaster

U.S. Department of Energy