Arizona
Grants Awarded for Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Stations: In May, the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office granted partial funding for three natural gas and one electric vehicle refueling stations in the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas. Grants of $100,000 were awarded to three separate companies to build natural gas refueling stations in Tucson, Tempe and at Arizona State University. A grant of $75,000 was awarded to build an electric charging station, also in Tempe. Grant funding of up to $100,000 is available under the Alternative Fuel Delivery System Development Fund to entities that build public access alternative fuel vehicle refueling stations. The Arizona legislature appropriated $1.5 million for the fund to assist with the development of a statewide alternative fuels network. To date, the Energy Office has funded six natural gas and two electric refueling stations. The next request for proposals will be released in mid-July.

Contact: Amanda Ormond, (602) 280-1410

California
Water Energy Clearinghouse: The California Energy Commission is compiling a clearinghouse of information on Demand-Side Management (DSM) opportunities in municipal water supply and wastewater treatment facilities. The Water-Energy Clearinghouse will soon provide objective information on the latest energy- efficient technologies, operating strategies and design techniques for water supply and wastewater treatment professionals. Information will be accessible by way of the Internet, an electronic bulletin board service (BBS), a telephone hotline, or in person. The Commission requests your help in tracking down existing materials in the following subject areas: energy-efficient technology descriptions, applications and guidelines; load shifting strategies; energy-efficient design recommendations for new construction; resource-efficient and natural treatment processes; optimization strategies for ozone, UV disinfection and other electrotechnologies; water conservation; training curricula for energy management in water/wastewater facilities; and upcoming seminars, workshops and conferences featuring DSM and electrotechnology topics. If your agency has documents, materials or reference information which you can share, please send it to: Bruce Ceniceros, California Energy Commission, 1516 9th Street, MS-26, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Contact: Rob Schlichting, (916) 654-4989

Internet Site Established: The California Energy Commission has established Access Energy, its Web site on the Internet. Access Energy is designed to put a wealth of energy facts, figures, findings, policies and programs at the fingertips of computer users. Each week, the Energy Commission adds more organized data to its homepage. Access Energy is also linked to other Web sites and databases such as the National Renewable Energy Lab and the Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology. The home page address is:

http://www.energy.ca.gov/index.html
The Commission also has a gopher site: gopher://energy.ca.gov

All it takes to tap into the Energy Commission's homepage is curiosity and a computer with World Wide Web access. The possibilities for this electronic service to advance more informed decision-making are enormous.

Contact: Susanne Garfield-Jones, (916) 653-0390

Florida
Agricultural Energy Efficiency Site Operating: Florida's State Energy Conservation Program's Agricultural Energy Efficiency project is operating a site which supplies water for livestock using solar-generated electricity. The cost of installing electric power lines for the purpose of pumping water in remote pasture areas is prohibitive. Therefore the use of solar generated electricity to pump the water for the livestock is a cost- effective and reliable method of placing the water supply where it is most needed. In addition, since it is solar-powered, it does not produce the negative environmental effects of electricity generated from coal, oil or natural gas. The photovoltaic (PV) array used in this demonstration was almost 27 square feet. The six-panel PV array was sized to produce 270 watts of electricity from 2,700 watts of solar radiation (full sun) under perfect operating conditions. The system needs a minimum of 900 watts of solar radiation to pump water into the tank. The system yields up to 10 gallons per minute under peak sunshine.

Contact: Dr. James Leary, (904) 392-9219

Energy Conservation Program Funded: Florida's State Energy Conservation Program is funding a project called the Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP). The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network provides seven energy specialists who encourage business firms to receive energy audits and increase their knowledge of energy efficiency and conservation. The SBDC also assists businesses with hands-on, one-to one analyses, and related financial counseling leading to the implementation of energy conservation measures. The SBDC also markets the Florida Energy Loan Program (FELP), in which they provide energy audits, and after the survey is completed, assist the potential borrower with an energy loan application.

Contact: Katherine Hoelscher, (904) 444-2060

Hawaii
Super Science Night Held: The Energy Division helped coordinate two energy education presentations at the "Super Science Night" at Mauka Lani Elementary School in Makakilo, Oahu, on March 23, 1995. Five local high school students conducted hands-on activities for more than 70 students and teachers on topics that include elastic/non-elastic collisions, cyalume light sticks, a thermobile, and endothermic/ exothermic reactions. The high school students also conducted energy songs, magic tricks, and a presentation on energy transformations.

Contact: Dean Masai, (808) 587-3804

1994 Energy Report Available: The 1994 State Energy Resources Coordinator's Annual Report is now available and is being distributed through the state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism's (DBEDT) Energy Division. The report covers energy matters in the State of Hawaii and is available at no charge. It is an excellent compendium for students, industry officials and the public. The report focuses on the progress of various energy initiatives and programs undertaken within the state during calendar year 1994. Topics include energy planning, alternate energy development, energy conservation, transportation, communication and education, and energy emergency preparedness. Also included is a detailed appendix featuring international, national and local energy resource data. "Energy and the efficient use of it are vital for the state's economic and environmental well-being," noted DBEDT Director and Energy Resources Coordinator Seiji F. Naya.

Contact: Steve Kam, (808) 587-3802

Renewable Energy Assessment Completed: The results of a recently- completed statewide assessment of renewable energy were presented in several sessions on the islands of Kauai, Hawaii, and Oahu in April. The analysis, performed by RLC Consulting of Bothell, WA, investigated not only the technical feasibility of utility-scale solar thermal, photovoltaic, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, wave and ocean thermal energy conversion power plants, but constraints to their development posed by land use, zoning, environmental, and other concerns. A computer model was also developed to provide graphic "energy supply curves" illustrating the cost of each renewable option as compared to the utility's current avoided cost.

Contact: David Rezachek, (808) 587-3814

School-Wide Energy Fair Held: The Energy Division helped coordinate an Energy Fair at Lt. Col. Horace Meek Hickman Elementary School in Honolulu, April 26-27, 1995. Twenty-one speakers in the energy industry presented hands-on activities to more than 330 fourth through sixth grade students and teachers on topics which included composting, water and pollution, geothermal energy, electricity safety, petroleum, energy in food, waste to energy, xeriscape gardens, ocean thermal energy conversion, energy-efficient buildings, recycling, solar and wind energy, electricity transmission, coal, propane, littering and environment, and Hawaii's energy situation. Students also saw and sat inside an electric vehicle, stood inside an electric company bucket truck, visited a xeriscape garden, and went down an inclined shaft to one of Oahu's main underground water reservoirs. The upper elementary students also developed interactive audio/visual displays on waste management, gravity, solar energy, electricity, and composting which were exhibited throughout the school hallways and library.

Contact: Dean Masai, (808) 587-3804

Iowa
Department of Transportation Steam Conversion Project: The Department of Transportation (DOT) Headquarters in Ames has recently invested in a project to change the way they heat their facility, which will save $171,000 annually. In the past, DOT had been purchasing their steam for heating, but the cost of steam has risen to the point where the steam was no longer cost-effective. A feasibility study was conducted to determine the cost effectiveness of producing steam on-site with natural gas. The study showed that the DOT would be best served by installing two high-pressure steam boilers to replace the old backup boilers. The new boilers are operating at 62% of the cost in comparison to the cost of purchased steam. The new boilers will provide a reliable heating system and energy savings for the next 20 to 30 years and will meet the DOT heating load requirements, including planned building expansions. The DOT will continue to purchase some steam, but only as a backup to the new boilers.

Contact: Tom Van Maanen, (515) 281-5438

Kentucky
SWAT Jr. Program: The Kentucky Division of Energy (KDOE) recently held a week-long training session under its Students Weatherization/Audit Training (SWAT Jr.) program. From June 5th to 9th, 1995, one teacher and one student from each participating high school or vocational school attended a comprehensive training session on the campus of Northern Kentucky University to learn how to conduct an energy audit on their school facilities. All training expenses were paid by KDOE. In addition, both teachers and students received a modest stipend. It is anticipated that Continuing Education Units will be available for teachers. In the fall, the trainees will organize "SWAT teams" to analyze their schools' facilities and determine how to reduce energy consumption, save money and benefit the environment.

Contact: Greg Guess, (502) 564-7192

Maryland
Director Named: Frederick H. Hoover, Jr., has been appointed Director of the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) by Governor Parris N. Glendenning. Mr. Hoover served as Assistant People's Council with the Office of the People's Council (OPC) of Maryland from 1982 until he assumed the MEA Directorship. He represented consumer interests during telecommunications and energy proceedings before the Maryland Public Service Commission and federal agencies. Mr. Hoover received a bachelor of arts degree from Mount Saint Mary's College and law degree from the University of Baltimore, and is a member of the Maryland Bar.

Contact: Dale Baxter, 1-800-72-ENERGY

Grant Received To Publish Alternative Fuel Vehicle Sourcebook: The Maryland EnergyAdministration (MEA) has received a $10,000 grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust to produce a publication which will provide important and useful information on alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) to government and industry. The source book will include valuable information on the environmental benefits of using AFVs, the vehicle conversion requirements of the Energy Policy and Clean Air Acts, locations of fueling stations and conversion shops throughout the state, advantages and disadvantages of various alternative fuels, the State Government's AFV initiatives, the cost of conversion versus purchase of original equipment AFVs, Clean Cities projects, and other important topics.

Contact: Dale Baxter, 1-800-72-ENERGY

Maryland Company Wins Major Grant: A Harford County company that developed technology to save energy and promote flight safety has received a major grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Catalyst and Chemical Services, Incorporated (CCSI), in partnership with the State of Maryland, received the $405,000 grant for the construction and testing of "Whisper Wash," an innovative aircraft deicing technology. The Whisper Wash deicing process utilizes a patented technology to improve the effectiveness of aircraft deicing while reducing the use of glycol- based deicing chemicals by up to two-thirds through improved technologies and recycling. CCSI and the state received one of only 14 NICE3 grants awarded nationally in 1995. NICE3 is a joint DOE and EPA cost-sharing grant program designed to improve competitiveness, foster energy efficiency, and reduce waste through the development of energy-saving and pollution prevention industrial projects. The Maryland Energy Administration will administer the grant for the State and will assist CCSI in the commercialization of "Whisper Wash."

Contact: Charles Miller, 1-800-72-ENERGY

Michigan
Manufacturers' Survey Results: The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and Urban Options, a local energy and environmental non-profit organization, have begun discussions with Michigan manufacturers of energy efficiency products about undertaking a collaborative effort to promote energy efficiency in Michigan. A survey of 69 manufacturers was recently conducted to assist in planning a joint project. Out of the 25 manufacturers who responded, 12 were interested in a collaborative effort, 11 were unsure, and 2 were not interested. The 25 firms have 4,835 employees involved in the manufacture of energy-related products and consider the commercial building market most important. The firms consider the entire country their market and a significant number - - 40% - - consider the international market important. Marketing tools were prioritized as follows: existing customers, magazines/trade publications, trade shows, and distributor outreach. Benefits stressed in marketing ranked as follows: saving energy, saving money, increasing durability, helping the environment, and improving comfort. Potential projects were ranked in order of desirability: a directory of products, a long- range marketing plan for energy products, a video featuring products, and a traveling exhibit.

Contact: John Sarver, (517) 334-7234

North Carolina
State Receives DOE Grant To Develop Tighter Energy Building Code: The North Carolina Energy Division recently was part of a consortium that received notification of a two-year DOE grant award to update, implement and enforce stricter energy codes for residential and commercial buildings. The consortium includes North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Kentucky. The four states have the flexibility to identify specific needs for their constituencies. The project is structured to enhance the effective use of technical feedback available to state officials when revising building codes. Currently, building codes in the consortium states promote similar levels of efficiencies, and officials expect to avoid any duplication while the code revisions proceed. Officials in the four states will develop workshops, workbooks and streamlined code compliance forms and disseminate the new materials and know-how to architects, designers, builders, contractors, code enforcement officials and utility representatives. Work on the project began in July.

Contact: David Smith, (919) 733-1893

Ohio
Ohio Students Recognized for Energy
Education Efforts: Approximately 900 students and teachers from across Ohio converged in Columbus on May 17, 1995 to commemorate their efforts in energy education and resource conservation. The Ohio National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project hosted its annual Youth Awards Banquet at the Aladdin Temple in Columbus. Approximately 750 students from 90 schools throughout Ohio were recognized for their energy education projects. The Ohio NEED Program is recognized as one of the best programs of its kind in the nation. Three Ohio schools received national awards this year for their projects. The Ohio NEED Program was also awarded an Ohio's BEST Practices award from Ohio's BEST, a statewide coalition of education, business and community organizations. Ohio NEED teaches elementary, middle and high school students about energy sources and the importance of resource conservation through materials and leadership training workshops. Ohio NEED also encourages students to learn and work cooperatively in groups to improve community awareness about energy. Through the activities documented in the school projects submitted to Ohio NEED this school year, 68,699 students and over 1.5 million community members are more aware of the importance of energy.

Contact: Gail Crawley, (614) 466-2609 or Kelly Eyster, (614) 466-2609

State Awards Energy Conservation Grants to 16 Communities: State Housing and Community Development Director Vincent J. Lombardi announced on May 16 that 16 Ohio communities will receive $187,127 in grants for energy conservation efforts. The grants were awarded through the Cities and Counties Energy Conservation Program, administered by the Office of Energy Efficiency located within the Ohio Department of Development's Community Development Division. "By implementing energy efficiency measures, local governments can reduce building operating costs, allowing them to use the resources for other programs," Lombardi said. "I commend these communities for actively pursuing energy efficiency opportunities." The Cities and Counties Energy Conservation program provides a financial incentive to acquire and install energy conservation measures in buildings owned and occupied by local governments. The program is a competitive grant program included in the U.S. Department of Energy's State Energy Conservation Plan. It is funded from federal and state sources.

Contact: Gail Crawley, (614) 466-2609 or Elly Eyster, (614) 466-2609

Pennsylvania
Energy, Utilities, and Aging Conference: The Pennsylvania Energy Office has recognized an increased interest in energy conservation over the years on the part of homeowners, especially the older population. Older Pennsylvanians are 28% more likely than other groups to occupy homes built before 1940. Older homes are typically less energy-efficient and more expensive to heat and cool than newer homes. A major and almost universal cause of energy waste and high fuel costs for older Pennsylvanians can be attributed to the lack of energy efficiency education and proper instruction on behavioral practices associated with these high costs. To assist older homeowners and renters decrease their energy use and costs, the Pennsylvania Energy Office established an Energy and Aging Consortium with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and created a database of successful programs and existing services for older Pennsylvanians. In 1994, the Consortium held a state conference to examine energy efficiency issues relevant to serving Pennsylvania's older residents. Once again, the Pennsylvania Energy Office is co-sponsoring a second conference titled The Importance of Partnerships. It will be held on July 26-28, 1995. The conference will focus on important energy issues that continue to affect older adults and consumers, including: what behaviors cause high energy costs and how they can be avoided; how to enhance channels of communication among the aging population, energy suppliers, service providers, policy makers, and energy assistance agencies; and strategies and actions that can meet the energy-related needs of the aging population.

Contact: Sharon Gilchrist, (717) 783-9981

South Carolina
Walk-Through Audit Saves $30,000: A nursing home is South Carolina recently discovered that they could negotiate a new contract with a major utility and realize a $30,000 savings each year in the cost of their electrical power. This was accomplished through the State Energy Office's "Walk-Through" energy audit service. Additionally, over $5,500 worth of no cost/low cost operation and maintenance measures were identified with paybacks ranging from 0.14 to 0.60 years. The audit was provided at no charge to the facility.

Contact: Renee Sharpe, (803) 737-8030

South Carolina Energy Office Awarded Grant: The U.S. Department of Energy recently awarded the State Energy Office (SEO) a grant of $120,000 in support of a training program for building energy codes. This grant program, which requires a $33,440 match from the SEO, is consistent with the State Energy Action Plan and the Joint Legislative Committee on Energy's State Energy Policy. It is only through good teamwork and cooperation that the State Energy Office secured these funds. But the State Energy Office will not be developing this training program alone. Support will be solicited from such partners as the Residential Home Builders Association, the Association of Counties, the Municipal Association, the Councils of Government, and the Building Codes Council. The State Energy Office will continue to seek appropriate partners from both the public and private sectors for this project.

Contact: Renee Sharpe, (803) 737-8030

Wisconsin
Advisory Panel Considers Utility
Restructuring: Despite Wisconsin's having the third lowest electricity rates in the nation, some people believe that the availability of increased consumer choice would further benefit energy consumers through lower prices, increased energy services and greater reliability. As a result of divergent opinions about proposed restructuring plans that Wisconsin's largest utilities and others have submitted to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, the PSC has formed an advisory committee to examine the issues related to utility competition and make recommendations by the end of the year. The advisory committee is looking at every aspect of electrical service to determine which functions could be better performed by a competitive market. The committee will recommend alternatives to currently regulated services which have been identified as potentially competitive. Members of the advisory committee represent energy consumers, municipal utilities, electric cooperatives, investor-owned utilities, environmental groups, renewable energy advocates, low-income consumers, labor unions, independent power producers, energy service providers, small businesses, the Wisconsin Energy Bureau, and the Public Service Commission.

Contact: Jeff Butson, (608) 266-9000

New Video Features "Sustainable" Farmers: Farmers today are caught in a relentless squeeze between rising production costs and falling product prices. This is forcing many farmers to re-think their farming and marketing methods. In a new video program produced by Wisconsin Public Television under a grant from the state's Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program, farmers who have successfully employed sustainable agriculture techniques explain why they took the often risky route of changing their farming practices. The new, hour-long program, Covering New Ground: Wisconsin's Sustainable Agriculture, was aired twice on Wisconsin Public Television in April and May. Now copies are available free from the Sustainable Agriculture Program, DATCP, 2811 Agricultural Drive, Madison, WI 53704; or the Wisconsin Energy Bureau, P.O. Box 7868, Madison, WI 53707.

Contact: Donna Gilson, (608) 224-5006

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