Austin Energy could lose out on an additional $2.9 million in federal stimulus money for low-income weatherization if it does not properly manage and spend all of its current funding. In order to receive the additional funds, Austin Energy has until the end of August to spend its $1 million in current funding. Presently, the utility has only spent about $300,000. This leaves only two months for Austin Energy to more than double the amount of work it has already taken the last nine months to accomplish. Should Austin Energy fail to meet this deadline, the state would consider reallocating funds away from Austin and into other communities with higher performing agencies.
Austin Energy admits it has been slow to get its low-income weatherization program up to speed, citing paperwork issues, but now says its problems have been worked out and the utility is optimistic that it will meet the August 31 deadline to receive additional funding.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Austin Energy Solar Array Put On Hold
Austin Energy's $180 million 300 acre solar array in Webberville was supposed to be the largest in the country, but project delays will cause Austin Energy to miss its target of generating 30 megawatts of solar energy by the end of this year. Earlier this month, the California-based company contracted to build the facility, Gemini Solar Development Company, LLC, delayed its submission of site development plans while the company deals with several regulatory issues. Construction on the Webberville project, originally scheduled for completion in December, is now delayed for at least six months, with completion of the solar array now expected by late 2011.
The plant is an important milestone in Austin Energy's 2020 Generation Plan, which aims to achieve 200 megawatts of solar power by 2020. Under this plan, over 30,000 area homes would get their electricity from solar power plants. Once completed, the Webberville plant will produce enough energy to power 5,000 homes.
The plant is an important milestone in Austin Energy's 2020 Generation Plan, which aims to achieve 200 megawatts of solar power by 2020. Under this plan, over 30,000 area homes would get their electricity from solar power plants. Once completed, the Webberville plant will produce enough energy to power 5,000 homes.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
U.S. Department of Energy Announces Funding for Weatherization Training Centers
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that $29 million of funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will go towards 34 weatherization training centers across 27 states. These centers will provide training to help local workers develop the skills needed to perform energy efficiency and weatherization services. The training programs aim to support a range of public and private energy efficiency efforts, including the Department's Weatherization Assistance Program, which has already funded the weatherization of nearly 200,000 homes since last February.
"A well-trained workforce will be a crucial part of America's clean energy economy in the years ahead," said Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman. "These investments in efficiency training programs will help build a foundation for long-term growth in America. Energy efficiency improves the competitiveness of our economy, benefits the environment, and puts Americans back to work."
Texas was not selected to receive any funding for this project. To see a breakdown of how funding was distributed to the selected states, visit the DOE website.
"A well-trained workforce will be a crucial part of America's clean energy economy in the years ahead," said Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman. "These investments in efficiency training programs will help build a foundation for long-term growth in America. Energy efficiency improves the competitiveness of our economy, benefits the environment, and puts Americans back to work."
Texas was not selected to receive any funding for this project. To see a breakdown of how funding was distributed to the selected states, visit the DOE website.
PEC Terminates General Manager Juan Garza
On Monday, June 14 the Pedernales Electric Cooperative Board of Directors voted to terminate the contract of General Manager Juan Garza. Garza will vacate his position at the end of the month, and the Board intends to hire a firm to conduct a national search for a new general manager, a process which could take between six and nine months. The board is considering the matter of an interim general manager.
“It is safe to say that anytime an action like this is taken, it is an indication that the Board and general manager are not in sync and are going in different directions,” said Board President Larry Landaker of the Board’s decision. “It is the sense of the Board that the general manager needs to be on the same page as the Board and going in the same direction.”
PEC hired Garza as general manager in 2008 and he took the position on a platform of reform and accountability after his predecessor, Bennie Fuelberg, resigned amid felony charges of theft and money laundering.
For more information visit the PEC website.
“It is safe to say that anytime an action like this is taken, it is an indication that the Board and general manager are not in sync and are going in different directions,” said Board President Larry Landaker of the Board’s decision. “It is the sense of the Board that the general manager needs to be on the same page as the Board and going in the same direction.”
PEC hired Garza as general manager in 2008 and he took the position on a platform of reform and accountability after his predecessor, Bennie Fuelberg, resigned amid felony charges of theft and money laundering.
For more information visit the PEC website.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Austin Energy Receives $10 Million for Municipal Loan Program
From Austin Energy:
The Austin City Council today accepted $10 million in federal grant funds to develop a municipal loan program to help make energy-efficiency improvements and solar energy installations available to a greater number of Austin Energy businesses and residential customers.
The funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which requires no local match, will not be used to provide loans to customers but rather to design a menu of effective and efficient financing options that may well lay the groundwork for the next generation of Energy Efficiency Retrofit (EER) programs both in Austin and across the country.
One potential component of the program would be development of a Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing mechanism whereby property owners could use money from a financing pool and then repay their loans through a property tax assessment that would stay with the property even if it were sold. The financing pool could come from either municipal or private financing. Both options will be explored during program development.
The public financing approach is supported by 2009 Texas House Bill 1937, approved by the Legislature. The cities of San Antonio and El Paso also have expressed their intention to move forward to develop PACE-type programs. And today, in a related action, the Austin City Council also approved an interlocal agreement under which Austin Energy and San Antonio will work together in developing their programs. San Antonio also was awarded $10 million in federal funding for PACE program development.
Austin Energy estimates creation of a $96.5 million EER program would result in energy efficiency and solar installations to some 7,250 homes and businesses during the first three years of the program. The improvements would save 129,000,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, savings equivalent to powering 1,075 average-size Austin homes year-round -- as well as avoiding 76,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. It also is estimated that a program of this size would create or retain more than 300 jobs over the first three years.
Under such a program, Austin property owners would be able to invest in energy efficiency and solar energy improvements without large upfront costs. In addition, an EER program could provide financing with additional reasonable flexibility regarding the credit rating of participants, thus increasing eligibility while helping to assure the lowest financing rates available.
Nationally, similar PACE-type legislation has been passed in 17 states with programs currently planned or under way in more than 10 cities and counties across the U.S.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Austin Energy Leads Nation in Green Power
Austin Energy was named the nation's leader in voluntary renewable energy sales in 2009 for the eighth year in a row. More than 850 utility companies offer green power programs and have sold over 6 billion kilowatt-hours of renewable energy nationally. Austin Energy sold over 764 million kWh of renewable energy in 2009, which is enough electricity to supply the needs of about 60,000 residential customers for a year.
Commercial customers account for about 84% of Austin Energy GreenChoice purchases. There are currently about 480 commercial customers and 9,750 residential customers in the program.
The nation's Top 5 renewable energy providers are:
1. Austin Energy
2. Portland General Electric
3. PacifiCorp
4. Sacramento Municipal Utility District
5. Xcel Energy
For more information, visit the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and read Austin Energy's Press Release.
Commercial customers account for about 84% of Austin Energy GreenChoice purchases. There are currently about 480 commercial customers and 9,750 residential customers in the program.
The nation's Top 5 renewable energy providers are:
1. Austin Energy
2. Portland General Electric
3. PacifiCorp
4. Sacramento Municipal Utility District
5. Xcel Energy
For more information, visit the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and read Austin Energy's Press Release.
U.S. House Passes "Cash for Caulkers" Bill
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $6 billion bill to expand the "cash for caulkers" program which provides rebates to homeowners who make energy efficiency improvements. This Home Star Energy Retrofit Act will be a two-year program and provides rebates for air infiltration and duct sealing measures, adding insulation, replacing windows and upgrading to energy-efficient appliances. The program offers two maximum rebate levels, $3,000 and $8,000 depending on the home and types of improvements performed. Details on how homeowners and contractors can participate will be available in July once the program has launched.
For more information, you can read the entire bill.
For more information, you can read the entire bill.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
New Report Highlights Benefits of Energy Efficiency in Texas, Southern U.S.
According to a report published in April by Georgia Tech and Duke University, the southern U.S. has lagged in its implementation of energy efficiency programs. Defined as the 16 states from Texas to Maryland, the south uses 40 percent of the nation’s residential electricity (44 percent of total electric consumption when including commercial and industrial users) despite only housing 37 percent of the nation’s population. Without intervention, this consumption is expected to increase an additional 16 percent by 2030.
Texas and its nearly 24 million residents were rated 23rd out of the 50 states in 2009 by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, in terms of adoption and implementation of energy efficiency policies, despite having the 5th highest per-capita energy consumption in the country.
For Texas residential consumers, enhanced efficiency policies such as stricter building codes, appliance and equipment standards, and expanded weatherization incentives could reduce consumption by 14 percent by 2030. This would result in average annual energy savings of $330 per household.
The expansion of the energy efficiency sector would not only generate new jobs and businesses, but free up funds from energy savings for further economic activity.
For additional information, read the full report (PDF) and state-specific summaries (PDF).
Texas and its nearly 24 million residents were rated 23rd out of the 50 states in 2009 by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, in terms of adoption and implementation of energy efficiency policies, despite having the 5th highest per-capita energy consumption in the country.
For Texas residential consumers, enhanced efficiency policies such as stricter building codes, appliance and equipment standards, and expanded weatherization incentives could reduce consumption by 14 percent by 2030. This would result in average annual energy savings of $330 per household.
The expansion of the energy efficiency sector would not only generate new jobs and businesses, but free up funds from energy savings for further economic activity.
For additional information, read the full report (PDF) and state-specific summaries (PDF).
Monday, April 26, 2010
Austin City Council Approves 2020 Green Energy Plan
From Austin Energy:
The Austin City Council approved on Earth Day a blueprint generation plan through 2020 for Austin Energy that will take effect later this year.
The 7-0 Council approval of the plan delayed its effective date to give Austin Energy time to develop an affordability matrix for Council approval. Such a matrix would help guide implementation of the Plan. Among other things, it would track the competitiveness of Austin Energy electric rates among all customer classes against rates available in other large Texas cities. Using consultants and other resources, Austin Energy expects to present an affordability matrix for Council approval before the end of this year.
The Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection plan, developed over a two-year period with extensive public input, lays out a strategy whereby 35 percent of the power delivered by the utility to its customers by 2020 would come from wind, biomass and solar resources. Austin Energy is currently at about 10 percent renewables.
The plan calls for a total of 1,000 megawatts (MW) of wind capacity, 150 MW of biomass and 200 MW of solar by 2020. Austin Energy’s current generation portfolio includes contracts to purchase all energy produced by 439 MW of wind turbines located at six west Texas wind farms over various contract periods, a 20-year contract beginning in 2012 to purchase all energy produced by a 100 MW biomass plant to be built in east Texas and a 25-year contract to purchase all power produced by a 30 MW solar farm to be built near Austin in the coming year. Austin also owns a total of 2,400 MW of nuclear, coal and natural gas-fueled generation.
Another key Plan component calls for the offset of 800 MW of peak demand by 2020 through energy efficiency and load shifting. Peak demand, which drives the need for additional power plants, occurs when the demand for electricity is the highest—for instance on the warmest summer days. Austin Energy currently offsets about 50 MW of peak demand annually through some of the most comprehensive energy efficiency and Green Building programs in the nation. Between 1982 and 2006, those programs offset about 680 MW of peak demand.
A final component of the Plan is to reduce generation portfolio CO2 emissions by 2020 to 20% below 2005 emissions levels.
For more information, visit Austin Energy.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Renewable Energy Stampede & Green Living Fair
SALADO, Texas--- A stampede is coming to Salado this spring, the Renewable Energy Stampede & Green Living Fair is brought to North Central Texas by organizers with over 25 years experience in renewable energy and healthy green living and 10 years of fair organizing. Festivals co-organized by TREIA and TXSE
The Stampede showcases eco-friendly products, green energy services and renewable energy resources from a growing number of Texas-wide companies. Texans will find a format that is interactive, entertaining and informative. The fair special activities includes:
· Workshops: Ontility Solar Electric Systems, Cathy Redson Green Jobs What and Where to Get Them
· Panel Discussions: State and Federal Rebate Information, Water Needs
· Keynote Speakers: LaVerne Williams, Texas Green Building Pioneer, James Vaughan, 1st LEED Certified Chamber of Commerce Building
· Live Music
· Kid’s Learning Activities: Build & Race a solar car, Build a solar oven and cook s'mores
· Healthy Cooking Demos & Natural, Organic Food Cafés
Hear about state and national rebate opportunities for green energy savings while planning for sustainable living needs. Explore solutions that meet the needs of our changing green energy needs and smart grid oriented economy. This two-day event will showcase eco-friendly products and renewable energy solutions that help preserve our environment.
“People are looking for choices that are recyclable, renewable, and reusable. When options are available, people tend to lean towards a green lifestyle that is organic; sustainable; locally produced; energy efficient; and less toxic,” said Russel Smith, Executive Director of the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association and co- organizer. “The fair provides an outlet for community members to gain invaluable information and resources that can benefit future quality of life.”
The 1st Annual Renewable Energy Stampede is co-organized by Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association and Tex
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Texas Appliance Rebate Program Reservations Filled
With more than 38 million Web hits and nearly 39,000 rebate reservations made, Texans swarmed online and phone reservation systems to grab rebates for energy efficient appliances from the Texas Comptroller’s office. The state was only allocated $23 million in funding for the program, and all guaranteed rebates and waitlist reservations were filled within 48 hours of the program's launch.
There was unprecedented response to the reservation program — approximately 2,400 Web hits per second and about 1,000 calls per minute. Texans reserved 38,864 guaranteed rebates; of that total, 32,283 reservations were made online and 6,581 over the phone.
Consumers have to be on the guaranteed rebate reservation list or the waitlist in order to print or receive the application forms necessary to mail in to claim rebates. Residents must mail in their rebate forms and a copy of the sales receipt, along with any other required documents, postmarked within 60 days of today’s reservation date. Rebate applications mailed in from waitlist participants will be processed in the order received, pending available funds.
Texans can use the rebates to buy energy efficient appliances in eight appliance categories. The purchase period for all appliances begins April 16, 2010. For refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, dishwashers and room air conditioners, the purchase period ends April 25, 2010. For central air conditioners, hot water heaters and air-source heat pumps, the purchase period ends 60 days from the rebate reservation or waitlist request date.
Disposal of the old, functional appliance of the same type is required for all rebate applications. There is an additional $75 rebate for recycling the old appliance.
For further details on the program, visit www.TexasPowerfulSmart.org. The Web site also has information on more rebates and incentives that would benefit consumers.
There was unprecedented response to the reservation program — approximately 2,400 Web hits per second and about 1,000 calls per minute. Texans reserved 38,864 guaranteed rebates; of that total, 32,283 reservations were made online and 6,581 over the phone.
Consumers have to be on the guaranteed rebate reservation list or the waitlist in order to print or receive the application forms necessary to mail in to claim rebates. Residents must mail in their rebate forms and a copy of the sales receipt, along with any other required documents, postmarked within 60 days of today’s reservation date. Rebate applications mailed in from waitlist participants will be processed in the order received, pending available funds.
Texans can use the rebates to buy energy efficient appliances in eight appliance categories. The purchase period for all appliances begins April 16, 2010. For refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, dishwashers and room air conditioners, the purchase period ends April 25, 2010. For central air conditioners, hot water heaters and air-source heat pumps, the purchase period ends 60 days from the rebate reservation or waitlist request date.
Disposal of the old, functional appliance of the same type is required for all rebate applications. There is an additional $75 rebate for recycling the old appliance.
For further details on the program, visit www.TexasPowerfulSmart.org. The Web site also has information on more rebates and incentives that would benefit consumers.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Green Collar Upgrades East Austin Home
From left to right: Gene, Rob, Carolina, AndrewEnvironmental Impact in East Austin:
Hispanic Austin Leadership and Green Collar Operations Upgrade House
Hispanic Austin Leadership and Green Collar Operations Upgrade House
On Friday, March 26th, a crew from Green Collar Operations came to the home of Paco and Carolina Guajardo to perform an energy audit and assist this family of five with making energy saving improvements free of charge.
Carolina works as a Training Specialist focusing on parent initiatives with ACE (A Community for Education) and Paco works in construction but has been without steady work for over 1.5 years. They have three children, Francisco (7 years old), and twins, Isaac and Gabriel (two years old). Their house is a 1970’s two bedroom, one bath style bungalow without central air and heat. They work hard in this city of Austin and struggle to makes ends meet. Their monthly electric bills range from $200 to $400 per month for this tiny home throughout the year and this has placed a great strain on their lives.
The Hispanic Austin Leadership (HAL) program is sponsored by the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC). The HAL class of 2010 had a particular member, Gabriela Garcia, who also was assigned to work on the Environmental team. Knowing Carolina and her situation from work, Gabriela felt that Carolina’s home would be a great place to focus the team’s resources to help this family and help to draw more attention to East Austin and the needs of the community there.
Through the team’s hard work and dedication to finding a way to help this family, the Environment Team was able to contact the president of Green Collar Operations, Andrew Ewig, who enthusiastically threw the support of Green Collar into this project. The Green Collar team arrived Friday morning and immediately began to work weatherizing the home. They installed insulation in the attic taking the house from an R-2 to an R-38 rating as well as sealed plumbing penetrations throughout the home, weather-stripped all the doors, patched a hole in the wall with Solar Board and performed several other weatherizing treatments on the home.
Just within two days Carolina is already commenting on how wonderful the work is and that there is a noticeable difference. “The windows don’t shake in their frames anymore and we don’t feel a draft along the floor because they sealed the holes in the wall. This is wonderful! Thank you, Thank you!”
The HAL Environment Team consists of Edward Olmeda, Gabriela Garcia and Paul Betancourt. These team members went further and helped educate the family on other topics of energy savings and helped the family to install a High-Efficiency Toilet for water conservation and a dozen compact fluorescent bulbs in their home.
PRESS COVERAGE
See the Austin-American Statesman article at http://www.statesman.com/business/green-collar-makes-local-home-greener-gratis-505951.html
ABOUT GREEN COLLAR OPERATIONS
Green Collar Operations is the #1 provider of energy efficiency services in Central Texas. With thousands of customers, Green Collar Operations has helped Texans save millions of kilowatt-hours of electricity and achieve practical environment solutions while cutting thousands of dollars in utility costs.
For further information on this topic, please contact Edward Olmeda of the GAHCC at (512) 324-5907, eolmeda@seton.org or contact Green Collar Operations co-owner Andrew Ewig at 512.986.7045, andrew@greencollaroperations.com.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Green Collar Operations Wins ENERGY STAR Award
Green Collar Operations
Recognized with 2010
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®
Century Club Award
Recognized with 2010
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®
Century Club Award
AUSTIN, TEXAS, April 6th, 2010 – Green Collar Operations is pleased to announce that it has received a 2010 Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Century Club Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
This Century Club Award recognizes Green Collar Operations as one of fewer than 40 companies nationally that have improved the energy efficiency of more than 100 homes through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program in 2009. Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, sponsored locally by Austin Energy, offers homeowners a comprehensive, whole-house approach to improving energy efficiency and comfort, while helping residents save money on utility bills and helping to protect the environment.
Chandler von Schrader, with the ENERGY STAR Program at EPA, announced "2008 as the first year we recognized contractors in our program that have performed over 100 energy efficient installations. These Century Club Contractors are industry leaders committed to using building science to maximize energy savings, comfort and sustainability. By making our existing housing stock more energy efficient, these Century Club Contractors are at the forefront of our nation’s efforts to reduce pollution generated from power plants that provide energy for our communities.”
“We are honored to receive this award and proud to be named one of the top home energy efficiency companies in the nation,” said Rob Scott, co-owner of Green Collar Operations. “The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program has been a great way to introduce communities to the benefits of energy efficiency, and we would like to thank the EPA, DOE and Austin Energy for their continued educational outreach and support of local rebate programs.”
As participating contractors in Austin Energy’s Rebate program, companies like Green Collar Operations receive specialized training and are equipped with diagnostic tools to inspect homes inside and out to determine where improvements are needed. Rather than focusing on a single problem, like an old heating or cooling system, not enough insulation in the attic, or leaky windows, they look at how a comprehensive set of improvements can give homeowners the best results. Depending on the improvements, homeowners can easily save 20 percent or more on their annual utility bills by improving their home’s efficiency.
About Green Collar Operations
Since 2007, Green Collar Operations has been providing home energy efficiency improvements and promoting their mission to help Austin and Central Texas homeowners reduce their energy usage and monthly utility bills. They have serviced over 1,800 homes and saved local residents over 4 million kilowatt-hours of energy by increasing efficiency. As a participating contractor in the local Home Performance with Energy Star program, Green Collar Operations works closely with Austin Energy to ensure quality service and applicable rebates to all customers. For more information, visit www.greencollaroperations.com or contact Jacob Lohman at 512-986-7045 or jacob@greencollaroperations.com.
About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 12,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit http://www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Department of Energy to Expand Testing of Energy Star Label Appliances
The U.S. government is developing plans to begin testing all appliances that use the ENERGY STAR label. In addition to third-party testing already underway, EPA and DOE have launched a new two-step process to expand testing of Energy Star qualified products. In March, the DOE began testing of some of the most commonly used appliances, which account for more than 25 percent of a household’s energy bill, and both agencies are now developing a system to test all products that earn the Energy Star label. Currently, the government only runs tests on some of the ENERGY STAR labeled products, and often relies on manufacturers' claims and only launches their own inspection if a product receives specific complaints. In March, the DOE began testing products in six additional categories, including refrigerators, stand-alone freezers, clothes washers, dishwashers, water heaters and room air conditioners. Previously, it tested only windows, doors, skylights, LED and CFL fixtures.
EPA and DOE are also developing an expanded system that will require all products seeking the Energy Star label to be tested in approved labs and require manufacturers to participate in an ongoing verification testing program that will ensure continued compliance. The government has also increased its enforcement of the Energy Star label, taking action against 35 manufacturers in the past four months for failing to comply with the standards necessary for Energy Star compliance.
For more information, see the EPA's press release.
EPA and DOE are also developing an expanded system that will require all products seeking the Energy Star label to be tested in approved labs and require manufacturers to participate in an ongoing verification testing program that will ensure continued compliance. The government has also increased its enforcement of the Energy Star label, taking action against 35 manufacturers in the past four months for failing to comply with the standards necessary for Energy Star compliance.
For more information, see the EPA's press release.
Monday, March 15, 2010
San Marcos Launches Rebate Program
The City of San Marcos has now implemented two energy efficiency rebate programs: the Energy Efficient Heating/AC Rebate Program and the Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program.
For Home Improvements:
San Marcos offers rebates for energy efficient heating and AC upgrades including HVAC systems, programmable thermostats, attic/wall insulation, radiant barrier and duct sealing. The program is open to City of San Marcos residential electric utility customers.
1. Customer contacts the city to schedule a free energy audit. During the audit, city staff will evaluate existing HVAC equipment, insulation types/levels, and duct leakage. Staff will make recommendations, and provide information on rebate programs.
2. Customer purchases qualified products and has them installed.
3. Within 90 days after purchase, customer submits application along with dated and itemized sales receipts.
4. The city conducts follow-up inspection to verify products have been properly installed.
5. Rebate check is issued to customer.
Read the city's rebate information sheet (PDF) for more details.
Rebates include:
Attic Insulation (sq.ft. x R-value x $0.0075)
Radiant Barrier ($0.15/sq.ft.)
Duct Sealing ($0.10/sq.ft.)
For Appliances:
The City of San Marcos offers rebates for purchase of energy efficient appliance upgrades including refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, water heaters and window air conditioning units. The program is open to residential households located within San Marcos city limits.
1. Resident contacts the city to schedule an energy audit. During the audit city staff will evaluate existing appliances, make recommendations for replacement, and provide information on applicable rebate programs.
2. Resident purchases appliances that meet efficiency specifications and has them installed.
3. Resident takes old appliances to Green Guy Recycling, and gets a receipt for drop-off.
4. Within 90 days after purchase, resident submits application along with dated/itemized sales receipts and receipt from Green Guy.
5. The city conducts follow-up inspection to verify appliances have been installed.
6. Rebate check is issued to resident.
Read the city's appliance rebate information sheet (PDF) for more details.
For complete information, visit the City of San Marcos Website.
For Home Improvements:
San Marcos offers rebates for energy efficient heating and AC upgrades including HVAC systems, programmable thermostats, attic/wall insulation, radiant barrier and duct sealing. The program is open to City of San Marcos residential electric utility customers.
1. Customer contacts the city to schedule a free energy audit. During the audit, city staff will evaluate existing HVAC equipment, insulation types/levels, and duct leakage. Staff will make recommendations, and provide information on rebate programs.
2. Customer purchases qualified products and has them installed.
3. Within 90 days after purchase, customer submits application along with dated and itemized sales receipts.
4. The city conducts follow-up inspection to verify products have been properly installed.
5. Rebate check is issued to customer.
Read the city's rebate information sheet (PDF) for more details.
Rebates include:
Attic Insulation (sq.ft. x R-value x $0.0075)
Radiant Barrier ($0.15/sq.ft.)
Duct Sealing ($0.10/sq.ft.)
For Appliances:
The City of San Marcos offers rebates for purchase of energy efficient appliance upgrades including refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, water heaters and window air conditioning units. The program is open to residential households located within San Marcos city limits.
1. Resident contacts the city to schedule an energy audit. During the audit city staff will evaluate existing appliances, make recommendations for replacement, and provide information on applicable rebate programs.
2. Resident purchases appliances that meet efficiency specifications and has them installed.
3. Resident takes old appliances to Green Guy Recycling, and gets a receipt for drop-off.
4. Within 90 days after purchase, resident submits application along with dated/itemized sales receipts and receipt from Green Guy.
5. The city conducts follow-up inspection to verify appliances have been installed.
6. Rebate check is issued to resident.
Read the city's appliance rebate information sheet (PDF) for more details.
For complete information, visit the City of San Marcos Website.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Utilities Spend $5.3 Billion on Energy Efficiency
U.S. utilities increased their spending on energy efficiency programs by 43% in 2009, according to a new report from the nonprofit Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE), which represents energy efficiency program administrators from across the United States and Canada. U.S. utility spending on energy efficiency programs reached $5.3 billion, including $4.4 billion for electric energy efficiency programs and $930 million for natural gas programs. Spending on natural gas programs increased the most, at 79%, while electric programs increased by 38%. Utility energy efficiency programs also expanded geographically, as such programs are now offered in 46 states, compared to only 37 states in 2008. The CEE report notes that electric energy efficiency spending grew the fastest in the Southeast and South Central states, with a 76% increase to $800 million in 2009. For instance, new legislation in Maryland increased electric energy efficiency spending by a factor of 13, while Kentucky increased its spending by an order of magnitude and Tennessee's spending increased by a factor of 5. Electric energy efficiency programs focus a majority of their spending on commercial and industrial facilities, while natural gas programs are skewed more toward residential customers.
For more information, read the full CEE report (PDF) and a report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (PDF).
For more information, read the full CEE report (PDF) and a report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (PDF).
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Texas Appliance Rebate Program April 16-25
The Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) will be distributing the $23,341,000 allocated to Texas from the Federal Appliance Rebate Program in April.
Consumers will have an opportunity to reserve an appliance rebate by calling a toll-free number or registering online approximately two weeks prior to April 16, 2010. After the reserved mail-in rebates are awarded, any remaining funds will be rebated to consumers on a first-come, first-served basis. Shoppers will be limited to two appliance rebates and two recycling rebates per household. The mail-in rebates will apply to eligible appliances purchased between April 16 and April 25, 2010 to coincide with Earth Day. Consumers will have 45 days from date of reservation to install the appliance(s) and submit the paperwork for their rebate.
Click here for a list of appliances eligible for the rebate.
Click here for a list of frequently asked questions about the program.
Contact ENERGY STAR: hotline@energystar.gov or 1.888.STAR.YES (1.888.782.7937)
For more information, visit the SECO website or the State Comptroller's website.
Consumers will have an opportunity to reserve an appliance rebate by calling a toll-free number or registering online approximately two weeks prior to April 16, 2010. After the reserved mail-in rebates are awarded, any remaining funds will be rebated to consumers on a first-come, first-served basis. Shoppers will be limited to two appliance rebates and two recycling rebates per household. The mail-in rebates will apply to eligible appliances purchased between April 16 and April 25, 2010 to coincide with Earth Day. Consumers will have 45 days from date of reservation to install the appliance(s) and submit the paperwork for their rebate.
Click here for a list of appliances eligible for the rebate.
Click here for a list of frequently asked questions about the program.
Contact ENERGY STAR: hotline@energystar.gov or 1.888.STAR.YES (1.888.782.7937)
For more information, visit the SECO website or the State Comptroller's website.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
White House Proposes Federal Home Energy Rebates
Earlier today, the president outlined a proposed $6 billion plan to create jobs and give federal energy efficiency rebates to homeowners. Under this new program, homeowners would be eligible for $1,000 to $1,500 in rebates for upgrades such as insulation and weatherization, as well as for the purchase and installation of new energy efficient water heaters, HVAC units, windows, roofing and doors.
The plan also allows for any homeowner who combines multiple upgrades that result in a 20 percent (or higher) reduction in energy usage to be eligible for $3,000 in rebates.
Designed to be a limited, short-term initiative similar to the "cash for clunkers" program, the administration hopes to reach two to three million homes. The White House said it expected the program would save consumers $200 to $500 in energy costs per year. The plan must first be passed by Congress before any rebates begin.
For more information, read the official press release from the White House.
The plan also allows for any homeowner who combines multiple upgrades that result in a 20 percent (or higher) reduction in energy usage to be eligible for $3,000 in rebates.
Designed to be a limited, short-term initiative similar to the "cash for clunkers" program, the administration hopes to reach two to three million homes. The White House said it expected the program would save consumers $200 to $500 in energy costs per year. The plan must first be passed by Congress before any rebates begin.
For more information, read the official press release from the White House.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Austin Energy Invests in Wind Power
Yesterday, the Austin City Council approved the utility's plan to acquire over 4,500 acres in West Texas for potential wind farm development, with construction beginning as soon as 2013. Austin Energy will lease the land for 30 years, bringing the utility's total wind farm holdings to around 22,000 acres. Austin Energy will pay about $50,000 yearly for the new land.
The biggest hurdle to developing the land would be the additional construction of new transmission lines that are required to bring the wind-generated electricty to Central Texas. Austin Energy has already paid for around 4 percent of this cost, but there is still a long way to go. The state is scheduled to pick up most of the $5 billion cost of building the lines.
By owning its own wind farm, the cost to Austin Energy for providing wind energy would be half as much as it currently pays to purchase the power from private companies. Growing demand for wind power is continually driving up its price. "We don't want to be at the mercy of the marketplace," said Roger Duncan, Austin Energy's general manager. "Our overall strategy is to develop and own our own wind-generating capacity, and we think we'll get more certainty about prices that way."
The biggest hurdle to developing the land would be the additional construction of new transmission lines that are required to bring the wind-generated electricty to Central Texas. Austin Energy has already paid for around 4 percent of this cost, but there is still a long way to go. The state is scheduled to pick up most of the $5 billion cost of building the lines.
By owning its own wind farm, the cost to Austin Energy for providing wind energy would be half as much as it currently pays to purchase the power from private companies. Growing demand for wind power is continually driving up its price. "We don't want to be at the mercy of the marketplace," said Roger Duncan, Austin Energy's general manager. "Our overall strategy is to develop and own our own wind-generating capacity, and we think we'll get more certainty about prices that way."
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Get Paid to Lower Your Electric Bill
Many utility companies, like Austin Energy, offer incentives in the form of rebates for customers to adopt energy efficiency improvements. In Idaho, the utility company is taking things one step further by actually paying customers not to use electricity.
Idaho Power, the state’s primary electricity provider, offers residential and agricultural programs that reward its customers for lowering their electricity consumption during peak hours. Electricity is most expensive during peak hours when demand is high and supply is tight as power plants are pushed to their maximum capacity. Many utilities resort to constructing costly “emergency plants” that are only called upon to produce electricity during peak summer hours. Reducing the need for such plants saves utility companies from inefficient spending and from having to raise electricity rates.
For example, Idaho Power’s Peak Rewards program reduces peak electrical load during hot summer afternoons by partnering with agricultural irrigation customers to reduce demand. The greatest demand for electricity occurs at the time when farmers are pumping water to their fields, and customers are using air conditioning to cool their homes and businesses. Some farmers receive a credit of over $700 by limiting their electricity usage.
Additionally, Idaho Power can in essence press a button that causes “smart thermostats” installed on participating air-conditioning units for residential and commercial customers to cycle on and off for intervals as long as 15 minutes. The program lowers usage during peak periods by about 1 percent, and during the summer participants are paid $7 a month.
To help pay for these and other energy-saving measures, Idaho Power charges customers a 4.75 percent “energy efficiency” rider on their electric bills. However, the program has resulted in a decrease in peak power demand by as much as 5.6 percent.
For more information, visit Idaho Power.
Idaho Power, the state’s primary electricity provider, offers residential and agricultural programs that reward its customers for lowering their electricity consumption during peak hours. Electricity is most expensive during peak hours when demand is high and supply is tight as power plants are pushed to their maximum capacity. Many utilities resort to constructing costly “emergency plants” that are only called upon to produce electricity during peak summer hours. Reducing the need for such plants saves utility companies from inefficient spending and from having to raise electricity rates.
For example, Idaho Power’s Peak Rewards program reduces peak electrical load during hot summer afternoons by partnering with agricultural irrigation customers to reduce demand. The greatest demand for electricity occurs at the time when farmers are pumping water to their fields, and customers are using air conditioning to cool their homes and businesses. Some farmers receive a credit of over $700 by limiting their electricity usage.
Additionally, Idaho Power can in essence press a button that causes “smart thermostats” installed on participating air-conditioning units for residential and commercial customers to cycle on and off for intervals as long as 15 minutes. The program lowers usage during peak periods by about 1 percent, and during the summer participants are paid $7 a month.
To help pay for these and other energy-saving measures, Idaho Power charges customers a 4.75 percent “energy efficiency” rider on their electric bills. However, the program has resulted in a decrease in peak power demand by as much as 5.6 percent.
For more information, visit Idaho Power.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Austin Energy Launches New Solar Incentive
The Austin City Council has reaffirmed its support for Austin Energy's solar incentive program, including a new approach for commercial, multifamily, and non-profit customers. The new approach saves $2.4 million over the life of the program compared to the old way of administering the program for those customers.
Rather than provide an upfront rebate on the installation of solar systems, Austin Energy will pay for each kilowatt-hour of electricity produced over a 10-year period. This is known as a fixed performance-based incentive (PBI) and it achieves two goals. First, it provides a fixed payment flow to a system owner by which payback can be calculated and second, it encourages proper design and maintenance of systems to maximize their production.
Over the next five years, the PBI program is expected to pay, on average, 8 cents per kWh of solar energy produced with program funding sufficient for almost 260 solar systems, each up to 20 kW in size. Total PBI payments over the next 14 years under the plan are projected at $4.8 million.
"When you combine federal tax credits available for solar installations along with the incentive this program provides, energy savings for most businesses and apartment communities will pay for their system in 6-8 years," said Karl R. Rábago, Vice President for Distributed Energy Services. "The life of these systems is 25 years on average."
Since the inception of the Austin Energy Solar Rebate Program in 2004, the utility has issued $12.8 million in rebates to residential customers and $6.3 million in rebates to commercial customers. There are 1,052 customer-owned solar systems and 52 municipal and school installations totaling more than 4 MW of solar capacity in Austin. When the program began, Austin has three solar design and installing companies. Today there are 35 solar companies to the Austin area with a workforce approaching 300.
Austin Energy residential customers may now apply to receive rebates at $2.50 per watt, with annual rebates limited to $15K and maximum rebates set at $50K over the life of installations at a single property. To qualify for Austin Energy solar rebates, a customer must also meet home energy efficiency standards.
For more information, visit Austin Energy.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Federal Goverment Creates Energy Efficiency Network
As part of the government's efforts to increase energy efficiency and reduce costs, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today the creation of the State Energy Efficiency (SEE) Action Network. This network is meant to help states achieve maximum cost effective energy efficiency improvements in homes, offices, buildings and industry by 2020.
“Expanding energy efficiency is one of the quickest, most cost-effective ways we can address climate change and grow America’s economy,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu.
The DOE and EPA will lead the SEE Action Network, and in cooperation with other member organizations, they will help states with their energy efficiency initiatives, including residential efficiency programs, financing solutions, and improving availability of energy usage information.
The new SEE Action Executive Group will meet for the first time in early March. A number of working groups will continue to meet throughout the year to report on specific goals.
For more information, visit the new State Energy Efficiency Action Network.
“Expanding energy efficiency is one of the quickest, most cost-effective ways we can address climate change and grow America’s economy,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu.
The DOE and EPA will lead the SEE Action Network, and in cooperation with other member organizations, they will help states with their energy efficiency initiatives, including residential efficiency programs, financing solutions, and improving availability of energy usage information.
The new SEE Action Executive Group will meet for the first time in early March. A number of working groups will continue to meet throughout the year to report on specific goals.
For more information, visit the new State Energy Efficiency Action Network.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Central Texas Schools Ranked Top-10 in Green Energy
Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that for the first time, the Lake Travis Independent School District is one of the largest purchasers of green energy in the country for K-12 schools. Lake Travis ISD purchases almost two million kilowatt-hours of green power each year, accounting for 15 percent of the district's electricity usage. This green power purchase is equivalent to offsetting the amount of electricity needed to power around 200 average homes.
Lake Travis ISD ranks 7th on the EPA's Top-20 K-12 list of schools using green power.
Austin ISD ranks 1st on the list, with green power purchases of 65,640,000 kilowatt-hours annually, accounting for 39 percent of the district's electricity usage.
Round Rock ISD ranks 2nd on the list, with green power purchases of 16,996,468 kilowatt-hours annually, accounting for 25 percent of the district's electricity usage.
Pflugerville ISD ranks 15th on the list, with green power purchases of 996,000 kilowatt-hours annually, accounting for 3 percent of the district's electricity usage.
Fore more information on schools that purchase green energy, visit the EPA.
Lake Travis ISD ranks 7th on the EPA's Top-20 K-12 list of schools using green power.
Austin ISD ranks 1st on the list, with green power purchases of 65,640,000 kilowatt-hours annually, accounting for 39 percent of the district's electricity usage.
Round Rock ISD ranks 2nd on the list, with green power purchases of 16,996,468 kilowatt-hours annually, accounting for 25 percent of the district's electricity usage.
Pflugerville ISD ranks 15th on the list, with green power purchases of 996,000 kilowatt-hours annually, accounting for 3 percent of the district's electricity usage.
Fore more information on schools that purchase green energy, visit the EPA.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Energy Efficiency Industry Takes Off
The energy efficiency industry is poised to experience explosive growth in 2010. Last year while most areas of the economy were deep in recession, the U.S. energy efficiency sector grew an amazing 664 percent. With politicians giving speeches, appropriating funds and passing laws encouraging domestic energy efficiency projects, along with a growing global emphasis on energy efficiency, the energy efficiency sector is expected to see incredible growth in the coming years.
Other "green" industries which also experienced substantial growth in 2009 included biofuels, wind energy, and carbon capture technologies. These sectors are also positioned to see increased growth in 2010 and beyond.
For more information about the growth of green industries, particularly mergers and acquisitions, view the report by Peachtree Green Advisors.
Other "green" industries which also experienced substantial growth in 2009 included biofuels, wind energy, and carbon capture technologies. These sectors are also positioned to see increased growth in 2010 and beyond.
For more information about the growth of green industries, particularly mergers and acquisitions, view the report by Peachtree Green Advisors.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Update on Austin Energy's 2020 Renewable Plan and Rate Increase
Austin Energy's "Generation and CO2 plan" will be up for a vote in the city council this spring. Key issues in the plan include:
· Replacing a portion of the electricity generated by the coal-fired power plant in Fayette County with renewable energy from solar, wind, and biomass power.
· Increasing Austin's portfolio of renewable energy from 11 percent (current) to 30 percent by 2020.
· Increase electric bills by 22 percent over the next ten years.
According to the Austin American-Statesman, Roger Duncan, general manager of Austin Energy, has said that the energy-generation proposal would raise bills and that the utility could have suggested cheaper alternatives. But doing so, he said, would either sacrifice some environmental benefits or expose the system to blackout risks.
Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell's office is planning a town-hall-style public forum in late February, with a final vote on Austin Energy's proposed plan coming about a month later.
· Replacing a portion of the electricity generated by the coal-fired power plant in Fayette County with renewable energy from solar, wind, and biomass power.
· Increasing Austin's portfolio of renewable energy from 11 percent (current) to 30 percent by 2020.
· Increase electric bills by 22 percent over the next ten years.
According to the Austin American-Statesman, Roger Duncan, general manager of Austin Energy, has said that the energy-generation proposal would raise bills and that the utility could have suggested cheaper alternatives. But doing so, he said, would either sacrifice some environmental benefits or expose the system to blackout risks.
Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell's office is planning a town-hall-style public forum in late February, with a final vote on Austin Energy's proposed plan coming about a month later.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Public Meeting on Search for New Austin Energy Chief
On Monday, January 25, the City of Austin is holding a public information session where citizens can offer input and participate in the recruitment process for Austin Energy's new general manager. Residents can meet with city staff and representatives from the search firm Mycoff, Fry and Prouse and will have the opportunity to voice their opinion on the future direction of Austin Energy.
The meeting will take place from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Austin Energy Workforce Planning and Development Office at 811 Barton Springs Road, Suite 100. Free parking is available nearby at the Austin Energy Town Lake Center Garage at 721 Barton Springs Road.
The meeting will take place from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Austin Energy Workforce Planning and Development Office at 811 Barton Springs Road, Suite 100. Free parking is available nearby at the Austin Energy Town Lake Center Garage at 721 Barton Springs Road.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Austin Energy Now Offers Carbon Calculator
Austin Energy is now offering a carbon footprint calculator on their website http://coolaustin.org/co2_footprint.htm. This free carbon calculator can add up all of the carbon emissions that are a direct result of your actions, from driving, eating, using energy at home, garbage waste, etc.
City officials hope that the calculator will make residents more aware of their energy consumption and take action to change their daily habits in an effort to conserve energy. Reducing overall energy consumption, especially during peak demand hours, will help keep electricity rates low and remove the need to build new power plants to keep up with the growing population.
City officials hope that the calculator will make residents more aware of their energy consumption and take action to change their daily habits in an effort to conserve energy. Reducing overall energy consumption, especially during peak demand hours, will help keep electricity rates low and remove the need to build new power plants to keep up with the growing population.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Southwestern University Goes Green with Wind Power
Last week, Southwestern University signed an agreement with the City of Georgetown and AEP Energy Partners to receive 100 percent of the university's electricity for the next 18 years from West Texas wind farms. For the university, this is a major step towards their goal of becoming completely carbon-neutral. Southwestern is the first university in Texas and one of only five universities across the country to receive all of its electricity from renewable sources. The university hopes that this investment will pay off within the three to five years as standard electricity rates are expected to increase.
For more information, visit Southwestern University.
For more information, visit Southwestern University.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
10 Energy Efficiency Myths
With all of the buzz and hype surrounding energy efficiency these days, there is a lot of incorrect information floating around. The following list will hopefully clear up some of the energy efficiency rumors out there. For even more myths, visit http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/myths.html
1. Switching to electric room heaters will reduce your energy bill.
This is true only under some circumstances. If you have central electric heating, the using room heaters will most likely save you money. But, if you have central gas heating (which is far cheaper per unit of useful heat) you can easily match or even exceed your heating bill by switching to electrical units.
2. Duct tape is good for sealing ducts.
Unfortunately, laboratory research has concluded that duct tape has very low durability when used to seal ducts. On new installations, tape may fall off due to poor surface preparation, because ducts are installed in dirty and dusty locations and conditions. On older systems, the tape falls off as it ages and the adhesive dries out and tends to wrinkle.
3. When my appliance is turned off, it's off.
In fact, we've found that most devices continue to consume power when they're switched off, sometimes as much power as when they're on!
4. Installing foam gaskets in electrical outlets will significantly reduce air leakage.
Measurements have shown that less than 1% of a home's air leakage is due to outlets.
5. Turning up (down) the thermostat will make your home get warm (cool) faster.
It's tempting to think of a thermostat like a water tap, i.e. the wider you open it the more water (heat/cool) will come out. In reality, it works more like a light switch in that if it's "on" the same amount of light (heat/cool) will come out.
6. Leaving lights, computers, and other appliances on uses less energy than turning them off and makes them last longer.
The small surge of power created when some devices are turned on is vastly smaller than the energy used by running the device when it's not needed. While it used to be the case that cycling appliances and lighting on and off drastically reduced their useful lifetimes, these problems have been largely overcome through better design.
7. Electric heating is more efficient than fuel-based heating.
It's true that all, or almost all, of the electricity that goes into an electric heater is transformed to useful heat in your home. However, making electricity is an inefficient process, with as much as two-thirds of the input energy (coal, natural gas, etc.) being lost in the process. This is why electricity is so much more expensive for the consumer than direct fuels.
8. Cleaning refrigerator coils saves energy.
While this seems intuitively logical, and very small savings may indeed arise, the few efforts to actually measure this effect have typically come up empty-handed. This is a classic example of a widely held belief based on assumptions rather than measurements.
9. Buying an efficient air conditioner or furnace will automatically reduce my energy bill.
This is true to some extent, but you won't realize all the possible savings if the equipment is not sized or installed properly. Studies have shown that typical air conditioner and duct systems are improperly installed, wasting 1/3 or more of the energy used by the air conditioner. New and replacement equipment (and ducts) need to be properly designed and installed to realize all the possible savings. The same caveats about proper installation hold true for insulation, windows and many other energy-efficiency upgrades.
10. Energy efficiency and energy conservation are one and the same thing.
Well-intentioned information campaigns during oil crises of the 1970s created a lot of confusion about how to save energy and even about how to talk about saving energy. Energy efficiency means getting a job done with less energy. This could be lighting a room, cooling a house, or refrigerating some vegetables. The things made possible by using energy are sometimes called "energy services," e.g. illumination, comfort, or food preservation. Energy conservation, on the other hand, means reducing the level of services, e.g. reducing lighting or comfort or turning up the temperature of your fridge. Reducing service levels (conservation) does not necessarily mean sacrifice, however. For example, many spaces have more than enough light by current-day standards, water heater temperature are set too high, etc. Consumers have the option of improving energy efficiency (e.g. by purchasing better appliances) and/or reducing service levels, but lowering the quality of life is not a prerequisite for reducing energy demand.
1. Switching to electric room heaters will reduce your energy bill.
This is true only under some circumstances. If you have central electric heating, the using room heaters will most likely save you money. But, if you have central gas heating (which is far cheaper per unit of useful heat) you can easily match or even exceed your heating bill by switching to electrical units.
2. Duct tape is good for sealing ducts.
Unfortunately, laboratory research has concluded that duct tape has very low durability when used to seal ducts. On new installations, tape may fall off due to poor surface preparation, because ducts are installed in dirty and dusty locations and conditions. On older systems, the tape falls off as it ages and the adhesive dries out and tends to wrinkle.
3. When my appliance is turned off, it's off.
In fact, we've found that most devices continue to consume power when they're switched off, sometimes as much power as when they're on!
4. Installing foam gaskets in electrical outlets will significantly reduce air leakage.
Measurements have shown that less than 1% of a home's air leakage is due to outlets.
5. Turning up (down) the thermostat will make your home get warm (cool) faster.
It's tempting to think of a thermostat like a water tap, i.e. the wider you open it the more water (heat/cool) will come out. In reality, it works more like a light switch in that if it's "on" the same amount of light (heat/cool) will come out.
6. Leaving lights, computers, and other appliances on uses less energy than turning them off and makes them last longer.
The small surge of power created when some devices are turned on is vastly smaller than the energy used by running the device when it's not needed. While it used to be the case that cycling appliances and lighting on and off drastically reduced their useful lifetimes, these problems have been largely overcome through better design.
7. Electric heating is more efficient than fuel-based heating.
It's true that all, or almost all, of the electricity that goes into an electric heater is transformed to useful heat in your home. However, making electricity is an inefficient process, with as much as two-thirds of the input energy (coal, natural gas, etc.) being lost in the process. This is why electricity is so much more expensive for the consumer than direct fuels.
8. Cleaning refrigerator coils saves energy.
While this seems intuitively logical, and very small savings may indeed arise, the few efforts to actually measure this effect have typically come up empty-handed. This is a classic example of a widely held belief based on assumptions rather than measurements.
9. Buying an efficient air conditioner or furnace will automatically reduce my energy bill.
This is true to some extent, but you won't realize all the possible savings if the equipment is not sized or installed properly. Studies have shown that typical air conditioner and duct systems are improperly installed, wasting 1/3 or more of the energy used by the air conditioner. New and replacement equipment (and ducts) need to be properly designed and installed to realize all the possible savings. The same caveats about proper installation hold true for insulation, windows and many other energy-efficiency upgrades.
10. Energy efficiency and energy conservation are one and the same thing.
Well-intentioned information campaigns during oil crises of the 1970s created a lot of confusion about how to save energy and even about how to talk about saving energy. Energy efficiency means getting a job done with less energy. This could be lighting a room, cooling a house, or refrigerating some vegetables. The things made possible by using energy are sometimes called "energy services," e.g. illumination, comfort, or food preservation. Energy conservation, on the other hand, means reducing the level of services, e.g. reducing lighting or comfort or turning up the temperature of your fridge. Reducing service levels (conservation) does not necessarily mean sacrifice, however. For example, many spaces have more than enough light by current-day standards, water heater temperature are set too high, etc. Consumers have the option of improving energy efficiency (e.g. by purchasing better appliances) and/or reducing service levels, but lowering the quality of life is not a prerequisite for reducing energy demand.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
City of Austin Gets $7.5 million for Energy Efficiency
On Monday, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that as a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the City of Austin will receive $7.5 million to improve the energy efficiency of municipal buildings. Austin Energy will manage the funds and coordinate with other City departments to complete the work. The energy efficiency projects Austin Energy has identified could save more than 5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power 400 homes year-round. The work involved in completing the projects will generate an estimated 100 green jobs and also reduce carbon and other emissions.
The energy efficiency projects include:
· Installation of interior lighting upgrades and lighting controls
· Replacement of two aged, biogas/diesel generators at the Hornsby Bend sludge treatment facility
· Retrofit of exterior lighting systems with new technologies
· Installation of a thermal energy storage system for AC units
· Increase insulation, seal ducts and make other energy improvements at older facilities
· Optimize performance of HVAC systems
For more information, view the Austin Energy press release.
The energy efficiency projects include:
· Installation of interior lighting upgrades and lighting controls
· Replacement of two aged, biogas/diesel generators at the Hornsby Bend sludge treatment facility
· Retrofit of exterior lighting systems with new technologies
· Installation of a thermal energy storage system for AC units
· Increase insulation, seal ducts and make other energy improvements at older facilities
· Optimize performance of HVAC systems
For more information, view the Austin Energy press release.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Get Paid to Ride The Bus?
On Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioner's Office reviewed a proposal by the Clean Air Force of Central Texas and the Environmental Defense Fund that would a create a program where employees in downtown Austin would be paid to ride a new "business class" bus. Such a program would be a joint-venture between the City of Austin, Travis County, Austin Energy and downtown businesses. The goal of the project is to reduce carbon emissions, reduce traffic, and free up more parking spaces in an already crowded downtown.
This new bus service would be modeled after successful projects implemented by major corporations such as Ebay, Google and Microsoft. Bus features could include tray tables, beverage and snack service, wireless internet, power outlets, and other features found in business class sections of trains and airplanes.
Under the program, downtown businesses would receive a pre-tax deduction for offering the bus service to its employees as part of their benefits package. Workers could receive up to $230 a month (tax-free) for commuting via the bus.
City and county officials will review the proposal and give a report in several weeks, but a pilot program could launch as soon as June 2010.
For related information, read this New York Times article about the Google shuttle service.
This new bus service would be modeled after successful projects implemented by major corporations such as Ebay, Google and Microsoft. Bus features could include tray tables, beverage and snack service, wireless internet, power outlets, and other features found in business class sections of trains and airplanes.
Under the program, downtown businesses would receive a pre-tax deduction for offering the bus service to its employees as part of their benefits package. Workers could receive up to $230 a month (tax-free) for commuting via the bus.
City and county officials will review the proposal and give a report in several weeks, but a pilot program could launch as soon as June 2010.
For related information, read this New York Times article about the Google shuttle service.
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