EREN Network News

March 31, 1999

News and Events

• General Motors Delivers Hybrid Bus to New York City
• Green Power Most Popular Choice in California
• DOE Makes $7 Million Available for Energy-Efficient Buildings

Site News

• State Energy Alternatives

Energy Facts and Tips

• How Much Pollution Could You Avoid with Solar Energy?
• Look for the Energy Star Label When Buying a New Home

About this Newsletter

News and Events

General Motors Delivers Hybrid Bus to New York City
A 20-ton, 40-foot hybrid electric bus is now proving itself as part of the New York City transit fleet, thanks to General Motors (GM) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA). With major funding from NYPA, GM refurbished a bus from the fleet to incorporate an electric drive train with a diesel- powered generator for auxiliary power. GM, which delivered the bus on March 30th, says the system provides a 40 percent improvement in fuel economy and a 70 percent reduction in emissions over conventional heavy-duty powertrains. GM also announced that it would launch a fleet of 10 hybrid pickup trucks in New York and California next year. See the GM press releases.

Green Power Most Popular Choice in California
It has been exactly one year since California opened its electricity markets to competition, allowing consumers the opportunity to switch from their utility to other electricity suppliers. In the latest reckoning by industry experts, more than half of those that have switched suppliers have chosen electricity produced from renewable sources -- so-called green power. Although only about 200,000 homeowners have switched electricity suppliers, there is a strong response from businesses, local governments, and churches. See the story on the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technology's Web site.

DOE Makes $7 Million Available for Energy-Efficient Buildings
DOE is soliciting proposals for research and development projects that will significantly improve the energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings. DOE has made $7 million available this year for research and development on building materials, components, and systems for buildings. Projects will be selected for technologies such as water heating, lighting and space cooling. Proposals are due by April 13, 1999. For more information, see DOE's News and Information page.

Site News

State Energy Alternatives
The State Energy Alternatives site was developed by DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory in conjunction with the National Conference of State Legislatures. The site is geared to state energy decision makers and provides information on state renewable energy resources as well as background information on each state's electricity sector. The site describes renewable energy technologies (photovoltaics, wind, concentrating solar power, and geothermal), and their electricity-generating capabilities, costs, applications, and market opportunities. The site also presents policy options for renewable energy.

For this and other recent additions see the EREN Web site.

Energy Facts and Tips

How Much Pollution Could You Avoid with Solar Energy?
Most of the electricity in the United States -- and indeed, the world -- is generated by burning fossil fuels, which produce air pollution. By using renewable energy, you can avoid producing some of this pollution, but how much? To help you find out, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a Web page that gauges the pollution prevention benefits of using renewable energy. This EPA Web page uses state-by-state information to calculate the benefits of using photovoltaic solar panels or a solar hot water system for your home. See the EPA Web page.

Look for the Energy Star Label When Buying a New Home
Spring has sprung, and every realtor knows that home sales are sure to follow. If you're considering buying a new home, look for one that has earned the DOE/EPA Energy Star label. Although you may be more accustomed to seeing the Energy Star label on computers and appliances, it is now being awarded to homes that are at least 30 percent more efficient than the Model Energy Code. Try using the Energy Star Homes Program Web site to locate builders in your area, or to find mortgage lenders that will offer you discounts or incentives for buying an Energy Star home. For more information, see the Energy Star Homes Program Web site.

About this Newsletter

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