September-October 2002
Conservation Update
Feature Article
Landmark Legislation Cleans Up Texas Air
Senate Bill 5 aims to reduce Texas air pollution by creating the state's first energy code for buildings.
Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Texas is making sweeping changes to how it approaches clean air and energy efficiency. Last year the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 5 (SB-5) that, along with other measures, creates the Lone Star State's first energy code for buildings. The code takes effect in September 2002 and promises to deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits for years to come.
SB-5 establishes an incentive-based program called the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan that is designed to help the state comply with federal clean air standards. Areas where pollutants exceed standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are designated as non-attainment areas. If these areas do not meet the standards by 2007, non-complying states face severe sanctions. For the first time and using Texas SB-5 as an example, the EPA includes energy efficiency as a part of an implementation plan to reduce a state's air pollution.
Overview of SB 5
SB-5 is a wide-ranging piece of legislation that establishes diesel emissions reduction incentives, motor vehicle purchase or lease incentives, new technology research and development, and grants to promote energy efficiency. In terms of energy efficiency, the biggest step is requiring new buildings to meet the state's new energy performance standards.
These standards call for better weather stripping, more efficient air conditioners, stricter insulation guidelines, switches to turn off water heaters, tighter sealing on buildings and energy-efficient windows for new buildings. Under the new law, municipalities and counties can make local amendments to the state energy codes as long as they are not less stringent than the statewide standard.
Through its new standards, Texas establishes:
- Chapter 11 of the 2000 International Residential Code (IRC), including the 2001 International Code Council Supplement for single-family homes.
- 2000 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for all other residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
- Local procedures for administration, inspections, and enforcement by municipalities.
Clean Air Deadline
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As the 2007 deadline to meet Federal Clean Air Act requirements approaches, the risks to the state become more urgent. Texas has only a few years to meet EPA air quality standards. Failure to meet the deadline will incur serious and far-reaching consequences.
Air pollution can do more than restrict breathing; it can also strangle the state's mobility and cripple the economy. For example, if Texas doesn't clean its air:
- It may lose billions in federal highway funding, and traffic congestion problems will grow worse than ever.
- The costs of treating lung disease will grow higher than ever.
- These health and mobility challenges will limit the state's efforts to bring new business to Texas and ensure our continued prosperity.
A significant portion of Texas currently does not meet federal clean air standards. Texas has four non-attainment and three near non-attainment areas, comprising 38 counties. These areas represent 70% of the state's population, 76% of aggregate employment, 82% of personal income, and 83% of gross state product. Because of Texas' integrated economy, all parts of the state have a stake in bringing these areas into compliance.
Training and Compliance Tools
Led by the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO), Texas has initiated several efforts to support compliance and enforcement in its new-building energy performance standards:
- Outreach and training for code officials and building professionals. The Energy Systems Laboratory (ESL) at Texas A&M is offering outreach materials and technical assistance on code implementation as required by SB-5. ESL is conducting energy code training throughout the state under a SECO grant and in cooperation with the Texas Association of Builders, Sustainable Living Alliance, and Building Performance & Comfort, Inc. By October 2002, more than 3,000 building professionals will have received training under this program. SECO provides an online list of workshops.
- MECcheck compliance software. MECcheck, developed and distributed by DOE's Building Energy Codes Program, is a nationally recognized tool for easily showing compliance with national model energy codes. Texas builders and designers use MECcheck to demonstrate compliance with Texas' new residential energy performance standards. For more information, download MECcheck.
Texas Builders Adapt to New Energy Standards
Texas Counties by Climatic Zones |
Texas weather varies widely and that means different energy needs for the eight climate zones in Texas. Builders determine which sections of the new code apply to their projects depending on where the project is located.
To help builders determine their specific requirements, a guide has been published containing the climate-divided map of Texas and tables builders can use to reference the specific requirements for windows, insulation, and foundation materials needed for their region. In addition, the guide presents three different construction options based on the amount of window space indicated in the construction or remodeling plans. See The Texas Residential Building Guide to Energy Code Compliance (PDF 876 KB). Download Acrobat Reader.
The new building codes affect all construction, including remodeling and additions to existing structures. Some builders had trouble finding required materials that were scarce until suppliers increased production. SECO's Dub Taylor says that this is starting to happen. "Take window companies, for example," he says. "They've just been waiting for the final word to come down on a code saying, 'we can make whatever it is that is needed.' Now that they know, they're ramping up their production to serve the Texas market." Though initial costs of these building components may be higher, all Texans will benefit from cleaner air and lower energy costs.
Code Adoption Benefits Texas Residents
The changes in how buildings are constructed in Texas as a result of the new legislation will significantly benefit residents. In the first year, the new Texas Building Energy Performance Standards are projected to save nearly 1.75 trillion Btus from residential buildings and $1.1 billion in annual energy costs by 2008.
These efficiency improvements in buildings will reduce emissions from coal-fired and natural gas-fired power plants. The annual reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) is expected to exceed 21,000 tons by 2008 and greatly help the state meet its clean air requirements. Furthermore, the Texas Building Energy Performance Standards are also expected to moderate future peak electric power demand, helping ensure greater reliability within the Texas power system.
Because about 70% of new construction in Texas occurs in non-attainment areas or the "affected counties," the new Texas energy code is a significant step toward a cleaner, more energy-efficient future. Builders across the state are working hard to ensure that Texas meets clean air standards.
SECO has joined forces with the building communities for a smooth transition into the new codes. Their mutual collaboration is integral to Texas' leadership role in promoting energy conservation while protecting air quality, creating a better future for all Texans.
State Energy Offices Bulletin
Stories submitted by state energy offices about their projects.
Colorado
Colorado Energy Assistance Foundation (CEAF) Leads National Energy Campaign
The Colorado Energy Assistance Foundation (CEAF), the National Fuel Funds Network, and the Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation, are working with the Ad Council to launch a national public service advertisement campaign for energy efficiency and conservation. Together, they have raised over $850,000 for this campaign, through partners such as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Home Depot, the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, and a total of thirteen state energy offices, including Colorado, Alaska, Ohio, Missouri, Virginia, Louisiana, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wyoming, Texas, North Dakota, and Kentucky.
You remember the Ad Council because they created Smokey Bear. This campaign will perhaps not get quite so much exposure, yet is expected to get millions worth of public service advertising over the next three years. The campaign will target children in the first and third years, and adults in the second year.
Contact: Maria Finley of CEAF at (303) 825-8750, mfinley@ceaf.org; Rick Grice, Director, Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation at (303) 894-2383, rick.grice@state.co.us
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This home in Douglas County south of Denver is the first in Colorado to demonstrate the concept of powering a home with a (prototype) fuel cell that runs on natural gas. The fuel cell sits in a shed in the back yard, is completely quiet, and produces only water and carbon dioxide as byproducts. |
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Fuel Cell to Provide Residential Power at Parade of Homes
For the first time in Colorado, a fuel cell providing power to a residence and to the electrical grid system is available for public viewing. The fuel cell will be operating at the Parade of Homes from August 31 through October 6, 2002.
Miller Burton Homes, Inc., Built Green ColoradoTM, the City and County of Denver, Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC), Intermountain Rural Electric Association, Plug Power Inc., and Xcel Energy, Inc., collaborated in the installation of this fuel cell. The goal of this project is to demonstrate emerging energy technologies, particularly those that can provide power directly to a home or homes and businesses and can be hooked to the grid to be used by a utility for general distribution. Currently, several customers of Xcel Energy produce energy through photovoltaics and "sell" excess power back to the grid, but, in the future, fuel cells might be used in place of a central power plant. Manufactured by Plug Power Inc., the fuel cell will provide up to 5 kW of electricity to Miller Burton Homes' Roaring Fork Parade Home. The home incorporates energy- and resource-efficient features from the Built Green checklist such as low-e windows, high efficiency heating and cooling equipment on a zoned system, and resource-efficient household appliances.
"The Parade of Homes is an excellent venue to demonstrate the value of micro power at the residential level. Thousands of visitors will see the benefits of micro power and clean energy choices and experience technologies that may impact their futures," said Ed Lewis, OEMC Deputy Director. After the Parade of Homes, the fuel cell will be stationed at the City and County of Denver's fire station at Washington Park, where it will provide a significant part of the facility's power and some domestic hot water.
Indiana
Grant to YMCA for Combined Heat and Power
Indiana Lieutenant Governor Joe Kernan announced in early September that the Energy Policy Division of the state's Department of Commerce (IDC) had provided a grant of $30,000 to the Breeden YMCA in Angola. The grant is to install and test a new, innovative combined heat and power system that will generate electricity and supply hot water for the YMCA building and its two swimming pools. Said Kernan, "The Angola YMCA will operate more efficiently while demonstrating a means to improve the reliability of the electrical grid in Indiana at the same time."
The grant is the maximum IDC offers under its Energy Education and Demonstration grant program.
Iowa
New Wind Turbine to Help Power Clarion-Goldfield School District
Clarion-Goldfield is Iowa's latest school district to adopt wind power as an energy source. The district installed a 50-kW turbine near its high school in Clarion and began producing electricity on June 15.
According to Dr. Robert Olson, superintendent at Clarion-Goldfield Community Schools, the district became interested in wind energy about seven years ago when it saw other Iowa school districts installing turbines for power production. "Wind energy offers an excellent opportunity for us to meet electricity needs, but more importantly, to create a hands-on learning experience for our students," said Olson. The school is planning to create a physics/renewable energy curriculum that includes monitoring of the turbine's electricity production, wind speeds and posting on the district's Web site.
The school district received technical assistance from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Wind Utility Consulting, a company based in Jefferson, IA. Financial assistance came from a U.S. DOE grant for more than $26,000, as well as $110,000 in low-interest loans through the DNR Energy Bank program and the Iowa Energy Center's Alternate Energy Revolving Loan program. The turbine should save the district $6,000 to $9,000 in annual energy costs, depending on wind availability.
Solar Energy Dealers Encouraged to Contact Department of Natural Resources
The Iowa DNR is developing a Midwest Photovoltaic (PV) "Yellow Pages" to create a complete guide of PV system installers, manufacturers, and retailers in the Midwest. Solar energy dealers can be included in this guide, free of charge, by contacting the Iowa DNR. The PV Yellow Pages will be available on CD-Rom and the Internet, and will include information on solar energy professionals, educational resources, financial incentives, interconnection issues, and more. The guide will provide detailed contacts from Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, and Nebraska. The Midwest Photovoltaic Yellow Pages is being developed through grant funds from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Kansas
Energy Office Sponsors Wind Energy Conference
Kansas Wind Energy 2002 will be in Lawrence, Kansas, on October 1-2, 2002. The conference is a third in a series sponsored by the Kansas Corporation Commission's (KCC) Energy Programs and the U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Powering America. Kansas has been touted as the number one state (U.S. PIRG, Feb. 2002) for potential wind resources. According to Jim Ploger, Manager of Energy Programs at the KCC, "the potential of a billion dollars worth of wind development over the next decade has really stirred up interest on all fronts."
On Tuesday, October 1, the meeting will be devoted to small wind and solar systems for use on farms and homes. Also on Tuesday's agenda will be interconnect issues, state policies around the U.S., and a panel with Kansas legislative representatives. The second full day of the meeting (Oct. 2) will focus on commercial wind farm development in the state.
An active Kansas Renewable Energy Working Group has been formed to focus on renewable energy issues, especially wind, according to Ploger. This ad hoc, non-profit, non-partisan working group was formed this summer to bring together interested parties to address common interests and concerns. The working group will also meet in conjunction with the conference on the morning of October 1.
Michigan
Michigan Public Service Commission Allows New Renewables Program
The Michigan Public Service Commission granted authority in late July to Consumers Energy Company to establish a pilot program for renewable energy. The pilot will last for three years and will be available to all of the utility's customers. Consumers Energy is headquartered in Jackson, Michigan and serves more than 1.6 million customers.
Participating customers will be able to purchase renewable energy produced from wind, solar, or "other acceptable forms of renewable energy resources" in blocks of 10%, 50% or 100% of their bill. There is a sliding scale for the purchases from $0.003 to $0.03 per kWh. In addition, the commission granted the utility permission to treat some of the costs of the program as regulatory assets.
Six Energy Demonstration Centers Receive Grants
The Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services (CIS) Energy Office is distributing $129,360 in energy grants for local energy demonstration centers in six Michigan communities. Noelle A. Clark, CIS director, said, "Energy demonstration centers allow homeowners and builders to see energy-efficient products and materials in use so they can consider using these alternatives for existing or new homes. Community efforts to help homeowners reduce their energy costs are an effective way to help consumers save money and protect our environmental resources at the same time." Planning grants will be awarded to three non-profit organizations to help them establish new local energy demonstration centers. Grants will be awarded to make it possible for three existing centers and the three new centers to conduct energy efficient home seminars and tours of the energy demonstration centers. See the CIS press release.
Two Michigan Cities Receive Grants for Alternative Fuel Vehicles
The CIS Energy Office has awarded $20,000 grants to the City of Lansing and the City of Ann Arbor to encourage alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) and alternative fuel purchases by local fleets. Most public and private fleet owners in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, and Washtenaw counties will be eligible for cash incentives that offset some of the incremental costs for AFVs and to offset some alternative fuel costs. The projects will include an educational campaign to inform fleet drivers and local citizens about the use of alternative fuels in the community and their environmental benefits. The grants support Greater Lansing and Ann Arbor's participation in DOE's Clean Cities program.
Clean Cities promotes voluntary AFV use and infrastructure development to help the U.S. achieve energy security and improved air quality with clean burning, domestically produced alternative fuels. See the CIS press release.
Minnesota
Minnesota Energy Code Upgrades Prove Beneficial
A Minnesota Department of Commerce State Energy Office report shows that several revisions to the state's energy code since 1994 have improved the quality and energy efficiency of new homes. During the study, financed by U.S. DOE, a sample of 43 homes built in 1994, 1998, and 2000 received performance testing and visual inspections. Homeowners were interviewed regarding energy use, comfort issues, indoor air quality, and mechanical system operation and maintenance. Utility usage was monitored and analyzed to quantify energy savings resulting from efficiency upgrades.
Missouri
Bonds Issued for Revolving Loan Program
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Energy Center, in conjunction with the Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority, has issued bonds to leverage additional funding for the Public Schools and Local Government Energy Revolving Loan Fund. The first series of bonds were issued for $4.7 million dollars for projects to 30 school districts and local governments. The department is currently approving loan applications for a second bond issuance. Using existing loan funds to leverage bonds will allow the department to issue more and larger loans to schools and local governments. Since the inception of the loan program in 1989, the department has made more than $32 million dollars in loans to Missouri schools and local governments, saving loan recipients more than $6 million dollars a year in energy costs.
Missouri Utility Settlement Helps Fund Energy Efficiency
The Missouri Energy Center advocated for energy efficiency investments in an over-earnings complaint case filed by the Missouri Public Service Commission Staff against the state's largest electric utility, AmerenUE. A settlement agreement was reached by all parties that includes funding through 2006 totaling $4 million for energy efficiency programs in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors and $4 million for weatherization assistance. A time-of-use pilot project and demand response programs that result in load reductions of 200 MW are also included. Program plans are to be developed through collaborative committees of interested signatories to the agreement.
New Hampshire
Building Energy Conservation Results
In 1997, New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen established the Building Energy Conservation Initiative (BECI) to analyze state buildings for energy and resource conservation opportunities. BECI utilizes energy savings performance contracting, which allows agencies to perform energy retrofits and building upgrades using energy savings (over ten years or less) to pay for the project cost.
Under the auspices of the Governor's Office of Energy and Community Services (ECS), BECI is designed specifically for energy-improving measures, such as lighting and HVAC upgrades and other projects that an energy services company can guarantee are feasible within BECI.
In citing BECI as a model program for other states in taking environmental and fiscal responsibility, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that the initiative is expected to save the state up to $4 million annually when it is completed. To date, three BECI projects have been completed: the Acute Psychiatric Services facility at the State Hospital, a portion of the New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord, and the state-owned facilities of the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission. At the psychiatric facility, the state has reduced energy costs by nearly $150,000 in the two quarters since the BECI upgrades were completed. New lighting and other electrical upgrades made the most significant single difference, averaging, 21% cost savings.
ECS Receives Six DOE Grants
ECS recently received notification of more than $506,000 in special projects grant funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. All six of the proposals ECS submitted were funded, resulting in projected economic activity of more than $2.2 million.
The grants include $125,000 for the Rebuild New Hampshire program (see story in this issue), which has received U.S. DOE funding for an unprecedented five straight years under the leadership of Energy Projects Manager Kirk Stone.
A $100,000 grant to the Granite State Clean Cities Coalition will pay for incremental costs in the purchase of 10 new, natural-gas-powered sedans by Regal Limousines in North Hampton, NH (see story, this issue). In addition to promoting the use of alternative fuel vehicles, this purchase will make possible the construction of a privately owned, fast-fill natural gas fueling station in Hampton.
Another $100,000 grant will help the New Hampshire Industries of the Future program continue to support businesses across the state with technical assistance and resources to help them remain competitive by reducing energy use and waste.
A study of the feasibility of bio-oil production in New Hampshire was one of only seven renewable fuels projects U.S. DOE funded nationwide. The $99,000.00 grant will help determine whether there is a market here for bio-oil, both as a fuel and as a raw material for other products.
The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) awarded ECS' Building Energy Conservation Initiative (BECI) program $52,144 for energy-efficiency upgrades at the New Hampshire Army National Guard facilities around the state. Only six such projects were authorized across the nation.
These federal funds make possible important efforts in energy efficiency and technology development while fostering an increase in economic development. The grants for Rebuild, FEMP, and Clean Cities, for example, result in substantial amounts of local economic activity in building renovation and construction activity. The bio-oil project will help North Country economic development groups and state agencies assess the potential of bio-oil, and, if it is viable, help create a strategy to catalyze investment in bio-oil facilities in the state and create jobs.
Grant Will Support Energy Advisor for NH School Districts
The Governor's Office of Energy and Community Services (ECS) has received a $125,000 U.S. Department of Energy grant to expand and continue two programs designed to help make public buildings more energy efficient. The grant was made to Rebuild New Hampshire, the state's chapter of Rebuild America. Rebuild New Hampshire works with public and private entities, providing information and technical assistance to help them build and renovate facilities that will be energy efficient, reduce pollution, and save money. Rebuild New Hampshire is one of several energy programs ECS provides for New Hampshire residents, businesses, municipalities, and schools.
Under the grant, an energy resource manager will work with communities in the Littleton area, and a "circuit rider" position will work statewide, assisting local school districts in their planning for the construction of high-performance energy efficient school buildings.
More information on high-performance schools is available from Energy Smart Schools.
U.S. DOE Grants $100,000 for Natural Gas Vehicles
The New Hampshire Governor's Office of Energy and Community Services (ECS) announced a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the Granite State Clean Cities Coalition (GSCCC) to increase the number of clean-burning vehicles in New Hampshire. The grant will be used to pay the incremental cost of 10 new natural gas powered Ford Crown Victorias for the Executive Airport sedan fleet of Regal Limousine Service in North Hampton, N.H.
"We must reduce America's dependence on foreign oil and look for new solutions to meet our energy and transportation needs. With the Granite State Clean Cities Coalition we are doing just that — giving consumers more options for environmentally friendly transportation and assisting our efforts to become more energy independent," Gov. Jeanne Shaheen said.
The cars will be purchased and placed into service by Regal, which is one of 40 stakeholders in the GSCCC. Other stakeholders include cities and towns, state agencies, private transportation companies, fuel suppliers, auto manufacturers, and transit agencies. Working to promote the use of alternative fuels in transportation, expand the network of refueling stations in New Hampshire, reduce air pollution and decrease United States reliance on imported oil, the GSCCC was officially designated May 31 as part of DOE's Clean Cities program. ECS and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services jointly coordinate the GSCCC.
The refueling facility at Regal will be open to the public, thereby making natural gas available as an alternative fuel in that area of the state.
Web site, 800 Number Lead to Savings for NH Electric Customers
A Web site and toll-free telephone number are now available to help residential and commercial electric customers throughout New Hampshire save money on their electric bills through $19 million in energy efficiency programs offered by the state's electric utilities, according to the Governor's Office of Energy and Community Services (ECS). Consumers can call 1-877-nhsave3 (1.877.647.2833) or visit NHsaves.
NHsaves provides detailed information on the "core" energy efficiency programs that are common to New Hampshire's six electric distribution utilities. A product of the restructuring of New Hampshire's electric industry, the energy efficiency programs were rolled out in June by Public Service of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, Unitil's Concord Electric and Exeter and Hampton electric companies, Granite State Electric Company, and the Connecticut Valley Electric Company.
The programs are designed to help both homeowners and business owners achieve energy efficiency, according to ECS Director MaryAnn Manoogian. "We are pleased that our electric utilities are working together to provide these important programs to their customers around the state. The core programs offer a variety of rebates and other incentives to help people save money on their electric bill while conserving energy," said Manoogian. The programs are scheduled to run in an 18-month trial period that began June 1.
The energy efficiency programs are administered by the utilities, and ECS expects high participation levels, Manoogian noted. "In 2001, a PUC survey of New Hampshire residential and business ratepayers identified that many customers want to conserve energy to reduce their electric costs and to protect the environment. These important programs allow us to do both."
"The core programs will complement the energy programs already available to the people of New Hampshire," Manoogian said. ECS currently offers several energy programs, including Weatherization, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Rebuild New Hampshire, Industries of the Future, Energy Codes, the Granite State Clean Cities Coalition, and the Building Energy Conservation Initiative.
New York
$7.8 Million in Energy Programs for New York Schools
Governor George E. Pataki announced in late August two new energy initiatives for New York's schools. The initiatives will help schools identify opportunities for energy efficiency upgrades as well as install solar electric photovoltaic panels to generate on-site power. They are offered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and will greatly reduce the costs associated with installing renewable energy systems and conducting the energy audits necessary to identify efficiency opportunities.
"Schools are a perfect environment for implementing energy efficiency and installing renewable energy systems because we can use these initiatives to encourage our children to make smart and sustainable energy choices," Governor Pataki said. "But, equally important, energy efficiency and the solar energy systems will help to lower the energy costs for our schools and reduce the environmental impacts of school energy use."
NYSERDA's $1.8 million School Power...Naturally program will provide 90% of the $20,000 cost to help as many as 50 schools install solar energy systems.
To check on progress of the new NYSERDA program, visit School Power...Naturally.
New York Provides $17 Million for Five Wind Power Facilities
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will provide $17 million to support the development of 315 megawatts (MW) of wind power in upstate New York. New York Governor George E. Pataki announced that grants of up to $5 million will go toward five wind energy projects, including a 100-MW wind power plant in Lewis County, a 75-MW wind plant in both Stueben and Yates counties, a 51-MW wind plant in Chautauqua County, a 50-MW wind plant in Erie County, and a 40.5-MW plant in Otsego County.
NYSERDA will award the $17 million pending successful negotiations with each of the five developers and upon completion of the site development.
NYSERDA also awarded $258,000 in late July toward a study of the potential to develop wind along the urbanized shoreline of Erie County, which includes the city of Buffalo. The study by Ecology & Environment, Inc. involves monitoring six shoreline sites to determine if there is adequate wind speed for a wind power project and will produce computer simulations showing what an eventual wind facility might look like along the shoreline. For more information, see the governor's press release.
South Carolina
Energy Office Hosts Earth Camp
What was the most plentiful form of energy in South Carolina this summer? It was the 45 boys and girls who attended the first-annual Earth Camp in Aiken, SC. Hosted by the South Carolina Energy Office and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control's Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling, Earth Camp energized the fifth- and sixth- graders about the environment. Through hands-on lessons on energy, air, water, and recycling, campers learned that their actions can have huge impacts. Campers were charged a $50 registration fee for the 3-� day camp. At registration, each camper was given $50 in Camp Bucks to spend in the Camp Store. The store was stocked with cool back-to-school items such as note pads made from recycled tires, key chains made from bicycle chains, recycled content pencils and pens, and fun stuff such as CD holders and sketch pads made from old license plates. Days were filled with a tight schedule of classes, meals, group project time, guest speakers, and recreation. Earth Camp was sponsored by International Paper.
Tennessee
New Web Site Takes Energy Education to the Classroom
The Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD) has launched a new Web site that allows students and teachers access to a variety of energy facts and resources online. ECD calls the Web site the Tennessee Energy Education Network (TEEN).
The site is divided into six sections, including For Teachers, Contests, All About Energy, Games, Kids Page and Energy Links. Teachers have access to energy teaching materials customized to specific grade levels, such as student activity newsletters and energy songbooks. Teachers can also request a classroom presentation booklet, with information about entertaining and interactive presentations offered by TEEN. The Web site also gives students a chance to play energy games or learn how to participate in energy education contests.
ECD intends for TEEN to promote energy education in schools throughout Tennessee. Working with schools and community organizations, TEEN conducts teacher in-service training workshops, classroom presentations, energy education training conferences, and provides free teaching materials for the classroom. The National Energy Education Development Program (NEED) has recognized TEEN as the best state program in the nation. The TEEN staff is also the recipient of NEED's 2002 Distinguished Service Award.
Texas
Sun Power Lighting Schools, Teaching Students in Texas
As the industries and population of Texas grow, the need for energy increases. In a state known for oil and gas, there is also an abundance of alternative energy sources, including renewable ones such as solar power. "Texas ranks high in solar energy potential," says Pam Groce of the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO), a branch of the Comptroller's office. "Just ask any Texan on a hot July day. We might as well put it to work for us."
One of SECO's projects is Texas Solar for Schools, which is demonstrating how to use solar energy in 11 public schools across the state. "The solar energy systems produce one kilowatt of power, which is enough to meet the power needs of one classroom. But energy savings isn't the goal," says Groce. "Our objective is to teach children, their parents and the community about the value of Texas' renewable energy resources—in this case, solar power." SECO also distributes lessons plans to teachers for use in the classroom.
SECO contracted with Conservation Services Group, Inc. (CSG), a private renewable energy consulting firm, to install the solar energy systems at all 11 schools for a total cost of about $200,000. The solar panels and accompanying hardware and software are configured to allow students to monitor how much energy is produced and chart it on a classroom computer. SECO also provides teacher training at each school soon after the system is installed.
Another SECO Web site tells visitors how they can use renewable energy in their daily lives and is titled Infinite Power of Texas.
Wisconsin
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Accompanied by famous state athletes, Wisconsin Governor Scott McCallum launches in late August 2002 one of the country's most comprehensive energy efficiency programs, Focus on Energy. |
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Focus on Energy
Wisconsin Governor Scott McCallum, Olympic speed skating Gold Medal winner and Wisconsin native Casey FitzRandolph, and Green Bay Packer legend and NFL Hall-of-Famer Willie Wood all teamed up to officially launch Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program, a statewide energy efficiency initiative.
In introducing the Governor, John Marx, administrator, Department of Administration's Division of Energy, noted to the group of lawmakers and other guests assembled in the governor's state Capitol conference room that "the issue of energy conservation and its role in the economic vitality of this state is not a political issue, but a commitment shared by all Wisconsin residents."
Governor McCallum called Focus on Energy an important tool in promoting economic development in the state. "Energy efficiency is a basic component of a strong and competitive economy," said Governor McCallum. "Expanding the production and use of energy efficiency technologies offers the opportunities to create entire new industries in Wisconsin. Using existing energy resources more efficiently is a sound strategy for fueling a strong economy, improving environmental quality and creating a higher standard of living."
Focus on Energy is an innovative public/private partnership that strives to increase energy efficiency while saving businesses and residential customers money. Energy information and services are delivered throughout Wisconsin by a group of firms contracted by the Wisconsin Department of Administration's Division of Energy and then offered to energy utility customers throughout the state. This program aims to encourage energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy, enhance the environment, support rural economic development, and ensure the future supply of energy for Wisconsin. For more information, call 1-800-762-7077 or visit Wisconsin Focus on Energy.
Wyoming
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East High School in Cheyenne uses this new micro-turbine to provide electricity and to heat its swimming pool. |
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Microturbines, Combined Heat and Power at Cheyenne High School
Laramie County School District Number 1 in Cheyenne, Wyoming is completing installation of two Capstone microturbines at East High School in Cheyenne. The microturbines, one rated at 60 kW and another at 30 kW, will fill several functions. The 60-kW unit will supply part of the school's electricity load, and its waste heat will be used to heat East's Olympic-size swimming pool. The 30-kW unit, which is not yet on line, will supply the power for the lights at Okie Blanchard Stadium, a facility that is used for football, soccer and track and field.
The microturbines are part of an energy services contract entered into between the Cheyenne School District and Viron Engineering of Salt Lake City, Utah. Dalton Jones, Energy Manager for the school district, reports "Challenges encountered during installation of the microturbines were amplified by the fact that neither the school district, nor the state, nor the city of Cheyenne had ever handled such an installation before. Nevertheless, we are very happy with the results." Jones made a presentation on the East High system at the State Energy Program-Rebuild America Conference in New Orleans in July.
State Energy Information
New state Web sites and publications, and DOE pubs dealing with energy efficiency and renewable energy in the states.
Energy Efficiency and Electric System Reliability
(PDF 347 KB)
The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) published this evaluation of state energy efficiency programs in 2001. The report concludes that efficiency programs in New York and New England saved enough energy in 2001 to reduce peak demand in these areas by more than 4,300 MW, which is the equivalent rating of 15 medium sized power plants. The report was partially sponsored by the California Energy Commission, New York Energy Research and Development Authority, several California utilities, and DOE; 43 pp; April, 2002.