March-April 2004
Conservation Update
Feature Article
Energy Hogs...A New Advertising Campaign Raises Consumer Awareness on Saving Energy
by Maria Ellingson, Director, Efficiency and Conservation Program, Energy Outreach Colorado
 Character featured in a new Energy Hog campaign to raise awareness of residential energy efficiency. (Credit: Efficiency and Conservation Programs for Outreach Colorado) |
 An Energy Hog, squeezing out of the icemaker of an old refrigerator, sucks energy from Dad's hairdryer and blows it back at him. (Credit: Efficiency and Conservation Programs for Outreach Colorado) |
Do you have energy hogs in YOUR house? If you have costly energy bills or uncomfortable rooms (and chances are you do), you need to get the energy hogs out.
That's the message behind a new DOE-sponsored national awareness campaign slated to debut in early 2004 by the Ad Council — creators of "Smokey Bear" and "Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk." This three-year campaign features a dastardly new character, the Energy Hog, and raises awareness of the benefits of residential energy efficiency and conservation by teaching kids and their parents the importance of saving energy. The campaign aims to inspire kids to take the message home to their parents to reduce current demands on energy and create a future generation of energy-conscious adults.
The Issue
According to the National Energy Policy, during the next 20 years, U.S. natural gas consumption will increase by more than 50% and electricity by 45%. This campaign strives to decelerate these trends by raising public awareness about the benefits of saving energy at home. By practicing simple conservation measures, families can build strong energy habits, reduce energy bills, and help their communities reduce energy-related pollution.
Key Messages
The campaign will promote the benefits of energy conservation and energy efficiency, including:
- Savings on utility bills: By reducing monthly energy bills, families save money.
- Better environment: By using less energy, we reduce harmful energy-related emissions.
- Increased awareness of new technologies: Low-e windows, compact fluorescent lamps define, and ENERGY STAR® appliances that consume significantly less energy.
How the Energy Hogs Campaign Started
Energy Outreach Colorado, a nonprofit organization that raises money to assist low-income families with their energy bills, initiated the energy hog campaign with the support of the Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC) and the National Fuel Funds Network. With the help of OEMC and the DOE Denver Regional Office, the team raised more than $200,000 from state energy offices in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) committed $325,000 for the first year of the campaign, the Home Depot contributed $300,000 per year, and the North American Insulation Manufacturers association contributed $100,000 per year. The partnership has raised more than $900,000 for the first year of the campaign.
The Ad Council produces, distributes, promotes, and evaluates national public service campaigns on behalf of nonprofit organizations and government agencies. It has created famous campaigns, including:
- "Smokey Bear," recognized by 95% of adults and 77% of children.
- "Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk," 70% of Americans have tried to stop someone from driving drunk.
- "Crash Test Dummies, Vince and Larry," increased seat belt use from 14% to 79%, saving an estimated 85,000 lives.
The council uses its expertise to promote national issues that PSA messaging can influence. Children ages 8 to 13 will be targeted during the first and third years, and parents during the second year.
Background
Energy Outreach Colorado is a nonprofit organization that raises money to help low-income families in Colorado to pay their energy bills. During the winter of 2000-2001, the shock of higher natural gas prices increased the need for emergency bill payment assistance. Energy Outreach Colorado recognized the need to educate the public about taking control of bills by saving energy.
"We feel it is important that people understand how to reduce their own energy use so they can become more financially stable," said Skip Arnold, executive director for Energy Outreach Colorado. "Unlike the set mortgage, rent, or medical bills that need to paid each month, people can better control how much their energy bill will be."
Research and Development of the Energy Hogs Campaign
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To determine an approach that would motivate children to help save energy at home, Energy Outreach Colorado studied the attitudes of children ages 8 to 13 toward an overall awareness of energy efficiency and conservation issues and behaviors. The following questions framed the evaluation:
- Where do children currently learn about energy-related issues?
- What kinds of words do children use when discussing these issues?
- What might motivate them to save energy at home?
The key findings were:
- In general, the topic of energy saving is of low interest to these participants.
- The reason chosen most enthusiastically for saving energy was "because it's the right thing to do." (This was chosen ahead of other reasons, such as lower energy bills, environmental reasons, etc.)
- Participants primarily would look to the Internet for information on saving energy, but would not visit a Web site unless it promised to be fun.
- This campaign must speak beyond the rational benefits that most kids accept regarding saving energy to effect change.
The Ad Council recommended positioning the message in such a way to:
- Acknowledge this age group's limited understanding of and interest in the topic.
- Input the rational and emotional levers that would provide relevant messaging.
- Recognize that the Web site could be the catalyst for understanding and action.
- Focus the imagery, and work to create a "movement" that captures the rational and emotional benefits of saving energy.
Hence, the Energy Hog was born. The energy hog puts an engaging face to the concept of wasting energy, taking a topic of low interest and making it fun for children, while empowering them to inspire their parents to make wise energy choices. The Energy Hog is the "spokes-villain" for the campaign, and a character kids can love to hate. As the "bad guy," his presence in homes causes high energy bills and uncomfortable rooms. But he can be stopped. Due to the complex subject matter and nature of short advertising (30- or 60-second commercials), the ads do not attempt to teach about saving energy, but instead are intended to stimulate interest and inspire viewers to visit the Web site.
What the Energy Hogs Campaign Will Include
 Several different Energy Hogs can be found on the Web site. Each loves to waste energy in a different way, and there are different ways to stop each as kids learn to save energy at home. (Credit: Efficiency and Conservation Programs for Energy Outreach Colorado) |
This campaign will include TV and radio ads, web banners, and an interactive website. The public service announcements (PSA) empower kids to practice good energy-saving behaviors with their parents to make their homes more energy efficient.
TV
Two television advertisements were created pro bono by the Tracy Locke Partnership of Dallas. The spots feature talking Energy Hogs that pop up in homes where energy is being wasted. For example, one television PSA shows a hog popping out from an old refrigerator and another features an exterminator who arrives at a house that is not conserving energy and is, therefore, invaded by Energy Hogs.
Radio
The four radio spots reflect the spirit and strategy of the television spots. One radio ad features three hogs setting out on a trail to find a house where energy was being wasted. In all the PSAs, children come to the rescue and get rid of the evil hogs by logging on to their computers and visiting a new Web site, where they train to become "official energy hog busters" and learn fun and simple ways to use energy more efficiently.
Web Site
We learned from our research that kids today love to play computer games and go on line, but that they wouldn't visit a Web site to learn about energy unless it promised to be fun. With this in mind, the Web site was designed to attract kids by offering a series of five games they can play while becoming familiar with ways to save energy. If they win all five games, they become official energy hog busters and can print out certificates. In addition, with their parents they can complete an "energy hog scavenger hunt," a mini-energy audit of their own home. The kids say it is fun, and you might also enjoy the Hog Busters Training Camp.
State Energy Offices Bulletin
Stories submitted by state energy offices about their projects.
Arkansas
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SmarterArchitecture Features Arkansas communities and buildings — such as the Clinton Library — that use sustainable concepts. (Credit: William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Foundation) |
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Arkansas High-Performance Buildings Featured in SmarterArchitecture
Arkansas recently published SmarterArchitecture, a 170-page, full-color book that is available to energy offices and state agencies across the country. It shows how design professionals, building owners, and community leaders can be stewards of the environment and promote economic development. It is published by the Arkansas Department of Economic Development, Arkansas Energy Office, and the University of Arkansas Community Design Center.
The book highlights communities and buildings that use sustainable concepts and energy-efficient design and technologies. The case studies and testimonials profiled in SmarterArchitecture are examples of community and economic development that transcend Arkansas borders.
District of Columbia
Washington, D.C. Focuses on Multifamily Weatherization
To reduce energy consumption for low-income residents in the District of Columbia, the D.C. Energy Office increased its efforts to provide services to apartment buildings under the District's weatherization program, known as the Residential Conservation Assistance Program (RCAP). Under RCAP regulations, an entire building can receive weatherization services if:
- At least two-thirds of its residents are eligible to receive assistance under Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) income guidelines, and
- Landlords contribute 25% of the total cost.
Over the past two years, landlords have contributed approximately $500,000 of their own funds toward weatherization projects, which are used in turn for other projects to reduce the energy burden for District residents. The D.C. Energy Office estimates the annual energy savings from these projects are worth $350,000.
Altogether, weatherization services have been provided to 1,587 residences over the past two years, of which 75% were apartments. The measures installed were determined by a DOE-approved computerized multifamily energy audit and included installing:
- Boilers for master-metered buildings,
- Energy-efficient double-glazed windows to replace single-pane windows, and
- New heat pumps in individual apartments.
Minnesota
Minnesota Schools Receive "Community Wind" Grant
The Northfield School District and Carleton College in Minnesota were awarded a Department of Commerce "Community Wind" grant. The $150,000 grant is for a community-owned wind project, examples of which include educational institutions and nonprofit and government organizations.
The two schools proposed a project that features two independently owned and operated 1.65-megawatt (MW) utility-scale turbines. The turbines are expected to be fully operational, providing electricity to a Minnesota electric utility by June 30, 2005. The turbines will generate nearly 5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually.
The proposal included a detailed wind resource study by RENew Northfield that documents average wind speeds of 17 miles per hour (mph) at a height of 70 meters — which makes the project feasible. The award is the result of the collective work of the Northfield Wind Energy Task Force.
Missouri
Missouri Provides Incentives to State Agencies to Use Biodiesel Fuel
The EPAct credit banking and selling program allows state agencies to buy B20 biodiesel fuel for their fleets with revenues generated from the sale of EPAct credits. The Missouri Energy Center has played a pivotal role in selling EPAct credits so other Missouri state agencies can buy the fuel. The Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources are using B20 biodiesel, and the Missouri Department of Corrections will soon start a pilot program for using B20.
Missouri Tests a Litter-Fueled Heater for Poultry Industry
Just as elsewhere in the U.S. poultry industry, Missouri growers are faced with two challenges that affect their profit margins and the environment:
- The potential for surface and groundwater contamination caused by manure- and litter-saturated soil.
- The high cost of heating fuel to maintain proper temperatures in their poultry houses.
Most growers operate on extremely close operating margins and heating is one of their largest costs. Using litter as fuel to provide the needed heat could solve both problems at the same time while improving the viability of Missouri's poultry industry.
Up to now no one has developed an affordable, dependable litter-fueled heater. But a new prototype heater is now being tested by a unique partnership of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Southwest Missouri Resource Conservation and Development Council, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). They have developed a yearlong demonstration project to monitor on-farm litter-fueled heaters on three sites to see if it proves viable for poultry growers. Calculations suggest that the Btu content of the litter produced in a broiler house each year is very close to the house's energy needs for a year. Fuel from manure may offset the increasing costs of propane and natural gas, and mean the difference between profit and loss for these growers.
Missouri Wind Resource Maps Published on the Internet
Missouri has published online wind resource maps. The maps, produced by TrueWind Solutions, are pending validation by the National Renewable Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
The wind speed maps show the predicted mean wind speed (amount of wind energy) in Missouri at heights of 30, 50, 70, and 100 meters above ground level. A typical tower height for large utility-scale wind turbines with rated capacities of 750 kilowatts (kW) to 2 megawatts (MW) is 70 meters. A typical height for small turbines — with rated capacities of less than 50 kW — is 30 meters, which is consistent with on-farm or residential use.
Comparisons of the maps indicate a substantial increase in wind energy as the distance from the ground increases. Generally, utility-scale turbines that service the electrical grid require an average wind speed of at least 16 mph. Small-scale turbines such as those used by farmers and homeowners are designed to operate at lower wind speeds, and may be useful at average speeds as low as 11-13 mph.
Missouri's Metropolitan Energy Center Develops Curriculum
Missouri's Metropolitan Energy Center (MEC) formed the Energy Works Energy Education Project to provide:
- Teachers in area schools with lesson plans that have energy themes relevant to their curricula, and
- Energy audits and energy improvements to participating schools.
Energy Works, an ongoing project, recently kicked off its first 12-hour energy education workshop titled, "Energy for Missouri: Today and Tomorrow." The free workshop explores sources of energy and how it is produced, and environmental and economic impacts of energy use in Missouri and the world. In addition to the classroom curriculum, Energy Works provided a hands-on training session to review the process and results of an energy audit.
New Mexico
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Demos Hydrogen-Fueled Vehicle
 New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, right, demos a hydrogen-powered Toyota Highlander mid-size SUV. (Credit: Rene Parker, New State Energy Office) |
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson called attention to New Mexico's leadership role in hydrogen fuel cell technology in December 2003, during a demonstration of a hydrogen-powered Toyota Highlander mid-size SUV.
The New Mexico State Energy Office — Energy Conservation and Management Division of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department — currently participates in the Hydrogen Technology Partnership (HyTeP). The Energy Office is focusing its HyTeP efforts on financing and developing hydrogen-refueling infrastructure for strategic New Mexico locations, as well as stationary fuel cell applications.
In addition, U.S. Department of Energy laboratories located in New Mexico and New Mexico universities have strong capabilities in:
- Fuel cell research. Los Alamos National Laboratory has more than 25 years experience.
- Hydrogen storage. Sandia National Laboratories is a leader in research and development, and the University of New Mexico researches nanotechnology.
- Hybrid power systems controls. New Mexico State University is developing these controls.
- Testing. New Mexico is home to the country's leading testing environments at New Mexico Tech and White Sands Missile Range.
"We'll continue to grow our outstanding research universities and we'll build a cutting-edge workforce that will be very attractive to high-tech businesses looking to start up or relocate," said Governor Richardson.
New York
New York ENERGY STAR® Homes Catching On
Builders in New York have responded to the popularity of ENERGY STAR labeled homes by building more than 1,500 of them in 2003, and more than 2,300 since 2000. The New York ENERGY STAR Labeled Home initiative is sponsored by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and is implemented through its New York Energy $martSM Program. The goal for 2004 is to build 2,500 more homes.
"A New York ENERGY STAR Labeled Home offers homeowners a more comfortable, healthier living environment, while saving money on their energy bill," said Peter Smith, acting president of NYSERDA. "Exceeding our annual goal proves that this message is getting across to consumers." The homes use 30% less energy than conventionally built new homes.
New York has some of the most stringent standards for ENERGY STAR labeled homes. Each home must pass a rigorous evaluation by a Home Energy Rating System evaluator, including computer-based energy analysis, inspections, and certification testing to verify performance. This helps ensure that the home is properly insulated, well ventilated with high performance heating/cooling systems, and that all the cracks and gaps in the home are well sealed. Each qualifying home receives an ENERGY STAR designation from the EPA, which is a point of distinction for the homeowner and proof that the home will perform to high-efficiency energy performance levels.
There are also environmental advantages. New York ENERGY STAR labeled homes constructed to date have saved nearly a million kilowatt hours, or enough electricity to power nearly 170 homes for a year. Since the average home pollutes more than the average car, home energy use accounts for more than 20% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. However, just one ENERGY STAR labeled home can keep 4,500 pounds of greenhouse gases out of the air each year.
Interested homeowners or builders can call 877-697-6278 or visit New York Energy $mart.
New York ENERGY STAR® Labeled Home Saves Energy Dollars
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Essex Homes of Western New York, Sea Gull Lighting, and Prime Energy Solutions, Inc. have teamed to build an ENERGY STAR labeled home with a 2-kW photovoltaic (PV) system. Located in Pendleton, New York, the home produces its own electricity and is built to strict guidelines that reduce energy use by 30% compared to a conventionally built home.
As part of a demonstration project with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center, NYSERDA is monitoring how much power the PV system produces and how much power the house uses. An important element of a New York ENERGY STAR labeled home is extensive performance and testing. Each home must pass a stringent evaluation that includes computer-based energy analysis, inspection, and certification testing. This advanced whole house performance testing helps ensure that the home is properly insulated, doors and windows are installed correctly, and all the cracks and gaps in the home are sealed.
"The economic and environmental advantages of these homes are enough to convince homeowners to build to the New York ENERGY STAR Labeled Homes standards," said Peter Smith, acting president of NYSERDA.
New York Program Offers Incentives to Reduce Peak-Load
The Peak-Load Reduction Program, offered under the umbrella of New York Energy $martSM is making available $10.5 million in financial incentives to reduce peak electric demand in New York State, particularly New York City, for the summer of 2004.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), as administrator of the New York Energy $martSM Program, is seeking applications from eligible contractors (facility owners/operators or service providers) to identify and implement one or more of four project components:
- Permanent Demand Reduction Efforts,
- Load Curtailment/Shifting,
- Dispatchable Emergency Generator Initiatives, and
- Interval Meters.
New York State Energy Programs Earn National Recognition
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a nonprofit research group based in Washington, D.C., recognized two NYSERDA programs for natural gas energy efficiency:
- The Flex Tech program, which focuses on increased productivity and economic competitiveness by identifying and encouraging the implementation of cost-effective energy-efficiency measures for businesses.
- The Home Performance Residential ENERGY STAR program, which can help homeowners save as much as 30% on their energy bills. Under this program a contractor certified by the Building Performance Institute identifies and fixes a variety of home energy efficiency problems, including poor insulation, wasted heat, and ineffective moisture control. Financial assistance is also available under the program.
ACEEE initiated this awards program in 2003 to recognize outstanding natural gas energy efficiency programs and honor the people and organizations responsible for their success. ACEEE selected 29 programs from around the nation for this honor along with five special case studies for multiparty collaborations and comprehensive program portfolios.
North Carolina
North Carolina Workshop Trains Future Wind Technology Professionals
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The 1-kW turbine from Bergey Windpower sits atop a 104-foot tower and will supply power to the adjoining NCSU Solar House and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Facility.
The 1000-Watt turbine from Bergey Windpower sits atop a 104-foot tower and will supply power to the adjoining NCSU Solar House and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Facility.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Promotes Geoexchange Technology
With financial assistance from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC) has begun to implement an awareness campaign in Oklahoma that promotes the use of geoexchange technology as an energy-efficient method of heating and cooling homes and buildings.
Geoexchange, also known as geothermal or ground source heat pump technology, is a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning technology that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has labeled, "the most energy-efficient and cost-effective space conditioning available today." These systems require a relatively small amount of electricity to run the compression cycle, which means consumers can save 25% to 50% compared to traditional heating and cooling systems.
The Consortium's goal is to address and eliminate the barriers that prevent geoexchange technology from becoming a mainstream method of heating and cooling indoor areas. Although geothermal heat pumps will work in almost any kind of building, the GHPC is specifically targeting homes and schools in this campaign by offering presentations about geoexchange technology to educational and residential construction groups throughout the state.
GHPC also plans to conduct technology transfer activities through workshops and/or training sessions for trade allies who are involved in the educational market. In the near future, the Consortium will have a special section on its Web site dedicated to helping Oklahomans find state-specific information on geoexchange technology.
Oklahoma Supports Training for Electric-Hybrid Vehicle Technicians
Grants from the State Energy Office are helping a unique program that trains electric vehicle technicians and raises public awareness about cutting-edge work being done in Oklahoma.
Over the past two years, the State Energy Office, housed within the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, has provided approximately $80,000 to Mid-Del Technology Center's Electric Vehicle Center of Technology (EVCT) program. The funds, which originate from the U.S. Department of Energy, have been used to purchase supplies, increase staff, enhance curricula, and provide hands-on training for students who want to become electric-hybrid vehicle technicians.
The EVCT recently purchased a neighborhood electric vehicle called "The Barton," which is manufactured by B.I.G. Man in Alva, Oklahoma. "The Barton" is a no-emissions vehicle capable of speeds as high as 25 mph and a range of 75 miles between charges. The Barton "is quickly becoming an essential part of the hands-on experience EVCT students need to become qualified technicians," said Sandy Stephens, director of Business and Energy Services with the EVCT.
The EVCT is also using "The Barton" to raise public awareness of the advanced work in low-emissions, energy-efficient vehicles and training that's being done in Oklahoma. B.I.G. Man plans to open dealerships nationwide, and EVCT will serve as a training center for Barton technicians. More businesses such as airlines and government entities are taking advantage of electric vehicles.
The new vehicle is maneuverable enough for use in a variety of recreational and industrial settings, and has also been declared street legal by the federal government. This five-passenger, zero-emissions electric vehicle can zoom up to 25 miles per hour within a few seconds, the federally mandated maximum speed for a low-speed vehicle.
Texas
Texas Counties Install Solar Water Purification Systems
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Clean water is a concern in the developing areas along the United States-Mexico border. To alleviate this problem, Texas' State Energy Conservation Office's (SECO) Renewable Energy Demonstration Program partnered with several organizations to design and install solar-powered reverse-osmosis water purification systems in Webb County and El Paso County communities.
Solar panels will provide power to the water purification systems, and the electrical grid will provide backup electricity. Community residents will be taught how the systems work, how solar energy works to power the systems, and how to maintain the systems.
Texas Receives $700,000 to Cut School Bus Pollution
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) $700,000 in October 2003 to help reduce school bus pollution in three of the state's urban centers. The SECO award is one of a series of grants totaling $5 million that the EPA issued in 2003 under Clean School Bus USA.
Federal law mandates that pollution controls be installed on all school bus diesel engines built in 2004 and later. In addition, federal regulations require cleaner engines for all school buses that begin operating in 2007. Buses that are already in use, however, are not regulated by these standards. These buses, which will be operating for years to come, emit the most pollution and are the focus of the Clean School Bus USA initiative.
"The program is aimed at reducing people's exposure to pollution from diesel school buses, particularly children, who are especially vulnerable to respiratory problems," said Mary-Jo Rowan, SECO grant manager. "We want to reduce this type of pollution in three ways: eliminate unnecessary school bus idling, retrofit buses with better emission control devices or with cleaner fuels, and finally, we want to replace older school buses with new buses that pollute less."
The program brings together partners from business, education, transportation, and public health organizations to work toward its goals.
Texas State Energy Conservation Office and Schools Fund PV System
Thanks to the Texas Solar for Schools Program (TSSP), Texas students will be able to appreciate their abundant sunshine a little more. The Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) partnered with local schools to fund photovoltaic (PV) and monitoring systems, educational materials, and training for 11 schools throughout the state.
The TSSP team works closely with the schools to integrate the systems into their learning environments Participating schools will receive:
- A 1-kW grid-connected PV system mounted on a south-facing exterior wall or roof.
- Performance data from the monitoring system and other schools, which will be available through the Internet via a data logger to be installed on site. Viewers can see graphical historical data and download data for analysis.
- Educational materials, including fact sheets, lesson plans, and activities that integrate solar energy into the classroom. These materials are specific to grades 4, 6, and 9, but are adaptable to all grade levels.
- Training for teachers, students, and maintenance personnel that consist of a presentation on renewable energy and an introduction to available curriculum and other teaching materials. TSSP will also provides a user's manual and training to the school district maintenance personnel on the operations and maintenance of the system.
SECO's Renewable Energy Demonstration Program focuses on projects that promote renewable energy resources and technologies in the state.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Reduces Peak Demand
Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency initiative targeted at business and residential energy customers, has reduced electricity demand by 47 MW since it was inaugurated two years ago. "That's roughly the energy produced by one new peaking power plant," explained Peter Bock, Administrator of the Department of Administration's Energy Division, which oversees the program. "By improving the energy efficiency of their homes and businesses, state utility rate payers have already saved $24 million and over the life of the energy-saving measures, the cost savings (in today's dollars) will reach over $200 million."
Bock stressed that the program is a sound investment overall, as it yields a 316% return over the life of the energy efficiency improvements. "This means that every $1 invested in the program will produce $3.16 in cost savings. By reducing energy use, the program is helping offset the impact of higher energy costs for business and residential utility consumers. This allows our state to become less energy dependent, more environmentally friendly, and a stronger competitor in the business market." Bock said.
The program's success is the cumulative result of efforts in three primary areas: business programs, residential programs and renewable energy.
State Energy Information
New state Web sites and publications, and DOE pubs dealing with energy efficiency and renewable energy in the states.
Energy Efficiency's Next Generation: Innovation at the State Level
(PDF 1.07 MB)
States may hold the best opportunity in the next several years for leadership, innovation, and effectiveness in putting energy efficiency policies into action. ACEEE publishes this report as a guide for state legislatures, executive agencies, regulatory commissions, and stakeholders who are interested in moving policies forward. The report describes energy efficiency initiatives and exemplary state efforts; 81 pp; November, 2003.
Natural Gas Price Effects of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Practices and Policies
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Policies designed to spur new investments in renewable energy generation and energy efficiency could begin to lower natural gas prices immediately and help consumers save money, according to a study prepared by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The study quantifies the benefits that energy efficiency and renewables would provide to our economy by reducing high energy bills borne by consumers and industry; 98 pp; December, 2003.
New Appliance and Equipment Efficiency Standards: Energy And Economic Savings Beyond Current Standards Programs
(PDF 668 KB)
A report by the ACEEE, describes opportunities for state and federal governments to set minimum efficiency standards for 13 appliances and other types of equipment currently not covered by federal legislation. The study summarizes the potential for energy and economic savings and shows the potential peak load and emission reductions from adopting these standards; 166 pp; February, 2003.
State Energy Web Sites
Energy Efficiency Guide for Colorado Businesses
The Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC) publishes this Web site in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8 and the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project