Energy Market News

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National Energy Market News

 

1.      Recharging the Industry - For electrical contractors, the most interesting aspect of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 (the stimulus bill) is that, out of the $789 billion in available funding allocations, roughly 20 percent—or $150 billion—is earmarked for the kinds of work many contractors have been doing for years. The bill calls for spending $81 billion on cranking up the infrastructure, which involves power and lighting work on highway, rail and bridge construction and renovation, as well as wireless connections and water treatment; an additional $50 billion for renewable or energy-efficiency projects, including photovoltaic, solar thermal and wind installations; and $13 billion for housing renovation and repair. The main thrusts of the administration’s stimulus program are revitalizing the construction industry, rethinking how to power the national grid, and doing it green wherever possible.  04/’09 Electrical Contractor

 

2.      Sparking a Recovery - The ARRA of 2009 is a nearly $800 billion stimulus package, including nearly $300 billion in potential tax savings. This massive bill provides immediate relief to both individuals and businesses with most of the tax incentives retroactive to Jan. 1, 2009. Most of the $280 billion in tax relief is concentrated within the next two years.  While there may be benefits from the boost to the economy for which this bill was designed, there is little question that every electrical contractor and electrical contracting business can share in more than $75 billion in tax benefits for 2009 and 2010.   04/’09 Electrical Contractor

 

3.      Energy-Efficiency Home and Vehicle Tax Credits - Thanks to the economic stimulus bill, billions of dollars in new energy efficiency investments are moving into the economy. Stimulus funds will retrofit federal buildings, weatherize low-income homes and give states and communities more money for energy efficiency and conservation programs. The stimulus package also provides new tax incentives for homeowners who invest in energy efficiency. The Alliance to Save Energy web site offers a handy explanation of the many tax provisions: http://ase.org/content/article/detail/2654

 

4.      DOE to Invest $777 million in 46 New Energy Frontier Research Centers - The White House announced on Monday that the DOE Office of Science will invest $777 million over the next five years in 46 new Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs). The EFRCs will be established at universities, national laboratories, nonprofit organizations, and private firms across the nation, drawing in part on funds provided by the Recovery Act, while also depending on future Congressional appropriations.  http://www.energyvortex.com

5.      Business Group Calls for Energy Cuts in Buildings - Buildings account for 40 percent of the world's energy use, emitting more carbon than do cars and other types of transportation, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development said.  They will press for energy efficiency codes for buildings similar to safety regulations that have been required for decades. The codes, which would define the maximum amount of acceptable energy consumption, could add 5 percent to the cost of buildings in the United States. The business council, an international organization of about 200 businesses led by CEOs to deal with business and environmental issues, said its research shows that energy use in buildings can be cut by 60 percent by 2050.  04/26 Boston Globe

 

6.      Lighting in Commercial Buildings - The Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cbecs/cbecs2003/lighting/lighting1.html collects information on types of lighting equipment, the amount of floorspace that is lit, and the percentage of floorspace lit by each type. In addition, CBECS data are used to model end-use consumption, including energy consumed for lighting in commercial buildings. CBECS building characteristics data can answer a wide range of questions about lighting from the most basic, “How many buildings are lit?” to more detailed questions such as, “How many office buildings have compact fluorescent lamps and how much area do they illuminate?”CBECS collects information on 5 types of lamps:

R     Standard fluorescent

R     Compact fluorescent

R     Incandescent

R     High intensity discharge (HID)

R     Halogen  

 

7.      Solis Explores Plan for Green Jobs - Labor Secretary Hilda Solis says her department is developing a plan to help train workers for "green" jobs that promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. Solis told the U.S. Senate Labor Committee that her agency will emphasize training for low-income workers, unemployed youths and adults and veterans as it decides how to spend $500 million in economic stimulus money targeted for green jobs.  04/21 AP

 

8.      Feds Order 17,600 Green Autos - The Obama administration is giving slumping domestic auto sales a small shot in the arm.  The administration announced Thursday it is buying 17,600 fuel-efficient vehicles from Detroit's Big Three by June 1, using $285 million from the $787 billion stimulus bill.  04/10 Detroit News

 

 

9.      DOE Continues to Expand the ENERGY STAR for Solid State Lighting Program - LED technology continues to improve rapidly and more products are becoming available for a variety of lighting applications, including indoor and outdoor residential and commercial applications. To date, 27 residential and 24 commercial LED luminaires have qualified to carry the ENERGY STAR label; more products are currently in the pipeline for qualification.  www.energystar.gov

 

10.  2009 Northeast Energy Efficiency Summit - The 2009 Northeast Energy Efficiency Summit: Maximizing the Energy Efficiency Solution, is scheduled for May 27-28 at the Empire State Convention Center in Albany, New York.  www.neep.org

 

 

11.  DOE Webcast on LED Replacement Lamps: Current Performance and the Latest on ENERGY STAR - On May 19, 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy will host a 90-minute live webcast to summarize the CALiPER Program's benchmark testing of common omni-directional incandescent lamps, and provide an update on ENERGY STAR® criteria for LED integral replacement lamps. The webcast will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. Eastern and will include a 60-minute presentation, followed by a 30-minute live question and answer session with attendees. To learn more, or to register for the webcast: www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ssl/events_detail.html?event_id=3792

 

12.  Technical Information Network for Solid State Lighting (TINSSL) - To assist the DOE reach several of its target audiences with information on its solid state lighting (SSL) research and development efforts, NEEP will maintain a technical information network for solid state lighting (TINSSL) to serve lighting contractors, building owners, building managers, building code officials, and energy efficiency program administrators (i.e., utilities, state agencies and energy efficiency organizations). Through this Web site and periodic newsletters, TINSSL will serve the Northeast as the premier source of information about SSL. http://www.neep.org/initiatives/TINSSL/index.html

 

13.  Waste Management Releases CFL Packaging and Recycling Program - Waste Management, Inc. announced that it will provide Earthmate^® CFLs in recyclable packaging that also doubles as a CFL recycling kit.  Earthmate^® is a business unit of Litetronics International, Inc.  This new product includes Earthmate CFLs packaged in a resealable box lined with Waste Management’s patent pending Mercury VaporLok^TM technology, which is designed to reduce the risk of airborne mercury exposure and environmental contamination from lamps broken during storage and shipping.  The box is suitable for storing used CFLs and is approved for shipping by the United States Postal Service. The recycling kits are available at www.ThinkGreenFromHome.com

 

14.  Wal-Mart to Double Solar Energy Use in California - Wal-Mart Stores has announced it is expanding its solar power program in California by adding solar panels on 10 to 20 additional Wal-Mart facilities within the next 18 months. The expansion is expected to generate energy equal to powering more than 1,300 homes annually and will provide 20% to 30% of each location’s total electric energy needs.  As construction nears completion in California, the company will evaluate the feasibility of expanding the program to other sites, taking into account available locations, economic conditions, energy prices, and state and federal renewable energy policies and programs. 05/04 HCN

 

15.  CLTC Study Demonstrates Major Energy Savings for Bilevel Occupancy Sensors by Craig DiLouie - While the basic ON/OFF switch is not considered an energy-saving lighting control, it can be if at least two switches are used to control lighting in a space that is configured on two lighting circuits, giving the user a choice of two levels of light output. Alternate rows, fixtures or lamps can be switched, offering a choice of 50% and 100% light output. Or the center lamps can be switched separately from the outer lamps in three-lamp fixtures, offering a choice of 33%, 66% and 100% light output. In one study by ADM Associates, the latter option was demonstrated to produce 22% energy savings in private offices.  At least one-half of the energy codes in the United States are based on the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which requires light level reduction controls such as multilevel switching or dimming in enclosed spaces such as private offices.  The California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) organized the study and it was sponsored by Watt Stopper. http://www.aboutlightingcontrols.org/education/papers/2009/2009_bilevel_study.shtml

 

16.  Other Craig DiLouie April Articles: www.zinginc.com

 

 

17.   Energy-Efficiency Steps On Hold - Businesses are holding back from investing in energy efficiency because of a lack of capital, the uncertainty about global warming legislation and the direction of energy prices. Those are some of the conclusions in the third annual Energy Efficiency Indicator survey commissioned by Johnson Controls Inc. and the International Facility Management Association.  The survey, released Wednesday, is designed to gauge attitudes of North American executives responsible for energy in their organizations. More than 1,400 executives were surveyed.  At the same time, more companies are making commitments to reduce their carbon footprint, and targeting energy efficiency in buildings is a key strategy.  05/07 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

 

18.  How to Tap Into Stimulus Plan Funds - Billions of dollars have now been allocated to energy-related projects. Join Energy Central and a panel of experts on May 20, 2009 as they demystify the stimulus fund process. Time: 1:00 pm ET; Cost: $167.00; register today

19.  Excellence in Lighting Honored at 2009 Lightfair Innovation Awards - Sponsored by Architectural Lighting magazine and eLumit.com. The 2009 LIA winners are:

R     Calculite Solid-State Downlights by Lightolier/Philips: Most Innovative Product of the Year—the program’s highest award, recognizing the best, most innovative new product;

R     kiteTM by PEERLESS® from Acuity Brands Lighting: Design Excellence Award—recognizing outstanding achievement in design and application;

R     LUXEON Rebel ES from Philips Lumileds Lighting Company: Technical Innovation Award—recognizing the most forward-thinking advancement in lighting technology;

R     SST-90-W by Luminus Devices: Technical Innovation Award—recognizing the most forward-thinking advancement in lighting technology;

R     LM-80-08 Approved Method for Measuring Lumen Maintenance of LED Light Sources from the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES): Judges’ Citation Award—special recognition of an innovative product at the judges’ discretion.

Lightfair 2009 a Big Hit in a Tough Economy - How do you spell LED?  Well, virtually every booth at the 2009 Show had light emitting diodes……reminded me of when electronic ballasts, the then leading edge innovation dominated the lighting industry not so long ago.  Here are the companies your EnergyWatch reporter had a chance to see and the products to watch:

1.      Acuity Lighting introduced TERSEN, an Architectural Outdoor Lighting collection of artistically inspired outdoor luminaires and accessories that coordinate day-form appearance with nighttime performance

2.      Arcalux positions the SmartFixture™ as a paradigm in how fluorescent lighting is controlled, illuminated, maintained and operated.  With plug-n-play technology and modular design, the SmartFixture™ can be field converted without tools for lens or louver, direct or indirect, T8 or T5 2, 3, or 4 lamp systems using the same housing. 

3.      Con-Tech Lighting announced the introduction of Purelight™ Specification Grade LED PAR38 lamp, powered by Cree TrueWhite Technology which provides a CRI of 92.

4.      Day-Brite, Capri, Omega introduced the new Aeros and Core track families offering the latest in lamp technologies in ceramic metal halide, low voltage, and incandescent sources.

5.      GE Immersion™ LED Display Case Lighting uses multiple point sources of light compared to fluorescent’s single, diffused source which greatly increases visual reflectivity and sparkle.

6.      LED University product demonstrations by BetaLED, Cree, Carmanah, and Echelon combined lighting, solar power and control technologies.

7.      Leviton’s Wireless Occupancy Sensing Solution replaces existing wall switches with no wires to run and can reduce cost of installation by 50%.

8.      Maxlite has developed a high performance UL approved LED panel designed for installation in grid ceilings to replace 2X2 and 2X4 fixtures. Also announced were six LED screw-in Pars, four LED MR-16 lamps and LED street lights.

9.      Philips showed its EnduraLED-Prototype.  The 8 Watt, 120V bulb delivers 75 lumens per watt, which is 5 times the efficacy of an equivalent incandescent bulb.  At 600 lumens the EnduraLED replaces a 40 watt incandescent and is fully dimmable down to 10%.

10.  Solatube showcased the 750 DS Daylighting System (approximately 21in/530mm in diameter) as an energy-efficient product that extends the hours of daylighting available for interior spaces. Designed for commercial use in projects such as schools, offices, warehouses and retail stores.

11.  Venture launched their electronic HID pod that features up to 50% longer life than standard probe start, substantial energy savings, better color uniformity, faster warm-up and faster restrike.

12.  Zumtobel announced the SLOTLIGHT Pro, a glare-free fixture available with T5, T5HO, Metal Halide or Halogen lamps. 

 

State Energy Market News

 

20.  Cities and States Looking to Spend Stimulus Funds - $2.8 billion in energy efficiency and conservation block grants are included in the federal stimulus package and will flow to cities and states for energy projects…..some are:

R     The University of Tennessee's main campus plans to use $11 million in federal economic stimulus funding over the next two years as part of a major energy saving campaign.

R     The Woodward City Oklahoma Commission has approved a new energy efficiency plan to include energy audits on city buildings and the implementation of green technology like wind generated electricity, as part of the city's "application for energy dollars under the stimulus plan."

R     Conn. Gov. M. Jodi Rell is directing $14 million from the state's emission allowance auctions to a mix of entities that work on energy conservation and clean energy programs.

R     Anchorage, AK announced last year it was spending $2.2 million to upgrade streetlights

R     San Jose, CA will convert 100 lights this spring and is seeking $20 million in stimulus for up to 25,000 more

R     If Milwaukee, WI gets the $14 million in stimulus funds it's seeking, it will replace 6,700 of its 67,709 streetlights with LEDs

R     Missouri City, TX wants to convert 75 percent of its 31,000 streetlights to LEDs

R     Urbana, IL is testing LED streetlights

R     Los Angeles, CA is looking to replace 140,000 streetlight fixtures with LED units over the next five years

R     Battle Creek's LED installation was part of a $4.1 million energy conservation http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com

R     WA’s Puget Sound Energy is encouraging residential customers to take advantage of up to $8,000 in combined utility rebates and potential federal tax credits to make energy efficient home improvements this year.  The recent stimulus bill extends energy efficiency federal tax credits into 2010 and increases the maximum dollar amount allowed to $1,500. In addition, PSE customers can take advantage of PSE rebates and incentives totaling as much as $6,500

R     WA’s Avista proposing programs to leverage $60 million of stimulus funding for its customers www.avistacorp.com

R     New York City plans to use $16 million in stimulus money to prime a revolving-loan fund that will help property owners pay for energy improvements.

R     Seattle will use $1.2 million from a stimulus grant to provide loans for energy-efficient upgrades to buildings

R     The ARRA will provide $252.8 million to Pennsylvania over three years for the state's weatherization assistance program, which is designed to help low- income households decrease energy consumption and costs while increasing their comfort, health and safety.

R     PA guidelines for the grant program are available for public review and comment at www.recovery.pa.gov under the heading "Where is your money going?" and then by clicking on "Energy Independence."

R     The Secretaries of HUD and DOE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate energy retrofit programs in the ARRA. These efforts will make it easier for low-income families to weatherize their homes, saving money for working families and creating tens of thousands of new green jobs.

21.  City Plans to Make Older Buildings Refit to Save Energy - Elected leaders in New York City will propose a suite of laws and other initiatives on Wednesday aimed at reducing energy consumption and related emissions of greenhouse gases by requiring owners of thousands of older buildings to upgrade everything from boilers to light bulbs. Planners asserted that the package, drafted by the offices of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the City Council speaker, Christine C. Quinn, would result in $2.9 billion in private investment in building improvements by 2022 and generate 2,000 new jobs in energy auditing and related fields as well as thousands of temporary construction jobs. The program would begin in 2013, with 2,200 buildings performing audits and beginning upgrades each year for a decade.  04/22 NY Times

 

22.  BuildingsNY - June 16-17, 2009 - provides the New York metro building owner, manager, architect, contractor and engineer with the products, services and knowledge to stay competitive in today's challenging times.  http://www.buildingsny.com

       Intelligent Buildings Arena   BuildingsNY Education   GreenBuildingsNY

 

 

23.  Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Providers Unveil Unprecedented $4 Billion Savings Plan - In an unparalleled move to dramatically reduce energy use in Massachusetts, a coalition of the Commonwealth's leading energy efficiency providers is unveiling a three-year plan to deliver services to residents and businesses that will ultimately net more than $4 billion in energy savings. With a cost of $1.8 billion and projected energy savings of $6 billion, the net savings to consumers will be over $4 billion for the three-year period. The plan will be reviewed by the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council, an advisory board of energy efficiency stakeholders established by the Green Communities Act. The Council will make a recommendation to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities with respect to the plan by July 31st of this year. Coalition members will submit individual three year plans to the DPU in October 2009 for implementation in the period from 2010 through December 2012. 05/06 Business Wire

 

24.  Duke Wants S.C. to OK Save-A-Watt, Figure Costs Later - Duke Energy has asked South Carolina's Public Service Commission to approve energy-efficiency programs for its 800,000 S.C. customers, while delaying the thorny issue of how Duke would recover its costs. The programs include energy audits, rewards for buying energy-efficient heat pumps and air-conditioning systems and incentives for customers to cut their electricity use in times of high demand. Duke has estimated the cost of the programs to consumers at about $1 a month.  04/17 The Charlotte Observer

 

25.  Progress Energy Launches Energy Efficiency Program for NC Customers - Progress Energy has launched a new program to help its North Carolina commercial, industrial and government customers save money and reduce energy use. The Energy Efficiency for Business Program encourages energy efficiency and energy-efficient building design. Energy Efficiency for Business customers can choose from a pre-defined list of incentives for lighting, heating and cooling (HVAC), refrigeration and premium efficiency motors. http://www.progress-energy.com/ 04/29 Datamonitor

26.  El Paso Electric Launches Residential Lighting Program - To encourage Las Crucens to begin using compact fluorescent light bulbs, El Paso Electric Co. has launched the New Mexico Energy Star Residential Lighting Program. By partnering with retailers to offer discounts on the bulbs, consumers will be able to purchase high-efficiency bulbs at a cost comparable to incandescent bulbs. El Paso Electric has a goal of selling 21,000 CFLs this year in New Mexico. 04/17 Las Cruces Sun-News

 

27.  TXU Energy Launches Online Energy Store - As energy- and budget-conscious Texans look for ways to use electricity more efficiently and save money, the TXU Energy Online Store provides a one-stop shop for hard-to-find products that can make your home more energy efficient. The TXU Energy Online Store lets consumers shop from home over the internet for items ranging from caulk to chimney balloons, to hard-to-find bug-deterring and odor-eliminating CFLs, to motion-sensing smart power strips that automatically turn on and off. www.txu.com/energystore

 

28.  Senate Bill 742: Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon - SECTION 1. The Legislative Assembly finds that it is in the best interest of this state for producers of lighting that contains mercury to finance and manage a statewide product stewardship system that serves urban and rural areas in Oregon and provides free, convenient opportunities for the collection, transportation, recovery and safe management of lighting that contains mercury.

 

29.  PG&E and SMUD Launch First-of-Its-Kind Energy Efficiency Program for Business and Consumer Electronics - As leaders in the field of energy efficiency, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) today announced a ground breaking program to encourage businesses and consumers to save energy and lower their costs for electricity.  In addition to the two utilities, this Business and Consumer Electronics program includes Best Buy, Sears Holding Company, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Lenovo. The program, in conjunction with EPA’s ENERGY STAR® provides marketing support to encourage manufacturers and retailers to educate, promote and sell the most energy-efficient televisions, desktop computers and monitors. Consumers will see co-branded signs on the most energy-efficient and cost-saving electronic products in participating retail stores. 04/09 PRNewswire 

                                                          

30.  Support, Concerns Crop Up With On-Bill Financing Possibilities - Financing energy-efficiency projects through payments on utility bills could help customers complete more projects, but few utilities offer widespread use of such financing. Panelists in a session at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy's energy-efficiency finance forum in San Francisco on April 24 reviewed the benefits of on-bill financing and the complications inherent in crafting such systems. They also noted its potential and likely increase in use. However, federal stimulus money may help provide revolving funds to draw from.  05/04 California Energy Markets

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