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October
2008 |
National Energy Market News
1. Extension of Energy-Efficient Buildings Deduction - In passing the Emergency Economic
Stabilization Act of 2008, the House of Representatives extended a number of
tax incentives set to expire at the end of this year. The tax deduction
for energy efficient buildings was included in this Wall Street bail out bill.
The section pertains to the EPAct of 2005 extension and lighting: SEC. 303. ENERGY EFFICIENT COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS DEDUCTION. Subsection (h) of section 179D is amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 2008’’ and inserting ‘‘December
31, 2013’’. Current law allows taxpayers to deduct
the cost of energy-efficient property installed in commercial buildings.
The amount deductible is up to $1.80 per square foot ($.60 per square foot for
lighting) of building floor area for buildings achieving a 50 percent energy
savings target.
2. House
Bill H.R. 6899 Passes House, Now Waits On Senate - The goal of the Comprehensive American Energy Security and
Consumer Protection Act is to advance the national security interests of
the United States by reducing its dependency on oil. Of interest to our industry is Section 401 on
page 63 that supports updating the national model building energy codes and
standards at least every three years. http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-6899
3.
Report: $100 Billion Could Yield 2 Million
Clean Energy Jobs - A new report from the
non-partisan Center for American Progress concludes that a $100 billion federal
investment in clean energy technologies over the next 2 years would yield 2
million new U.S. jobs, cutting the unemployment rate by 1.3%, while putting the
nation on a path toward a low-carbon economy. The report, prepared by the
Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts,
proposes $50 billion in tax credits for energy efficiency retrofits and
renewable energy systems; $46 billion in direct government spending for public
building retrofits, mass transit, freight rail, smart electrical grid systems,
and renewable energy systems; and $4 billion for federal loan guarantees to
help finance building retrofits and renewable energy projects. 09/17 EERE
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/09/pdf/green_recovery.pdf
4. Study
Argues for U.S. Job Growth by Building Green - A new report recently released shows
that the United States can create two million jobs by investing in a rapid
green economic recovery program, which will strengthen the economy, increase
energy independence, and fight global warming. The report is part of Political
Economy Research Institute’s (PERI) ongoing program exploring the renewable
energy economy. A follow-up study will address the
longer-term challenges and opportunities created by building a clean-energy
economy. For the full text of the
report, visit: http://www.peri.umass.edu/green_recovery/
5.
DOE and Ad Council Launch Energy Efficiency
Campaigns for Kids - DOE launched two new energy efficiency campaigns
for kids last week: "What's your Excuse?," which is focused on the
8-12 "tween" market, and a Tinker Bell-themed campaign for 8- to
9-year-olds. The two campaigns were developed in partnership with the
Advertising Council and are designed to educate children about the importance
of energy efficiency. "What's your Excuse?" encourages tweens to save
energy at home with a 10-step energy action plan, and includes tips, games, and
downloads posted on a Web site called "Lose Your Excuse." http://www.loseyourexcuse.gov/ http://www.eere.energy.gov/kids/
6.
GM Celebrates its 100 Birthday by
Unveiling the Chevrolet Volt - General Motors Corporation (GM)
reached its 100-year anniversary yesterday, and as a sign of changes coming to
the automotive industry, the company unveiled the production version of its
plug-in hybrid vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt. GM took design cues from its
muscular concept vehicle in its creation of the Chevy Volt, but the pursuit of
aerodynamic efficiency for the highest fuel economy led to a softer, more
rounded shape for the production vehicle. According to GM, the company has
created one of its most aerodynamic vehicles ever in order to achieve its goal
of traveling up to 40 miles without using gasoline or producing emissions. For
longer drives, a flex-fuel engine will burn gasoline or E85 (a blend of 85%
ethanol and 15% gasoline) to drive a generator that will recharge the
battery. http://www.chevrolet.com/electriccar/
09/17 EERE
7. Entergy: 2 Storms Cost at Least $1 Billion - Entergy Corp. estimated Tuesday that damage
from hurricanes Ike and Gustav cost the power provider $1 billion to $1.2
billion. Of Entergy's six regulated power utilities in Louisiana, Texas and
Mississippi, Entergy Texas took the most damage during Ike - an estimated $435
million to $510 million. Entergy said that storm cost a total ranging from $525
million to $625 million. How much might be passed on to ratepayers depends upon
storm reserves and insurance payments, among other factors, Entergy said. 09/30 AP
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8. CFL Bulb Sales Hit 18 Million in Northwest, 300 Percent Rise
Since 2004 - By all
measures, energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) sales
nationwide are booming. Nowhere is the future brighter than in the Northwest
where sales of ENERGY STAR- qualified CFLs have increased by more than 300
percent since 2004 and topped 18 million in 2007, according to the Northwest
Energy Efficiency Alliance's (NEEA's) market evaluation report released today. http://www.nwalliance.org/research/reportdetail.aspx?ID=227
9.
2008
NAESCO's 25th Annual Conference - October 28-29, 2008
Fairmont Miramar Hotel, Santa Monica, CA. NAESCO, the
industry association formed in 1983, celebrates the achievements of a robust
industry now generating over $5 billion in annual energy efficiency
investment. This conference, while
celebrating the past, looks to the future to evaluate the newest market
opportunities, assess the constantly changing customer expectations, understand
the ongoing challenges, and identify emerging ways to broaden and capture the
expanding value stream generated by energy efficiency resources. http://www.naesco.org/
10.
China
Growth “Slows” - According to an Agence
France-Presse item posted Sept. 12 to IndustryWeek.com, “August growth in
China’s industrial output slowed to 12.8%.” Yes, slowed. In the year’s
first eight months, growth on average was up 15.7% from 2007. 09/17 TED
11. DOE ENERGY STAR
Solid State Lighting Luminaire Program Update -
There is good news to report on the status of LM-80, a key test procedure for
the ENERGY STAR SSL program. On September 16, 2008 the Illuminating Engineering
Society's (IES) committee tasked with developing LM-80, voted to approve the
procedure for measuring lumen maintenance of SSL products and sent the
procedure to the IES Board of Directors for final approval. Once the Board
approves the procedure, DOE will immediately notify stakeholders confirming
that LM-80 has been officially approved.
In the meantime, only manufacturers who have signed an ENERGY STAR
Partnership Agreement for the SSL Program will be eligible to qualify and label
their products. Contact ssl@drintl.com to obtain the agreement.
12.
DOE Awards $15 Million to 21 Companies for
Efficient Buildings - DOE announced last week that it has selected 21
companies to receive $15 million as the first phase of awards for the Net-Zero
Energy Commercial Building Initiative. DOE's Pacific Northwest National
Laboratory and National Renewable Energy Laboratory will work with each awardee
to design, build, commission, and operate at least one new energy-efficient
prototype building. The awardees for this phase of the award include retailers
Best Buy, JCPenney, John Deere, Macy's, SuperValu, Target, Toyota, and Whole
Foods Market; commercial real estate firms CB Richard Ellis, Forest City
Enterprises, Hines, InterContinental Hotels Group, The Opus Group, ProLogis,
Regency Centers, Ryan Companies US, Simon Property Group, Tishman Speyer, and
The Westfield Group; and two financial institutions, namely, the Bank of
America and the PNC Financial Services Group. http://www.energy.gov/news/6577.htm http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/alliances.html
13.
OLED Lighting Markets to Reach $4.5 Billion
by 2013 - The organic light-emitting diode
(OLED) lighting market will reach almost $4.5 billion by 2013, according to a
new report from NanoMarkets, Glen Allen, Va., and grow to $5.9 billion by 2015.
The firm claims that in the past year the prospects for OLED lighting have made
great leaps forward due to improvements in OLED performance and manufacturin http://www.nanomarkets.net/products/prod_detail.cfm?prod=9&id=270
09/26 EC&M
14. LED Shines at Lighting Competition - The
future of energy-efficient lighting shone brightly at the sixth annual Lighting
for Tomorrow competition, as a record 32 companies submitted entries featuring
the latest in light-emitting diode (LED) technology. In all, 56 solid-state
lighting models incorporated LEDs, while 40 models used compact fluorescent
lighting (CFL).The grand prize winner was MaxLite’s Brigantine Fixture Family.
The competition, launched in 2002, is organized by the American Lighting
Association (ALA), the U.S. Dept. of Energy (represented by Pacific Northwest
National Laboratory), and the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE). 09/22 HCN
15. Funding Opportunity Released for 2009 SBIR
Phase I Projects - The U.S. Department of Energy has
released the 2009 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I funding
opportunity, which includes topics related to solid-state lighting (SSL). The
SBIR program seeks to increase the participation of small businesses in federal
research and development. Phase I projects evaluate the scientific or technical
merit and feasibility of ideas with commercial potential. Proposals are due
November 20, 2008, and grants will be made in FY09. For more information on
this funding opportunity, visit the SBIR website at www.science.doe.gov/sbir.
16. Will LEDs Replace Traditional Sources of
Light? by Craig Dilouie - Here’s
a light source with the potential to reduce the nation’s energy costs by 6–7
percent, to reimagine the light fixture as a highly compact and dynamic
element, to keep 2 to 4 tons of mercury out of landfills and incinerators each
year, and to give building owners lighting that doesn’t require lamp
replacement for up to a decade or longer.
In recent years, light-emitting diode (LED) technology transcended its
traditional stronghold—saturated colors in indicators, exit signs and so-called
architainment applications, representing most LED products sold today—and began
offering viable white light options in niche architectural applications, such
as lighting for outdoor and confined indoor spaces. As the technology has
advanced, applications have expanded to include downlights, undercabinet,
shelf, signage, façade, outdoor area, wall washing, cove, task, refrigerated
display case, step/wall, electrical candle, sconce, handrail and marker
lighting as well as retrofit replacement lamps. It’s easy to forget that it was
only a few years ago that we started to realize LEDs were not just for traffic
lights. 09/’08 Electrical Contractor
17. IFMA,
ASHRAE Collaborate on Energy Efficiency Issues - With buildings accounting for 40 percent of primary energy use in
developed nations, it is becoming increasingly important to find ways to build
and operate them in an energy efficient manner. The American Society of
Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the
International Facility Management Association (IFMA) are entering into an
agreement that increases cooperation between the two groups. The memorandum of
understanding, to be signed at IFMA’s World Workplace 2008 Conference &
Expo, calls for sharing resources and collaborating on projects, publications,
sustainability research and educational offerings that will be beneficial to
both organizations’ members and constituents. ASHRAE and IFMA will also work
together on legislative and regulatory issues through their Washington, D.C.,
offices. http://www.sustainablefacility.com
18. LEED
for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance — Point Chasing? - Aspiring to Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is decidedly not “point chasing.”
Owners are pursuing LEED certification because these buildings are typically
less costly to operate, more energy efficient, produce less impact to the
outdoor environment, and enhance productivity in the work, play and learning
indoor environment. http://www.sustainablefacility.com
19. USGBC Launches Green Book Club - A book club focused on green
building has been launched by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and
Island Press. GreenWorks will offer a selection of featured reads each month
and a large selection of the latest green building industry books and
noteworthy authors. Books are selected on a monthly basis by a panel of leading
experts in the field for their contribution of ideas and analysis of green
building issues. USGBC members will be able to buy from Island Press at
discounted prices, including an opportunity for bulk purchase discounts. http://www.islandpress.org/usgbc
20. Solar Set to Soar by Lewis Tagliaferre - Science has known for more than a century that the radiant energy
impacting Earth from the sun supplies more power than produced worldwide by all
forms of generation combined. In 2004, worldwide power consumption was
estimated at about 15 terawatts, and someone has calculated that the entire
planet receives 84 terawatts net of sun power. (A terawatt equals 1 trillion
watts: 1012.) There are
enough examples to indicate that a definite utility-driven solar power trend is
well under way. So, don't be surprised if your utility company makes you an
offer for solar power that you just can't refuse. 09/’08 Buildings
21. 
Riding
Out the Residential Slump by John Paul Quinn - According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics,
privately owned housing starts at midyear were 24 percent below those of 2007,
and building permits in a number of major states are off as much as 50 percent.
And all indications seem to be that the residential construction market hasn’t
bottomed out yet. 09/’08 Electrical
Contractor
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22. Pending Home Sales Show Surprising Jump - The
index of pending home sales, an indicator measuring the number of contracts signed
in August, showed surprising strength, according to the National Association of
Realtors. The index rose 7.4
percent to 93.4 from an upwardly revised reading of 87.0 in July, and is 8.8
percent higher than August 2007 when it stood at 85.8. The index is at the
highest level since June 2007 when it stood at 101.4. 10/09 HCN
23. October Is Energy Awareness Month - Electric companies face a significant
challenge today—meeting a continuously growing demand for power. That's why
many of these companies offer programs and incentives to improve energy
efficiency and reduce energy use. See the list
of electric company programs for 2008: Efficiency and Demand Response Programs
http://www.eei.org
24. New Digital Book Profiles Green Programs at Apple, Gap, Other Firms - A new
book available only in digital form from Vault.com Inc. profiles the
eco-friendly practices and programs of nearly 70 North American companies. The
"Vault Guide to Green Programs" was released this week. The firm says
the book can be highly useful to anyone considering environmentally friendly
companies. http://www.vault.com/index.jsp
25. High Bay Lighting online seminars from AEE - registrar@aeecenter.org
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A
4-Hour Distance Learning Seminar |
Instructed by Stan Walerczyk, L.C., C.L.E.P.
26. AEE Seminar ENERGY STAR for Commercial Buildings: Guide for PEs
/ online seminar –
Earning the ENERGY STAR Designation
for Commercial Buildings:
A Guide for Professional Engineers
A Realtime Distance Learning
Seminar
Earns 0.2 CEU / 2 PDH
Presented in one 2-hour live online session
Program Date: November 19
Instructed by
TYRONE FOSTER, Assistant Vice President, SENTECH, Inc., and
ALYSSA QUARFORTH, Program Analyst, Market Sectors Group, ENERGY STAR
Commercial Buildings
27. Philips and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Join Forces to
Improve Energy Efficiency in Buildings - Royal Philips Electronics and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
(Berkeley Lab) today announced that they have signed an agreement to jointly
research new energy-efficiency solutions for buildings. Philips and Berkeley
Lab will work together to develop new technologies for the control of multiple
building sub-systems such as lighting and temperature controls, and new
building simulation tools for developing and evaluating effective energy
control strategies. Initial research will focus on optimizing the energy
efficiency of indoor lighting through advanced integrated wireless lighting
control systems that are responsive to people, events and external daylight
levels. This will ensure energy is only used when and where needed and will not
compromise the comfort of the building's inhabitants. 10/08 Business Wire
28. Matsushita Changes
Name to Panasonic - Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., a major
Japanese electronics maker that rivals Sony Corp., said Wednesday it changed
its name to Panasonic Corp., as expected.
Last month, the company said it will stop using its Japanese brand name,
"National," in favor of "Panasonic" and start a marketing
campaign called "Hello Panasonic" in an effort to boost market share. It expects to complete the changeover by the
end of March 2010. 10/01 AP
29. 
MaxLite’s Brigantine Wins
Prestigious “Lighting for Tomorrow” with GU24 Dimming - The Brigantine Collection from MaxLite captures the Grand Prize at
the 2008 national “Lighting for Tomorrow” competition. The winners were announced on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008 at the
Gaylord National Hotel and Conference Center, Maryland. On tour for The
Brigantine Collection will be a ceiling fixture, a wall sconce, a hanging
pendant, three-lamp and five-lamp chandeliers, and one-lamp and three-lamp vanity
bars. Stylistically, each fixture combines the color and atmosphere of the days
of oil lamps and tall ships with the modern sophistication of GU24 compact
fluorescent efficiency and mood setting dimming. The bulbs offer continuous
dimming, are designed to work with any simple incandescent dimming switch, and
they are the first and only GU24 Dimming bulb to be ENERGY STAR qualified. www.maxlite.com
State Energy
Market News
1.
California,
Oregon Top List of Efficient States - California tops the list of U.S. states
employing energy efficiency to grow their economies while meeting electricity
demand, combating global warming and contributing to U.S. energy security,
according to a new report released today by the American Council for an
Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The 2008 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard
rated and ranked state-level action on model energy efficiency policies,
programs and practices. ACEEE’s state-by-state analysis found that first-place
California was followed by Oregon, Connecticut, Vermont, New York, and
Washington. Minnesota and Massachusetts tie for seventh place with Wisconsin
and New Jersey rounding out the final two spots in the top 10. Idaho rated as
the "most improved" state. http://www.facilitiesnet.com/news/article.asp?id=9893
2. Green
Trend - From USA Today: “Nearly
three times as many cities and counties approved green-building policies last
year as did four years ago. A record number of states, 14, took such action
last year, as compared with one in 2004...so far this year, at least eight
states and 22 localities have endorsed green policies.”
3. Vermont
Launches Contest for Schools to Save Energy - The state of Vermont
has launched a contest to get schools to reduce their contributions to global
warming this winter. Under it, the
schools that reduce the most carbon emissions per student will get $5,000 for
energy-saving building renovations. The
contest revolves around the Web site http://www.carbonrally.com,
where schools can monitor their carbon savings, from changing a light bulb to
cleaning out appliances and lowering the thermostat. 09/24 AP
4.
Governor Paterson Declares Oct.
1 'Change a Light Day' - Governor
David A. Paterson and the New York State Energy Research and Development
Authority (NYSERDA) have called on all New Yorkers to pledge to become more
energy efficient at home this Fall. To kick off the State's efforts, Governor
Paterson has officially proclaimed October 1, 2008 "Change a Light Day New
York". This season, Governor Paterson and NYSERDA are encouraging New
Yorkers to take small, individual steps at home that will make a big difference
in the fight against rising energy costs and climate change. Switching to
energy-efficient lighting is one small step that leads to big savings. Web
site: http://www.getenergysmart.org/
5.
New
Jersey Awards Grant for Offshore Wind Farm - The New Jersey Board of Public
Utilities (BPU) evaluated offshore, wind farm proposals from five companies and
on October 3 awarded a $4 million start-up grant to Garden State Offshore
Energy, a joint venture between PSEG Renewable Energy, a subsidiary of Public
Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), and Deepwater Wind of Hoboken. The project
includes the installation of 96 wind turbines located 16 to 21 miles off the
coast of Atlantic City and Avalon. 10/09 LCG
6. EAP 2008 Building Energy
Savings Conference - The Electrical Association of Philadelphia is a non-profit regional
trade association with a diverse membership of over 450 companies, including
electrical engineers, manufacturers and representatives, wholesalers,
utilities, inspectors, and electrical, HVAC, and datacom contractors. With energy costs spiraling due to the cost
of fuels on world markets and the lifting of caps on electric utility rates,
EAP will hold it’s Building Energy Savings Conference on Wednesday, October 29,
2008 at the Crowne Plaza, Philadelphia Main Line, 4100 Presidential Boulevard,
Philadelphia, PA 19131 http://www.eap.org/besc/
7. Dominion
Launches Blog on Energy Savings - Energy provider
Dominion is launching an Internet blog for customers to share ideas on saving
energy. The site www.e-conserve.blogspot.com
allows visitors to share tips and ask Dominion questions on energy
conservation. 10/09 AP
8.
Virginia Can Reduce Electricity
Needs By 20 Percent Through Energy Efficiency, Says ACEEE -The report, entitled Energizing Virginia:
Efficiency First, concludes that the Commonwealth can meet close to 20 percent
of its electricity needs by 2025 through energy efficiency, a strategy that also
would cut Virginians' utilities bills by $15 billion by 2025 and create nearly
10,000 new jobs - the equivalent of bringing almost 100 new manufacturing
facilities to the state. And by reducing electricity use, Virginia can play its
part in reducing global warming and contributing to a more sustainable
environment. The findings include 11 recommendations for Virginia's
policymakers, such as replace incandescent lamps, enhance fluorescent lighting
and employ lighting control measures as well as installing new HVAC systems in
commercial buildings. Find the complete
report: http://www.aceee.org/pubs/e085.htm
09/22 Business Wire
9. Dover AFB Installs 2,000 Energy-Saving Light Bulbs - Dover Air Force Base officials say they are
installing CFLs that they expect will save the base $800,000 a year. The base is replacing more than 2,000 incandescent bulbs as part of a
voluntary program for military sites that federal energy officials are promoting. 09/18 AP
10. Huge TVA Electric Rate Increase Takes Effect - The Tennessee Valley Authority's largest
electric rate increase in more than three decades takes effect Wednesday as
thousands of consumers already are struggling to pay their power bills and
avoid service cutoffs. A
20 percent rate hike from the nation's largest public utility is expected to
add $15.80 to $19.80 a month to the average residential bill. It's TVA's
biggest rate boost since 1974 and its second this year. The
electric rate increase was blamed on skyrocketing costs for coal and natural
gas to fuel TVA's power plants and a three-year drought that has hurt TVA's
hydroelectric dams, the agency's cheapest source of electricity. 9/30 AP
11. Program Under Way to Help Manage Neb. Energy Costs - A new program under way is aimed at helping
Nebraska families find ways to more efficiently use energy. The
"Get a Head Start on Energy" program aims to help 1,000 households
statewide from now through May. The
program is a joint effort of the Nebraska Energy Assistance Network and the
Nebraska Head Start agencies. Besides
information, the program will distribute weather-stripping materials,
electrical outlet insulators, low-flow shower heads and compact fluorescent
lamps. 09/30 AP
12. ComEd Urges Customers to Fight Global Warming One Pledge, One
Light Bulb at a Time - Today
ComEd announced its Take The Pledge Giveaway to encourage its customers to take
the ENERGY STAR Pledge. Customers taking the pledge promise to replace at least
one incandescent light bulb in their homes with a compact fluorescent light
(CFL) bulb to conserve energy, reduce costs, and help fight global warming. To
thank customers for taking the first step to save energy and help the
environment, everyone who takes the pledge will be entered in ComEd's Take The
Pledge Giveaway. Participants can win one of several prizes, including the
Grand Prize -- an ENERGY STAR qualified appliance selected with the help of the
ComEd Energy Doctor. 10/06 PRNewswire
13. Michigan: Cheaper Energy-Efficient Bulbs Available - Michigan officials
say now is the time to buy energy-efficient light bulbs because they are being
sold at a reduced rate. Starting Wednesday, about 500,000 compact fluorescent bulbs will be
available for as little as 99 cents at Kroger, Meijer and Menards stores across
the state. They also will be sold at Ace Hardware stores in the Lansing area
and Upper Peninsula.
The bulbs are cheaper
thanks in part to a state grant. 09/30
AP
14. Minnesota Chamber Announces Launch of Energy Smart Program - Minnesota businesses have a new resource for
improving energy efficiency and saving money. Energy Smart, a program of the
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, is a statewide initiative designed to help
businesses save money by taking advantage of conservation programs and
increasing energy efficiency in their buildings and operations. Web Site: http://www.mnenergysmart.com/ 
10/08
PRNewswire
15. PG&E Helps Communities Go LEED® - Participating
in the West Coast Green conference today, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
announced two initiatives which will help communities in its northern and
central California service area achieve LEED® certification by the
U.S. Green Building Council. The utility is partnering with Global Green USA
and Habitat for Humanity International to build LEED-certified Habitat homes.
In addition, customers participating in PG&E's ClimateSmart program can now
receive LEED credit for enrolling their natural gas accounts in the voluntary
greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction program. http://www.pge.com 09/25 PRNewswire
16. State and Utilities Team Up to Save Energy With 'Green Building
Initiative' - It's not
exactly a "get-out-of-prison-free" card, but a new innovative,
statewide public-private partnership will help pay for energy-saving building
retrofits at more than a dozen prisons in California. Representatives of the
state's investor-owned utilities -- Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas and
Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern California Gas Co.
-- gathered today at Wasco State Prison in Wasco, Calif., to jump-start the
program with a $6.5 million incentive check to California Department of
Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
10/09 Market Wire
17. SMUD Rates Customers on Energy Consumption - The Sacramento Municipal Utility District
wants its customers to know, figuring they'll likely conserve more electricity
to keep up with the Joneses, or strive to do one better than them. In the nation's first experiment of its kind,
SMUD has 35,000 randomly selected customers receiving a monthly "home
electricity report" with bar graphs comparing their consumption with the
neighborhood average. A happy-face icon
goes in an energy efficiency score box to households with lower-than-average
meter readings. Make that two smiley faces for 20 percent of them who had the
lowest usage. Those given the sad face
theoretically will be motivated to improve their standing, following the
report's energy-saving tips. 09/26
The Sacramento Bee
Special Feature… http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagid=631
