February, 2010

February 25, 2010

 

Blog

How risky are energy efficiency investments?

lisawood

By Elisa Wood  

February 25, 2010

 

Last week’s announcement of $8.3 billion – and possibly as much as $54.5 billion – in US federal loan guarantees for nuclear power plants sparked debate about risk of default on loans. What are the chances the plants will be built?

 

Critics unearthed a Congressional Budget Office report citing a 50% risk the projects will fail.  The Department of Energy countered that the report is seven years old and not germane. http://motherjones.com/blue-marble/2010/02/chu-not-aware-nuclear-default-rates

 

The truth is that all power projects entail significant risk. In some regions of the country, up to 60% of the plants proposed are never built. http://www.lowellsun.com/ci_14331942?source=most_emailed Projects fall by the wayside as they try to win government approvals, contract with suppliers and buyers, and secure financing.  And even if all of this is accomplished, the bizarre can occur. Witness the explosion in February that killed six people at a nearly complete gas-fired plant in Connecticut -- temporarily and possibly permanently shutting down construction.

 

Considering the risks associated with power plant development, energy efficiency looks like a good alternative. But efficiency installations – whether for lighting, heating, cooling, refrigeration, industrial processes or home weatherization -- carry uncertainty too. 

 

What are these risks? For one, promised energy savings might not materialize. Or results may not continue as long as expected over time. So an appliance or installation may not produce its promised bang for the buck. This is why it is crucial that the efficiency industry ensure its credibility with accurate data collection, measurement and verification. Unfortunately, baseline data is not always accurate. As the Alliance to Save Energy points out, states cannot even agree on how much energy is saved from a single compact fluorescent light bulb http://ase.org/content/article/detail/5976

 

The efficiency industry also, at times, faces the problem of ‘if-we-build-it-will-they-come?’ A government agency or utility may offer generous financial incentives, but find it cannot meet its efficiency goals because customers ignore the offer. For example, the Center for an Urban Future recently found such missed opportunities in New York City where small businesses often ignore generous city and state conservation subsidies. http://www.nycfuture.org/

 

Burned by our current risk-induced financial crisis, the public is increasingly wary of investment failures.  Thus, it is important for the efficiency industry to address risk factors with honesty, especially as the US undertakes an unprecedented ramp up in efficiency funding. The nation’s utilities increased their spending on energy efficiency by 43% in 2009, according to the Consortium for Energy Efficiency. In all, utilities spent $4.4 billion for electric energy efficiency and $930 million for natural gas programs. In addition, CEE found that 46 states offered energy efficiency programs last year, up from 37 states in 2008. http://www.cee1.org/files/2009CEEAnnualReport.pdf.

 

The federal government has heightened the stakes by offering about $25 billion in energy efficiency programs through federal stimulus funds. The money represents the biggest boon – and biggest risk -- ever faced by the energy efficiency industry. The public needs accurate information about return on this investment. As ASE says, “This is the windfall efficiency advocates have long waited for – should we prove unable to realize energy savings commensurate with the funding, we may never again have a chance to do so.”  

 

To comment on the blog, go to

http://energyefficiencymarkets.wordpress.com/ or

http://energyefficiencymarkets.blogspot.com/ 

 

 

Podcast

Deep energy retrofits part 2

Lisa Cohn of Energy Efficiency Markets continues her interview with Jeff Wilson, a host for HGTV and the DIY Network, about deep energy retrofits. How are they different from energy audits and what are their benefits? Check out his website at www.thegreenedhouseeffect.com.

 

To listen and subscribe to Energy Efficiency Markets Podcast, go to

http://www.realwriters.net/rew/rtlnk.htm

 

banner
green directory | green message boards

 

Coming Soon: Energy Efficiency Incentives for Businesses 2010

Volume 1: Eastern States

By Elisa Wood and Lisa Cohn

 

For information about pre-ordering the guide at reduced rates, please e-mail us at realenergywriters@comcast.net

 

 

News

Obama budget a step in the right direction for energy data

http://www.aceee.org/press/e101pr.htm

 

NORESCO to implement $34 million in energy upgrades on Capitol Hill

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/noresco-to-implement-34-million-in-energy-upgrades-on-capitol-hill-84986952.html

 

U.S. utilities spent $5.3 billion on energy efficiency programs in 2009

http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=15818

 

How Microsoft will make energy like the internet

http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/how-microsoft-will-make-energy-like-the-internet

 

An auction house for Smart Grid services

http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/an-auction-house-for-smart-grid-services/

 

EPA plans Energy Star program for data centers in June

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/346957/Data_Centers_to_Get_Energy_Star_Ratings?taxonomyId=52

 

 

Business opportunities & requests for proposals

Public Service Enterprise Group

PSEG seeks proposals for emerging energy-saving technologies that have the potential to come to market quickly. Nearly $8 million is available in this solicitation for grants that could pay the total cost of establishing a demonstration project. The state's leading energy technology organizations, including universities and small businesses, are encouraged to submit proposals.

 

Letters of intent are due April 16.

 

Questions should be directed to energy_grants@njssi.org or directed to the Technology Demonstration Program office, (732) 932-5475 ext. 868.

 

For more information go to http://policy.rutgers.edu/njssi/energy.asp

 

Miami Job Corps

The U.S. Department of Labor seeks small businesses to design and install two solar hot water systems at the Miami Job Corps Center in Miami Gardens, Florida.  The work must comply with requirements of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or similar sustainability goals. The estimated budget is $100,000 to $500,000. 

 

Proposal is due by March 18.

 

Questions should be directed to Frank Lalumiere, (202) 401-8275

 

For more information go to

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=31cb8085abdfdf89cc3bcaf9a0a2914c&tab=core&_cview=0

 

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission

The PUC seeks the services of an alternative energy credits administrator to assist the commission in implementing the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act. The winner will verify utility and generation suppliers, calculate requirements on a quarterly basis, review applications for alternative energy system status, and respond to inquiries about credits.

 

Proposals are due by March 29.

 

Questions should be directed to the issuing officer, Wayne Williams at (717) 787-2139, waywilliam@state.pa.us.

 

For more information go to http://www.puc.state.pa.us/general/press_releases/press_releases.aspx?ShowPR=2457

 

The Vermont Clean Energy Fund

The fund seeks projects that promote cost-effective and environmentally sustainable power, thermal or geothermal resources, including combined heat and power.

 

Proposals are due by March 12.

 

Questions should be directed to Andrew Perchlik, (802) 828-4017, andrew.perchlik@state.vt.us

 

For more information go to http://publicservice.vermont.gov/energy/ee_files/cedf/Febuary2010CleanEnergyDevelopmentFundRFP_final.pdf

  

The Environmental Security Technology Certification Program

The program seeks demonstration projects that can validate environmental technologies for the Department of Defense.   At this stage, it welcomes pre-proposals for innovative environmental and energy technology projects, including energy efficiency initiatives, which may be candidates for DOD funding.   Awards will take the form of contracts.

 

Pre-proposals are due by March 4.

 

Questions should be directed to Danielle Billings, (703) 428-6123.

 

For more information go to

http://www.estcp.org/opportunities/index.cfm 

 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

The EPA requests proposals for advanced vehicle R&D to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Through this RFP, the EPA seeks research that investigates the effect of the piston bowl design on fuel-air mixing and combustion in direct injection engines. The EPA seeks details on the influence of in-cylinder fuel spray injection pressure, spray patterns, liquid and vapor fuel penetration, injection timing and duration, nozzle geometry, ignition timing for best performance, as well as the effect of exhaust gas re-circulation on combustion process and emissions.

 

Proposals are due by March 5. 

 

Questions should be directed to Fakhri Hamady, (734) 214 4330, hamady.fakhri@epa.gov.

 

For more information go to

http://www.epa.gov/air/grants/OTAQ_1_10.pdf

 

California Energy Commission

The CEC requests proposals for the Energy Innovations Small Grant Transportation Program that will support research on vehicle energy efficiency and alternative fuels. The research will provide tools and methods to produce data and understanding that will help decision-makers.

 

Proposals are due March 30.

 

Questions should be directed to (619) 594-1049, eisg@projects.sdsu.edu.

 

For more information go to 

http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/smallgrant/10-01T_electricity/Application_Manual_10-01T_electricity.pdf

   

National Grid expects to generate jobs for ESCOs

National Grid expects to rely heavily on energy efficiency service companies to provide work under a new program proposed in Massachusetts that expands the utility efficiency offerings three-fold between 2010 and 2012.  The utility says it plans to use competitive bidding to identify qualified energy efficiency service companies that will provide much of the work. The proposal is under review before the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. The utility wants to expand spending on electric efficiency from $85 million in 2009, to $570 million between 2010 and 2012, and natural gas efficiency from $20 million in 2009 to nearly $200 million. Details are available at: https://www.nationalgridus.com/masselectric/a3-1_news2.asp?document=4594

  

The Department of Energy

The DOE is offering $210 million in 2010 weatherization funds to state governments and Native American tribes.  States and tribes use the funds to weatherize low-income households.  The DOE will make 58 awards, each no higher than $15 million and no lower than $79,000. 

 

Proposals are due August 1.

 

Questions should be directed to Amanda Lopez, (304) 285-4220, amanda.lopez@netl.doe.gov.

 

For more information go to

http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=50891

 

Puget Sound Energy

PSE seeks to enhance its programs for helping customers use less energy. PSE estimates that energy efficiency could lower the utility's power-capacity need by about 500 MW by 2016.

 

Applications are due by March 2.

 

Questions or comments should be directed to rich.hazzard@pse.com

 

For more information go to http://www.pse.com/energyEnvironment/energysupply/Pages/pse2010RFP.aspx

  

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA seeks a vendor to continue data collection, analysis and presentation on distributed generation/combined heat and power. The job is now performed by CDH Energy Corp. See NYSERDA's CHP operational performance website chp.nyserda.org.

 

Applications are due by February 25.

 

Questions should be directed to Edward Kear, ebk@nyserda.org.

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1308rfp.asp.

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority 

NYSERDA seeks partners to deliver energy efficiency training programs in New York. The goal is to train workers for jobs being created as a result of the state’s energy efficiency portfolio standard.

 

Open enrollment, applications accepted through August 1

 

For Technical questions please contact: Kelli Herndon, kmh@nyserda.org.



 

For more information please visit http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1816pon.asp

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

The FlexTech Program from NYSERDA seeks customers interested in study of efficiency, process improvement, peak-load reduction, energy procurement, and peak-load curtailment plans for their facilities. The program also offers analysis of possible combined heat & power and renewable generation installations.

 

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis through December 15, 2011.

 

For technical questions please contact Clararose Voigt or Joanna Moore, cfv@nyserda.org.

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1746pon.asp  

 

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority

Money is available for companies to site Class I renewable energy or energy efficiency product manufacturing facilities in New Jersey. New Jersey clean technology manufacturers can receive funding for project assessment and design, or project construction and operation.

 

Applications are now being accepted in an open, rolling process and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

 

Questions should be directed to EdisonCEMF@njeda.com, (866) 534-7789

 

For more information go to http://www.njeda.com/web/Aspx_pg/Templates/Npic_Text.aspx?Doc_Id=1085&menuid=1287&topid=718&levelid=6&midid=1175

  

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority 

NYSERDA invites proposals for projects that develop, demonstrate or commercialize innovative ultraviolet light or electron beam technologies. The projects must provide energy benefits for an industrial process in New York’s manufacturing sector. 

 

Proposals are due March 10.

 

Technical questions should be directed to one of the project managers at (518) 862-1090, Scott Larsen, ext. 3208, lsl@nyserda.org, Bill Reinhardt, ext. 3257, wwr@nyserda.org. Contractual questions should be directed to Nancy Marucci, ext. 3335, nsm@nyserda.org. 

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1641pon.asp.  

 

 

Upcoming Events        

4th Annual Implementation of the Smart Grid for Electric Utilities Conference: March 1 - March 2, Austin.

http://www.euci.com/conferences/0310-smart-grid/register.php

 

ACI New Jersey Home Performance Conference 2010: March 4 - 5, Atlantic City, NJ.

http://www.affordablecomfort.org/event/aci_new_jersey_home_performance_conference_2010

 

2010 IEEE PES Transmission and Distribution Conference and Exposition: April 19 - 22, New Orleans.

http://www.ieeet-d.org/

 

The Networked Grid 2010: May 18 - 19, Palm Springs, California.

http://www.greentechmedia.com/events/live/the-networked-grid-2010/

 

 

Job Listing

Email us at realenergywriters@comcast.net to list your EE job.

 

 

Recommended Reading

US Solar Spins 360

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/12/us-solar-spins-a-360

 

Where Are the Green Collar Jobs You Promised, Mr. President

http://pepei.pennnet.com/display_article/370851/17/ARTCL/none/none/1/Where-are-the-green-collar-jobs-you-promised,-Mr-President?/

 

Monitoring Geothermal Heat Pump Performance  

http://www.onsetcomp.com/resources/white_papers

 

Full House at Solar Power International 2009

http://www.realwriters.net/rew/spi1.pdf.

 

 

Lisa Cohn’s new Energy Blog

Read and comment on Lisa Cohn's new energy blog, Cohn's Corner, for SNL Energy:

http://www.snl.com/Interactivex/article.aspx?CdId=A-10734374-11318

 

 

banners
green directory | green message boards

 

Check out stories we are writing on twitter.com

in
 

Podcast Suggestions?

We are open to suggestions for our popular podcast, which attracts up to 240 new subscribers a day. We are now seeking interviews with efficiency experts who can walk us through hypothetical projects and discuss efficiency changes they would recommend to clients. Contact us at realenergywriter@comcast.net.  

 

 

Editor: Reid Smith

realenergywriter@comcast.net

 

----------------

February 18, 2010

 

Blog

Efficiency “sweet spot” for investors

lisa

By Elisa Wood 

February 18, 2010

 

Energy efficiency appears to have married rich in partnering with smart grid. Yet another report shows that together they have formed what has become today’s most appealing clean tech sector for venture capital.

 

Ernst & Young, using data from Dow Jones VentureSource, recently reported that financing rounds grew 11% in 2009 for energy efficiency, this as deals for the clean tech sector as a whole dropped by 16%.

 

The findings echo recent conclusions by Peachtree Green Advisors that found money pouring into the efficiency sector last year, pumping up total deal values by 664.7%. (See Elisa Wood’s January 21 blog, “Investors and public back energy efficiency.”)

 

What’s attracting investors? Ernst & Young – which incorporates smart grid into the efficiency category -- points out that these technologies require little capital and can be commercialized quickly -- characteristics of special appeal in an economy still nervous about high risk. While not exactly the stuff of dorm room startups, they are more akin to dotcom inventions than capital-intensive power plants. Smart grid revolves around digitalizing the electric grid to achieve greater efficiency in energy use.

 

“Energy efficiency is in the sweet spot of many venture capital investors in terms of skill sets and funding parameters, particularly given its basis in information technology.  Consequently, we may see investor participation in clean tech broaden,” said John de Yonge, Ernst & Young, associate director, Americas Cleantech Network.

 

Energy efficiency’s share of total financing activity in 2009 rose from 24% to 32%, Ernst & Young said. The category raised $593.3 million for 2009; of that $252.8 million came from fourth quarter 2009.

 

The report cites the $105 million investment in Silver Spring Networks as the largest deal of the fourth quarter. The Redwood City, California company provides smart grid networking and services for Florida Power & Light, Pacific Gas & Electric and Pepco Holdings, among others. Institutional investors led the financing round, including several repeats: Google Ventures, Foundation Capital, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Northgate Capital.

 

Government policy is clearly playing a big role in energy efficiency’s appeal.  The areas of the country with the most clean tech investment have strong clean energy policies: California and New England.

 

What’s in store for 2010?  The picture, so far, is good for efficiency companies looking for customers.  Ernst & Young found that half of the major global corporations with more than $1 billion in revenue plan to spend $10 million on clean tech products and services in 2010, with 22% spending at least $100 million.

 

More details here: http://www.ey.com/US/en/Newsroom/News-releases/Venture-capital-2009-investments-in-cleantech-fall-50-percent-to-2-billion-dollars-as-investors-shift-focus-to-energy-efficiency.

 

To comment on the blog, go to

http://energyefficiencymarkets.wordpress.com/ or

http://energyefficiencymarkets.blogspot.com/ 

 

 

Podcast

Deep energy retrofits part 1

Lisa Cohn of Energy Efficiency Markets interviews Jeff Wilson, a host for HGTV and the DIY Network, about deep energy retrofits. How are they different from energy audits and what are their benefits? Check out his website at www.thegreenedhouseeffect.com.

 

To listen and subscribe to Energy Efficiency Markets Podcast, go to

http://www.realwriters.net/rew/rtlnk.htm

 

essi
green directory | green message boards

 

Coming Soon: Energy Efficiency Incentives for Businesses 2010

Volume 1: Eastern States

By Elisa Wood and Lisa Cohn

 

For information about pre-ordering the guide at reduced rates, please e-mail us at realenergywriters@comcast.net

 

 

News

State and local governments innovate to cut energy waste

http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2010/02/11/11climatewire-state-and-local-governments-innovate-to-cut-92596.html

 

NW power plan: No coal; only wind, gas, efficiency

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011039131_webpowerplan11.html

 

NYC businesses missing out on efficiency incentives

http://nycfuture.org/content/articles/article_view.cfm?article_id=1263&article_type=0

 

Obama Administration launches $130 million building energy efficiency effort 

http://www.energy.gov/news/8637.htm

 

Energy audit sheds light on costly appliances, electronics

http://www.mercurynews.com/top-stories/ci_14359509

 

Why people aren't sold on energy efficiency in their homes

http://money.blogs.time.com/2010/02/15/why-people-arent-sold-on-energy-efficiency-in-their-homes/#ixzz0fpCUGWtI

 

Office Depot decreases emissions 23% at Austin store

http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/02/17/office-depot-decreases-emissions-23-at-austin-store/

 

 

Business opportunities & requests for proposals

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission

The PUC seeks the services of an alternative energy credits administrator to assist the commission in implementing the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act. The winner will verify utility and generation suppliers, calculate requirements on a quarterly basis, review applications for alternative energy system status, and respond to inquiries about credits.

 

Proposals are due by March 29.

 

Questions should be directed to the issuing officer, Wayne Williams at (717) 787-2139, waywilliam@state.pa.us.

 

For more information go to http://www.puc.state.pa.us/general/press_releases/press_releases.aspx?ShowPR=2457

 

The Vermont Clean Energy Fund

The fund seeks projects that promote cost-effective and environmentally sustainable power, thermal or geothermal resources, including combined heat and power.

 

Proposals are due by March 12.

 

Questions should be directed to Andrew Perchlik, (802) 828-4017, andrew.perchlik@state.vt.us

 

For more information go to http://publicservice.vermont.gov/energy/ee_files/cedf/Febuary2010CleanEnergyDevelopmentFundRFP_final.pdf

 

The New Jersey Clean Energy Program

The TEACH Program seeks contractors who will provide educational services and activities for school districts. In addition to grade-appropriate teaching material, the winner will provide extracurricular activities on energy efficiency and renewable energy topics, such as home or school energy audits. The program strives for a spillover effect, increasing energy awareness among students to encourage actions outside the school by parents and others in the community.

 

Proposals are due by February 19.

 

Questions should be directed to the market manager’s representative, NJTEACH@trcsolutions.com

.

For more information go to http://www.njcleanenergy.com/files/file/TEACH/TEACH%20Solicitation%20for%20Program%20Evaluator%20Final.pdf

 

The Environmental Security Technology Certification Program

The program seeks demonstration projects that can validate environmental technologies for the Department of Defense.   At this stage, it welcomes pre-proposals for innovative environmental and energy technology projects, including energy efficiency initiatives, which may be candidates for DOD funding.   Awards will take the form of contracts.

 

Pre-proposals are due by March 4.

 

Questions should be directed to Danielle Billings, (703) 428-6123.

 

For more information go to

http://www.estcp.org/opportunities/index.cfm

 

Miami Job Corps

The U.S. Department of Labor will issue a solicitation February 18 seeking small businesses to design and install two solar hot water systems at the Miami Job Corps Center in Miami Gardens, Florida.  The work must comply with requirements of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or similar sustainability goals. The estimated budget is $100,000 to $500,000. 

 

The contact is Frank Lalumiere, (202) 401-8275

 

For more information go to

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=31cb8085abdfdf89cc3bcaf9a0a2914c&tab=core&_cview=0

 

 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

The EPA requests proposals for advanced vehicle R&D to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Through this RFP, the EPA seeks research that investigates the effect of the piston bowl design on fuel-air mixing and combustion in direct injection engines. The EPA seeks details on the influence of in-cylinder fuel spray injection pressure, spray patterns, liquid and vapor fuel penetration, injection timing and duration, nozzle geometry, ignition timing for best performance, as well as the effect of exhaust gas re-circulation on combustion process and emissions.

 

Proposals are due by March 5. 

 

Questions should be directed to Fakhri Hamady, (734) 214 4330, hamady.fakhri@epa.gov.

 

For more information go to

http://www.epa.gov/air/grants/OTAQ_1_10.pdf

 

California Energy Commission

The CEC requests proposals for the Energy Innovations Small Grant Transportation Program that will support research on vehicle energy efficiency and alternative fuels. The research will provide tools and methods to produce data and understanding that will help decision-makers.

 

Proposals are due March 30.

 

Questions should be directed to (619) 594-1049, eisg@projects.sdsu.edu.

 

For more information go to 

http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/smallgrant/10-01T_electricity/Application_Manual_10-01T_electricity.pdf

 

The Commonwealth of Kentucky

The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development seeks projects that introduce and demonstrate advanced energy savings and clean energy technologies in industrial, commercial and manufacturing facilities located in Kentucky. The grant focuses on businesses locating or expanding operations in Kentucky that create or retain jobs while saving energy and reducing carbon emissions.

 

Proposals are due February 22.

 

Questions should be directed to (502) 564-9641, Finance.CRCGroup@ky.gov.

 

For more information go to http://eprocurement.ky.gov/

 

The Commonwealth of Kentucky

The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development seeks lighting retrofit projects costing $250,000 or more.  The cabinet will fund a maximum of 50 percent of the total project cost for applicants selected through this RFP.

 

Proposals are due February 22.

 

Questions should be directed to (502) 564-9641, Finance.CRCGroup@ky.gov.

 

For more information go to http://eprocurement.ky.gov/

 

National Grid expects to generate jobs for ESCOs

National Grid expects to rely heavily on energy efficiency service companies to provide work under a new program proposed in Massachusetts that expands the utility efficiency offerings three-fold between 2010 and 2012.  The utility says it plans to use competitive bidding to identify qualified energy efficiency service companies that will provide much of the work. The proposal is under review before the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. The utility wants to expand spending on electric efficiency from $85 million in 2009, to $570 million between 2010 and 2012, and natural gas efficiency from $20 million in 2009 to nearly $200 million. Details are available at: https://www.nationalgridus.com/masselectric/a3-1_news2.asp?document=4594

 

 

The California Energy Commission

The CEC seeks a qualified third-party rebate fulfillment company to provide services that include accepting and processing mail-in rebate applications received from the public, verifying and validating claim materials, and transmitting electronic claim files to the State Controller's Office under California' State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program.

 

Proposals are due February 18.

 

Questions should be directed to Rachel Grant, Contracts Officer, (916) 654-4379, rgrant@energy.state.ca.us.

 

For more information go to

http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/recovery.html#RFP_400-09-404

 

The Department of Energy

The DOE is offering $210 million in 2010 weatherization funds to state governments and Native American tribes.  States and tribes use the funds to weatherize low-income households.  The DOE will make 58 awards, each no higher than $15 million and no lower than $79,000. 

 

Proposals are due August 1.

 

Questions should be directed to Amanda Lopez, (304) 285-4220, amanda.lopez@netl.doe.gov.

 

For more information go to

http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=50891

 

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA seeks proposals for the implementation of a statewide energy efficiency and renewable consumer education program. This program is designed to raise awareness, educate the general public, and increase the adoption of energy efficiency behaviors and practices at home, at work, and within communities.

 

Proposals due by February 21.

 

For technical questions please contact: Lori Clark, Ext. 3202 lac@nyserda.org

 

For more information go to

http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1685rfp

 

Puget Sound Energy

PSE seeks to enhance its programs for helping customers use less energy. PSE estimates that energy efficiency could lower the utility's power-capacity need by about 500 MW by 2016.

 

Applications are due by March 2.

 

Questions or comments should be directed to rich.hazzard@pse.com

 

For more information go to http://www.pse.com/energyEnvironment/energysupply/Pages/pse2010RFP.aspx

 

The Department of Energy

The DOE is interested in receiving proposals for vendors to participate in a program to generate a market for high performance (R-5) windows and low-e storm windows

 

Proposals are due February 19.

 

Questions should be directed to Terry Mapes

Terry.Mapes@pnl.gov

 

For more information go to http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/windowsvolumepurchase/request_for_proposal.html

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA seeks a vendor to continue data collection, analysis and presentation on distributed generation/combined heat and power. The job is now performed by CDH Energy Corp. See NYSERDA's CHP operational performance website chp.nyserda.org.

 

Applications are due by February 25.

 

Questions should be directed to Edward Kear, ebk@nyserda.org.

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1308rfp.asp.

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority 

NYSERDA seeks partners to deliver energy efficiency training programs in New York. The goal is to train workers for jobs being created as a result of the state’s energy efficiency portfolio standard.

 

Open enrollment, applications accepted through August 1

 

For Technical questions please contact: Kelli Herndon, kmh@nyserda.org.



 

For more information please visit http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1816pon.asp

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

The FlexTech Program from NYSERDA seeks customers interested in study of efficiency, process improvement, peak-load reduction, energy procurement, and peak-load curtailment plans for their facilities. The program also offers analysis of possible combined heat & power and renewable generation installations.

 

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis through December 15, 2011.

 

For technical questions please contact Clararose Voigt or Joanna Moore, cfv@nyserda.org.

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1746pon.asp  

 

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority

Money is available for companies to site Class I renewable energy or energy efficiency product manufacturing facilities in New Jersey. New Jersey clean technology manufacturers can receive funding for project assessment and design, or project construction and operation.

 

Applications are now being accepted in an open, rolling process and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

 

Questions should be directed to EdisonCEMF@njeda.com, (866) 534-7789

 

For more information go to http://www.njeda.com/web/Aspx_pg/Templates/Npic_Text.aspx?Doc_Id=1085&menuid=1287&topid=718&levelid=6&midid=1175

  

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority 

NYSERDA invites proposals for projects that develop, demonstrate or commercialize innovative ultraviolet light or electron beam technologies. The projects must provide energy benefits for an industrial process in New York’s manufacturing sector. 

 

Proposals are due March 10.

 

Technical questions should be directed to one of the project managers at (518) 862-1090, Scott Larsen, ext. 3208, lsl@nyserda.org, Bill Reinhardt, ext. 3257, wwr@nyserda.org. Contractual questions should be directed to Nancy Marucci, ext. 3335, nsm@nyserda.org. 

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1641pon.asp.  

    

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA seeks applications from software developers to provide building modeling software for use in NYSERDA's New York Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program

 

Applications are due by June 30, 2011.

 

For RFQ questions contact Brian Atchinson, (518) 862-1090, ext.3382, or bta@nyserda.org; for contract questions, Venice Forbes, (518) 862-1090, ext. 3507, or vwf@nyserda.org

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1303rfql.asp.

   

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA is offering $10 million in grants to expand manufacturing of renewable, clean, and energy-efficient products in New York. The state agency will evaluate proposals on a first-come first-serve basis.

 

Proposals will be accepted through June 30, 2011 or until funds run out.

 

Send applications to Roseanne Viscusi, PON No. 1176, NYSERDA, 17 Columbia Circle, Albany, New York 12203-6399. Direct technical questions to Jennifer Harvey, 518-862-1090, ext. 3264, jlh@nyserda.org, or Joe Borowiec, 518- 862-1090 ext. 3381, jcb@nyserda.org; and contractual questions to Diane Vogel, 518-862-1090, ext. 3299, drv@nyserda.org.

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1176pon.asp.

 

 

Upcoming Events     

ACI's Smart Grid Revolution: February 18 - 19, Austin.

http://www.energycentral.com/utility/site/partners/aci/Energy_Central_December_Promo.pdf

   

ACI New Jersey Home Performance Conference 2010: March 4 - 5, Atlantic City, NJ.

http://www.affordablecomfort.org/event/aci_new_jersey_home_performance_conference_2010

 

2010 IEEE PES Transmission and Distribution Conference and Exposition: April 19 - 22, New Orleans.

http://www.ieeet-d.org/

 

The Networked Grid 2010: May 18 - 19, Palm Springs, California.

http://www.greentechmedia.com/events/live/the-networked-grid-2010/

 

 

Job Listing

Email us at realenergywriters@comcast.net to list your EE job.

 

 

Recommended Reading

US Solar Spins 360

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/12/us-solar-spins-a-360

 

Where Are the Green Collar Jobs You Promised, Mr. President

http://pepei.pennnet.com/display_article/370851/17/ARTCL/none/none/1/Where-are-the-green-collar-jobs-you-promised,-Mr-President?/

 

Monitoring Geothermal Heat Pump Performance  

http://www.onsetcomp.com/resources/white_papers

 

Full House at Solar Power International 2009

http://www.realwriters.net/rew/spi1.pdf.pdf

 

Lisa Cohn’s new Energy Blog

Read and comment on Lisa Cohn's new energy blog, Cohn's Corner, for SNL Energy:

http://www.snl.com/Interactivex/article.aspx?CdId=A-10708185-10042

 

 

eeesi
green directory | green message boards

 

Check out stories we are writing on twitter.com

in
 

Podcast Suggestions?

We are open to suggestions for our popular podcast, which attracts up to 180 new subscribers a day. We are now seeking interviews with efficiency experts who can walk us through hypothetical projects and discuss efficiency changes they would recommend to clients. Contact us at realenergywriter@comcast.net.  

 

 

Editor: Reid Smith

realenergywriter@comcast.net

-------------------

 

February 11, 2010

 

Blog

Reasons for efficiency: Plain as the smudge on your face

lisa

By Elisa Wood 

February 11, 2010

 

Remember soot? A long time ago, before global warming, getting rid of soot was considered a good reason to make our energy supply cleaner and more efficient. These small dirty particles, created from auto and power plant combustion, discolor walls and do worse to our lungs. Their harm is immediate, yet we seem to have forgotten this, as we’ve become consumed in energy debate about future worries. 

 

Maybe this is because new technologies have helped reduce soot in our environment. But soot (also called particulate matter) has not gone away. In fact, it may be doing more damage to mountain glaciers than carbon dioxide emissions, according to research by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

 

A form of soot, black carbon, appears to be a major reason why Himalayan glaciers are disappearing, a huge concern because they feed rivers that provide water for more than a billion people in China and India.

 

Black carbon, which comes mostly from burning fossil fuels and biomass, absorbs sunlight, so when the snow becomes dirty, it melts faster.

 

This kind of soot has increased with economic growth in India and China -- by 46 percent from 1990 to 2000 and by another 51 percent from 2000 to 2010, according to Surabi Menon, lead LBNL scientist on the project.

 

The findings are significant because they offer a simple way to slowdown snow melt, almost immediately, Menon says, in an article posted on the LBNL site. http://newscenter.lbl.gov/feature-stories/2010/02/03/black-carbon-himalayan-glaciers. “Carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere for 100 years, but black carbon doesn’t stay in the atmosphere for more than a few weeks, so the effects of controlling black carbon are much faster. If you control black carbon now, you’re going to see an immediate effect.”

 

 Soot is just one of the plain-as-the-smudge-on-your face reasons we’re aiming for a more efficient energy supply. Efficiency also cuts manufacturing expenses, reduces the cost to society of building generating plants and power lines and increases energy independence. These may be obvious, yet we tend not to see them in the US as we become consumed in carbon cap and trade debate.

 

See the LBNL paper, “Black carbon aerosols and the third polar ice cap,” at http://www.atmos-chem-phys-discuss.net/9/26593/2009/acpd-9-26593-2009.html 

 

To comment on the blog, go to

http://energyefficiencymarkets.wordpress.com/ or

http://energyefficiencymarkets.blogspot.com/ 

 

 

Podcast

Indoor Air Quality Technology Improves EE

Lisa Cohn of Energy Efficiency Markets interviews Alexis Huggins, market analyst for Global Market Consultants, about how certain air quality improvements cut energy use.

 

To listen and subscribe to Energy Efficiency Markets Podcast, go to

http://www.realwriters.net/rew/rtlnk.htm

 

solar
green directory | green message boards

 

Coming Soon: Energy Efficiency Incentives for Businesses 2010

Volume 1: Eastern States

By Elisa Wood and Lisa Cohn

 

For information about pre-ordering the guide at reduced rates, please e-mail us at realenergywriters@comcast.net

 

 

News

Why Wall Street will pay you to renovate your house

http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/why-will-wall-street-pay-you-to-renovate-your-house

 

Venture capital investments in cleantech fall as investors shift focus to energy efficiency

http://www.solarindustrymag.com/e107_plugins/content/content_lt.php?content.4796

 

Energy Star for data centers coming in June

http://www.pcworld.com/article/188658/energy_star_for_data_centers_coming_in_june.html

 

Massachusetts OK's utilities energy-savings plans

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/02/massachusetts_oks_utilities_en.html

 

Hawaii charges ahead with electric vehicles

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100208/NEWS01/2080351/Hawaii+charges+ahead+with+electric+vehicles

 

Pennsylvania Green Jobs Report outlines potential growth of renewable energy and environment

http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2010/02/07/business/doc4b6e32f57f367138306474.txt

 

 

Business opportunities & request for proposals

The Environmental Security Technology Certification Program

The program seeks demonstration projects that can validate environmental technologies for the Department of Defense.   At this stage, it welcomes pre-proposals for innovative environmental and energy technology projects, including energy efficiency initiatives, which may be candidates for DOD funding.   Awards will take the form of contracts. Participation is not restricted to any particular entities.

 

Pre-proposals are due by March 4.

 

The contact is Danielle Billings, (703) 428-6123

 

For more information go to

http://www.estcp.org/opportunities/index.cfm

 

Miami Job Corps

The U.S. Department of Labor will issue a solicitation February 18 seeking small businesses to design and install two solar hot water systems at the Miami Job Corps Center in Miami Gardens, Florida.  The work must comply with requirements of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or similar sustainability goals. The estimated budget is $100,000 to $500,000. 

 

The contact is Frank Lalumiere, (202) 401-8275

 

For more information go to

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=31cb8085abdfdf89cc3bcaf9a0a2914c&tab=core&_cview=0

 

 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

The EPA requests proposals for advanced vehicle R&D to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Through this RFP, the EPA seeks research that investigates the effect of the piston bowl design on fuel-air mixing and combustion in direct injection engines. The EPA seeks details on the influence of in-cylinder fuel spray injection pressure, spray patterns, liquid and vapor fuel penetration, injection timing and duration, nozzle geometry, ignition timing for best performance, as well as the effect of exhaust gas re-circulation on combustion process and emissions.

 

Proposals are due by March 5. 

 

Questions should be directed to Fakhri Hamady, (734) 214 4330, hamady.fakhri@epa.gov.

 

For more information go to

http://www.epa.gov/air/grants/OTAQ_1_10.pdf

 

California Energy Commission

The CEC requests proposals for the Energy Innovations Small Grant Transportation Program that will support research vehicle energy efficiency and alternative fuels. The focus is on research that will provide tools and methods to produce data and understanding that will help decision-makers.

 

Proposals are due March 30.

 

Questions should be directed to (619) 594-1049, eisg@projects.sdsu.edu.

 

For more information go to 

http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/smallgrant/10-01T_electricity/Application_Manual_10-01T_electricity.pdf

 

The Commonwealth of Kentucky

The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development seeks projects that introduce and demonstrate advanced energy savings and clean energy technologies in industrial, commercial and manufacturing facilities located in Kentucky. The grant focuses on businesses locating or expanding operations in Kentucky that create or retain jobs while saving energy and reducing carbon emissions.

 

Proposals are due February 22.

 

Questions should be directed to (502) 564-9641, Finance.CRCGroup@ky.gov.

 

For more information go to http://eprocurement.ky.gov/

 

The Commonwealth of Kentucky

The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development seeks lighting retrofit projects costing $250,000 or more.  The cabinet will fund a maximum of 50 percent of the total project cost for applicants selected through this RFP.

 

Proposals are due February 22.

 

Questions should be directed to (502) 564-9641, Finance.CRCGroup@ky.gov.

 

For more information go to http://eprocurement.ky.gov/

 

National Grid expects to generate jobs for ESCOs

National Grid expects to rely heavily on energy efficiency service companies to provide work under a new program proposed in Massachusetts that expands the utility efficiency offerings three-fold between 2010 and 2012.  The utility says it plans to use competitive bidding to identify qualified energy efficiency service companies that will provide much of the work. The proposal is under review before the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. The utility wants to expand spending on electric efficiency from $85 million in 2009, to $570 million between 2010 and 2012, and natural gas efficiency from $20 million in 2009 to nearly $200 million. Details are available at: https://www.nationalgridus.com/masselectric/a3-1_news2.asp?document=4594

 

 

The California Energy Commission

The CEC seeks a qualified third-party rebate fulfillment company to provide services that include accepting and processing mail-in rebate applications received from the public, verifying and validating claim materials, and transmitting electronic claim files to the State Controller's Office under California' State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program.

 

Proposals are due February 18.

 

Questions should be directed to Rachel Grant, Contracts Officer, (916) 654-4379, rgrant@energy.state.ca.us.

 

For more information go to

http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/recovery.html#RFP_400-09-404

 

The Department of Energy

The DOE is offering $210 million in 2010 weatherization funds to state governments and Native American tribes.  States and tribes use the funds to weatherize low-income households.  The DOE will make 58 awards, each no higher than $15 million and no lower than $79,000. 

 

Proposals are due August 1.

 

Questions should be directed to Amanda Lopez, (304) 285-4220, amanda.lopez@netl.doe.gov.

 

For more information go to

http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=50891

 

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA seeks proposals for the implementation of a statewide energy efficiency and renewable consumer education program. This program is designed to raise awareness, educate the general public, and increase the adoption of energy efficiency behaviors and practices at home, at work, and within communities.

 

Proposals due by February 21.

 

For technical questions please contact: Lori Clark, Ext. 3202 lac@nyserda.org

 

For more information go to

http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1685rfp

 

Puget Sound Energy

PSE seeks to enhance its programs for helping customers use less energy. PSE estimates that energy efficiency could lower the utility's power-capacity need by about 500 MW by 2016.

 

Applications are due by March 2.

 

Questions or comments should be directed to rich.hazzard@pse.com

 

For more information go to http://www.pse.com/energyEnvironment/energysupply/Pages/pse2010RFP.aspx

 

The Department of Energy

The DOE is interested in receiving proposals for vendors to participate in a program to generate a market for high performance (R-5) windows and low-e storm windows

 

Proposals are due February 19.

 

Questions should be directed to Terry Mapes

Terry.Mapes@pnl.gov

 

For more information go to http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/windowsvolumepurchase/request_for_proposal.html

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA seeks a vendor to continue data collection, analysis and presentation on distributed generation/combined heat and power. The job is now performed by CDH Energy Corp. See NYSERDA's CHP operational performance website chp.nyserda.org.

 

Applications are due by February 25.

 

Questions should be directed to Edward Kear, ebk@nyserda.org.

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1308rfp.asp.

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority 

NYSERDA seeks partners to deliver energy efficiency training programs in New York. The goal is to train workers for jobs being created as a result of the state’s energy efficiency portfolio standard.

 

Open enrollment, applications accepted through August 1

 

For Technical questions please contact: Kelli Herndon, kmh@nyserda.org.



 

For more information please visit http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1816pon.asp

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

The FlexTech Program from NYSERDA seeks customers interested in study of efficiency, process improvement, peak-load reduction, energy procurement, and peak-load curtailment plans for their facilities. The program also offers analysis of possible combined heat & power and renewable generation installations.

 

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis through December 15, 2011.

 

For technical questions please contact Clararose Voigt or Joanna Moore, cfv@nyserda.org.

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1746pon.asp

  

The Maryland Energy Administration

The MEA is now offering low-interest loans through the EmPOWER Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Loan Fund. Maryland businesses can qualify for up to $500,000 for electric efficiency projects, and $750,000 for combined electric and gas/fuel oil efficiency projects with a minimum $35,000 for energy efficiency projects. Eligible energy efficiency projects may include building weatherization, lighting technology upgrades, HVAC replacements or upgrades, and commercial refrigeration equipment upgrades.

 

Awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis within utility service territory funding pools through February 12.

 

Questions should be directed to Jesse Fulton, jfulton@energy.state.md.us, (410) 260-7184.

 

For more information go to

http://www.energy.maryland.gov/incentives/business/commercialIndustrialEnergyEfficiencyLoanFund.asp

  

 

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority

Money is available for companies to site Class I renewable energy or energy efficiency product manufacturing facilities in New Jersey. New Jersey clean technology manufacturers can receive funding for project assessment and design, or project construction and operation.

 

Applications are now being accepted in an open, rolling process and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

 

Questions should be directed to EdisonCEMF@njeda.com, (866) 534-7789

 

For more information go to http://www.njeda.com/web/Aspx_pg/Templates/Npic_Text.aspx?Doc_Id=1085&menuid=1287&topid=718&levelid=6&midid=1175

  

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority 

NYSERDA invites proposals for projects that develop, demonstrate or commercialize innovative ultraviolet light or electron beam technologies. The projects must provide energy benefits for an industrial process in New York’s manufacturing sector. 

 

Proposals are due March 10.

 

Technical questions should be directed to one of the project managers at (518) 862-1090, Scott Larsen, ext. 3208, lsl@nyserda.org, Bill Reinhardt, ext. 3257, wwr@nyserda.org. Contractual questions should be directed to Nancy Marucci, ext. 3335, nsm@nyserda.org. 

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1641pon.asp.  

    

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA seeks applications from software developers to provide building modeling software for use in NYSERDA's New York Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program

 

Applications are due by June 30, 2011.

 

For RFQ questions contact Brian Atchinson, (518) 862-1090, ext.3382, or bta@nyserda.org; for contract questions, Venice Forbes, (518) 862-1090, ext. 3507, or vwf@nyserda.org

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1303rfql.asp.

   

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA is offering $10 million in grants to expand manufacturing of renewable, clean, and energy-efficient products in New York. The state agency will evaluate proposals on a first-come first-serve basis.

 

Proposals will be accepted through June 30, 2011 or until funds run out.

 

Send applications to Roseanne Viscusi, PON No. 1176, NYSERDA, 17 Columbia Circle, Albany, New York 12203-6399. Direct technical questions to Jennifer Harvey, 518-862-1090, ext. 3264, jlh@nyserda.org, or Joe Borowiec, 518- 862-1090 ext. 3381, jcb@nyserda.org; and contractual questions to Diane Vogel, 518-862-1090, ext. 3299, drv@nyserda.org.

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1176pon.asp.

 

 

Upcoming Events    

Airports Energy Efficiency Forum: February. February 17 - 19, Seattle.

http://events.aaae.org/sites/091103/index.cfm

 

ACI's Smart Grid Revolution: February 18 - 19, Austin.

http://www.energycentral.com/utility/site/partners/aci/Energy_Central_December_Promo.pdf

   

ACI New Jersey Home Performance Conference 2010: March 4 - 5, Atlantic City, NJ.

http://www.affordablecomfort.org/event/aci_new_jersey_home_performance_conference_2010

 

2010 IEEE PES Transmission and Distribution Conference and Exposition: April 19 - 22, New Orleans.

http://www.ieeet-d.org/

 

The Networked Grid 2010: May 18 - 19, Palm Springs, California.

http://www.greentechmedia.com/events/live/the-networked-grid-2010/

 

 

Job Listing

Email us at realenergywriters@comcast.net to list your EE job.

 

 

Recommended Reading

US Solar Spins 360

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/12/us-solar-spins-a-360

 

Where Are the Green Collar Jobs You Promised, Mr. President

http://pepei.pennnet.com/display_article/370851/17/ARTCL/none/none/1/Where-are-the-green-collar-jobs-you-promised,-Mr-President?/

 

Monitoring Geothermal Heat Pump Performance  

http://www.onsetcomp.com/resources/white_papers

 

Full House at Solar Power International 2009

http://www.realwriters.net/rew/spi1.pdf.pdf

 

 

Lisa Cohn’s new Energy Blog

Read and comment on Lisa Cohn's new energy blog, Cohn's Corner, for SNL Energy:

http://www.snl.com/Interactivex/article.aspx?CdId=A-10708185-10042

 

 

solareesi
green directory | green message boards

 

Check out stories we are writing on twitter.com

in
 

Podcast Suggestions?

We are open to suggestions for our popular podcast, which attracts up to 180 new subscribers a day. We are now seeking interviews with efficiency experts who can walk us through hypothetical projects and discuss efficiency changes they would recommend to clients. Contact us at realenergywriter@comcast.net.  

 

 

Editor: Reid Smith

realenergywriter@comcast.net

-------------

 

February 4, 2010

 

Blog

Hot sectors for energy efficiency

lisa

By Elisa Wood 

February 4, 2010 

 

It’s clear that the energy efficiency industry is undergoing an unprecedented boom, spurred by state and federal support and movement toward a smarter grid. But for those in the industry, where exactly can the new business – and the jobs – be found?

 

Two new reports by Colorado-based Pike Research shed some light.

 

After years of focusing on bringing efficiency to manufacturing, policymakers are turning attention to deep retrofits for the home. Tax credits, low-cost financing, and other incentives make it easier for homeowners to install efficient heating systems, replace windows and insulate attics.

 

Thus, if you are a home energy auditor – or thinking of becoming one – you are in luck. The report forecasts that the energy auditing market will triple from $8.1 billion in 2009 to $23.4 billion by 2014. And from those audits will come recommendations that spur home improvements. Pike Research predicts a $50.2 billion market in the installation of new electrical systems, appliances and major equipment, HVAC systems, roofing, windows and doors and other efficiency improvements by 2014, up from $39.3 billion.

 

The more efficient homes need more efficient appliances, so the Energy Star appliance market also may see revenue growth. Under a business-as-usual scenario the industry is expected to generate $21.9 billion by 2014. But the market could see the addition of another $11.3 billion under a high-penetration efficiency scenario, says the study.

 

“Energy efficiency is stepping into the light after a long period of obscurity,” says Clint Wheelock, Pike Research managing director.  “A number of factors are converging to make energy efficient residential products and services a hot sector over the next several years.  These drivers include increased environmental awareness among consumers, government incentives, utility energy efficiency programs, and new offerings and rebates from product manufacturers.”

 

Meanwhile, the US also is realizing that a smart grid must be a safe grid. Increased attention is being placed on cyber security, measures to protect the electrical grid from attacks by terrorists and hackers, natural disasters, equipment failures and human error.

 

Companies that offer services and equipment to secure the grid are seeing a rapid increase in demand for their wares. Pike Research forecasts that from 2010 to 2015 about $21 billion will be invested globally in cyber security for the smart grid.

 

“No utility wants to be the weak link in the chain,” Wheelock says “The concern over grid vulnerability is driving utility technologists to work closely with systems integrators, infrastructure suppliers, and standards bodies to develop a robust framework for smart grid cyber security across multiple domains.” 

 

The report finds that equipment protection and configuration management will experience greatest demand. Among smart grid applications, the firm expects that the greatest investments will go into cyber security for distribution automation (DA) and transmission upgrades, followed by security measures for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) smart meters.

 

See www.pikeresearch.com for more details.

 

To comment on the blog, go to

http://energyefficiencymarkets.wordpress.com/ or

http://energyefficiencymarkets.blogspot.com/ 

 

 

Podcast

Making solar more efficient

Lisa Cohn of Energy Efficiency Markets interviews Joe Grimes, chief operating officer of XsunX, about how the company has made solar thin film more efficient. In the lab, XsunX’s solar technology has reached 20% conversion efficiency, the highest in the world for thin film. The challenge is transferring this efficiency to the field.

 

To listen and subscribe to Energy Efficiency Markets Podcast, go to

http://www.realwriters.net/rew/rtlnk.htm

 

solareesi
green directory | green message boards

 

Coming Soon: Energy Efficiency Incentives for Businesses 2010

Volume 1: Eastern States

By Elisa Wood and Lisa Cohn

 

For information about pre-ordering the guide at reduced rates, please e-mail us at realenergywriters@comcast.net

 

 

News

Energy reports compare you with neighbors

http://www.intelligentutility.com/article/10/02/energy-reports-compare-you-neighbors

 

Massachusetts unveils energy efficiency standards

http://www.boston.com/business/ticker/2010/01/mass_unveils_en.html

 

Energy Disclosure Ordinance identifies energy waste, gives property owners and tenants tools to improve energy efficiency

http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/newsdetail.asp?ID=10497&dept=48

 

Obama makes new push to cut government emissions

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703389004575033102801841396.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_PoliticsNCampaign_4

 

Home energy efficiency market poised for big growth, says Pike Research

http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2010/02/01/daily20.html

 

HP rolls out 20-foot datacenter pod

http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=30343&tag=content;col1

 

 

Business opportunities & request for proposals

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

The EPA requests proposals for advanced vehicle R&D to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Through this RFP, the EPA seeks research that investigates the effect of the piston bowl design on fuel-air mixing and combustion in direct injection engines. The EPA seeks details on the influence of in-cylinder fuel spray injection pressure, spray patterns, liquid and vapor fuel penetration, injection timing and duration, nozzle geometry, ignition timing for best performance, as well as the effect of exhaust gas re-circulation on combustion process and emissions.

 

Proposals are due by March 5. 

 

Questions should be directed to Fakhri Hamady, (734) 214 4330, hamady.fakhri@epa.gov.

 

For more information go to

http://www.epa.gov/air/grants/OTAQ_1_10.pdf

 

California Energy Commission

The CEC requests proposals for the Energy Innovations Small Grant Transportation Program that will support research vehicle energy efficiency and alternative fuels. The focus is on research that will provide tools and methods to produce data and understanding that will help decision-makers.

 

Proposals are due March 30.

 

Questions should be directed to (619) 594-1049, eisg@projects.sdsu.edu.

 

For more information go to 

http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/smallgrant/10-01T_electricity/Application_Manual_10-01T_electricity.pdf

 

The Commonwealth of Kentucky

The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development seeks projects that introduce and demonstrate advanced energy savings and clean energy technologies in industrial, commercial and manufacturing facilities located in Kentucky. The grant focuses on businesses locating or expanding operations in Kentucky that create or retain jobs while saving energy and reducing carbon emissions.

 

Proposals are due February 22.

 

Questions should be directed to (502) 564-9641, Finance.CRCGroup@ky.gov.

 

For more information go to http://eprocurement.ky.gov/

 

The Commonwealth of Kentucky

The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development seeks lighting retrofit projects costing $250,000 or more.  The cabinet will fund a maximum of 50 percent of the total project cost for applicants selected through this RFP.

 

Proposals are due February 22.

 

Questions should be directed to (502) 564-9641, Finance.CRCGroup@ky.gov.

 

For more information go to http://eprocurement.ky.gov/

 

National Grid expects to generate jobs for ESCOs

National Grid expects to rely heavily on energy efficiency service companies to provide work under a new program proposed in Massachusetts that expands the utility efficiency offerings three-fold between 2010 and 2012.  The utility says it plans to use competitive bidding to identify qualified energy efficiency service companies that will provide much of the work. The proposal is under review before the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. The utility wants to expand spending on electric efficiency from $85 million in 2009, to $570 million between 2010 and 2012, and natural gas efficiency from $20 million in 2009 to nearly $200 million. Details are available at: https://www.nationalgridus.com/masselectric/a3-1_news2.asp?document=4594

 

 

The California Energy Commission

The CEC seeks a qualified third-party rebate fulfillment company to provide services that include accepting and processing mail-in rebate applications received from the public, verifying and validating claim materials, and transmitting electronic claim files to the State Controller's Office under California' State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program.

 

Proposals are due February 18.

 

Questions should be directed to Rachel Grant, Contracts Officer, (916) 654-4379, rgrant@energy.state.ca.us.

 

For more information go to

http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/recovery.html#RFP_400-09-404

 

The Department of Energy

The DOE is offering $210 million in 2010 weatherization funds to state governments and Native American tribes.  States and tribes use the funds to weatherize low-income households.  The DOE will make 58 awards, each no higher than $15 million and no lower than $79,000. 

 

Proposals are due August 1.

 

Questions should be directed to Amanda Lopez, (304) 285-4220, amanda.lopez@netl.doe.gov.

 

For more information go to

http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=50891

 

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA seeks proposals for the implementation of a statewide energy efficiency and renewable consumer education program. This program is designed to raise awareness, educate the general public, and increase the adoption of energy efficiency behaviors and practices at home, at work, and within communities.

 

Proposals due by February 21.

 

For technical questions please contact: Lori Clark, Ext. 3202 lac@nyserda.org

 

For more information go to

http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1685rfp

 

Puget Sound Energy

PSE seeks to enhance its programs for helping customers use less energy. PSE estimates that energy efficiency could lower the utility's power-capacity need by about 500 MW by 2016.

 

Applications are due by March 2.

 

Questions or comments should be directed to rich.hazzard@pse.com

 

For more information go to http://www.pse.com/energyEnvironment/energysupply/Pages/pse2010RFP.aspx

 

The Department of Energy

The DOE is interested in receiving proposals for vendors to participate in a program to generate a market for high performance (R-5) windows and low-e storm windows

 

Proposals are due February 19.

 

Questions should be directed to Terry Mapes

Terry.Mapes@pnl.gov

 

For more information go to http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/windowsvolumepurchase/request_for_proposal.html

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA seeks a vendor to continue data collection, analysis and presentation on distributed generation/combined heat and power. The job is now performed by CDH Energy Corp. See NYSERDA's CHP operational performance website chp.nyserda.org.

 

Applications are due by February 25.

 

Questions should be directed to Edward Kear, ebk@nyserda.org.

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1308rfp.asp.

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority 

NYSERDA seeks partners to deliver energy efficiency training programs in New York. The goal is to train workers for jobs being created as a result of the state’s energy efficiency portfolio standard.

 

Open enrollment, applications accepted through August 1

 

For Technical questions please contact: Kelli Herndon, kmh@nyserda.org.



 

For more information please visit http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1816pon.asp

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

The FlexTech Program from NYSERDA seeks customers interested in study of efficiency, process improvement, peak-load reduction, energy procurement, and peak-load curtailment plans for their facilities. The program also offers analysis of possible combined heat & power and renewable generation installations.

 

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis through December 15, 2011.

 

For technical questions please contact Clararose Voigt or Joanna Moore, cfv@nyserda.org.

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1746pon.asp

  

The Maryland Energy Administration

The MEA is now offering low-interest loans through the EmPOWER Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Loan Fund. Maryland businesses can qualify for up to $500,000 for electric efficiency projects, and $750,000 for combined electric and gas/fuel oil efficiency projects with a minimum $35,000 for energy efficiency projects. Eligible energy efficiency projects may include building weatherization, lighting technology upgrades, HVAC replacements or upgrades, and commercial refrigeration equipment upgrades.

 

Awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis within utility service territory funding pools through February 12.

 

Questions should be directed to Jesse Fulton, jfulton@energy.state.md.us, (410) 260-7184.

 

For more information go to

http://www.energy.maryland.gov/incentives/business/commercialIndustrialEnergyEfficiencyLoanFund.asp

  

 

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority

Money is available for companies to site Class I renewable energy or energy efficiency product manufacturing facilities in New Jersey. New Jersey clean technology manufacturers can receive funding for project assessment and design, or project construction and operation.

 

Applications are now being accepted in an open, rolling process and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

 

Questions should be directed to EdisonCEMF@njeda.com, (866) 534-7789

 

For more information go to http://www.njeda.com/web/Aspx_pg/Templates/Npic_Text.aspx?Doc_Id=1085&menuid=1287&topid=718&levelid=6&midid=1175

  

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority 

NYSERDA invites proposals for projects that develop, demonstrate or commercialize innovative ultraviolet light or electron beam technologies. The projects must provide energy benefits for an industrial process in New York’s manufacturing sector. 

 

Proposals are due March 10.

 

Technical questions should be directed to one of the project managers at (518) 862-1090, Scott Larsen, ext. 3208, lsl@nyserda.org, Bill Reinhardt, ext. 3257, wwr@nyserda.org. Contractual questions should be directed to Nancy Marucci, ext. 3335, nsm@nyserda.org. 

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1641pon.asp.  

    

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA seeks applications from software developers to provide building modeling software for use in NYSERDA's New York Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program

 

Applications are due by June 30, 2011.

 

For RFQ questions contact Brian Atchinson, (518) 862-1090, ext.3382, or bta@nyserda.org; for contract questions, Venice Forbes, (518) 862-1090, ext. 3507, or vwf@nyserda.org

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1303rfql.asp.

   

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA is offering $10 million in grants to expand manufacturing of renewable, clean, and energy-efficient products in New York. The state agency will evaluate proposals on a first-come first-serve basis.

 

Proposals will be accepted through June 30, 2011 or until funds run out.

 

Send applications to Roseanne Viscusi, PON No. 1176, NYSERDA, 17 Columbia Circle, Albany, New York 12203-6399. Direct technical questions to Jennifer Harvey, 518-862-1090, ext. 3264, jlh@nyserda.org, or Joe Borowiec, 518- 862-1090 ext. 3381, jcb@nyserda.org; and contractual questions to Diane Vogel, 518-862-1090, ext. 3299, drv@nyserda.org.

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1176pon.asp.

 

 

Upcoming Events    

Better Buildings by Design 2010: February 10 - 11, Burlington, VT.

http://www.efficiencyvermont.com/pages/Business/BuildingEfficiently/BetterBuildingByDesignConferen/

 

Airports Energy Efficiency Forum: February. February 17 - 19, Seattle

http://events.aaae.org/sites/091103/index.cfm

 

ACI's Smart Grid Revolution: February 18 - 19, Austin.

http://www.energycentral.com/utility/site/partners/aci/Energy_Central_December_Promo.pdf

 

Solutions for Success New York’s ENERGY STAR for Homes 2010 Conference: February 3 - 4, Saratoga Springs, NY.

http://www.affordablecomfort.org/event/solutions_for_success_new_york_s_energy_star_for_homes_2010_conference_awards_banquet

  

ACI New Jersey Home Performance Conference 2010: March 4 - 5, Atlantic City, NJ.

http://www.affordablecomfort.org/event/aci_new_jersey_home_performance_conference_2010

 

2010 IEEE PES Transmission and Distribution Conference and Exposition: April 19 - 22, New Orleans.

http://www.ieeet-d.org/

 

 

Job Listing

 

Email us at realenergywriters@comcast.net to list your EE job.

 

 

Recommended Reading

US Solar Spins 360

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/12/us-solar-spins-a-360

 

Where Are the Green Collar Jobs You Promised, Mr. President

http://pepei.pennnet.com/display_article/370851/17/ARTCL/none/none/1/Where-are-the-green-collar-jobs-you-promised,-Mr-President?/

 

Monitoring Geothermal Heat Pump Performance  

http://www.onsetcomp.com/resources/white_papers

 

Full House at Solar Power International 2009

http://www.realwriters.net/rew/spi1.pdf.pdf

 

 

Lisa Cohn’s new Energy Blog

Read and comment on Lisa Cohn's new energy blog, Cohn's Corner, for SNL Energy:

http://www.snl.com/Interactivex/article.aspx?CdId=A-10590936-13864

 

 

eesi
green directory | green message boards

 

Check out stories we are writing on twitter.com

in
 

Podcast Suggestions?

We are open to suggestions for our popular podcast, which attracts up to 180 new subscribers a day. We are now seeking interviews with efficiency experts who can walk us through hypothetical projects and discuss efficiency changes they would recommend to clients. Contact us at realenergywriter@comcast.net.  

 

 

Editor: Reid Smith

realenergywriter@comcast.net