July, 2008
July 31, 2008
Blog
Congress Feels No Pain
By Elisa Wood
July 31, 2008
A big question often asked by energy analysts is: How high must energy prices be to motivate customers to change their behavior? We are beginning to think that the more perplexing matter is just how much do we pay before Congress reforms its behavior.
Prices are plenty high enough to encourage customers to conserve. Driving is down and pursuit of efficiency is up. Federal lawmakers, however, can’t seem to get beyond partisan maneuvering to extend efficiency incentives.
Wednesday they again came up short on votes for efficiency, solar and wind tax credits. Since existing credits expire at the end of the year, time is running out, and these industries are left with business-killing uncertainty. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/30/AR2008073003020.html
The Jobs, Energy, Families & Disaster Relief Act of 2008, S. 3335, offers a range of measures aimed at encouraging several key efficiency policies. The bill extends tax credits for energy-efficient homes and appliances, and deductions for efficient commercial buildings. It creates incentives for plug-in electric cars and smart electric meters and grids.
Congress has been attempting to pass clean energy measures for months, but they keep getting leveraged against approval of other measures, this time oil drilling. Meanwhile, American households find themselves now paying 13% of pre-tax earnings on energy, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. http://www.ase.org/content/article/detail/4866
To read and comment on the entire blog, go to
http://energyefficiencymarkets.wordpress.com/
Podcast
Market Drivers for Energy Efficient Building Retrofits
EE Markets Podcast interviews Gail Suchman, an attorney at the New York law firm, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, who discusses forces that drive today’s building retrofits. She explains how building owners can offset the cost of retrofitting by following state green building codes and pursuing efficiency tax credits.
To listen and subscribe to Energy Efficiency Markets Podcast, go to
http://www.realwriters.net/rew/rtlnkmr.htm
News
PG&E Planning for California’s Energy Future: Utility Files to Enhance Energy Efficiency Programs and Ensure Reliable Future Supply
http://www.pge.com/about/news/mediarelations/newsreleases/q3_2008/080722.shtml
USDA Awards $6.9 Million for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2008/07/0192.xml
ATC Transmission Improvements Double as Major Energy Efficiency Upgrades
DOE Launches EnergySmart Hospitals to Promote Improved Energy Efficiency in Healthcare
http://www.energy.gov/news/6428.htm
Scientists Test Computer Energy Efficiency
Protesters Say Duke Energy Will Gouge Customers with New Program
http://www.charlotte.com/business/story/732638.html
Requests for Proposals
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
NYSERDA seeks proposals that develop and/or demonstrate strategies that enable commercial technologies that have the potential of reducing the emission of greenhouse gases and the consumption of petroleum product by reducing vehicle miles traveled in New York State without adversely affecting the State’s economy and quality of life.
Proposals are due by September 16.
Proposals should be sent to:
Roseanne Viscusi, PON No. 1239
NYS Energy Research and Development Authority
17 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY 12203-6399
Technical questions concerning this solicitation should be directed to Joe Tario at (518) 862-1090, ext. 3215, jdt@nyserda.org or Richard Drake at (518) 862-1090, ext. 3258, rld@nyserda.org. Contractual questions should be directed to Nancy Marucci at (518) 862-1090, ext. 3335, nsm@nyserda.org.
For information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1239pon.asp.
Ontario Power Authority
The OPA invites prospective proponents to submit proposals to manage and deliver the EKC Power Savings Event in 2009 and 2010. The proposals should include, without limitation: program administration, coordination of management of suppliers and of program channel partners, in-store training and merchandising, coupon tracking and fulfillment, program monitoring and evaluation, and program design consultation.
Proposals are due by August 18.
Proposals should be sent to:
RFP - 2009 to 2010 Every Kilowatt Counts Power Savings Event External Program
Manager
Ontario Power Authority
120 Adelaide Street West
Suite 1600
Toronto, Ontario M5H 1T1
Questions should be directed to Dan Slavei at
Dan.Slavei@powerauthority.on.ca.
For information go to http://www.powerauthority.on.ca/Page.asp?PageID=122&ContentID=6602
Ontario Power Authority
This RFP seeks consultants to develop a 20-year energy and demand forecast and a consistent conservation potential assessment.
Proposals are due Sept. 19.
For information go to http://www.powerauthority.on.ca/Page.asp?PageID=122&ContentID=6580
Applications should be submitted to:
Ontario Power Authority
120 Adelaide Street West
Suite 1600
Toronto, Ontario M5H 1T1
Attention: Dan Slavei
Questions should be directed to Dan Slavei at Dan.Slavei@powerauthority.on.ca.
US Department of Energy
The US DOE has opened the second round of solicitations for the Loan Guarantee program, which offers up to $30.5 billion in federal loan guarantees for projects that employ advanced energy technologies and that avoid, reduce or sequester anthropogenic emissions of air pollutants or greenhouse gases. The three solicitations are for (1) energy efficiency, renewable energy and advanced transmission and distribution technologies; (2) advanced nuclear power facilities; and (3) advanced nuclear facilities for the 'front-end' of the nuclear fuel cycle.
For application material and information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/keydocs.html.
Questions concerning the solicitation should be directed to the Loan Guarantee Program Office at lgprogram@hq.doe.gov or 202-586-8336. For additional contact information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/contact.html.
For information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/index.html.
Progress Energy Florida
Progress Energy Florida (PEF) seeks proposals from potential suppliers of electric generating capacity and associated energy for alternatives to the “Next Planned Generating Unit,” which is approximately 1,159 MW of capacity available for commercial delivery by June 1, 2013. Proposals will compete with PEFs self-build option, consisting of a highly efficient, combined-cycle, natural gas unit to be built on company property at its existing Suwannee plant in Suwannee County, Fla.
Proposal must be received by Aug. 12. All inquiries and proposal submissions must be directed in writing to:
David Dawson
PEF Resource Planning
6565 38th Ave. North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
ph: (727) 344-4165
Fax : (727) 344-4184
PEF2013RFP@pgnmail.com
For information on this RFP: www.progress-energy.com/PEF2013RFP
US Department of Energy
The US DOE is offering up to $130 million over three years to advance development and use of fuel cells for automotive, stationary and portable power applications. This is part of the President’s Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, which accelerates the pace of research and development of hydrogen-powered fuel cells.
Applications are due on or before Aug. 27, with funding subject to appropriations from Congress.
For more information: http://hydrogen.energy.gov.
Ontario Power Authority
The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) was directed by the Minister of Energy to procure up to 1,000 MW of high efficiency combined heat and power projects across Ontario. CHP configurations may be natural gas-fired industrial cogeneration, by-product fuel-fired industrial cogeneration, district energy cogeneration, or renewable fuel-fired industrial cogeneration.
Proposal submission deadline is Oct. 16.
For a full description of the RFP go to http://www.powerauthority.on.ca/GP/Page.asp?PageID=1224&SiteNodeID=174
Upcoming Events
Enabling Tomorrow’s Utility with Advanced Smart Grid Technologies: August 4 – 5, Chicago, Ill.
https://www.euci.com/conferences/0808-smart-grid/
7th Annual Outage Management for Power Plants: August 4 – 6, Las Vegas, Nev.
http://www.marcusevansbb.com/OMPP2008
2nd International conference on Energy Sustainability: August 10 – 14, Jacksonville, Fla.
http://www.asmeconferences.org/ES2008/
2008 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings: August 17 – 22, Pacific Grove, Calif.
http://www.aceee.org/conf/08ss/08ssindex.htm
Smart Metering West Coast: August 18 – 19, Seattle, Wash.
http://www.metering.com/events
Energy Efficiency Summit East 2008: September 8 – 10, Washington, DC.
http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?i=9e57ef57-81bf-470f-9b17-48b2d8060f0d
Utility Integrated Resource Planning: September 8 – 10, Atlanta, Ga.
http://www.marcusevansbb.com/UIRP2008
Energy Efficiency for the Mass Market: September 8 – 9, Atlanta, Ga.
https://www.euci.com/conferences/0908-efficiency/
Green Build International Conference and Expo: November 19 – 21, Boston, Mass.
http://www.greenbuildexpo.org/
---------
July 24, 2008
Blog
What’s Cool about Air Conditioning
By Elisa Wood
July 24, 2008
Conservationists often mock Americans for their love affair with the car. But the air conditioner appears to be a growing rival for our affection.
Twenty years ago only about one-quarter of US residences had central air conditioning; by 2005 it was up to 62%, according to the United States Census Bureau. http://www.ahrinet.org/ARI/util/showdoc.aspx?doc=703.
As a result, for a handful of hot days, we use enormous amounts of electricity. We must build expensive power plants to ensure that we have enough electricity to run the air conditioners, even though the power plants aren’t needed for the rest of the year. Our grid operators usually use the least expensive power first. But with demand so high, even the dirty and high priced plants are called upon. With everything running full tilt in the heat, the system is vulnerable to outages.
The problem reveals itself again and again each summer, most recently last weekend in New York City, where Consolidated Edison found itself delivering dry ice to keep Brooklyn customers cool after they lost power. A heat wave sent demand for electricity soaring to the second highest level on record.
I live in the southeast, so I am as enamored with the air conditioner as anyone. The good news is that the energy efficiency marketplace is spurring innovation to help avert grid problems brought on by our use of central air conditioning.
One rapidly growing innovation is demand response, which offers businesses payment to limit electricity use when the grid is under strain, reducing the likelihood of power outages. Companies might dim lights, delay expensive manufacturing processes until a time of day electric demand is lower, or engage in other energy reduction strategies. The approach is becoming so popular, hardly a week goes by without word of new major demand response deal. For example, EnergyConnect, an Oregon-based demand-response provider recently signed up Yahoo! As a result, when demand peaked July 10 on the PG&E system, Yahoo! reduced power its electricity use at its corporate headquarters and data centers in northern California by 1 MW, enough power to serve 750 homes. http://energyconnectinc.com/news/press-releases/2008/07/microfields-energy-connect-launches-relationship-with-yahoo/
To read and comment on the entire blog, go to
http://energyefficiencymarkets.wordpress.com/
Podcast
Venture Capital and Start-Up Options in EE, Part 2
EE Markets Podcast interviews Drew Clark, co-founder and director of strategy for IBM Venture Capital Group, who addresses venture capital and start-up opportunities in EE. He explains how IBM Venture Capital Group partners with traditional venture capital firms, then uses its expertise and skills to leverage start-ups into profitable opportunities. He reveals why EE investments are growing quickly and which technologies draw investments.
To listen and subscribe to Energy Efficiency Markets Podcast, go to
http://www.realwriters.net/rew/rtlnkmr.htm
News
New Website Provides Comprehensive Residential Energy Efficiency Rebates and Incentives by Zip Code
http://world-wire.com/news/0807210001.html
California Adopts Nation's First Statewide "Green" Building Code
http://newsblaze.com/story/20080718061649zzzz.nb/topstory.html
Top 10 Energy-Efficient States: New England's Energy Efficiency Leads to Double Digit Cost Savings
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m4PRN/is_2008_July_15/ai_n27913865
PG&E Planning for California's Energy Future: Utility Files to Enhance Energy Efficiency Programs and Ensure Reliable Future Supply
Efficiency Will Help Northwest Thrive in a Carbon-Constrained World
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2008055277_craigop17.html
Freeing Light Shines Promise on Energy-Efficient Lighting
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080715114140.htm
Requests for Proposals
Ontario Power Authority
The OPA invites prospective proponents to submit proposals to manage and deliver the EKC Power Savings Event in 2009 and 2010. The proposals should include, without limitation: program administration, coordination of management of suppliers and of program channel partners, in-store training and merchandising, coupon tracking and fulfillment, program monitoring and evaluation, and program design consultation.
Proposals are due by August 18.
Proposals should be sent to:
RFP - 2009 to 2010 Every Kilowatt Counts Power Savings Event External Program
Manager
Ontario Power Authority
120 Adelaide Street West
Suite 1600
Toronto, Ontario M5H 1T1
Questions should be directed to Dan Slavei at
Dan.Slavei@powerauthority.on.ca.
For information go to http://www.powerauthority.on.ca/Page.asp?PageID=122&ContentID=6602
Vermont Department of Public Service
The Vermont Department of Public Service seeks a contractor, or team of contractors, to help plan and deliver evaluation services for the first two years of the five-year Energy Efficiency Fund (EEF) program. Green Mountain Power Corporation (GMP) has established the EEF to invest in projects that deliver incremental, significant benefits to GMP ratepayers.
Proposals are due to the Department of Public Service on July 29.
Proposals should be submitted to:
TJ Poor
Energy Efficiency Division
Vermont Department of Public Service
112 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05620-2601
Questions should be directed to Walter Poor at walter.poor@state.vt.us.
For information go to http://publicservice.vermont.gov/energy-efficiency/GMPEEFRFP.pdf
Ontario Power Authority
This RFP seeks consultants to develop a 20-year energy and demand forecast and a consistent conservation potential assessment.
Proposals are due Sept. 19.
For information go to http://www.powerauthority.on.ca/Page.asp?PageID=122&ContentID=6580
Applications should be submitted to:
Ontario Power Authority
120 Adelaide Street West
Suite 1600
Toronto, Ontario M5H 1T1
Attention: Dan Slavei
Questions should be directed to Dan Slavei at Dan.Slavei@powerauthority.on.ca.
US Department of Energy
The US DOE has opened the second round of solicitations for the Loan Guarantee program, which offers up to $30.5 billion in federal loan guarantees for projects that employ advanced energy technologies and that avoid, reduce or sequester anthropogenic emissions of air pollutants or greenhouse gases. The three solicitations are for (1) energy efficiency, renewable energy and advanced transmission and distribution technologies; (2) advanced nuclear power facilities; and (3) advanced nuclear facilities for the 'front-end' of the nuclear fuel cycle.
For application material and information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/keydocs.html.
Questions concerning the solicitation should be directed to the Loan Guarantee Program Office at lgprogram@hq.doe.gov or 202-586-8336. For additional contact information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/contact.html.
For information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/index.html.
Progress Energy Florida
Progress Energy Florida (PEF) seeks proposals from potential suppliers of electric generating capacity and associated energy for alternatives to the “Next Planned Generating Unit,” which is approximately 1,159 MW of capacity available for commercial delivery by June 1, 2013. Proposals will compete with PEFs self-build option, consisting of a highly efficient, combined-cycle, natural gas unit to be built on company property at its existing Suwannee plant in Suwannee County, Fla.
Proposal must be received by Aug. 12. All inquiries and proposal submissions must be directed in writing to:
David Dawson
PEF Resource Planning
6565 38th Ave. North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
ph: (727) 344-4165
Fax : (727) 344-4184
PEF2013RFP@pgnmail.com
For information on this RFP: www.progress-energy.com/PEF2013RFP
US Department of Energy
The US DOE is offering up to $130 million over three years to advance development and use of fuel cells for automotive, stationary and portable power applications. This is part of the President’s Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, which accelerates the pace of research and development of hydrogen-powered fuel cells.
Applications are due on or before Aug. 27, with funding subject to appropriations from Congress.
For more information: http://hydrogen.energy.gov.
Ontario Power Authority
The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) was directed by the Minister of Energy to procure up to 1,000 MW of high efficiency combined heat and power projects across Ontario. CHP configurations may be natural gas-fired industrial cogeneration, by-product fuel-fired industrial cogeneration, district energy cogeneration, or renewable fuel-fired industrial cogeneration.
Proposal submission deadline is Oct. 16.
For a full description of the RFP go to http://www.powerauthority.on.ca/GP/Page.asp?PageID=1224&SiteNodeID=174
Upcoming Events
Enabling Tomorrow’s Utility with Advanced Smart Grid Technologies: August 4 – 5, Chicago, Ill.
https://www.euci.com/conferences/0808-smart-grid/
2nd International conference on Energy Sustainability: August 10 – 14, Jacksonville, Fla.
http://www.asmeconferences.org/ES2008/
2008 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings: August 17 – 22, Pacific Grove, Calif.
http://www.aceee.org/conf/08ss/08ssindex.htm
Energy Efficiency Summit East 2008: September 8 – 10, Washington, DC.
http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?i=9e57ef57-81bf-470f-9b17-48b2d8060f0d
Energy Efficiency for the Mass Market: September 8 – 9, Atlanta, Ga.
https://www.euci.com/conferences/0908-efficiency/
---------
July 17, 2008
Blog
Mr. Pickens, What About Plug-In Hybrids?
By Elisa Wood
July 17, 2008
T. Boone Pickens deserves kudos for his attention-grabbing television campaign aimed at helping America kick the oil habit. The billionaire energy fund manager can stop the most dedicated channel surfer mid-click when he proclaims that our spending on foreign oil could soon become the largest transfer of wealth in human history.
Pickens’ plan has two parts www.pickensplan.com. The first calls for more use of wind power. No surprise there. Few forward-thinking energy plans do not put wind generation front and center.
But we’re stumped by the second part of his plan, which is that we use the wind power to replace natural gas-fired power plants and then use the left over natural gas for cars. On the surface the equation seems to make sense: it cuts back on our use of gasoline. But scratch a little, and Pickens’ idea doesn’t seem to add up.
Consider what has happened to the power generation industry this decade. We have seen a proliferation of new natural gas-fired plants because gas is a relatively clean fuel, and the plants can be built quickly and easily. As the nation moves toward regulating carbon dioxide emissions, public policy (intentionally or not) encourages even more of their construction. This is because gas-fired plants do not emit as much carbon dioxide as the coal-fired plants that provide about half of our electric power.
To read and comment on the entire blog, go to
http://energyefficiencymarkets.wordpress.com/
Podcast
Venture Capital and Start-Up Options in EE, Part 1
EE Markets Podcast interviews Drew Clark, co-founder and director of strategy for IBM Venture Capital Group, who addresses venture capital and start-up opportunities in EE. He explains how IBM Venture Capital Group partners with traditional venture capital firms, then uses its expertise and skills to leverage start-ups into profitable opportunities. He explains why EE investments are growing quickly and which technologies draw investments.
To listen and subscribe to Energy Efficiency Markets Podcast, go to
http://www.realwriters.net/rew/rtlnkmr.htm
News
Declaration of Leaders Meeting of Major Economies on Energy Security and Climate Change
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/07/20080709-5.html
OPEC Cuts Oil Demand Forecast Due to Efficiency Gains
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hdYiuJqXDT0CCPFvmMsOnkhnIz5Q
China Says Energy Efficiency Improving
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gIF4dzl7APsK2GItYoAqLMGFPCZwD91U28SO4
Businesses Embrace Efficiency to Curb Energy Costs
http://www.twincities.com/ci_9832713
Ameren Illinois Utilities Announce Energy Efficiency Initiatives to Benefit Business Customers; Energy Efficiency Businesses Now Can become Program Allies
PSEG Executive Anne Hoskins Affirms Support for NJ Energy Master Plan Goals
Pennsylvania's New $650 Million Clean Energy Fund
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jul2008/2008-07-10-093.asp
Requests for Proposals
Vermont Department of Public Service
The Vermont Department of Public Service seeks a contractor, or team of contractors, to help plan and deliver evaluation services for the first two years of the five-year Energy Efficiency Fund (EEF) program. Green Mountain Power Corporation (GMP) has established the EEF to invest in projects that deliver incremental, significant benefits to GMP ratepayers.
Proposals are due to the Department of Public Service on July 29.
Proposals should be submitted to:
TJ Poor
Energy Efficiency Division
Vermont Department of Public Service
112 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05620-2601
Questions should be directed to Walter Poor at walter.poor@state.vt.us.
For information go to http://publicservice.vermont.gov/energy-efficiency/GMPEEFRFP.pdf
Ontario Power Authority
The OPA has released two proposals.
1. The first RFP seeks consultants for design of an Ontario residential project. Part of the New Home Construction program, the project will identify barriers to electricity-efficient technology and materials in the building envelope and inside the home.
Proposals are due July 23.
For information go to http://www.powerauthority.on.ca/Page.asp?PageID=122&ContentID=6584
2. The second RFP seeks consultants to develop a 20-year energy and demand forecast and a consistent conservation potential assessment.
Proposals are due Sept. 19.
For information go to http://www.powerauthority.on.ca/Page.asp?PageID=122&ContentID=6580
Send applications to:
Ontario Power Authority
120 Adelaide Street West
Suite 1600
Toronto, Ontario M5H 1T1
Attention: Dan Slavei
Questions should be directed to Dan Slavei at Dan.Slavei@powerauthority.on.ca.
US Department of Energy
The US DOE has opened the second round of solicitations for the Loan Guarantee program, which offers up to $30.5 billion in federal loan guarantees for projects that employ advanced energy technologies and that avoid, reduce or sequester anthropogenic emissions of air pollutants or greenhouse gases. The three solicitations are for (1) energy efficiency, renewable energy and advanced transmission and distribution technologies; (2) advanced nuclear power facilities; and (3) advanced nuclear facilities for the 'front-end' of the nuclear fuel cycle.
For application material and information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/keydocs.html.
Questions concerning the solicitation should be directed to the Loan Guarantee Program Office at lgprogram@hq.doe.gov or 202-586-8336. For additional contact information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/contact.html.
For further information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/index.html.
Progress Energy Florida
Progress Energy Florida (PEF) seeks proposals from potential suppliers of electric generating capacity and associated energy for alternatives to the “Next Planned Generating Unit,” which is approximately 1,159 MW of capacity available for commercial delivery by June 1, 2013. Proposals will compete with PEFs self-build option, consisting of a highly efficient, combined-cycle, natural gas unit to be built on company property at its existing Suwannee plant in Suwannee County, Fla.
Proposal must be received by Aug. 12. All inquiries and proposal submissions must be directed in writing to:
David Dawson
PEF Resource Planning
6565 38th Ave. North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
ph: (727) 344-4165
Fax : (727) 344-4184
PEF2013RFP@pgnmail.com
For information on this RFP: www.progress-energy.com/PEF2013RFP
US Department of Energy
The US DOE is offering up to $130 million over three years to advance development and use of fuel cells for automotive, stationary and portable power applications. This is part of the President’s Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, which accelerates the pace of research and development of hydrogen-powered fuel cells.
Applications are due on or before Aug. 27, with funding subject to appropriations from Congress.
For more information: http://hydrogen.energy.gov.
Ontario Power Authority
The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) was directed by the Minister of Energy to procure up to 1,000 MW of high efficiency combined heat and power projects across Ontario. CHP configurations may be natural gas-fired industrial cogeneration, by-product fuel-fired industrial cogeneration, district energy cogeneration, or renewable fuel-fired industrial cogeneration.
Proposal submission deadline is Oct. 16.
For a full description of the RFP go to http://www.powerauthority.on.ca/GP/Page.asp?PageID=1224&SiteNodeID=174
Upcoming Events
Plug-In 2008: July 22 – 24, San Jose, Calif.
Getting it Right: California Energy Policies and Climate Change Goals: July 23 – 25, Stateline, Nev.
http://cmta.net/conference.php?event_id=316
Enabling Tomorrow’s Utility with Advanced Smart Grid Technologies: August 4 – 5, Chicago, Ill.
https://www.euci.com/conferences/0808-smart-grid/
2nd International conference on Energy Sustainability: August 10 – 14, Jacksonville, Fla.
http://www.asmeconferences.org/ES2008/
2008 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings: August 17 – 22, Pacific Grove, Calif.
http://www.aceee.org/conf/08ss/08ssindex.htm
Energy Efficiency Summit East 2008: September 8 – 10, Washington, DC.
http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?i=9e57ef57-81bf-470f-9b17-48b2d8060f0d
Energy Efficiency for the Mass Market: September 8 – 9, Atlanta, Ga.
https://www.euci.com/conferences/0908-efficiency/
-----
July 10, 2008
Blog
And Now for Some Good Economic News: EE Workers Needed
By Elisa Wood
July 10, 2008
With energy demand high and supply tight, the only thing in abundance these days is uncertainty. So says a recent Standard & Poor’s report: “The Credit Impact of Rising Energy Costs on Industry Sectors.”
“Whether energy production can keep up with demand growth is a major question,” says the credit rating agency. “Where the energy will go is easy to estimate. The harder question is where will it come from?” Even if oil prices dip in the short-term, S&P says they are “cycling around a rising trend.”
High energy prices and uncertainty cripple business growth. The auto industry is expected to end 2008 with the lowest sales in 15 years, says the report. The airline industry is squeezed between consumers demanding cut-rate fares and fuel prices that now gobble up as much as 40% of operating expenses. Meanwhile, stores and other retail businesses find customers lack discretionary cash for merchandise.
But buried deeper in the report is some good news, and it is about capital goods aimed at improving efficiency. Specifically, S&P tells the tale of Sweden-based Alfa Laval www.alfalaval.com, a leading global supplier of heat exchanges, pumps, valves and other equipment aimed at improving efficiency in industrial processes. Company sales are up 50% since 2005. The company’s credit rating has improved because of the demand for energy efficiency products -- Alfa Laval saw a one-notch upgrade in April. S&P says prospects are good for the company because it is stepping up product development and increasing capacity to capitalize on the strong market in the efficiency sector.
To read and comment on the entire blog, go to:
http://energyefficiencymarkets.wordpress.com/
Podcast
How to Ramp Up EE as Quickly as Possible
Energy Efficiency Markets interviews Ralph Cavanagh, co-director of the energy program for the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), about the challenges facing the EE industry—including lack of programs in higher education—and the programs and policies needed to ramp up EE as quickly as possible. Cavanagh, whose organization has partnered with the American Public Power Association, calls, among other actions, for creating more rewards for customers using EE—including inverted rates that provide an incentive to use less energy.
To listen and subscribe to Energy Efficiency Markets Podcast, go to:
http://www.realwriters.net/rew/rtlnkmr.htm
News
Michigan Senate Fails on Energy Efficiency
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080702/OPINION02/807020339/1070
Massachusetts’ Power Surge
Florida Energy Bill to Boost Efficiency and Renewable Energy
http://www.eere.energy.gov/states/news_detail.cfm/news_id=11852
Virginia Natural Gas to Promote Energy Efficiency through New Conservation and Ratemaking Efficiency Plan
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1739174/
The Case for Efficiency
National Homebuilder Takes Aim at Energy Efficiency
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/centex/33930/
Requests for Proposals
Ontario Power Authority
The OPA has released two proposals.
1. The first RFP seeks consultants for design of an Ontario residential project. Part of the New Home Construction program, the project will identify barriers to electricity-efficient technology and materials in the building envelope and inside the home.
Proposals are due July 23.
For information go to http://www.powerauthority.on.ca/Page.asp?PageID=122&ContentID=6584
2. The second RFP seeks consultants to develop a 20-year energy and demand forecast and a consistent conservation potential assessment.
Proposals are due Sept. 19.
For information go to http://www.powerauthority.on.ca/Page.asp?PageID=122&ContentID=6580
Send applications to:
Ontario Power Authority
120 Adelaide Street West
Suite 1600
Toronto, Ontario M5H 1T1
Attention: Dan Slavei
Questions should be directed to Dan Slavei at Dan.Slavei@powerauthority.on.ca.
US Department of Energy
The US DOE has opened the second round of solicitations for the Loan Guarantee program, which offers up to $30.5 billion in federal loan guarantees for projects that employ advanced energy technologies and that avoid, reduce or sequester anthropogenic emissions of air pollutants or greenhouse gases. The three solicitations are for (1) energy efficiency, renewable energy and advanced transmission and distribution technologies; (2) advanced nuclear power facilities; and (3) advanced nuclear facilities for the 'front-end' of the nuclear fuel cycle.
For application material and information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/keydocs.html.
Questions concerning the solicitation should be directed to the Loan Guarantee Program Office at lgprogram@hq.doe.gov or 202-586-8336. For additional contact information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/contact.html.
For further information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/index.html.
US Department of Energy
The DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), through the Office of Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program (OWIP), is offering competitive grants for innovative state programs designed to foster energy efficiency and renewable energy policies, practices, technologies and programs. The goal is to stimulate activities that move beyond traditional public awareness campaigns, program maintenance and demonstration projects. Rather, EERE seeks to stimulate activities and investments, which fundamentally and permanently transform markets across all sectors of the economy.
This RFP focuses on two areas of interest:
Area of Interest 1
Advanced Building Energy Codes ($3.5M) -- to develop and implement a plan that will achieve model building codes that represent a 30% improvement over American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (ASHRAE) 90.1-2004 and/or the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
Area of Interest 2
Utility-scale Clean Energy Capacity ($4M) -- to create the policy framework and regulatory environment to enable gigawatt-scale clean energy capacity, whether through renewable energy or demand-side reductions.
Applicants may apply to one or both areas of interest; however, applicants must select and target only one area of interest per application.
Applications are due by July 10.
Contact the grant officer, Lisa Kuzniar, or the grant specialist, Susan Miltenberger at susan.miltenberger@netl.doe.gov, 304-285-4083.
For information go to, https://e-center.doe.gov/iips/faopor.nsf/3b3cff0a4a1f243485256ec100490e1a/54252297f1796cdd8525745e006423c3?OpenDocument
Progress Energy Florida
Progress Energy Florida (PEF) seeks proposals from potential suppliers of electric generating capacity and associated energy for alternatives to the “Next Planned Generating Unit,” which is approximately 1,159 MW of capacity available for commercial delivery by June 1, 2013. Proposals will compete with PEFs self-build option, consisting of a highly efficient, combined-cycle, natural gas unit to be built on company property at its existing Suwannee plant in Suwannee County, Fla.
Proposal must be received by Aug. 12. All inquiries and proposal submissions must be directed in writing to:
David Dawson
PEF Resource Planning
6565 38th Ave. North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
ph: (727) 344-4165
Fax : (727) 344-4184
PEF2013RFP@pgnmail.com
For information on this RFP: www.progress-energy.com/PEF2013RFP
US Department of Energy
The US DOE is offering up to $130 million over three years to advance development and use of fuel cells for automotive, stationary and portable power applications. This is part of the President’s Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, which accelerates the pace of research and development of hydrogen-powered fuel cells.
Applications are due on or before Aug. 27, with funding subject to appropriations from Congress.
For more information: http://hydrogen.energy.gov.
Ontario Power Authority
The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) was directed by the Minister of Energy to procure up to 1,000 MW of high efficiency combined heat and power projects across Ontario. CHP configurations may be natural gas-fired industrial cogeneration, by-product fuel-fired industrial cogeneration, district energy cogeneration, or renewable fuel-fired industrial cogeneration.
Proposal submission deadline is Oct. 16.
For a full description of the RFP go to: http://www.powerauthority.on.ca/GP/Page.asp?PageID=1224&SiteNodeID=174
Upcoming Events
Energy Efficiency: Home Energy Displays & Community Action Conference: July 14 – 16, Chicago, Ill.
http://conferencesconnect.com/events.asp?eventid=90
GETTING IT RIGHT: California Energy Policies and Climate Change Goals: July 23 – 25, Stateline, Nev.
http://cmta.net/conference.php?event_id=316
Enabling Tomorrow’s Utility with Advanced Smart Grid Technologies: August 4 – 5, Chicago, Ill.
https://www.euci.com/conferences/0808-smart-grid/
2nd International conference on Energy Sustainability: August 10 – 14, Jacksonville, Fla.
http://www.asmeconferences.org/ES2008/
2008 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings: August 17 – 22, Pacific Grove, Calif.
http://www.aceee.org/conf/08ss/08ssindex.htm
Energy Efficiency Summit East 2008: September 8 – 10, Washington, DC.
http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?i=9e57ef57-81bf-470f-9b17-48b2d8060f0d
Energy Efficiency for the Mass Market: September 8 – 9, Atlanta, Ga.
https://www.euci.com/conferences/0908-efficiency/
-----
July 3, 2008
Blog: How Power Hungry Is Home Entertainment?
By Patrick Costello
Plasma televisions, video game consoles, and cable set-top boxes find their way into more and more American homes thanks to lower prices and aggressive marketing. While this trend makes for better home entertainment, it strikes a blow to energy conservation efforts.
For example, even when just in standby mode, a plasma television consumes nearly $160 of energy/year and a game console over $25/year, says an article in Good magazine. A study by Australian consumer group choice found that plasma televisions use four times more energy than older cathode ray tube televisions. An Xbox 360 game console could cost $200/year to operate, and its competitor Playstation 3 as much as $250/year. (Meanwhile, Nintendo Wii fans can take heart that their box costs only $25/year.)
The two studies make various assumptions about usage, some more credible than others. No one, for example, would leave a game console on 24/7/365. And energy costs were on the high side in the Choice study at 15 cents/kWh. Still the studies make it very clear that both plasma televisions and game consoles are power hungry.
To read and comment on the entire blog, go to:
http://energyefficiencymarkets.wordpress.com/
Podcast: Public Power Seizes New Energy Efficiency Opportunities, Part 2
Mark Crisson, CEO of the American Public Power Association, discusses how the public power business model lends itself to efficiency efforts. He describes APPA's new partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council, and its plans to help expand energy efficiency offerings for the 2,000 not-for-profit utilities it serves.
To listen and subscribe to Energy Efficiency Markets Podcast, go to:
http://www.realwriters.net/rew/rtlnkmr.htm
News:
The Future of Energy
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11580723
World Energy Use Projected to Grow 50% between 2005 and 2030
http://www.eia.doe.gov/neic/press/press302.html
State Unveils Plan to Reduce Emissions to 1990 Levels by 2020
http://www.bizjournals.com/eastbay/stories/2008/06/23/daily63.html
Vermont Governor Rebuts Energy Efficiency Funding Hike
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/06/25/ap5152849.html
Urban Caucus Leaders Fattah and Turner Cite Funding Progress on Energy Efficiency Grants
Superconductor Cables Giving LIPA Energy Efficiency
http://www.newsday.com/news/printedition/longisland/ny-lilipa265741755jun26,0,2838922.story
Requests for Proposals:
The US Department of Energy:
The US DOE announces the second round of solicitations for the Loan Guarantee program by offering a total of up to $30.5 billion in federal loan guarantees for projects that employ advanced energy technologies and that avoid, reduce or sequester anthropogenic emissions of air pollutants or greenhouse gases. The three solicitations are in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy and advanced transmission and distribution technologies; advanced nuclear power facilities; and advanced nuclear facilities for the 'front-end' of the nuclear fuel cycle.
For application material and information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/keydocs.html.
Questions concerning the solicitation should be directed to the Loan Guarantee Program Office at lgprogram@hq.doe.gov or 202-586-8336. For additional contact information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/contact.html.
For information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/index.html.
The US Department of Energy:
The DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), through the Office of Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program (OWIP), announced a competitive grant funding opportunity seeking innovative state programs designed to foster energy efficiency and renewable energy policies, practices, technologies and programs. The goal is to stimulate activities that move beyond traditional public awareness campaigns, program maintenance and demonstration projects. Rather, EERE seeks to stimulate activities and investments, which fundamentally and permanently transform markets across all sectors of the economy.
This RFP focuses on two areas of interest:
Area of Interest 1
Advanced Building Energy Codes ($3.5M) -- to develop and implement a plan that will achieve model building codes that represent a 30% improvement over American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (ASHRAE) 90.1-2004 and/or the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
Area of Interest 2
Utility-scale Clean Energy Capacity ($4M) -- to create the policy framework and regulatory environment to enable gigawatt-scale clean energy capacity, whether through renewable energy or demand-side reductions.
Applicants may apply to one or both areas of interest; however, applicants must select and target only one area of interest per application.
Applications are due by 11:59 pm EST July 10.
Contact the grant officer, Lisa Kuzniar, or the grant specialist, Susan Miltenberger at susan.miltenberger@netl.doe.gov, 304-285-4083.
For information go to, https://e-center.doe.gov/iips/faopor.nsf/3b3cff0a4a1f243485256ec100490e1a/54252297f1796cdd8525745e006423c3?OpenDocument
Progress Energy Florida:
Progress Energy Florida (PEF) seeks proposals from potential suppliers of electric generating capacity and associated energy for alternatives to the “Next Planned Generating Unit,” which is approximately 1,159 MW of capacity available for commercial delivery by June 1, 2013. Proposals will compete with PEFs self-build option, consisting of a highly efficient, combined-cycle, natural gas unit to be built on company property at its existing Suwannee plant in Suwannee County, Fla.
Proposal must be received by 3 pm EST Aug. 12. All inquiries and proposal submissions must be directed in writing to:
David Dawson
PEF Resource Planning
6565 38th Ave. North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
ph: (727) 344-4165
Fax : (727) 344-4184
PEF2013RFP@pgnmail.com
For information on this RFP: www.progress-energy.com/PEF2013RFP
Department of Energy:
The US DOE issued a funding opportunity for up to $130 million over three years to advance development and use of fuel cells for automotive, stationary and portable power applications. This is part of the President’s Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, which accelerates the pace of research and development of hydrogen-powered fuel cells.
Applications are due on or before Aug. 27, with funding subject to appropriations from Congress.
For more information: http://hydrogen.energy.gov.
Ontario Power Authority:
The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) was directed by the Minister of Energy to procure up to 1,000 MW of high efficiency combined heat and power projects across Ontario. CHP configurations may be natural gas-fired industrial cogeneration, by-product fuel-fired industrial cogeneration, district energy cogeneration, or renewable fuel-fired industrial cogeneration.
Proposal submission deadline is Oct. 16.
For a full description of the RFP go to: http://www.powerauthority.on.ca/GP/Page.asp?PageID=1224&SiteNodeID=174
Upcoming Events:
New Energy Symposium 2008: July 9 – 10, Albany, NY.
http://www.neny.org/nes/2008/home
Energy Efficiency: Home Energy Displays & Community Action Conference: July 14 – 16, Chicago, Ill.
http://conferencesconnect.com/events.asp?eventid=90
GETTING IT RIGHT: California Energy Policies and Climate Change Goals: July 23 – 25, Stateline, Nev.
http://cmta.net/conference.php?event_id=316
Enabling Tomorrow’s Utility with Advanced Smart Grid Technologies: August 4 – 5, Chicago, Ill.
https://www.euci.com/conferences/0808-smart-grid/
2nd International conference on Energy Sustainability: August 10 – 14, Jacksonville, Fla.
http://www.asmeconferences.org/ES2008/
2008 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings: August 17 – 22, Pacific Grove, Calif
http://www.aceee.org/conf/08ss/08ssindex.htm
Energy Efficiency Summit East 2008: September 8 – 10, Washington, DC.
http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?i=9e57ef57-81bf-470f-9b17-48b2d8060f0d
Energy Efficiency for the Mass Market: September 8 – 9, Atlanta, Ga.
https://www.euci.com/conferences/0908-efficiency/
Send Us Your Podcast Ideas:
Please send us your podcast ideas. E mail us at realenergywriters@comcast.net and put “Podcast Idea” in the subject.
Editor: Reid Smith