U.S. Department of Energy
Grants Available For Energy Reduction: By the year 2005, energy consumption in all Federal Departments and Agencies must be reduced by 30 percent, as compared to 1985. Federal energy reduction was first mandated in 1978. Recently, the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and Executive orders 12759 and 12902 gave new emphasis to energy issues. In essence, all federal agencies must install energy and water conservation measures by the year 2005 that have a payback period of 10 years or less. But there is good news. The Energy Policy Act provides grant money for qualified proposals to install energy and water conservation measures. Eight million dollars are earmarked for FY 1995. One criterion for the grant is that the Federal government directly pays the cost of utilities. All Federal Departments and Agencies are eligible for grants except the U.S Postal Service. FY95 proposals are now being accepted. The minimum value of any single proposal is $25,000. A number of conservation measures for a facility may be lumped into a single proposal. A recommended alternative to federal funding of energy and water conservation measures is to use Energy Savings Performance Contracts. Under this approach, investors pay to install and maintain the energy and water conservation measures. In return they receive a portion of the amount of money saved on the utility bills. Both utilities and private investment groups have participated in Energy Savings Performance Contracts. Grant funds are also available for the preparation of Energy Savings Performance Contracts. Direct questions about specific legislation and grant requirements to John Archibald. Questions on performance contracts should be forwarded to Joan Stone; the same office. The Fax number for both John and Joan is (202) 586-3000. An information package on grant proposals and Energy Savings Performance Contracts can be obtained by FAXing your name, title, agency name, mailing address, and voice and FAX number to Loren Stone at DOE's Energy Technology Engineering Center (818) 586-5118. In the FAX please mention how you heard about this grant program.

Contact: John Archibald, (202) 586-1613 Joan Stone, (202) 586-6746

U.S. Department of Energy/Pacific Northwest Laboratory
New Associate Director Named: Dr. Merwin L. Brown has been named Associate Director of Energy Programs at the U.S. DOE's Pacific Northwest Laboratory in Richland, Washington. Battelle Memorial Institute operates the national multiprogram laboratory for the DOE. Brown will be responsible for the daily operations of the Energy Programs office. He will develop market-driven R&D programs to improve resource efficiency of the energy infrastructure, including new technologies to maximize electrical transmission and distribution systems and help utilities meet the challenges of deregulation and industry restructuring. Brown also will help establish the technology base needed for the distributed energy systems of the future, such as the information technologies needed for utilities to participate in the National Information Infrastructure. Brown was formerly a Director of R&D Projects at Pacific Gas and Electric Company. He has been involved in gas and electric utility research and development; end-use efficiency; and energy transmission, distribution and control since earning his doctorate from Kansas State University in 1973. He recently chaired the California Utility Research Council's Electric and Gas Transmission and Distribution Steering Committee and has served on many national committees for the Electric Research Institute.

Contact: Kathryn S. Lang, (509) 375-3837

Arizona
Sustainable Energy Planning Pilot Project Underway: The Sustainable Energy Planning Program will conduct a pilot project to lead two Arizona communities through the process of developing a community energy management plan. Using the Sustainable Energy Planning Guide for Local Governments, developed through the Urban Consortium, and partnering with Western Area Power Administration, the pilot project seeks to prove that energy efficiency should be included in a community's plan for physical and economic development. The lessons learned in the pilot will make it easier for other communities to develop a plan of their own. The City of Sierra Vista (population 33,000) and the City of Somerton (population 5,300) have been targeted for the pilot.

Contact: Jeff Shively, (602) 280-1410

DSM Program Targets Low Income Homes: In early 1994, the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office entered into a cooperative pilot program with Arizona Public Service to install various energy efficiency measures in low income homes as part of their Demand Side Management Program. This program leverages existing resources in the weatherization program operated by APS and the Community Action Agencies. The Energy Office's role in the pilot project is program coordination and implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of contractors.

Contact: Charlie Gohman, (602) 280-1410

California
Energy Efficient Mortgages Reward Homebuyers: The California Energy Commission is generating interest in a creative mortgage program that can ease monthly payments by cutting energy bills. Energy efficient mortgages available through the Federal Housing Administration, the Veterans Administration and even conventional lenders (Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae), have been around for over a decade. But the Commission says because of a lack of publicity in the marketplace, these mortgages all too often remain a secret. So, with $200,000 provided by the Legislature, the Energy Commission has launched a pilot program to educate real estate companies as well as lending industries and consumers about the potentials of energy efficient financing. Energy efficient mortgages allow home buyers to stretch their debt-to-income ratios by up to 2 percent on new and existing homes that meet energy efficiency standards. For buyers purchasing a poorly-insulated existing home, the mortgage allows them to finance cost-effective energy conserving improvements. California is among six pilot states--Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Vermont and Virginia -- designated by the U.S.DOE and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the program. For FHA loans, between $2,000 to $8,000 of cost-effective energy improvements can be added to the mortgage for the purchase of an existing home that is not energy efficient. VA loans also allow up to $6,000 for energy upgrades. Utility expenses account for a sizable portion of a family's total housing cost. With money saved from energy bills, more people will find it easier to qualify for a new house or refinance to retrofit an existing home. To carry out the requirements of legislation, the Energy Commission is working in several areas to stimulate demand for energy efficient mortgages. First order of business is to gain support among executives of mortgage lending and real estate companies. Once this support is established, the Commission will fund training for those who process energy efficient mortgage loans. The Energy Commission will work with the California Association of Realtors to develop a correspondence course on energy efficient mortgages. The Commission also plans to inform the public about energy efficient mortgages at first-time home buyer seminars to be organized with the Sacramento Home Loan Counseling Center, and will develop an information video for homeowners. To ensure that energy retrofitters and weatherization workers do quality work, training will be offered with help from the Air Conditioning Trade Association and the Insulation Contractors Association. Commission data indicates that more homeowner investment will spur economic growth by creating business and jobs in the construction, mortgage and lending industries.

Contact: Claudia Chandler, (916) 654-4989

Guam
Lighting Pilot Project Produces Significant Results: In line with the Guam Energy Office's (GEO) main goal, which is to promote energy efficiency, a Commercial Lighting Pilot Project was born. The project which aimed to prove that retrofitting commercial lights is easy to do and profitable was presented to the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association (GHRA). The members of the GHRA were requested to apply for participation in the project. Five hotels participated, receiving grants and engineering support from the GEO: Hilton International Guam, Pacific Star Hotel, Palace Hotel, Pacific Islands Hotel and Hyatt Regency Guam. Sites in each hotel were determined according to lighting usage and monitoring ease. In the case of the Hyatt Regency Guam, an area with 208 lights that are used 24-hours a day was identified. A total of 26 electronic ballasts (1 per fixture) and 104 lamps (4 per fixture) were changed by the engineering and maintenance staff of the hotel. These energy efficiency lamps were compared with 104 lamps unchanged. Engineers installed 2 submeters - one to measure the energy usage of the energy efficient lamps and one to measure the non-efficient set. Monitoring began at 11:30 a.m. on January 12, 1995. The Guam Energy Office and the Hyatt Regency Guam are pleased to report that results are significant. The non-energy efficient lamps without electronic ballasts registered an average of 33.73% higher in kWh compared to the energy efficient lamps with electronic ballasts. Each retrofitted fixture saved the hotel over $1,000.00 per year! Calculations show a payback period of less than 2 years. The very fact that this project resulted in savings for the hotel is important. The kWh and money saved in notable when you consider the number of lights that exists in a hotel and the potential it has to change lights. As a result, the Hyatt Regency has completed an entire retrofit of their lighting fixtures and lamps. They have also taken advantage of the Guam Power Authority's Energy Sense Program and qualified for a $25,000 power cost rebate.

Contact: Cindy Rapadas, (671) 477-0557

Hawaii
Model Energy Code for Hawaii Developed: Hawaii developed a climate-specific Model Energy Code (MEC) which permits most homes to go without heating ad cooling. The MEC for commercial buildings exceeds ASHRAE 90.01-1989 requirements. The City and County of Honolulu and the County of Hawaii have adopted the MEC for commercial buildings. The two counties house nearly 90% of the state's population. The remaining counties of Maui and Kauai are expected to fall suit later this year. Prior to county adoption, the governor of Hawaii signed into law Act 168 of 1994, which requires Hawaii's new and renovated commercial buildings to be based on ASHRAE 90.1. Act 168 brings Hawaii into compliance with the national Energy Policy Act of 1992. The State Government is encouraging the use of performance contracting as a means of financing state building energy conservation measures in a time of fiscal austerity. Performance contracting guidelines and documents were developed for the University of Hawaii, Hilo Campus and the adjoining Hawaii Community College. Contractor selection is in the final stages. It is anticipated that the Hilo Campus project will serve as a model for other state agencies and for county governments. Hawaii was the eighth state to become a Green Lights Partner. All new state construction and renovation must conform to Green Lights guidelines. The state Green Lights coordinator was instrumental in signing on as Green Lights partners several of Hawaii's largest firms and the local electric utility.

Contact: Howard Wiig, (808) 587-3811

Artwork Contest Underway: The 1995 Hawaii Statewide Artwork Contest on Energy is underway, with prizes of U.S. Savings Bonds and gift certificates to be awarded to the winners. "Energy For A Sustainable Future" is the theme of this year's contest, sponsored by Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism-Energy Division (DBEDT). Thirteen winning posters will be featured in DBEDT's 1996 Hawaii Energy Tide Calendar. The artwork contest is open to students from kindergarten through the 12th grade in all public and private schools in Hawaii.

Contact: Steve Kam, (808) 587-3802

Teachers Learn Solar: During Teacher Institute Day, a day set aside for teacher training, workshops and professional enrichment, the Hawaii Energy Extension Service offered an introductory class called "Solar Oven Science." The February 3 workshop described the basic components of solar ovens and how to make simple ones from shoe boxes, foam produce trays, aluminum foil, overhead transparencies and other common materials. Several types of ovens were demonstrated, and the teachers discussed ways to use them. In addition to teaching students about solar energy and cooking simple foods, they can be used to pasteurize pond water for biological observations, test insulating materials and may other simple experiments. The Hawaii Energy Extension Service is a program of the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism-Energy Division.

Solar Water Heating Touted: A public seminar on residential solar water heating was offered on February 15 at the Kona Outdoor Circle facility. Co-sponsored by the Kona Outdoor Circle, the University of Hawaii at Hilo and the Hawaii Energy Extension Service, the evening class helped consumers understand how different types of solar water heaters work, how they perform, their impact on utility bills and the importance of maintenance.

Contact: Andrea Beck, (808) 933-4558

Iowa
Solar Model Car Sprint Scheduled: The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is sponsoring the Iowa Junior Solar Model Car Sprint, a statewide competition in which teams of middle school students will design, build and race solar-powered model cars. Solar car kits, promotional supplies and other sprint materials are provided through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Colorado. Each kit contains a silicon cell solar panel, a small motor and information packet. Students provide all other components in building their cars. The model cars will be judged on design and craftsmanship as well as speed and performance. The sprint competition stimulates interest in renewable energy and cultivates science, math and engineering skills in a fun, hands-on exercise. The best cars from each participating school will compete in a May 6, 1995, statewide sprint contest. Iowa State University's (ISU) College of Education will organize, promote and implement the 1995 Iowa Junior Solar Model Car Sprint Project. Co-sponsors include Ames Laboratory, Team PrISUm ( a club of ISU students who build full-size solar cars to race in nationwide competitions), the Iowa Department of Education, the University of Northern Iowa and others. If you are interested in information about organization, promotion and implementation, please contact Chris Ohana, ISU College of Education at (515) 294-4294.

Contact: Craig Stark, (515) 281-4739

Kentucky
Round table Held on Use of Wood Waste for Energy: The Kentucky Division of Energy organized a Round table discussion on regulatory and policy issues related to the use of wood waste for energy and other uses in Kentucky. Held on March 15, the roundtable brought together representatives from the forest products industry, companies such as paper manufacturers that burn wood waste and air quality regulatory agencies. The participants discussed the existing regulatory and policy framework in Kentucky and developed a set of actions that could reduce the barriers to the use of wood waste for energy in an environmentally safe way. The facilitator for the discussion was Christine Donovan, president of C.T. Donovan Associates of Burlington, Vermont. The expenses for the event were paid for through a small grant from the Southeastern Regional Biomass Energy Program, a USDOE program managed by the TVA.

Contact: Geoffrey Young, (502) 564-7192

School Audit Training Scheduled: The Kentucky Division of Energy is sending invitations to the state's high schools and vocational schools to take part in its Students Weatherization/Audit Training (SWAT Jr.) program. Under the program, one teacher and one student from each participating high school or vocational school will attend a five-day training session June 5-9, 1995, on the campus of Northern Kentucky University to learn how to conduct an energy audit on their school facilities. In the fall, the student/teacher pair will organize a SWAT "team" to analyze their school's facilities to determine how to reduce energy consumption, save money and benefit the environment. All training expenses are paid by KDOE under a grant from U.S. DOE's Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoRE). A detailed "how-to" manual (the Atlanta Student Audit Program) outlining how states can set up a similar program has been developed under a contract with U.S. DOE's Atlanta Support Office.

Contact: Greg Guess, (502) 564-7192

Oregon
Telecommuting Publication Available: State Agencies Discover That Telecommuting Serves the State Well is a new publication that presents perspectives of both supervisors and employees at the Oregon Departments of Energy, Geology and Transportation. Request a copy from the Oregon Department of Energy.

Contact: Gwen Barritt, (503) 373-7662

South Carolina
ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-1989 Workshops Offered: The South Carolina Energy Office, Office of the State Engineer, and the SC Chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers will be offering a workshop on ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-1989. As of September, all state office buildings will have to be in compliance with these new codes and requirements. Workshops will be offered in Charleston and Columbia in May.

Contact: Renee Sharpe, (803) 737-8030

SearchWebmaster

U.S. Department of Energy