Regional Energy Efficiency News
2003
December
New Mexico Adopts IECC 2003
On December 19 New Mexico’s Construction Industries Commission adopted the
2003 version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). With this
action, New Mexico joins 24 other states that have adopted a relatively current
version of the IECC. The updated building code will apply to new homes and
commercial buildings built in New Mexico starting in July 2004. SWEEP estimates
that the updated energy code will save households and businesses in New Mexico
about $170 million net during 2005-2020. In a press release applauding the
action, SWEEP’s Executive Director Dr. Howard Geller stated, “This up-to-date
energy code will make new buildings in New Mexico less expensive to operate and
more comfortable. The energy code will also lead to the use of higher quality
construction materials and building techniques, thereby upgrading the skills and
practices of New Mexico’s construction industry.”
SWEEP Launches New Energy Efficiency Website
On December 8 SWEEP announced the development of a web-based information
resource that will assist Colorado businesses in reducing their use of energy
and lowering their energy bills. The Energy Efficiency Guide for Colorado
Businesses has been developed by SWEEP with funding from the Colorado Governor’s
Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC) and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency Region 8 office. Targeted to business and facility owners and
managers, the aim of the Guide is to point out opportunities for Colorado
businesses to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings and operations,
and help businesses obtain assistance in identifying and implementing energy
efficiency projects.
- Energy Efficiency Guide for Colorado Businesses Fact Sheet
- SWEEP’s press release announcing the Energy Efficiency Guide for Colorado Businesses
- Rocky Mountain News article regarding the Guide
- Boulder Daily Camera article regarding the Guide
New Report Profiles Nation’s Best Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Programs
On December 9 the American Council for an
Energy-Efficient Economy released "Responding to the Natural Gas Crisis:
America's Best Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Programs," which profiles over 30
examples of outstanding natural gas energy efficiency programs from around the
nation. The programs profiled in the report cover a dozen different program
categories, ranging from low-income residential programs to industrial "custom"
efficiency programs. There are examples of practical, successful natural gas
energy efficiency programs for all customer sectors and all major natural gas
end-uses. The full text of "Responding to the Natural Gas Crisis," as well as
individual profiles of the "best programs," can be downloaded for free at
http://aceee.org/pubs/u035.htm.
November
Utah Power Announces Expansion of Energy Efficiency Programs
At a Demand-Side Management Advisory Group meeting November 20, Utah Power
announced it will expand its current demand-side management (DSM) programs in
2004 while initiating a number of new programs. Utah Power is the main electric
utility in Utah, and is a subsidiary of PacifiCorp. While details are still
being determined, the utility is planning to target a number of the new programs
to its residential customers in particular. DSM program spending by Utah Power
should reach $20-25 million in 2004-05, a significant increase over 2002-03
spending.
October
SWEEP Presents Recommendations to Arizona Corporation Commission
On October 30, Jeff Schlegel, SWEEP’s Arizona representative, delivered the
keynote presentation at a demand-side management/energy efficiency workshop
sponsored by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). This was the first in a
series of DSM workshops that the ACC will be hosting in the coming months. The
presentation outlined the potential for energy efficiency in Arizona, discussed
the costs and benefits, and made policy recommendations for achieving greater
levels of energy efficiency in the state.
Utah Utility Commission Approves Energy Efficiency Program Cost Recovery
Policy
The Utah Public Service Commission has approved a new policy that will allow
utilities to recover the costs of energy efficiency and load management programs
as they are incurred. This will facilitate the expansion of energy efficiency
programs in Utah, since previously utilities had to wait until a rate case to
get cost recovery. The new policy also allows larger commercial and industrial
customers to “self-direct” some or all of the money they would normally pay for
utility programs to energy efficiency projects within their facilities. These
policies were developed through a negotiation among interested parties, a
process in which SWEEP actively participated. PacifiCorp, the main
investor-owned utility in Utah, supported these policies and is also in the
process of expanding its energy efficiency programs in Utah.
September
New White Paper Outlines Energy Efficiency Potential for Colorado Springs
SWEEP and Western Resource Advocates
earlier this month released a white paper (see link below) outlining an energy
efficiency and renewable energy strategy that, if implemented, would enable
Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) to avoid the
construction of a 150MW coal-fired power plant south of the city. The white
paper was prepared for an ad-hoc coalition of interested CSU customer-owners.
CSU is the municipal utility for Colorado Springs. The white paper recommends an
increased commitment on the part of the utility to demand-side management
programs and the aggressive pursuit of renewable energy production, in
particular wind power.
New White Paper Addresses Colorado’s Natural Gas Crisis
SWEEP joined Western Resource
Advocates (formerly the Land and Water Fund of the Rockies),
E-Star Colorado, and
Environment Colorado to release
a white paper, Ending the Natural Gas
Crisis: The Critical Role of Efficiency and Renewables. It argues that there
is limited potential for increased gas production in the region, and that
greater energy efficiency and renewable energy production are the best
strategies for reducing natural gas use and lowering gas and electricity bills.
Howard Geller Featured in ReFocus.
SWEEP’s executive director Howard Geller was interviewed for the July/August
2003 issue of ReFocus, the official magazine of the International Solar Energy
Society. Dr. Geller spoke about his latest book,
Energy Revolution: Policies for a Sustainable Future, and current American
energy policy and how it might play a role in the 2004 presidential election.
Read the interview here.
August
SWEEP Presents Recommendations at Regional Natural Gas Forum
Jeff Schlegel, SWEEP’s Arizona representative, presented recommendations for
enhancing natural gas efficiency efforts at a U.S. Department of
Energy-sponsored regional natural gas forum held in Phoenix, AZ on August 19.
The recommendations include adopting gas savings goals, expanding
utility-sponsored natural gas conservation programs, upgrading building energy
codes, and supporting code implementation.
Arizona Pollution Prevention Work Group Releases Report
Formed in August 2002 to support preparation of Arizona’s State Implementation
Plan as required by the U.S. EPA Regional Haze Rule, the Pollution Prevention
Working Group (P2WG) recently released its report and recommendations. The
report includes a summary of all ongoing energy
efficiency programs in the state, along with recommendations from a majority
(but not all) work group members calling for
expanded energy efficiency programs to help Arizona cut its pollution
emissions. SWEEP was a participant in the work group, and helped develop the
report’s analyses and recommendations.
July
Colorado Governor Issues Performance Contracting Executive Order
Colorado Governor Bill Owens issued
Executive Order D01403
this month to promote performance contracting and the use of energy service
companies for implementing energy savings projects in Colorado state buildings
and facilities. The Executive Order directs state agencies to conduct a
feasibility study on performance contracting, issue a Request for Proposals, and
follow through with implementation if technically and economically feasible
projects and performance contracts are proposed.
Overreliance
on Natural Gas Means Higher Bills
On June 15, 2003, the
Rocky Mountain News published an editorial by Greg Sopkin, the chair of
the Colorado Public Utility Commission, entitled “Overreliance
on Natural Gas Means Higher Bills.” In response to Commissioner
Sopkin’s call for the increased use of coal-fired and nuclear power
plants, SWEEP executive director Howard Geller and Land and Water Fund of
the Rockies executive director Bruce Driver penned this
rebuttal, published by
the News on July 7.
Center
Releases Energy Initiative Report
On July 8 the University of Colorado’s
Center of the American West released What Every Westerner Should Know about
Energy, a report based on findings from its 2002 conference on Western energy
issues and research and consultations with scholars and other professionals in
the energy industry. The report is designed to educate Westerners on energy
issues, and hopes to be a useful tool to spark conversations and educate
citizens about the West's energy future. Unfortunately, few of those
conversations will include energy efficiency, as the report fails to adequately
recognize the role efficiency can play in addressing the West’s energy
challenges.
June
Boulder County, Colorado Adopts 2003 IECC
On June 19, the Boulder County Commissioners adopted the 2003 International
Energy Conservation Code as part of a package of updates to various county
building codes. Other codes also updated by the commissioners to their 2003
editions include the International Building Code, International Residential
Code, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, and the
International Fuel Gas Code. The new codes go into effect on July 1, 2003. To
learn more about the IECC, visit the web site of the
Building Codes Assistance Project.
Energy Efficiency Bill will Cut Energy Costs in Nevada
On June 11, Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn signed into law Assembly Bill 398, a
bill that could result in about $120 million of energy savings in state and
local buildings in Nevada during 2004-2015, according to estimates by SWEEP. AB
398 allows state agencies and local governments to enter into performance
contracts with energy service companies for the purpose of installing energy
efficiency and other cost-savings measures. Performance contracts may extend for
a term of up to 15 years.
“A.B. 398 facilitates the use of performance contracting to upgrade the energy efficiency of state and local government buildings,” stated Assemblyman Jason Geddes (R-Reno), sponsor of the bill. “Cutting energy costs in state and local facilities is especially important given Nevada’s budget deficit, rising energy costs, and weak economy.”
SWEEP, which assisted with the preparation of AB 398 and actively supported the bill as it moved through the legislative process, estimates that the bill could reduce energy use and costs in state and local buildings in Nevada by around 20 percent as of 2015.
May
State Energy Efficiency Programs Keep Growing, in Contrast to Federal
Retreat
Despite weak state budgets and a soft economy, states and utilities are
boosting their investment in energy efficiency, while the federal government
continues to cut efficiency programs. Information presented at the
American
Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s (ACEEE) recent Market Transformation
Symposium in Washington, D.C. revealed that total state and utility funding for
efficiency programs in 2003 is about $1.45 billion, up from $1.1 billion in
2000—a 32% increase. By contrast, the federal commitment to efficiency has
shrunk since the Bush Administration took office. The administration is seeking
to cut Department of Energy (DOE) energy efficiency funding by $36 million, or
about 4%, while EPA is planning to cut ENERGY STAR®, the nation's best-known
efficiency program, by about $15 million, or 30%. This would put federal
efficiency spending at about 60% of state-based spending, when just a few years
ago the federal commitment was roughly equal to state efforts.
April
Energy Conservation Standard Becomes Law in Arizona
On April 28, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano signed into law House Bill 2324,
a bill that is projected to result in about $90 million of energy conservation
savings in state buildings and universities in Arizona by 2015. State agencies
and universities are directed by the bill to achieve a 10% reduction in energy
use per unit of floor area by 2008, and a 15% reduction by 2011; purchase
cost-effective ENERGY STAR® or Federal Energy Management Program-designated
energy-efficient products; and meet energy conservation standards developed by
the Arizona Department of Commerce’s Energy Office.
“H.B. 2324 will reduce energy use in state facilities and save the state government both energy and money,” stated Rep. Randy Graf (R-Green Valley), sponsor of the bill. “Cutting energy costs in state buildings and facilities is especially important given Arizona’s severe budget deficit. And the bill ensures that the state will ‘lead by example’ in demonstrating model energy efficiency strategies and techniques that can also be embraced by Arizona’s residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.”
SWEEP played a critical role in crafting and lobbying for the new rules, and estimates that the bill will reduce energy costs in state buildings and universities in Arizona by around $11 million per year as of 2011. During the twelve-year period 2004-2015, the bill should cut energy costs for the state facilities by around $90 million.
- HB 2324 Bill Text
- SWEEP’s press release announcing signing of HB 2324
- Arizona Daily Star article about the signing of HB 2324
- Arizona Business Gazette article about the signing of HB 2324
Hybrid Incentive Bill Approved in Colorado
On Earth Day, April 22, 2003, Governor Bill Owens signed Senate Bill 03-91,
sponsored by Senator Ron Tupa (D-Boulder), which will allow alternative fuel
vehicles and hybrid-electric vehicles to use the state’s high-occupancy vehicle
(HOV) lanes regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicles. Currently
only vehicles with two or more occupants are allowed in HOV lanes. While the
federal government currently prohibits this option, Colorado is working to have
this prohibition repealed, at such time S.B. 91 will become law. S.B. 91 also
supports the state’s efforts to increase its use of alternative fuels in the
state fleet and meet the federal mandate requiring Colorado and all states to
purchase alternative fuel vehicles.
Hybrid-electric vehicles are now at the forefront of personal vehicle technology development. Though advances are being made in the use of this technology, a January 2003 New York Times article reported that only 150,000 hybrids have been sold worldwide since their introduction in the late 1990s. By comparison, 17.8 million new vehicles (cars and light-trucks) were purchased in the United States alone in 2000 (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis). Thus, in a letter to Colorado’s state legislators, SWEEP supported S.B. 91 because it “is a common sense approach to supporting hybrid-electric vehicles…and provides a much-needed perk for purchasers of hybrid technology…”
To learn more, visit SWEEP’s web page dedicated to hybrid-electric vehicles.
March
Progressive Electricity Policy in Ft. Collins, Colorado Gets Final
Approval
On March 25, the Ft. Collins, Colorado City Council approved a new electricity
policy developed by Fort Collins Utilities, the city's municipal utility. The
new policy includes the goals of reducing per capita electricity consumption by
ten percent by 2012, and peak load per capita electricity consumption by fifteen
percent by 2012. This policy should lead to a major expansion of energy
efficiency and load management programs in this fast-growing municipality of
120,000. Utility staff is now preparing a strategic plan for achieving the
goals, and SWEEP is assisting in this effort. New energy efficiency programs are
likely to be launched later this year or in 2004. The precedent-setting new
policy also calls for obtaining fifteen percent of the city's electricity from
renewable sources by 2017.
New Mexico Legislature Supports Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
The New Mexico State Legislature adopted a joint resolution requesting that the
state government develop and adopt specific goals to implement the use of
renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies throughout the state. The
resolution supports the renewable energy and energy efficiency goals of New
Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. Senate Joint Memorial 89 sets a target goal of
having 10 percent of New Mexico's electricity needs be generated from renewable
sources by the year 2010. It also encourages state government to "lead by
example" in regards to renewable energy and energy efficiency. While a
renewable energy target is called out in the resolution, no complementary energy
efficiency goal is included. SWEEP analysis in The New Mother Lode has shown
that a proactive approach to energy efficiency, using off-the-shelf energy
efficiency technologies, could reduce electricity demand in New Mexico by nearly
36 percent by 2020.
Energy Conservation Standard Approved in Arizona
House Bill 2324 was approved on March 6 by the Arizona House of Representatives.
It now awaits introduction and committee hearing scheduling in the Arizona
Senate. HB 2324 would increase energy efficiency and reduce energy costs in
state and public buildings by updating the energy code reference for state and
public buildings; adopting energy savings goals for state agency buildings; and
adopting EnergyStar® product procurement standards for state purchases. None of
the proposed provisions in HB 2324 require new state funding, and the bill has
been designed to have a significant positive financial impact on the state.
Follow HB 2324 through the legislative process on our
Legislative Alert page.
Western Regional Air Partnership Issues Draft Haze Policy Recommendations
States across the country are in the process of developing State Implementation
Plans (SIPs), as required by the Environmental Protection Agency's Regional Haze
Rule, in order to reduce air pollution and improve visibility in national parks
and wilderness areas. The Western Regional Air
Partnership (WRAP) is helping to coordinate and assist western states with
their plans. The WRAP created an Air Pollution Prevention Forum, which developed
energy efficiency and renewable energy policy recommendations for states to
consider including in their SIPs. The Air Pollution Prevention Forum issued its
draft policy recommendations in February 2003, and
SWEEP recently commented on the recommendations.
February
State of Nevada Releases 2003 Energy Status Report
The state of Nevada this month released its 2003 Nevada Energy Status
Report. Distributed to the governor and state legislature, the report includes
assessments of the adequacy of Nevada’s energy supplies; outlines activities
relating to energy efficiency and renewable energy development; and discusses
the Comprehensive Energy Plan for Nevada, a plan that supports an efficiently
used, reliable, affordable, and diverse energy supply for the state. To view the
report and learn more, visit
www.energy.state.nv.us.
Survey Shows Coloradans Support Energy Efficiency and Renewables
A survey conducted by the Wells Fargo Public Opinion Research Program at the
University of Colorado-Denver shows that Colorado residents prefer energy
conservation and renewable energy over fossil-fuel generation by a wide margin,
the Denver Post reports. By
a 3-to-1 ratio, respondents said Colorado should meet its growing demand for
electricity through energy efficiency measures rather than generation of more
power. Residents would also prefer to see new electrical generation come from
renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower instead of coal and
natural gas.
Electric Utility Efficiency Standards Bill Defeated in Committee
On February 11, 2003, the Senate Business Affairs and Labor Committee failed to
approve a bill sponsored by State Senator Peggy Reeves (D-Fort Collins) that
would have directed qualifying investor-owned utilities - specifically Xcel
Energy - to save one percent of its annual retail electricity sales each year
through energy efficiency programs and the purchase of energy savings credits.
SWEEP estimates that Senate Bill 129 would have saved Colorado consumers and businesses over $1 billion net during 2003-2020; reduced electricity use by 16% in 2020; reduced water consumption by about 2.3 billion gallons per year by 2020; and eliminated the need for three 300 MW baseload power plants, thereby reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, mercury, and carbon dioxide (see News item and links below). The aim of the bill was to bring Xcel's energy efficiency programs in Colorado up to the funding level they receive in Minnesota, Xcel's home state, but Xcel opposed the bill.
PacifiCorp Issues New IRP
PacifiCorp, a large integrated utility operating in six western states,
including Utah and Wyoming, has issued a new Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The
IRP includes a variety of new and expanded demand-side management (DSM) programs
that, combined, will provide 450 MW (average) of electricity savings by 2013.
The DSM programs will be implemented in Utah, Wyoming, and the other states in
which PacifiCorp operates. SWEEP assisted PacifiCorp in developing a number of
the energy efficiency programs included in the IRP, including residential air
conditioning and appliance programs. PacifiCorp has also committed to
implementing additional energy efficiency programs if cost-effective programs
can be identified. The IRP is available on-line at the PacifiCorp web site, www.pacificorp.com/navigation/navigation23807.html.
New State Energy Policy for Wyoming
The Wyoming Energy Commission is developing a new state energy policy. Energy
efficiency is one of the areas covered, and SWEEP is assisting the Commission
with its energy efficiency review and recommendations. The draft energy
efficiency chapter recommends: 1) updating the state's building energy code and
supporting implementation of the code at the local level; 2) expanding utility
energy efficiency programs in Wyoming; 3) expanding state-funded energy
efficiency programs; 4) strengthening energy efficiency efforts in state
facilities; and 5) initiating a promotion and recognition program to encourage
companies in Wyoming to reduce their energy or carbon intensity. The draft
energy policy, including the energy efficiency chapter, can be seen on-line at www.wyomingbusiness.org/minerals/energy_commission.
The Commission is accepting comments on the draft policy until February 18,
2003.
Electric Utility Efficiency Standards Bill
Introduced in Colorado
SWEEP has worked with Colorado State Senator Peggy Reeves (D-Fort Collins) to
introduce an energy efficiency performance standards bill in the 2003 Colorado
Legislative Session. If adopted, SB 129 would direct qualifying investor-owned
utilities - specifically Xcel Energy - to save one percent of its annual retail
electricity sales each year through energy efficiency programs and the purchase
of energy savings credits.
SWEEP estimates that consumers and businesses in Colorado would save over $1 billion net during 2003-2020 - actual electricity bill savings minus the cost of the energy efficiency programs. By reducing electricity use by 16% in 2020, water consumption will be reduced by about 850 million gallons per year by 2010 and about 2.3 billion gallons per year by 2020. Nearly three 300 MW baseload power plants could be avoided by 2020 due to the need for less electricity, thereby reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, mercury, and carbon dioxide.
Xcel Energy meets energy savings goals similar to those proposed in SB 129 in Minnesota, where it is based and where it is the largest utility in the state - circumstances remarkably similar to their situation in Colorado.
State of Colorado Releases Hybrid Vehicle Tax Credit
Amounts
The State of Colorado recently released the amounts of its 2003 tax credit aimed
at promoting the purchase of hybrid-electric motor vehicles. The state provides
tax credits to individuals and businesses for the purchase of qualified
vehicles, which use a combination gas and electric motor to improve gas mileage
and lower tailpipe emissions.
January
Appliance Efficiency Standards Bill Defeated
in Committee
On January 27, 2003 the House Information and Technology Committee failed to
approve a bill sponsored by Rep. Alice Borodkin (D-Denver) that would have set
minimum energy efficiency standards on ten products not covered by federal
efficiency standards. SWEEP estimates that House Bill 1168 would have saved
consumers and businesses in Colorado about $740 million and lowered water use by
nearly 8 billion gallons during 2005-2020 (see News item and link below).
Appliance Standards Bill Introduced in Colorado
SWEEP has joined with Colorado State Representative Alice Borodkin (D-Denver)
to introduce an appliance standards bill in the 2003 Colorado Legislative
Session. The bill, based on a model act developed by the American Council for an
Energy-Efficient Economy and the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, sets
minimum energy efficiency standards for ten products currently not covered by
federal standards, including ceiling fans, torchiere-type light fixtures,
commercial refrigerators, and commercial clothes washers.
SWEEP projects that the bill will save consumers and businesses about $740 million and lower water use in the state by nearly 8 billion gallons during 2005-2020.
New Report on Advancing Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings
A new report outlining strategies for advancing energy efficiency in
commercial buildings in Colorado is now available at www.e-star.com.
The report, prepared by a group of energy efficiency experts including a
representative from SWEEP, provides recommendations in the areas of building
codes, financial incentives, and education efforts. The group was convened by
E-Star Colorado, and the Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and
Conservation is now implementing some of the recommendations in the report.
About SWEEP |
Fact Sheets |
Regional EE News |
Regional Policies & Programs
Building Efficiency |
Regional Case Studies |
SWEEP Publications |
Media | Workshops
Consumer Tips |
Business Tips |
Home
© 2002-2008 Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
2260 Baseline Rd. Suite 212, Boulder, CO
80302
(303) 447-0078 fax: (303) 786-8054
info@swenergy.org
Last Updated: 03/14/2008