Regional Energy Efficiency News
2006
December
Rocky Mountain Power Proposes DSM Programs for Wyoming
Rocky Mountain Power, a subsidiary of PacifiCorp, has proposed four demand-side
management (DSM) programs for its Wyoming customers to the Wyoming Public
Service Commission. The programs would be implemented on a pilot basis for three
years at an estimated budget of $5.6 million. The programs include rebates for a
wide variety of residential energy efficiency measures, rebates for energy
efficiency measures implemented by small and medium size businesses, a financial
contribution to the states’ weatherization program for low-income households,
and a voluntary self-direction program involving incentives for efficiency
improvements made by large industrial customers. SWEEP assisted with the
planning of these programs. It is expected that the Wyoming PSC will rule on the
proposal in the first half of 2007. Click here for
additional details on the proposal.
Questar Gas Company Proposes DSM programs in Utah
Questar Gas Company has proposed implementing five demand-side
management (DSM) programs for its customers in Utah, including residential and
commercial appliance rebates, an energy audit and weatherization program, and a
new homes program. The proposed budget for the programs is $7.0 million per
year. Questar estimates that 100,000 customers will participate in the programs
over the first three years. The proposed programs, which SWEEP helped Questar
develop, are currently being reviewed by the Utah Public Service Commission.
Click here for a copy of Questar’s
application; click here
for estimates of program cost effectiveness.
Colorado home builders, home performance companies commit
to Indoor Air Quality
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is teaming up with four Colorado
builders and two home performance companies to protect indoor air quality in
homes. Home builders New Town Builders, McStain Neighborhoods, Aspen Homes of
Colorado, and Archer Homes, Inc., and home performance service companies
EnergyLogic, Inc. and Lightly Treading, Inc. are the first businesses in the
country to participate in EPA's new voluntary Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) labeling
initiative. Today's homebuilders can employ a variety of proven practices and
technologies to significantly improve the indoor air quality of their new homes.
For more information on the ENERGY STAR Indoor Air Package, visit:
www.epa.gov/region8/conservation_recycling/volun.html.
Four Western States to Cooperate on Greenhouse Gas
Emissions
The Public Utilities Commissions of four western states adopted a Joint Action
Framework on Climate Change last week. California, New Mexico, Oregon, and
Washington will cooperate to develop and use low-carbon technologies and
renewable energy resources, while promoting energy efficiency, conservation, and
demand response programs. As part of the agreement, the commissions will
consider policies to encourage the development of transmission lines to provide
access to sites with significant renewable energy resources. The signing
ceremony launched the Joint West Coast Public Utilities Commissions Workshop on
Energy Efficiency, which brought together energy experts and international
leaders to explore key technologies and best practices in energy efficiency. See
the press release at
http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/eeworkshop/PressRelease.pdf?EventID=13, and the
framework document at
http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/eeworkshop/Joint%20Action%20Framework%20on%20Climate%20Change.pdf
on the California Public Utility Commission website.
Group Releases Climate Action Plan for New Mexico
The Climate Change Advisory Group released its recommendations this month for
reducing the state's greenhouse gas emissions. The group says New Mexico could
reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to near 1990 levels by 2020 and create a
projected $2.2 billion net economic savings if the state adopts 69 new climate
change policies. Some of the top recommendations of the advisory group are to
increase the state's renewable energy requirement, create incentives for energy
efficiency in buildings, require cleaner cars, and reduce emissions from oil and
gas production. Governor Bill Richardson created the advisory group last year.
See the governor's press release at
http://www.governor.state.nm.us/press.php?id=320, and for the full report,
visit the New Mexico Climate Change Advisory Group website, at
http://www.nmclimatechange.us/.
November
Utah Governor Huntsman Receives SWEEP Energy Efficiency
Award
SWEEP announced this month that Utah Governor Jon
Hunstman, Jr. is the winner of its 2006 Leadership in Energy Efficiency Award.
The award is given annually to policy makers and others who demonstrate a strong
commitment to advancing energy efficiency in the Southwest.
In April of this year, Governor Huntsman announced an ambitious plan to increase
energy efficiency in Utah, save consumers and businesses money, and achieve a
goal of 20% energy efficiency improvement statewide by 2015. Utah thus became
the first state to embrace the energy efficiency goal established by the Western
Governors' Association.
Through the Governor’s energy efficiency initiative, the state government will
demonstrate leadership by promoting energy-efficient products; collaborating
with utilities, regulators, legislators, and other stakeholders to advance
energy efficiency in all sectors of Utah’s economy; working with stakeholders to
identify and address regulatory barriers to increased deployment of efficiency
measures; working to identify and address legislative barriers and
disincentives; and educating the public and private sectors about the benefits
and means to implement energy efficiency.
This year’s award was presented to Governor Huntsman at SWEEP’s Third Annual
Southwest Regional Energy Efficiency Workshop, held November 16 and 17 at the
Snowbird Resort.
- Read SWEEP’s press release announcing the 2006 Leadership in Energy Efficiency Award
- Salt Lake Tribune coverage of Awards Luncheon
Nevada PUC Approves DSM Programs Proposed by Nevada Power
Company
The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) has approved Nevada Power
Company's 2006 Integrated Resource Plan. That plan includes demand-side
management (DSM) program details and budgets, namely total budgets of $31.9
million in 2007, $37.4 million in 2008, and $36.3 million in 2009. The utility
will be expanding most existing programs and starting new programs for ENERGY
STAR® manufactured homes, zero energy homes, pool pumps, and hotels/motels.
SWEEP testified in support of these programs, and suggested additional DSM
programs which the PUCN ordered Nevada Power to evaluate over the next 12
months.
Boulder Voters Pass First Carbon Tax in the Nation
On Election Day, City of Boulder voters approved Measure 202, the Climate Action
Plan Tax, making this the first time in the nation that a municipal government
will impose an energy tax on its residents to directly combat global warming.
The tax, to be charged on electricity consumption within the city, will be
collected by Xcel Energy, the local electric utility company. Boulder's City
Council adopted the goals of the Kyoto Protocol in 2002, to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions 7% below 1990 levels by 2012. The tax will be used to implement
Boulder's Climate Action Plan, the city’s roadmap for meeting the Kyoto target.
Measure 202 will generate about $1 million annually through 2012. Estimated
energy cost savings from implementing the Climate Action Plan are $63 million
over the long term.
SWEEP Executive Director Howard Geller played a role in developing the Climate
Action Plan, and SWEEP supported the campaign working for the passage of Measure
202.
SWEEP Executive Director Speaks on Energy Challenges and
Strategies
SWEEP Executive Director Howard Geller presented “Nightmare on Planet Earth” on
Halloween Day at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The presentation focuses
on the multiple energy challenges facing our nation and world, and what can be
done about them. In the presentation, Dr. Geller reviews the threats of global
warming and oil resource depletion, and contrasts a business-as-usual energy
scenario for the United States with a scenario that relies much more heavily on
energy efficiency improvement and renewable energy development and
implementation. His alternative scenario outlines how the U.S. could cut CO2
emissions by 60% by 2050 and oil consumption by 70% by 2050, relative to 2005
levels.
October
SWEEP Contributes to recent LBL Energy Efficiency Report
SWEEP’s Arizona Representative Jeff Schlegel contributed to a report issued by
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory that examines how recent resource plans
issued by fourteen Western utilities incorporate energy efficiency as a
resource, and whether this information can be used to track progress towards
meeting the energy efficiency goals established by the Western Governors’
Association (WGA) in 2004. SWEEP’s Executive Director Howard Geller chaired the
committee that outlined a set of strategies to achieve the goal of increasing
the efficiency of energy use in the fourteen WGA member states by 20% by 2020.
Natural Gas Demand-Side Management Programs Move Forward in
Utah
The Utah Public Service Commission has approved Questar Gas Company’s proposal
to initiate new natural gas demand-side management (DSM) programs in the state,
and also approved the severing of the utility's natural gas sales and recovery
of fixed costs, a policy known as decoupling. The natural gas DSM programs will
start this winter at an estimated funding level of $2 to 5 million per year.
SWEEP supported the gas DSM and decoupling proposal, and is advising Questar
regarding its DSM program design. Questar Gas Company is the main investor-owned
gas utility in Utah. To read the Commission's order, visit
http://www.psc.utah.gov/gas/06orders/Oct/05057t01oass.pdf.
Public Service New Mexico Completes Energy Efficiency
Potential Study
Public Service New Mexico (PNM) has issued an electricity conservation potential
study prepared by Itron Consulting. The study shows that the utility could
reduce electricity consumption and peak power demand in its service area by 8-9%
by 2016, and do so cost-effectively, through implementation of company-sponsored
demand-side management (DSM) programs. The estimated net economic benefits could
be as much as $440 million for PNM and its customers in the maximum achievable
efficiency scenario considered in the study. PNM is now developing a set of
electricity DSM programs which the company plans to launch in 2007.
Click here to read the PNM study.
September 2006
SWEEP Submits Testimony Calling for Expanded Energy
Efficiency Programs in Nevada
SWEEP’s Executive Director Howard Geller provided
testimony to the Nevada Public Utilities Commission regarding an Integrated
Resource Plan prepared by Nevada Power Company (NPC). The testimony, filed on
behalf of a coalition known as Nevadans for Clean, Affordable, Reliable Energy,
calls for further expansion of NPC’s energy efficiency programs and the
establishment of a 1% electricity savings goal from efficiency programs
implemented each year for the next 10 years.
Governor Napolitano Issues Executive Order to
Promote Energy Efficiency
On September 8 Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano
signed Executive Order 2006–13, establishing a statewide goal to reduce
Arizona’s future greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to year 2000 levels by 2020, and
to 50% below the 2000 level by 2040. Governor Napolitano adopted the suggestions
of her Climate Change Advisory Group, which reported on the effects climate
change will have on Arizona and offered numerous recommendations on how to
reduce Arizona’s GHG emissions. Recommendations included in the executive order
include: improving energy efficiency for buildings and appliances; reducing
energy demand by consumers and businesses; increasing the development and use of
renewable energy sources; providing incentives for hybrids and other low
emissions vehicles; achieving a lower-GHG-emissions state vehicle fleet;
reducing vehicle idling and adopting cleaner vehicle emissions standards;
increasing the production and use of ethanol and biodiesel; and using better
land and forest management practices to increase efforts to remove carbon from
the atmosphere (carbon sequestration).
New Report Projects Need for New Electricity Supplies in
Colorado; SWEEP Responds
The Colorado Energy Forum, an organization funded by electricity utilities in
the state, has issued a report that estimates that demand for electricity could
increase by 50 percent over the next two decades. “Colorado’s Electricity
Future” notes that energy efficiency improvements can help to meet this demand
for new resources, but the report does not recommend preferred resource options.
SWEEP co-authored a response that urges reliance on energy efficiency
investments along with expanding renewable energy resources for meeting
Colorado’s growing demand for electricity. The response notes that “these are
Colorado’s most cost-effective, environmentally benign, and reliable new
resources.” Click the links below to read the Colorado Energy Forum report,
SWEEP’s response, and local media coverage.
- Colorado’s Electricity Future Report
- SWEEP’s response to the report
- Rocky Mountain News article on the
report
August 31, 2006 - Denver Post article on the report
August 31, 2006
August
Questar Gas Company Develops DSM Program Recommendations
Questar Gas Company, the main natural gas utility in
Utah, has completed a study of natural gas use in its service area along with
demand-side management (DSM) program proposals. The recommended programs include
incentives for high-efficiency gas appliances, retrofit measures for residential
and commercial buildings, and high-efficiency home construction. Questar has
proposed initiating natural gas DSM programs along with a mechanism to protect
the utility from revenue loss if it implements effective efficiency programs.
This proposal is now being considered by the Utah Public Service Commission.
SWEEP Proposes Expansion of Energy Efficiency Programs in
Arizona
SWEEP Arizona Representative Jeff Schlegel has presented testimony calling for a
large expansion in the energy efficiency programs implemented by Arizona Public
Service Company (APS). SWEEP is calling for APS to achieve 5% electricity
savings by 2010 and 15% savings by 2020, and peak demand reductions of 5% by
2010 and 15% by 2020. Achieving these goals would save APS customers $1.4
billion net and eliminate the need for 1,000 MW of new power plants by 2020,
according to SWEEP estimates. The testimony was filed in a rate case now
underway in front of the Arizona Corporation Commission, which is expected to
make a decision in early 2007.
States and Utilities Commit to Action Plan for Energy
Efficiency
More than 50 leading organizations have joined together to develop the National
Action Plan for Energy Efficiency, which aims to help states and utilities
overcome barriers that limit investment in energy efficiency. The action plan,
released on Monday, was developed with assistance from the U.S. Department of
Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and with the participation
of electric and gas utilities, utility regulators, state agencies, large energy
users, consumer advocates, energy service providers, and environmental and
energy efficiency organizations. As part of announcing the plan, 72
organizations in 33 states announced commitments to increase their investments
in energy efficiency.
Utilities operating in the SWEEP region that participated in the development of
the plan include Xcel Energy, Public Service of New Mexico, and MidAmerican
Energy Company, the parent of Rocky Mountain Power, formerly Utah Power.
The plan builds upon best practices from successful energy efficiency programs
already operating in many areas. It recommends recognizing energy efficiency as
a high-priority energy resource; making a strong, long-term commitment to
implementing cost-effective energy efficiency as a resource; broadly
communicating the benefits of and opportunities for energy efficiency; promoting
sufficient, timely, and stable program funding to deliver energy efficiency
where cost-effective; and modifying policies and ratemaking practices to
encourage utilities to invest in energy efficiency. Learn more about the plan,
the list of commitments, and other related documents by visiting the EPA website
at
http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/actionplan/leadership.htm.
June
Colorado
Energy Office Releases Guide to Green Building in Colorado
The Governor’s Office of Energy Management and Conservation, in collaboration
with the Colorado chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, recently released
a new guide to help building owners and design teams use the USGBC’s Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design criteria to build better, more
energy-efficient buildings in Colorado.
Using LEED-NC® in Colorado: Tips, Resources & Examples provides over 100
pages of information and links, including an introduction to LEED;
credit-by-credit guidance for the LEED-NC version 2.1 rating system; resources
for all five LEED categories; a list of green building associations in Colorado
and general green building resources; a list of funding sources for green
buildings and high-performance design; and links to research on the costs and
benefits of green building.
New Report Released on Energy Efficiency Potential in
Denver Metro Area
A new study sponsored by the Metro Denver Economic Development
Corporation, Energy Efficiency:
Bottom Line Opportunities for Metro Denver Companies, indicates that there
is significant potential for cost-effective energy efficiency improvements in
commercial buildings in the metro Denver region. The report estimates that
businesses could realize over $1.8 billion in energy bill savings from a $600
million investment in energy efficiency measures. The study relied heavily on
SWEEP’s report
The New Mother Lode: The Potential for More Efficient Electricity Use in the
Southwest, to reach its conclusions.
Western Governors Adopt Policies on Clean Energy
At its annual meeting held this month in Arizona, the Western Governors'
Association backed a broad-based set of proposals for meeting the future
electricity needs of the western United States. The proposals are based on
recommendations developed over the past 18 months by more than 250 stakeholders,
whose work is outlined in the WGA report
Clean Energy, a
Strong Economy and a Healthy Environment. The goals adopted by the WGA
governors are to develop 30,000 megawatts of clean energy by 2015; increase
energy efficiency 20 percent by 2020; and ensure secure, reliable transmission
for the next 25 years.
The report draws heavily on the work of the Energy Efficiency Task Force, which
was chaired by Howard Geller, SWEEP’s executive director. The
Energy Efficiency Task Force Report examines the potential for more
efficient electricity use and recommends steps that the 18 western states can
take to increase energy efficiency.
Colorado Governor Vetoes Natural Gas Conservation
Legislation
Colorado Governor Bill Owens has vetoed House Bill 1147, killing a bill that
would have expanded energy efficiency programs offered by natural gas utilities
in the state, thereby reducing natural gas use and helping consumers and
businesses lower their utility bills. HB 1147 would have eliminated regulatory
barriers and established a cost recovery mechanism, providing gas utilities with
positive financial incentives for implementing cost-effective efficiency
programs for their customers.
SWEEP estimates that HB 1147 would have resulted in natural gas savings of 16.7
billion cubic feet per year by 2020, equal to 9% of natural gas use by all
residences and commercial buildings in the state, and net economic benefits for
households and businesses in Colorado over the lifetime of the energy efficiency
measures installed during 2007-2020 of $560 million.
For additional information on House Bill 1147, read SWEEP’s legislative report
on this bill at
http://www.swenergy.org/legislative/2006/colorado/index.html, or visit the
website of the Colorado General Assembly at
http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics2006A/csl.nsf/BillFoldersHouse?openFrameset.
- House Bill 1147, as adopted by the Colorado General Assembly
- SWEEP’s press release regarding the veto of HB 1147
- Boulder Daily Camera news story regarding the veto of HB 1147
- Longmont Times-Call news story regarding the veto of HB 1147
Boulder, Colorado Family Featured in USA Today Series on
Global Warming
In its weeklong series focused on global warming, USA Today featured the family
of Will Toor and Mariella Colvin, Boulder residents who have taken steps to
reduce the carbon emissions of their four-person family. The story details the
Toors’ lifestyle choices, from transportation to energy, and concludes that the
family is “doing what experts say must be done if Americans are going to make a
difference in efforts to slow global warming.”
May
Paper Reports Progress with Utility Energy Efficiency
Programs in the Southwest
A new paper by SWEEP’s Executive Director Howard Geller documents the growth in
electric utility energy efficiency programs in the SWEEP states of Arizona,
Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. Funding for these programs
increased from about $20 million in 2001 to $69 million in 2005, and is expected
to reach $110 million in 2006. Catching Up: Progress with Utility Energy
Efficiency Programs in the Southwest also reviews the key policies that have
stimulated this growth. The paper will be presented at the 2006 ACEEE Summer
Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, in August.
New Report Investigates Opportunities, Challenges of Demand
Response
SWEEP and the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) recently released a new whitepaper
that reviews the experience to date with Demand Response (DR) programs for
commercial and industrial customers, the technologies employed in them, and the
lessons successful programs provide for better utilizing this load management
tool. Demand Response programs offer incentives to electricity customers to
temporarily reduce their electricity use, typically during periods of high peak
load pressures or high market electricity costs. Demand Response: An
Introduction reveals that there is renewed interest in DR programs as a
mechanism for managing demand and tempering market volatility. But success in
creating viable and effective DR programs has been mixed.
April
SWEEP and Western Resource Advocates Co-Release New Report
Challenging Tri-State’s Coal Plant Plans
On April 26 SWEEP and
Western Resource Advocates released
Tri-State
Generation and Transmission Association’s Resource Plan: Analysis and
Alternatives, which challenges Tri-State’s plans to build
three large new coal-fired power plants and transmission lines at a cost of $5
billion. The report finds that there are less costly and less risky options for
meeting the growing energy needs of the Tri-State service area, which spreads
across 4 states. In particular, Tri-State has not taken a serious look at energy
efficiency or the opportunities presented by renewable energy.
- Read the report
- Read the press release announcing the release of the report
- Read the Montrose Daily Press story on the report
Governor Huntsman Announces Energy Efficiency Policy for
Utah
Utah Governor Jon Huntsman has unveiled a wide-ranging set of initiatives to
increase energy efficiency in Utah, save consumers and businesses money, and
achieve the goal of 20% energy efficiency improvement statewide by 2015. Utah is
the first state to embrace the energy efficiency goal established by the Western
Governors' Association. “This is a fist step in developing a full and flexible
energy policy for Utah,” said Governor Huntsman. “The State policy encourages
and promotes energy efficiency in our state-owned buildings. Collectively, these
efforts will make Utah one of the most energy efficient states in the country.”
In addition to the announcement by Governor Huntsman, the Utah Energy Efficiency
Working Group, a joint project of the Utah Geological Survey State Energy
Program and Utah Clean Energy,
released its white paper, “Natural Gas and Electricity Efficiency in Utah.”
SWEEP’s executive director Howard Geller contributed to the report.
- Read Utah’s energy efficiency policy
- Read the press release announcing the policy
- Read the white paper, “Natural Gas and Electricity Efficiency in Utah”
Xcel Energy Releases Colorado DSM Market Potential Study
An in-depth market potential study conducted for Xcel Energy by a
team of demand-side management (DSM) experts reveals that through the
implementation of cost-effective DSM programs the utility could save up to 1,623
GWh/yr of electricity consumption and cut peak power demand by up to 462 MW by
2013. Achieving this level of savings would result in $710 million in net
economic benefits for consumers and businesses in Colorado. For comparison,
current DSM programming to which Xcel is committed will save 800 GWh/yr and
reduce peak power demand 320 MW by 2013.
Xcel Energy Documents Success of 2001-2005 Energy
Efficiency Programs
Xcel Energy has completed an evaluation of the demand-side management (DSM)
programs it implemented in Colorado during 2001-2005. The independent
evaluation, performed by Summit Blue Consulting, LLC, of Boulder, shows that
these programs reduced peak demand by about 127 MW. The utility spent about $64
million during the five years, resulting in a benefit-cost ratio of 1.89 for the
suite of programs as a whole. Furthermore, over 80% of participants were very
satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the programs.
Click here
to read the Executive Summary of the evaluation.
Xcel Energy Launches New Commercial and Industrial
Conservation Programs in New Mexico
Xcel Energy has launched a new suite of energy conservation programs for its New
Mexico commercial and industrial customers and qualified contractors and energy
service companies. Three types of programs are being offered: 1) Cooling
Efficiency: Rebates are being offered for the installation of 3-phase
energy-efficient air conditioning equipment larger than five tons. The program
is available for new or retrofit installations. 2) Custom Efficiency: Includes
rebates for commercial energy efficiency projects that reduce peak demand. New
and retrofit installation projects are eligible. 3) Lighting Efficiency:
Includes rebates for the installation of energy-efficient indoor lighting that
reduces peak demand. The program is available for new or retrofit installations.
All programs are available until December 10, 2006. To learn more, click on the
links below, or contact Denzil Dunn at 505-391-3223 or
denzil.dunn@xcelenergy.com.
March
National Database of Incentives for Energy Efficiency Now
Available Online
Over the past 10 years, the national
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) has become the
one-stop source of information about government and utility renewable energy
incentives and policies. DSIRE has now expanded to include state and federal
incentives for energy efficiency upgrades, purchases of energy efficient
products or systems, and construction of new energy-efficient buildings.
Consumers, businesses, government facility managers, policymakers, and industry
stakeholders can benefit from this easy-to-use free resource, complete with
incentive details, links to program websites, legislation, and contacts. Users
can search for efficiency incentives by state, by technology (lighting,
insulation, etc.), by incentive type (tax credit, rebate, etc.), and by other
criteria.
Governors Napolitano and Richardson Launch Southwest
Climate Change Initiative
Governors Janet Napolitano of Arizona and Bill Richardson of New
Mexico have agreed to form the Southwest Climate Change Initiative, and
establish a framework for the two states to collaborate on strategies to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions in the region.
Under the Initiative, Arizona and New Mexico will collaborate on a number of
climate change-related actions, including: development of consistent approaches
for measuring, forecasting and reporting greenhouse gas emissions; identifying
options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions; promoting energy-efficient
technologies and clean and renewable energy sources that enhance economic
growth; and advocating for regional and national climate policies that reflect
the needs and interests of Southwestern states.
In the document establishing the Initiative, the Governors declare that
"Southwestern states have particular concerns about the impacts of climate
change and climate variability on residents, businesses and the environment,
including the potential for prolonged drought, severe forest fires, warmer
temperatures, increased snowmelt, reduced snowpack and other effects."
February
Arizona Corporation Commission Approves New Natural Gas DSM
Programs
On February 15, the Arizona Corporation Commission approved nine natural gas
demand-side management (DSM) programs proposed by the Southwest Gas Corporation
for implementation in Arizona. The programs, with a total budget of $4.4 million
per year, include promotion of ENERGY STAR® gas appliances, low-income home
retrofit, multi-family new construction, food service equipment, commercial new
construction, and distributed generation programs. SWEEP advised Southwest Gas
as it designed the programs and supported approval of the programs before the
ACC. See table below for funding details.
|
Customer Sector |
Program |
Funding |
| Residential |
Low-income energy conservation |
$ 500,000 |
| Residential |
ENERGY STAR home certification |
250,000 |
| Residential |
Multi-family new construction |
1,200,000 |
| Residential |
Residential energy conservation |
200,000 |
| Residential |
ENERGY STAR appliances |
800,000 |
| Commercial/Industrial |
Food service equipment |
500,000 |
| Commercial/Industrial |
Efficient commercial building design |
500,000 |
| Commercial/Industrial |
Technology information center |
35,000 |
| Industrial |
Distributed generation |
400,000 |
| TOTAL |
$ 4,385,000 |
Arizona Corporation Commission Approves New Electric
Utility DSM Programs
On February 15, the Arizona Corporation Commission approved six new
non-residential demand-side management (DSM) programs proposed by Arizona Public
Service Company (APS). The programs, with a total budget of $20.7 million during
2006-2007, include financial incentives, technical assistance and training, and
education and marketing programs for both large and small businesses. The ACC
estimates the programs will provide businesses $41 million in net benefits.
SWEEP advocated for the initiation of the programs, and assisted APS in their
program planning efforts.
SWEEP Releases New Report Reviewing Energy-Efficient New
Homes Programs
SWEEP recently released a new report reviewing state and utility programs aimed
at stimulating the construction of highly energy-efficient new homes in the
states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah. “Review of Energy-Efficient New
Homes Programs in the Southwest” was completed for the U.S. Department of
Energy’s Building America program. The programs reviewed employ a wide range of
approaches, including technical assistance and training, financial incentives,
home energy ratings, labeling, and performance guarantees. The report contains
descriptive information as well as program results where available, along with
contact information for those interested in more information.
- Read SWEEP’s report “Review of Energy-Efficient New Homes Programs in the Southwest”
SWEEP Releases Natural Gas Utility Conservation Program
Survey
SWEEP recently completed a survey of the natural gas demand-side management
(DSM) programs of leading utilities across the United States. Ten natural gas
utilities that are implementing comprehensive DSM programs for their customers
were surveyed in the latter half of 2005. The survey reveals that the leading
utilities are spending at least 0.7% of revenues on DSM programs, and are saving
0.5-1.0% of their gas sales from programs implemented each year. These DSM
program are very cost effective, with benefit-cost ratios greater than 2.0 in
most cases. The survey has been chosen for presentation at the 2006 ACEEE Summer
Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings.
Public Service of New Mexico Announces Energy Efficiency
Rebates
Public Service of New Mexico has announced a rebate program aimed at reducing
the cost of certain weatherization products and measures to help its residential
natural gas customers reduce their heating bills through energy efficiency. PNM
is offering a $10 rebate on the purchase of a water heater insulation blanket,
and a $25 rebate on the purchase of an ENERGY STAR®-qualified programmable
thermostat. In addition, residential customers can receive up to $500 for
contractor-installed insulation and weatherization measures, including attic
insulation, wall insulation, and ductwork leakage testing and sealing, and
rebates for the following contractor-installed products: ENERGY STAR®-qualified
programmable thermostats ($40), hot water heater insulation blankets ($15), hot
water pipe insulation ($5 for as much as 10 feet), and low-flow showerheads
($8). PNM estimates typical annual energy savings will be $150 or more for
properly insulating and sealing air leaks, $75 for using a programmable
thermostat, and $25 for using a water heater blanket on water heaters older than
five years. For more information, visit www.pnm.com.
January
SWEEP Files Testimony on Natural Gas DSM in Utah
Howard Geller, SWEEP’s Executive Director, submitted testimony to the
Public Service Commission of Utah in support of a proposal by Questar Gas
Company and other parties to initiate natural gas demand-side management (DSM)
programs in Utah. The proposal also calls for decoupling of the gas company’s
sales and fixed cost recovery so that the utility is not penalized if it
implements effective DSM programs.
Xcel Energy Launches Business Conservation Programs in
Colorado
Xcel Energy has launched a new suite of energy conservation programs for its
Colorado business customers. Three types of programs are being offered: 1) Cash
rebates for replacing or updating cooling systems, purchasing and installing
energy-efficient lighting equipment in either an existing building retrofit or
new construction, and purchasing and installing NEMA Premium™ efficiency motors
in new and existing facilities; 2) Xcel will pay up to 50% of the cost of a
recommissioning study, not to exceed $15,000, to assess and improve the
efficiency of your building’s existing mechanical systems and controls; and 3)
the popular Energy Design Assistance program returns, offering free
consultations, computer modeling, and verification of energy efficiency measures
for electric business customers constructing a new building, adding an addition,
and/or completing a major renovation.
The new programs are a result of an agreement between Xcel and a number of
Colorado public interest organizations, including SWEEP, to provide Xcel’s
Colorado business and residential customers with expanded energy efficiency and
conservation programs. Xcel expects to launch its new residential programs in
the spring.
WGA Issues Energy Efficiency Task Force Report
The Western Governors’ Association has released the report of the
Energy Efficiency Task Force created as part of WGA’s Clean and Diversified
Energy Initiative. The report, along with other task force reports, can be found
at
http://www.westgov.org/wga/initiatives/cdeac/index.htm The energy
efficiency report shows how western states can reduce electricity use 20% from
projected levels in 2020, the substantial economic and environmental benefits of
doing so, and the recommended best practice policies and programs for achieving
this goal. Howard Geller, SWEEP’s Executive Director, was the Chair of the
Energy Efficiency Task Force.
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© 2002-2008 Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
2260 Baseline Rd. Suite 212, Boulder, CO
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(303) 447-0078 fax: (303) 786-8054
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Last Updated: 03/14/2008