Graziella Siciliano's blog

The Municipal Solid-State Street Lighting Consortium has just released the new Draft Performance Specification for LED Roadway Lighting for public comment through May 2, 2011.

Comment on Draft Specifications!

The Draft Specification is a template for LED roadway lighting specifications that can be customized by the municipalities’ and utilities’ project leader (e.g. municipality, utility, ESCO, etc.) using one of two commonly used options for characterizing luminaire performance: system specification (or application efficacy) or material specification (luminaire efficacy).

You can review the Draft Performance Specifications documents and learn how to provide official comments at the Consortium's website. Non-members (including manufacturers) and members alike are encouraged to comment.

About the Municipal Solid-State Street Lighting Consortium

The Consortium, formed in early-2010 by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), aims to accelerate the learning curve in the municipal and utility installation of LED street lights.

By collecting and analyzing technical information and sharing the experiences of its members, the Consortium offers others pursuing LED street lighting projects a body of technical and practical knowledge to inform investments and decision-making.

Keep up with the work of the Municipal Solid-State Street Lighting Consortium!

American consumers strongly support energy efficient lighting and welcome the transition away from traditional incandescent bulbs, according to the results of a recent survey.

In their 10th EcoPinion survey published in March, EcoAlign asked 1,000 American consumers what they thought about the technological changes and higher efficiency standards that are driving the transformation of the residential lighting market.

While 60 percent of those surveyed were unaware of upcoming changes to federal energy standards that will effectively phase-out incandescent bulbs by 2014, two-thirds of respondents believe that a phase-out of traditional incandescent bulbs in favor of more efficient technologies is a good idea.

Despite recent concerns over compact florescent light bulbs (CFLs) focused on in the media, the survey reveals that many people really like CFLs. Furthermore, those that have installed some type of energy efficient lighting in their homes over the past year (which is the majority of those surveyed!) give high marks to the performance of these technologies.

The findings point to consumers as willing participants in reducing energy costs and GHG emissions from the lighting sector, which according to the U.S. Department of Energy, accounts for 20 percent of U.S. electricity use.

Consumer Education and Utility Program Marketing are Top Priorities

Utilities are uniquely positioned to deliver the message to consumers as both providers of electric service and incentive programs for energy efficient lighting for the home. However, survey results reveal that though the majority of utilities offer incentives, most Americans are not aware of these programs. Further, while there may be consumer support more efficient lighting technologies, the actual phase-out of incandescent bulbs in 2012 will take most by surprise.

EcoAlign concludes that increased consumer education around the upcoming changes to efficiency standards and the eventual phase-out of incandescent bulbs and marketing of utility incentives programs are essential to assuring continued consumer support for and future efficiency gains in the lighting sector.

Read more details about the survey and at EcoAlign!

On December 23, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a two-year timeline for setting standards for greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from both new and existing power plants and oil refineries.

The timeline is part of two settlement agreements for lawsuits brought against the EPA by a coalition of states and environmental organizations. These agreements are the latest in a series of actions stemming from a 2007 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that obliges the EPA to incorporate GHGs in air regulations under the Clean Air Act (CAA).

Recent EPA action has begun to address GHG emissions from large new and modified stationary sources. Through the New Source Review (NSR) provisions of the CAA, the EPA is working with state and local air quality agencies to incorporate GHGs into the permitting processes for new and modified utility and industrial emission sources.  In his article "BACT to the Present," Paul Bostrom from the Alliance to Save Energy, explains a bit more about the NSR regulations that went into effect January 2, 2011.

In this most recent announcement, EPA states that it will soon start regulating GHG emissions from both new and existing stationary sources of pollution under provisions of Section 111 of the CAA.

Emissions Standards and Guidelines for New and Existing Facilities

Section 111 of the CAA requires the EPA to set industry-specific standards for new and existing sources of pollution in various categories of industries. These standards, called New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), set the level of pollution new facilities may emit and provide guidelines for air pollution from existing facilities. The guidelines for existing facilities will help state and local air quality agencies develop emissions reductions plans that take into account the remaining useful life of the facility, among other factors such as available control technology and costs.

According to the settlement agreements, EPA will propose NSPSs for power plants in July 2011 that will be finalized by May 2012. Proposed standards for petroleum refineries will come in December 2011, to be finalized by November 2012.

In the coming months, EPA intends to perform public and stakeholder outreach. The proposed settlement agreements will be published in the Federal Register followed by a 30-day public comment period. The EPA also plans to conduct public and stakeholder outreach in the form of listening sessions starting in early 2011.

Additional Resources

• More background how EPA is addressing GHG emissions and the recent settlement agreements
• Coverage on an Alliance to Save Energy/Business Council for Sustainable Energy Co-Sponsored “Intro to the Clean Air Act” Seminar
• "BACT to the Present:" Alliance to Save Energy article on GHG regulations under New Source Review provisions of the Clean Air Act

Are you interested in exploring the development of a demand-side management (DSM) program to target your industrial customers?

The US Department of Energy’s Industrial Technologies Program (DOE/ITP) has just announced the launch of exciting new resources to help you!

DOE/ITP’s new Turn-Key DSM Lighting Website and Cost Benefit Analysis Tool provide utilities with a straightforward approach and supporting tools to create a successful lighting DSM program from scratch.

What do these resources offer?

Step-by-Step Program Design
The DSM Lighting website can guide you through the entire process of developing a DSM program focused on saving your utility and your customer’s money by upgrading lighting technologies.

The Website walks you through seven steps for program development:

• Determining a budget and demand reduction goals.
• Hiring energy services manager.
• Determining rebate structures.
• Creating marketing resources to promote the program.
• Partnering with trade allies.
• Delivering the program.
• And, monitoring program success.

In addition to step-by-step instructions, the website offers helpful examples and pre-made forms to help you create a successful lighting DSM program.

A Tool to Estimate Program Impacts
As a companion to the website, the Cost Benefit Analysis Tool will allow you to assess the demand, energy, and cost savings resulting from the implementation of a DSM program. This tool can provide the information you and your managers need to make a go/no-go decision about the program you have designed. If the DSM program is the right fit for your utility, the Cost Benefit Analysis Tool will also assist you in setting demand reduction goals and setting program budgets.

To learn more about these great resources, visit the Turn-Key DSM Lighting Website and Cost Benefit Analysis Tool Website.

On Tuesday, July 27th, ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) presented a webinar on the direction, key strategies, and legislative developments of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing , with insight provided by policy experts such as the Alliance to Save Energy’s Director of Government Relations, Brad Penney.

Brad discussed the multiple aspects of the program as well as how communities who have their own PACE programs are affected by the Federal Housing Agency (FHFA)’s urge for a freeze in PACE implementation.

Although negotiation efforts are taking place on Capitol Hill, supporters believe that PACE may fall off the radar unless outreach to the Administration continues.   Some communities are taking matters into their own hands, such as Sonoma County in California, who has filed suit against Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to continue its PACE program.

Bills to override the objections made by Fannie Mac, Freddie Mae, and FHFA have already begun to develop. One example is the PACE Assessment Protection act (H.R. 5766) introduced by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.),  which has more than 40 cosponsors since its debut on July 15th.

Watch the archived webinar on ICLEI’s website to learn more about the current status of PACE!

“Changes underway in the 21st century electric power sector create a level and complexity of risks that is perhaps unprecedented in the industry’s history.”

That’s the word from Ceres, is a national network of investors, environmental organizations and other public interest groups working with companies and investors to address sustainability challenges such as global climate change.

In a report released this month titled, "The 21st Century Electricity Sector: Positioning for a Low-Carbon Future," Ceres talks about the trends that are re-shaping U.S. electricity today and highlights the impact of the most significant trend: attitudes and action on climate change.

The report zeros in on the five key elements that will determine the success of a utility in today’s business environment.

Change is in the Air -

- climate change, to be specific.

Climate change is the central issue in our global environment and economy today. Clean and efficient energy policies are gaining momentum in states across the country. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is likely to become a national priority through federal action in the near-term, which will result in increased costs of production from traditional fossil fuel resources. The increasing attractiveness of renewable energy technologies with steadily decreasing production costs, and advances in other technologies like the Smart Grid, are also changing the way utilities do business.

Given these trends, the Ceres report emphasizes the fact that electric utilities, which in the U.S. are responsible for 40 percent of carbon emissions, must pay attention to their carbon footprint if they are to remain competitive.

Power Industry Makeover Needed

According to the report, “responding to these trends is nothing short of a fundamental rethinking of how we produce, transmit and use electricity.”

Providing a blueprint for making this radical transition, Ceres highlights five key elements that utilities are increasingly focusing on to address climate change and other trends that are shifting the landscape of today’s electric power sector. They are 1) managing carbon across the enterprise; 2) pursuing all cost-effective energy efficiency; 3) integrating cost-effective renewable resources into the generation mix; 4) incorporating smart grid technologies for consumer and environmental benefit, and; 5) conducting robust and transparent resource planning.

Notably, the report highlights cost-effective energy efficiency as the best way to reduce greenhouse gases and lower customer bills, and point to a radical change of course necessary to reverse what it states as historic underinvestment in energy efficiency.

Shaping a New Energy Future

The challenges laid out for the future of the electric power sector in this report may seem daunting, but Ceres emphasizes this as a time for reinvention and renewal.

Now is the time for the industry to shape a new energy future– a future that, as the report emphasizes, “minimizes cost, risk and environmental impact, and maximizes opportunity, options and societal benefit.”

Read the full report!

"Effective Action: The Basics of Energy Program Design," Energy Center Wisconsin's fourth webinar in the Community Energy Leadership series is happening Wednesday, July 28th at 1pm! If you can make it, register now!

This seminar outlines what you need to think about before you design a community energy program: from assessing your community's energy use to evaluating your program goals and objectives. Topics covered include the design, development and initial delivery of community energy efficiency and awareness programs and lessons learned from other community programs.

Abby Vogen Horn, the presenter for the webinar, is currently the director of energy efficiency programs at Franklin Energy, has over 15 years of experience in the energy efficiency community and has designed and implemented award winning efficiency programs.

She was kind enough to join me for a little Q&A session on why utilities have an integral role to play in any community energy planning initiative.

Q. So Abby, what are some of the challenges communities face in getting started once they have committed to more sustainable energy use.

A. People have great intentions and lots of energy but often lack resources to help them put that good energy to use or focus it correctly. Trying to motivate an entire community is a daunting challenge to say the least. Many times it’s a local community group trying to advocate for a community wide effort. Other times it starts with the local utility. Either way developing partnerships is necessary to create broad-based buy-in and leverage existing efforts.

Additionally, understanding where to start….what all needs to be considered and done prior to even deciding what type of community program to conduct is a roadblock. There are now many resources that exist to assist local utilities with this. But the key is to seek them out before you go any further.

Finally, knowing that community projects don’t just happen. You need to allocate both financial and personnel resources to make your program a success for both the utility and the community.

Q. What role can the local utility play in overcoming these challenges?

A. The local utility is really the keystone to a successful community program, whether targeted at a specific sector or the entire community. Without the resources and the knowledge of the local utility any effort will lack legitimacy as well as a broad support network. People look to their utility as the “expert” on efficiency and any effort that does not include them, most members of the community will not think is necessary or important.

Many utilities already have awareness or incentives programs that they offer to customers. A community program can leverage these as well as encourage participation in them. Also, utilities have access to a national network of utilities with experience to share and organization and resources developed just for them to assist in developing and implementing programs.

Q. What do you think is the most compelling reason for utilities to get involved in local sustainability initiatives?

A. Engaging in a community program helps a local utility connect with their customers as a source of information and not just the source of an unavoidable monthly bill. Customer service, customer engagement are often seen as the driver, from a utility standpoint, for developing a community program.  It also allows the utility an avenue to partner with local advocates to help get their own messages out in a different, potentially more effective, manner.

A community program can also assist in jump-starting existing energy efficiency incentive programs the utility may already have. Utilities start being seen as a resource and not simply the electric (or gas) company.If a utilitiy is actively trying to curb demand, working through a community program to help educate business customers can really help get the program going.

Q. Any words of wisdom for utilities just starting down this road?

A. There is a lot of experience and many utilities who are more than willing to share their successes. Spend some time seeking out these and other resources before trying to go it alone. You can learn from both the successes….as well as the failures….of programs that have gone before you. Also, don’t take on more than you can handle for your first effort. Consider a staged approach. Get some experience and a success in one sector before you take on the entire community.

Watch archived webinar now!

Energy Center Wisconsin's Community Leadership Series presents webinars designed for community leaders who want to incorporate clean energy strategies and opportunities into their sustainable community planning efforts. Past webinars are available.

Energy Efficiency as a First Fuel
One thing we keep hearing from power utility experts is that with the volatility of capital markets negatively impacting the availability, terms and cost of capital, there is no better time for utilities to invest in energy efficiency as a resource.

While I was at the American Public Power Association's (APPA) National Conference in Orlando last week, I wanted to find out how public power was using energy efficiency as a first fuel to overcome the challenges of the financial crisis and meet growing demands for power.

In an informative breakout session on this exact topic, Bill Radio, director of member and public relations at Missouri River Energy Services (MRES), talked about how his organization has made energy efficiency a cornerstone of their resource planning strategy.

Missouri River Energy Services Taps Potential of Energy Efficiency
MRES, a joint action agency which sells power to 57 municipal utilities in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, submitted in their most recent Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission in 2005. The plan indicated that 30% of projected capacity needs, or an additional 85 megawatts of generation, could be achieved if MRES members' implemented demand-side management programs.

In 2008, MRES began to tap into this resource, starting off with a portfolio of turn-key commercial & industrial efficiency programs that its member utilities could opt into and roll-out in their own communities. In 2009, MRES expanded to residential programs and now offers energy auditing, building retrofit and financing programs.

Member utility response to the programs has been tremendous. Only two years after launch, 54 of MRES's 57 member utilities are offering energy efficiency programs to their customers.

Making the Business Case for Energy Efficiency
The financial statistics don't look too bad either. The lifecycle costs of MRES's programs over the past two years averaged just 6 cents a kilowatt hour. And that's not just for the incentives, adds Radio. This includes staff time, overhead... the whole package.

In fact, a recent report from the American Council for Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) indicates that power utilities are delivering energy efficiency programs across the country for up to 2/3 less than the cost of any new generation, regardless of fuel source. With those numbers, the business case for energy efficiency programs as supply resource strategy for the near term is incredibly strong.

"Energy efficiency is a cost-effective option that is attractive in comparison to traditional power supply resources," says Radio. "It's simply a smart business decision."

From Coast to Coast, Public Power Utilities are Reaching Out to their Communities in Innovative Ways
No matter what size utility, community outreach is a vital part of what it means to be public power.

How does public power get the word out to their customers about energy efficiency? To find out, we contacted our friends on the far ends of the country.

Empowering Youth to Deliver the Conservation Message to Peers and Parents
We spoke to Steven Poncelet, the public information and conservation manager at Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD), in Northern California. His utility sought to inspire its 14,000 customers to use energy more efficiently by having youth-ambassadors spread the conservation message to their peers and parents. So, how did they motivate Truckee's schoolchildren quickly and cost-effectively, while at the same time providing educational value?

The answer, believe it or not, was a traveling fashion show... or "trashion" show to be more precise. Early this year, Steven learned about a local high school club called Envirolution. Together, they staged a fashion show, modeling outfits composed entirely of trash, while delivering low-cost, high-impact energy savings tools and a strong environmental message to all of Truckee' 1800 schoolchildren! This group was the perfect partner to distribute TDPUD's conservation kits, which included a 12-pack of CFLs, low-flow shower head, and faucet aerators, as well as instructions and information on other local programs that Truckee's residential customers could take advantage of.

The cost of the program averaged $30 per child with an estimated payback period of less than a year! An early indicator of program success was the flurry of press coverage and articles, along with elated phone calls to TDPUD from parents.

Reaching out to Low-Income Residents
Providing energy assistance to the low-income community is an important component of public power's customer services, but this customer segment can be hard to reach. Moving across the country to Florida, we spoke with Bill Shepherd, the business and energy services manager at Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU), which serves approximately 89,000 ratepayers. Bill described some of the difficulties inherent in gaining direct access to this customer segment and assuring that services are not duplicating other local efforts.

Three years ago, GRU brought together local groups including faith-based organizations, a university, the Gainseville Rebuilding Together affiliate and others with strong ties and solid reputations in the low-income community to discuss how to pool their efforts, resources and skills to provide cost-effective energy efficiency and weatherization services. From this effort was born the Community Weatherization Coalition (CWC). GRU leadership in the initial coordination and underwriting of the group propelled CWC's growth into an independent initiative that while still receiving financial support from GRU (mostly in the form of energy savings tools for distribution) is utilizing volunteers and community grants to move toward a more self-sustaining model.

With its growing army of 42 volunteer energy surveyors, the CWC has served over 85 qualifying low-income households in the 18 months and is poised for rapid growth. The program typically identifies and installs an average of $300 worth of quick-and-easy energy saving measures, such as CFLs, door sweeps, and low-flow shower heads, while providing homeowners with information on how to save on their energy bills by changing their consumption habitats.

Common Lessons for Public Power
How did TDPUD and GRU's local outreach strategies compare? Well, they may be very different utilities in terms of their size and the makeup of the communities they serve, but they both recognized that working closely with local initiatives and organizations would help their utilities gain access to important customer segments and energy conservation opportunities.

The Takeaway
By pooling local resources and expertise in new and creative ways, utilities can reach more consumers, more effectively and with fewer resources.

What's Happening in your State?

How does your state's energy legislation affect your public power community? What climate change mitigation initiatives have public power communities championed? What is public power doing by way of energy efficiency and renewable energy programming?

Find out by visiting our newly launched State Profile pages on CleanEfficientEnergy.org!

At CleanEfficientEnergy.Org You can Track Clean and Efficient Energy Policies...

In addition to tracking recent legislation like renewable portfolio standards, energy efficiency resource standards and climate change mitigation strategies, CEEP State Profiles provide information on how state and local policies affect public power utilities. For instance, in North Carolina, municipals utilities are required to participate in the state's renewable energy and energy efficiency portfolio standard. On these pages, you can also access updated information on state appliance standards, and link to state energy offices, public power associations, state-specific building codes information and regional climate initiatives

…Find Out What Communities are Doing

Public power municipalities, like those in Oregon, are leading the way in expanding green power and reducing their climate change impact. On CEEP State Profiles, find out if public power in your state is part in the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, or which leading municipalities across the nation are partnering with EPA to become Green Power Communities.

...And Put your Utility's Efforts on the Map!!

Our State Profiles also feature individual efforts by utilities that are offering rebate, loans or other incentive programs to their customers, and those that are ENERGY STAR® Product and Home Partners. Just check out what's happening in Iowa!

Is your utility providing energy efficiency or renewable resource programs or incentives? Has your public power utility taken action against climate change through utility-implemented commitments ?

If so, you deserve a spot on CEEP's State Profiles! Join your peers by sending us information about your utility programs and/or climate change commitments.