Talking Green

Energy Efficiency is the Next 'Big' Thing

Yesterday, I attended the "All Roads to Copenhagen are Paved Energy Efficiency" policy summit hosted by Alliance to Save Energy. Speaker after speaker were chanting the energy efficiency mantra 'it is the fastest, cheapest and most rewarded..' There's no question about that mantra. Efficiency should be the first in line. Then everything else 'renewable, clean, alternative.'

I had my surreal moment when Cathy Zoi speaks. Her email has been a constant presence in my box, when she headed the Alliance for Climate Protection. It's just too surreal to finally see her in person, there.

From observation, this summit clearly shows that big businesses get it. They know that they haven't scratched the surface yet. There's so much potential to be made in this energy efficiency market, from residential to commercial. The majority, however, that is the public - is not there yet. There's a big hole in this movement. A big challenge. For example, in homes, little things here-and-there improvements can help owners not only to reduce their utility bills, but also give them the feel good feelin' on the environment. This is the area where 'proactive' education can fill the gap, not only to educate the professionals, but also the end-users.

Frances Beinecke, president of NRDC says 'that China has a national energy policy, we don't.' Furthermore, she said "that in the US we talk about it but haven't worked into policy yet. The opportunity is so big." In comparison, Mr. Suresh Prabu, the Union Minister of Power from India says that 'India has energy efficiency law to achieve a 23 percent savings over total that will benefit Indian economy.' 

So India and China have their national policies for energy efficiency in place, while US still struggling to establish one!

The other thing that is big is: the smart meter market. We've got the big players like Google, Microsoft in it and I think the big telco, AT&T, might also be in the game.

Some memorable quotes from yesterday's line up:

Secretary Ken Salazar, US Dept. of Interior

"Wind energy can supply 20% of electricity by 2030, which will create 4 million jobs in the process."

"Wind projects: 800MW will be online by 2010. Enough to power 240,000 homes."

"We must diversify, we must choose new energy future."

"Denmark, Spain, China, are leading the way, it's time for the US to lead the way; invest in renewable energy, energy efficiency in businesses and homes, carbon capture sequestration, new level of playing field is to put price on carbon."

Jim Rogers, President & CEO, Duke Energy

"Universal access to energy efficiency for rich and poor, small to big businesses."

Tom King, President, National Grid USA

"Three core: 1) US must play key role in Copenhagen, 2) energy efficiency, the core of energy policy should include climate change, 3) positioning utility industry."

"UK, EU and the world are waiting to see how we show up in Copenhagen. They view us as key player. We must show up in that leadership."

David Parker, CEO, American Gas Association

"30 utilities in 19 states serving 20 million are operating under decoupling."

Cathy Zoi, Asst. Sec. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, US DOE

"Vast potential in energy efficiency. The dream is every homeowner get upgrade in energy efficiency; value is the best marketing mind on how to sell effectively retrofit, the periodic home retrofit."

"Retrofit ramp up program: part of the recovery act there's $400 million block grant for between 4 to 8 projects at scale, massive work for 100 thousands homes neighborhoods by neighborhoods, provide high leveraging and smart marketing that makes all owners say, 'Yes, to the offer!' This is value offering with no upfront cost to customers and create sustainable business."

I think there is a request for information on the website. 

Dan Reicher, Director of Climate Change and Energy Initiatives, Google

"Energy efficiency is the low hanging fruit."

"E.T (energy technology) meets I.T (information tech) is real time access to their energy data using Google Power Meter."

"Using real-time data gives 5-15% savings."

Frances Beinecke, President, Natural Resources Defense Council

"When environment goes, so goes human being. Environment is a context of people of the planet."

"By necessity, energy efficiency competes with alternative energy; it will reduce cost of climate change; it is the fastest, cheapest way."

This is the best (from Frances Beinecke):

"We need to get the message out: the savings!"

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Great Energy Efficiency Day on the Hill

This is a 'delayed' blogging post from yesterday event on the Hill. - Dewita

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It's just so timely that GEED this year was held after the passing of the Stimulus package (Recovery Bill). Think this year there are more people in the room. I can feel that the enthusiasm is there! People are energized on this specific issue: energy efficiency. (I got here a bit late so didn't get a chance to hear Sec. Chu speaks).

Sen. Mark Pryor from Arkansas: (Alliance: He is the one who put Title 17 on Energy Savings Act). Sen. Mark Pryor talks about efficiency, the legislation that was just passed. He said that efficiency is a powerful source of energy that should be the approach to policy why EE makes a lot of sense. 1) It helps reduce carbon footprint, 2) Save natural resources and save the future, 3) help trade creation. It creates jobs in rural America. Energy and economy is inter-related. Then he gave a run down for what's in Stimulus package i.e. $300 mil for Energy Star, $270 mil for retrofit low income $500 mil for green job creation, $4.5 bil Federal building energy efficiency, $3.4 bln directly to state energy programs.

He said that he heard it on NPR about Mount Pleasant solar energy co-op that have 90 members agreed to install solar panel on the roof. This couldn't be realized without the Fed and DC tax incentives, which the credit covers about two-third of cost for installation with payback in 4 years. He thinks that Alexandria, Maryland might have the same co-op model.

Another area he touched on was combined heat and power (CHP), which is by itself a 70% efficiency. In his closing remarks he says that "..whatever outreach we do, it should include energy efficiency message."

Panel: Incentives to Drive EE in the Utility Sector- Will One Approach Win the Day?

Arshad Mansoor, EPRI: Talks about how to make grid more efficient. He said that the industry biggest electricity user is the electricity industry itself. It takes electricity to make, transmit, and distribute it up and down the chain. The total power lost is about 3T kwh which is equivalent to 20% or more electricitty use in California. The framework: what are things they can do in transmission? If we look at the residential sector, there are at least 500-600 facilities serving these homes, so we can target these facilities. What can be done on the distribution side? How do we create transmission efficiency? Smart grid is a 2 way communication to bring data towards efficiency. If we take 15% off that's like 40Tkwh or electricity needed to power NY. 

Ralph Cavanagh, NDRC: Tells a story about refrigerator. He says, "if utilities helping customers, they should be profitable." NDRC is one of the collaborators in the Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP) with Alliance to Save Energy. We have to break true addiction to natural gas and electricity because utilities is fixed cost capital intensive business. Give an example of how Idaho Power help its customers to save electricity and correlation with its financial impact when company recovers cost of investments. Briefly touched on 'decoupling.' Note: more on electric rate decoupling here.

Angela Beehler, Wal-Mart: Talk about what Wal-Mart is doing to promote sustainability within the company. 1) uses 100% renewable energy, 2) sell products that sustain the environment, 3) create zero waste. Currently have 14 sustaibility network in place. 

Frank Murray, NYSERDA: His message is "individuals do can and make a difference." NYSERDA has a budget of $600 mil a year set aside for renewable energy and energy efficiency. He thinks that these two are keys to market transformation. Talk about 'decoupling.' For example, Energy Star program influence customer behavior plus economic opportunities. The program is flexible. states to adopt program within states.

David Springe, NASUCA: The position of his organization on decoupling is on the other side of NRDC. He said that for utility companies, decoupling is a revenue mechanism, period. Revenue decoupling does separate profit from sales.

Q&A. Lots of question surrounding "decoupling." How is Walmart demand energy efficiency from vendors? A: Encourage suppliers need to deliver value. Need to engage these people for sustainability for improvement. We're moving on fast track. Get involved and make a difference. ENE.tv.

Rep. Paul Tonko (a new Congressman from NY): He served in State Assembly for 20 years. Expert on energy in NY. Challenges we must addressed, i.e. economy not only here but all over the world. Besides that, it's a great time to move forward thinking outside the box. Have to be aggressive in promoting efficiency. Talk about change the consumer behavior. Policy changes from state all the way up encourage the changes, should be complemented that allow consumers to make green choices. Cars, computers, boilers, etc. need to be made products that have highest standard of efficiency. Retrofit. Worked with Cornell U demo on retrofitting to help farmers. 70 farms realizing 30-40% save on util. simply by reducing demand. R&D is a downpayment for the future.

Rep. Waxman (D-CA): Talk about what they're doing. Doing with 3 most important issues: 1)energy eff en independent less reliance from oil producers 2) concern about the harm being done to our planet on global warming and climate change 3) economy - in a slump, modernize the economy. Passing 1 bill deal energy concern, cap-and-trade, incentives for private sectors to do more energy efficiency. All of these work in tandem. Least expensive is: energy efficiency. Save the use by just being more efficient. Crisis in California change the habit. (Then slammed Cheney for rewarding his buddies!). Determine to get the bill out of committee by Memorial Day recess. Speak highly of his staff Alexandra Teitz, recepient of the 'Unsung Heroes Award.'

Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN): If you're an entrepreneur start a business now. Now is the time. Go with alternative energy. Will create new economy. Follow the investments. Presenting an "Unsung Heroes Award" to David Greene from Oak Ridge Lab.

Panel: Business Response - Are we ready to "Ramp Up" EE to its Full Potential?

Stephen Harper, Intel: Intel joined ASE in 2008. Talks about energy efficiency and climate change. ICT - information communication technology, the micro story. The EE of individual device. Quoted McKinsey analysis on climate change. Smart grid. Smart buildings. A lot of opportunities out there. McKinsey Global 2020, by .. carbon footprint be reduced by 30%. Huge potential for climate policy. What's missing from being fully realized? It's the policy: Market policy, climate, energy, transportation policies, etc. There will a lot of money all over the world to jump start the economy. Stimulus and green economy. A number of longer term prospect. Intel likes the R&D. It's going to be very healthful. EE and smart grid is important. Intel is the largest purchaser of RE the largest in the US. Smart grid gives potential to a number of products embedded to it. Not going to be easy, there are barriers in the utility system. From Intel standpoint it's important to advocate the macro story, continue making efficient products.

Paula Grant, American Gas Association: Can we do it? In our household "Yes, We Can!" Attributed to Pres. Obama. The AGA is the distribution component of the industry. 64 mil households. Members think it's important to help consumers to do energy efficiency. Show graph that show the declining use of natural gas residential customer since 1970 1% redux 39% less natural residential customers than in 1970. Gas consumption directly correlated to GHG. Gas customers lead in efficiency gains. 01-07 had a decrease of 7%. This is the one sector in the economy that has exceeded Kyoto Protocol guideline. How they make it happen? In 1997 $500 mil EE significant energy efficiency savings save 218 mil therms saving 1.3 mil tons of CO2. They can do this because they've been working .. decoupling remove the link between revenue and sales (?) The Association 28 utilities 20 mil customers that have fully decouple rate. Business is aligned ..goes beyond decoupling. Members committed to transition in this economy. 2 policies they promote: 1) carbon footprint labeling in appliances, 2) continue funding for LNG tech.

Raymond Scheppach, National Gov. Association: Highlights of the 3 points 1) what states can do 2) how do we swallow it 3) how ..most recent 30 of 50 gov talk about EE. 23 states EE targes 39 Comm buildings standards. In terms of stimulus 275B that come to states that has to be spent efficiently. 4 broad cat - with deficit in states $250 bil - shortfall is huge. 1) flex funds: state education, medicaid to offset cuts in budget shortfall, 2) highways, energy $100 bil (no flexibility) some can be spent quickly 3) safety net $40bil foodstamps, etc. 4) long term R&D, alt energy 31 energy programs will be getting additional funding. Emphasizing Governors to have vision. Bigger programs state: energy programs (budget 70x before) it to be comm and spent over a year, weatherization. The shortfall is going to happen a 3-year period. Serious challenge to spend money quick and wisely.

Steve Cowell, Conservation Services Group: (this is the one business adding jobs). Regulators > Program implementaion vendors ? Installation/ implementation contractors HVAC, Builder, electrical, engineering, insulation, design. Low income DOE-state-CBO-contractors work thru community-based organizations. Hire a whole host of contractors. Public buildings/ performance contrac: FEMP-agency-performace administrator- (miss this)..multiple layers..Honeywell = implementation vendors, TRW measurement & eval program design (summit) The challenge to add people to do the work..projected growth $25 bn increase Workforce add 175k new employees. The future workforce from layoffs (housing, construction). Training plan/ business development, capital (serious problem). Have to think long term to convince business to get the policy in place so state and Fed level investments can continue. Can't ignore LT strat with ST strat.

David Carmell, International Code Council: 3 steps involved in getting from the concept to higher enregy efficiency: 1) strong code, 2) adoption and 3) enforcement. Graph of Government consensus concept. Code contains all kinds of reference of standards from other organizations. Residnetial Code changes from 06 to 09 (maybe posted on ASE website) 40 states and DC adopted IECC Code. Once 2009 IECC (all the Codes used to be regional Codes). www.icee.org

Sally Wilson, CB Richard Ellis: Have big committment in sustainability. Total SF 70 bn SF. Bldgs sector + residential 39% of energy use contributes 32% CO2 emission. The # of bldgs qual for Energy Star jumped 40%. CB partnered with Energy Star.

William Millar, American Public Transportation Association: Talks about energy savings thru public transportation. 6500 diff org systems 10 bil passengers to 30 systems provide 70% boardings (NY, SF, DC, LA) rev $47 bil, 380k employees. Transit saves 4.2 bil gal of gas a year= 40% of import oil from Saudi Arabia. Transit saves energy. Nice picture of showing how if we take cars from the road and replace it with transit, i.e. photos of 60 cars in traffic jam vs. people packed up in a transit system (bus, train, etc.). People in HK because of density, use bike and transit system heavily. We do need increase in our investments in public transit. What is needed investment, integration of land use & transportation, national commitment to reduce energy use.

Sen. Bingaman (D-NM): Briefly talked about ARRA and work in the Committee. Manufacturing tax credit ceiling $2.3 bil that Treasury has to allocate to projects. Have hearings on smart grid, portfolio standard, additional hearings water efficiency, development in public land, etc. within next two or three weeks. Bill out of Committee maybe in next 3-4 weeks with 4 goals: 1) step up committment to EE, 2) implement American made energy technologies on broader scale: solar, wind, CSS - bring clean energy to market as far as job creation, RPS, 3) financing mechanism to fully support renewable power. Some legislative changes to loan guarantee, 4) focus on clean energy cutting edge R&D for long-term. He said he's not clear how Senate going to solve cap-and-trade. It's outside the jurisdiction of his committee. He then take questions from audience.

Panel: Are we ready to measure success? Managing the challenges of EM&V (energy, measurement and valuation)

Kathleen Hagan, EPA: EE measurement is important because EE is critical to meet climate change objectives. The impact is price impact. Price alone doesn't let energy efficiency come to the market. Need a way to measure the impact, effectiveness of the policy. How do you measure the policy? Potential EE funding to further cliamte change/ enviro objectives. Dingel-Boucher proposed climate leg $20bn for energy efficiency. When measuring EE you measure energy saved. It's an estimate. Going over EPA experience, i.e. Energy Star, protocol document evalution guide for NOx emission; national action plan model EE program (07). Energy Star producing sig benefits developing methods for best practices. Natl Action Plan for EE. Vision for 2025 provides 10 policy framework. epa.gov/eeactionplan.

Joe Loper, VP Policy ASE: The pressure's on: more money on stimulus and DSM, performance-based funding from cap & trade allowance, performance-based compensation from carbon offsets, energy saving credits (white tags), performance-based regulation - natl. EERS. EM&V is very rich. There's so many info out there on EE. Gov program usually cost-and-reimburse. You don't go out and pay people for achieving results.

Acronyms (from his presentation): GO NAPEE, NEEP, EVO, LBNL, EPA, DOE, IEA. More experts is needed, 3k new experts needed in 2009, projected number of experts needed in 2010 about 6,000. Program certification AEE/EVO, CMVP, IEA/LBNL.

Steven Schiller, Schiller Consulting: Talks about Documenting the Benefits of EE. Jimmy Carter expressed concern that US was the only world industrial country that didn't have national energy policy. (Interesting). >> Note: Egrid database.

On Q&A someone asked about training or education for grad students. Looking at the schools that have programs offered: UC Davis. MIT. Starting the program. One of the panelists said that 1) depending on program ..Kathleen chimed in, she said that she's been meeting with people trying to identify programs currently in place. ASEE website has info on certification program; it's a 3-day intensive program (for people with energy background), International Energy Agency also might have some information about training. 

At the end of the event, I heard that Alliance is going to put the presentation online. When? That's a good question...

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Additional Resources:

Energy Efficiency in the Recovery Bill

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus) 

Electric Revenue Decoupling Explained

Less Demand, Same Great Revenue

Energy Star Homes Volume Down in 2008; Market Penetration Up

The other day I had the privilege to sit down with Sam Rashkin, who is the National Director for Energy Star Homes with EPA.

Energy Star is a program with 60 product categories from home electronics, heating and cooling, lighting, office equipment, for commercial use and homes. Energy Star quality homes was started in 1996. 940,000 homes have been built; 6,000 builders in partnership with EPA uses the blue logo as part of the requirement.

With the housing market on the low, production was down in 2008 to 100,000 from 120,000 homes. However, market penetration increases from 12.5% to 17.5%, which is an interesting trend.

States that have big market concentration are South Central Texas, he says "Name a big city there! Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio.." Then Arizona in Phoenix area, Las Vegas, California, the Northwestern part of the country Seattle, Oregon, Midwestern state like Iowa. You'll be surprised to hear that there's a big Energy Star homes community in Columbus, Ohio. That's because there is a big builder M/I Homes that built these homes in Ohio. Wisconsin, New England states like Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York. New York market, is interesting, he says, "..Long Island requires townships to mandate Energy Star as Code for every new home." In Mid-Atlantic, the number of Energy Star communities in North Carolina is better than of DC region. (Here's my post for the only community in N. Va.)

When asked why is DC region has low penetration than other markets in the country. He smiled. He said,"the concept here is builders build it and they (buyers) will come. There's no pressure, no utility companies take charge, no leading builder, no state energy program requirements. State energy program kicks in with HERS. Raters decision are influential. None of these things is here." However, interest for the program picks up in Virginia. Back then when market was hot, people would buy anything. (It's so true!) Now, we have NVBIA partnered with EPA and some key builders also joined the program, i.e. Camberley Homes, NV Homes (recently joined the program), Miller and Smith and military housing (i.e. Ft. Belvoir). (Somehow Energy Star banner on Camberley's Stockwell Manor is no longer on display - change of heart?)

I asked him what are the differences between LEED, Earth Craft and all the other green homes certifications (about 80 of them) with Energy Star Homes. The big ones he said, one, there is an obsession to provide market with clean energy, definitive attribute of what energy efficiency is that leads to labeling and absolute clear definition of energy efficiency. No home comes can come without our label. In contrast, green program, one label is not- Energy Star. You want definition people care a lot: good school, neighborhood, lot, etc. Then you have label gold, silver, bronze, all tiers. At the end of the day, to choose a new home, it's easy to use the blue logo (Energy Star), we give them resources guidelines and third-party certification (via HERS/ RESNET).

The other green certifications more or less are based on points. There are mandatory requirements within a single program to get the points, so what is the definition of "Green?" You could have 100 or more different variations of 'green' based on points.

Two, Energy Star homes ensure that house is build with the system, it matches the equipment with the home. So consumers know that the label means efficiency. It builds home using whole home approach, a holistic approach.

Unlike other programs, builders are free to join. It doesn't cost anything. If after joining the program, they stay inactive for 12 months, program terminates. The same thing if they don't follow the brand's guidelines. Third-party verification through HERS/ RESNET is required.

Okay so far we talked about the new homes, because that's what Energy Star homes program is about.

On the resale market, or existing home, they do have what they called "Home Performance for Energy Star," a program that has been around for 8 years. The reason that this program is not as popular as the new homes is, I think is because it uses a different approach: it needs a utility company to sponsor it. Energy audit is conducted by participating contractors who then evaluate your home using state-of-the-art equipment and recommend comprehensive improvements that will yield the best results.

In our region, EPA started talking with Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE). No response yet from Virginia's Dominion Power (read: don't expect them to do encourage users to do anything energy efficiency related anytime soon).

Before leaving I asked him what one can do in this economy to improve home performance and reduce its utility bills. Sam suggested using some of the tools you can find on their website to start with. For example, Home Yardstick tool - it shows you your home energy use in comparison to others around the country - and then get recommendation for energy improvements. To get started you need to have your 12-mos bills, know energy sources for your home (electric, gas, etc.), and the square footage of your home.

There's also Home Advisor tool that can help you get recommendation for efficiency improvements as well. Using the tools and getting the recommendations it's like DIY energy audit without the 'auditor.'

The other option is to have attic insulation. The insulation suppose to help you reduce your utility bills dramatically. For more tips on insulating your home, read here.

If you're renters, here's the "Top 10 Tips" you can use to cut your bill.

To make your home more energy efficient, you can also use other home improvement tools from Energy Star website. Let me share this with you. When I took Eco-Broker a while back, this is one of the websites they use for reference. Its website have tons of info available. So give it a visit.

image: Energy Star

The Money Quote..

...it's right-on-the money quote on energy efficiency.

The energy efficiency improvements we identified would require additional annual investments of 170 billion US dollars over the next 13 years. But those investments would generate a return of more than 900 billion US dollars annually by 2020, thanks to reduced energy use. That’s an average annual rate of return of 17 percent based on a long-term oil price of 50 US dollars per barrel – the returns would be even greater with higher oil prices.

- from Economic opportunities in a low-carbon world

Alexandria Exempts Taxation for Solar

Virginia has in its Code provision that allows each jurisdiction within the State the authority to give partial or full property tax exemption to owners of solar technologies.

The Article P (Solar Energy Equipment Tax Exemption) from the Code of City of Alexandria, specifies the exemption from local taxation (real estate property tax) for solar energy equipment use to produce water heating, space or cooling in any building, residential or community facilities.

Details on Some of the Key Provisions

Who qualifies for the exemption?

Sec. 3-2-283  Exemption authorized. Tax exemption is provided according to the terms of this article for qualified property owners who possess certified solar energy equipment, facilities or devices. (Code 1963, Sec. 36-123)

"Certified" is the key word there. You probably need to buy your solar tech from providers who understand the tax implication of buying such technologies in the City. Or at least, some knowledge of it.

The requirement for exemption is not a clear-cut here. Check this out:

 Sec. 3-2-285  Requirements for exemption.

Exemption shall be granted to persons subject to the following provisions:

(1)   The title of the property for which exemption is claimed is held, or partially held, on the first day of the taxable year, by the person or persons claiming exemption.

(2)   The local building department has determined, after examination of the equipment, facility or device, that the unit primarily performs at least one of the functions set forth in section 3-2-282(a) and conforms to the requirements set by regulations of the state certifying authority.

(3)   The state certifying authority has certified to the local real estate assessments office that the applicant has met all requirements qualifying the equipment, facilities or devices for exemption from taxation. (Code 1963, Sec. 36-125)  - emphasis (mine) added

Here's how you can claim the property tax exemption.

1. File an application with the local building department.
2. Submit the application with complete set of plans and specs of the solar energy equipment, facilities or devices.
3. When you get the certificate from the state, the local office will determine what the value of exemption is for the solar energy equipment that includes solar technology for water heating, cooling and space.

For exemption purposes, you get to deduct the exemption from your total real estate property tax due. You can also deduct the 'fair market value' of the cost of purchasing and installing the equipment. So, if the cost of buying and installing the solar is $20,000, does it mean that you get to deduct the 'full' market value? Seems like it. Note that am not a tax attorney or accountant. So, if you need help for advice, please seek professional help.

Here is the answer from the Code via Sec. 3-2-288 Amount of exemption.

(b)  For purposes of the administration of this article, and for no other purposes, the value of certified solar energy equipment, facilities or devices qualifying for exemption shall be presumed to be not less than the normal cost of purchasing and installing the equipment, facilities or devices. (Code 1963, Sec. 36-128) (emphasis mine - added)

There you go, Alexandrians! The City provides you with great incentives to go solar.

Source: Code City of Alexandria

image: EERE 28-kW PV integrated in the roof of Williams Building in Boston

Va. 4-Day NO Tax on Energy Star & WaterSense

YOUR chance to save some money on energy-efficient appliances! Email blip from Virginia HUD Lines:

Virginia's ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday October 10 - October 13.

These are some of the items qualify for NO sales tax on Energy Star products with cap on price $2,500 or less, via VDMME. $2,500 ain't much - but it's something.

• Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)
• Ceiling Fans
• Clothes Washers
• Dehumidifiers
• Dishwashers
• Programmable Thermostats
• Refrigerators
• Air Conditioners

In addition to this list, per legislation, WaterSense label is also qualify. WaterSense is high-performance water efficient products that protect the environment and meets EPA's specs.

Products bearing the WaterSense label  are generally 20 percent more water-efficient than similar products in the marketplace.

Find out eligible products:

ENERGY STAR

WATERSENSE

UPDATE: Check out also Consumer Report green ratings for the Energy Star products and how they score.

Spin Your Electricity Backwards, Virginia

PART 2
(Continuation )

Virginia

The net metering incentives in Virginia is not that straight and simple. There are wrinkles in the incentives.

• Type of renewable sources qualify for net metering covers a whole range of sources, i.e. solar thermal electric, PV, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal, muni solid waste, tidal and wave energy.
• It applies not only for residential but also institutional, commercial, non-profit, state and local government.
• The limit on size: for residential is 10 kW (kilowatts) and non-residential up to 500 kW.
• Excess is credited to the following month's bill at retail rate; or either granted annually or credited the following month. Via DSIRE.

For example, if a customer-generator bought 1,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) from a utility during the first 11 months of the annual period, and then generated 2,000 kWh of excess electricity in the 12th month, the customer could carry forward 1,500 kWh to the following month, and the remaining 500 kWh would be granted to the utility.

• Under legislation enacted in 2007 (HB 2708 of 2006), the net-metered customer required to enter a power purchase agreements (PPA).
• Only customers of investors-owned (public co. like Dominion Power), and cooperatives eligible to apply for net meter but not municipal utilities.

This is where it gets interesting. Unlike DC and MD, the net-metered energy is available on first-come first-served basis until "..[t]he rated generating capacity owned and operated by customer-generators reaches 1% of an electric distribution company's adjusted Virginia peak-load forecast for the previous year."

Incentive and Rebate Programs

1) Arlington County Green Building Incentive to encourage the development of enviromentally-friendly buildings in Arlington based on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

2) Property tax exemption for passive solar space heat, passive solar heat, solar water heat, solar thermal electric and photovoltaics (PV). We pay taxes for our property that includes cars. Here is how it works. Each locality allows to exempt or partially exempt solar energy equipment or recycling equipment from 'property tax.'

The following cities in N.Va jurisdiction that offers the tax exemption: Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Loudoun, Prince William. (Arlington does not offer this?).

3) Property tax asssessments which allow localities to assess the property of tax of energy-efficient buildings at a reduced rate.

Virginia defines energy efficient building as:

"...any building that exceeds the energy efficiency standards of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code by 30%; meets performance standards of the Green Globes Green Building Rating System, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) System or the EarthCraft House Program; or qualifies as an Energy Star home under federal Energy Star criteria."

The reduced rate tax assessments applied to: Residential, non-residential, industrial, low-income residential, agricultural and institutional.

4) 100% Sales tax exemption for energy-efficient products (must meet Energy Star reqs) on products up to $2,500. This tax exemption is good until 7/1/2012. Eligible technologies include: washer/dryer, dishwasher, refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, ceiling fans, AC, programmable thermostats.

For other incentives here.

Having all kinds of incentive, rebate programs is one thing. Reaching the tipping point is another story. You'll be surprised to know how many of the professionals working the real estate industry have little or some knowledge to a degree about energy-efficiency techniques or conservation.

So, in a way the $4+ gas and Dominion Power 18% rate increase is good, because it forces people to make living style adjustments.

Cross-posted at Urban Trekker

Net Metering + Energy Incentives for DC Region (pt.1)

Cross-posted at Urban Trekker.

So you want to have your electricity meter spinning backwards. Here is an idea for you: Net metering. The idea of net metering is to install renewable sources for your home generation (small wind, solar power, etc.) and whatever excess you have will be credited back to your utility bill. Via Wiki.

Net metering is an electricity policy for consumers who own, generally small, renewable energy facilities, such as wind or solar power, or uses vehicle-to-grid systems. "Net", in this context, is used in the sense of meaning "what remains after deductions" -- in this case, the deduction of any energy outflows from metered energy inflows. Under net metering, a system owner receives retail credit for at least a portion of the electricity they generate.

Net metering is a renewable energy incentive provided by your state and the Feds. By way of Energy Act of 2005, all public utilities are now "..[R]equired to make available upon request net metering to their customers."

Each state regulates its net metering policy differently. The five states which offer net metering  friendly policies are: California, Maryland, Colorado, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Maryland has a Gov who is a big proponent of energy savings, alternative energy - so that helps.

Let's see what DC region has to offer.

District of Columbia

• Net metering is available to residential and commercial customer-generators with systems powered by renewable sources (Solar Thermal Electric, Photovoltaics, Wind, Biomass, Hydroelectric, Geothermal Electric), combined heat and power (CHP), fuel cells and microturbines, with digester gas, and hydroelectric power.
• Limit on size is 100 KW. According to AWEA, homes use approximately 9,400 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year (or 780kWh per month).
• Excess is credited to customer's next bill at utility's retail rate.
• Offers 'interconnection standard' for net metering.
• PEPCO is the only electric company delivering the services in the District.

DC is also offering state grant on its 'Renewable Energy Demonstration Project (REDP)' The DC Energy Office is looking for homeowners on its fourth solicitation round. They're offering $9,000 for renewable energy project. Deadline for filing application is August 15, 2008.

Maryland

• After it's been expanded four times, the net metering enacted in 2007 raised the maximum capacity of all eligible systems from 200 kW to 2 MW. The rules apply to all utilities. The plus is - system leased, owned by residents or businesses, schools and governments that generate using solar, biomass, or wind resources are eligible also eligible for net metering.
• Excess is credited at retail rate and carried over to customer's next bill. After 12 mos. excess is granted to utility co. at 'no' compensation to the customers. (ditto with Virginia).

Other incentives for homeowners include among other things:

1) property tax exemption if you live in Anne Arundel county when you have installed system i.e. solar water heater, solar space heat and photovoltaics (PV),

2) clean energy production credit (personal) that offers Marylanders a state income tax credit for electricity generated by 'qualified sources (keyword!)' of 0.85 cents per kWh and 0.50 cents per kWh for electricity generated from co-firing qualified sources with coal (mix sources),

3) state rebate program for geothermal heat pumps of up to $3,000 (residential) and $10,000 (commercial),

4) property tax exemption for solar water heat and photovoltaics,

5) solar energy grant program of up to $3,000 for solar water heater and $2,500 per kWh up to $10,000 for photovoltaics,

6) statewide special property assessment for solar heating and cooling systems,

and more incentives here.

Montgomery county has also clean energy rewards program which gives rebate to homeowners if they switch to clean energy of up with rebates of up to 1 cent/kWh for residential with max. limit of 20,000 kWh/year. Basically you're buying REC (renewable energy credit - and this deserves another post).

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Note: We'll continue with Virginia tomorrow.

Resources and links:

Retail electric restructuring in DC

Energy Facts and Programs + Maryland Energy Administration

DSIRE

Top Metro Areas Carbon Footprint

Brookings Institution released their report on Blueprint for American Prosperity [pdf]. (H/T EL) What I found intriguing, is high emitters found in cities east of Mississippi river and low emitters are cities west of the MS river. How interesting.

image: Brookings

We know California is leading in everything: low carbon economy, renewable energy policies and building codes.

The three sources of carbon emissions are: residential and commercial buildings (39%), industry (28%) and transportation (33%). That means, if you cut down your travel and reduce electricity consumption, you also reduce carbon footprint. Simple solutions for reducing carbon emissions.

The more densely populated cities usually offer alternative method of transportation using buses, metrorails or taxis. It's no surprise, to learn that large metro areas had smaller carbon footprints per resident than average American cities. On metrorail ridership, NY, SF, and LA stands out because they have the highest annual ridership in the nation. Washington DC, Baltimore (pdf), and Atlanta also follow the same pattern but DC-Baltimore metro had larger than average carbon footprints. DC metro emits almost in the same ranking of with Tulsa, OK, Knoxville, TN. Even Baltimore-Towson area is 'cleaner' than urban DC! Guess, the higher carbon emissions come from the burbs.

The five major findings:

1. Large metro areas offer greater energy and carbon efficiency than nonmetropolitan areas. (do they mean rural?). Average metro resident in 2005 had a smaller carbon footprint (2.24 metric tons) vs. average American (2.60 metric tons). The difference in footprint is because urban dwellers less travel and electricity use.
2. Carbon emissions increased more slowly in metro areas than the rest of the country in 2000 and 2005.
3. Per capita emissions vary substantially by metro area. Striking difference between metro cities that have good mass transit and not. For example, the average resident in Lexington, KY emitted 2.5x more carbon from transport and residences than residents in Honolulu. Looking from the economic output, or Gross Metropolitan Product (GMP), Youngstown in OH had a high of 97.6 metric tons of carbon per million dollars of GMP than San Jose in CA a low of 22.5 metric tons!
4. Development pattern and rail transit play an important role in determining carbon emissions.
5. Other factors are important, such as the fuel used to generate electricity, electricity prices and weather.

Five 'targeted' recommendations to have new economy-wide policies to motivate action targeting the three sectors (transportation, industry and buildings/ real estate).

• Promote transportation choices to expand transit and compact development options (smart growth).
• Introduce more energy-efficient freight operations with regional freight planning.
• Require home energy cost disclosure when selling and "on bill" financing to stimulate and scale up energy-efficient retrofitting of residential housing.
• Use Federal housing policy to create incentives for energy -and location-efficient decisions.
• Issue a metropolitan challenge to develop innovative solutions that integrate multiple policy areas.

Back to reality. The $4 per gallon gas (and up) is going to somehow create that 'urgency.' All we need now - is the political will from our legislators - and pressure from stakeholders (residents, businesses, etc.) to shrink carbon footprints to transform the fuel-intensive economy to a 'low-carbon' economy.

* Full report can be viewed here (PDF)
* Washington DC Metro Profile (PDF)

O'Malley Signed Maryland Energy Package Into Law

It's official! The Gov just signed into law a very ambitious energy package that wraps up around the four-pillar of renewable energy in Maryland:

1. EmPower Maryland Act to reduce 15% electrical consumption per capita by 2015.
2. Green building standards for schools and state buildings.
3. Increasing renewable portfolio standard to 20% by 2020, and incentives to encourage renewable energy production in the field of solar and geothermal energy. (Grants info available here.)
4. Creation of an energy investment fund and investment program to promote clean energy.

Brief summary of the law via Maryland Energy Administration.

Governor Martin O’Malley today took a major step towards solving Maryland’s electricity challenges by signing into law a legislative package designed to reduce consumers' electricity bills, avoid electricity shortages predicted as early as 2011, and promote a more sustainable and diversified electricity supply.

The EmPOWER Maryland Act, Senate Bill 205, codifies one of the most ambitious energy efficiency goals in the nation. When fully implemented this will save Maryland households an average of $16 a month or $190 a year and reduce the need to build three new large power plants.  By 2015, analysts estimate that it will add more than 8,000 new “green collar” jobs to the Maryland economy.

 

A second law creates the Strategic Energy Investment Fund to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate changes programs, while also providing much needed ratepayer relief.  The rate relief and energy efficiency programs of this bill will save Maryland households on average an additional $8.74 a month, while not relying on general funds or a surcharge on your electricity bill.

 

Renewable power also received a big boost.  Senate Bill 209 doubles to 20 percent the amount of clean, renewable power to be purchased by Maryland’s utilities over the next fifteen years.  This bill will help diversify our power supply, by making us less vulnerable to price spikes in any one fuel source, while simultaneously reducing our carbon footprint.  A separate law, House Bill 377, enhances the current solar and geothermal grant program and removes sales and property taxes on those systems to make them available to more Marylanders.

 

Finally, Maryland will lead by example by constructing energy efficient new state buildings and schools to meet the LEED Silver standard. In addition to greater energy efficiency, these standards provide more natural light, better air quality and contribute to improved occupant health, comfort and productivity.

 

Together these bills are designed to reduce our electricity bills, keep the lights on and further our transition to a more sustainable, “green” economy. (emphasis mine)