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Clean energy Information Energy Efficiency, Conservation & Renewables
From New York to California and from Washington State to Florida, LPPC members are actively reducing greenhouse gases and lowering customer electric bills through conservation, energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources. LPPC member utilities subscribe to the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency to recognize energy efficiency as a high-priority energy resource and to make a long term commitment to implement cost-effective energy efficiency policies and programs. A number of LPPC officials were actively involved in developing the National Action Plan and currently serve on the National Action Plan Leadership Group. The LPPC is also a member of the Alliance to Save Energy. Several LPPC members are pioneers in energy conservation and are recognized leaders in Green Power programs. Each year, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory compiles extensive data on utility green power programs and produces a list of the “Top Ten” programs in the nation. Since the year 2000, three LPPC members have consistently been ranked in the Top Ten -- Austin Energy, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. Austin Energy, which started the nation’s first Green Building Program, has been ranked #1 since 2002.
National Recognition In addition to setting standards for green power programs, LPPC member utilities often receive national recognition for exemplary and innovative clean energy programs. --When the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy compiled its “Best in America” for energy efficiency programs in 2003, Seattle City Light was cited for its Comprehensive Energy Efficiency Program -- an all encompassing plan that included efficient lighting and appliances as well as efficient construction, operation and maintenance of buildings. --The Interstate Renewable Energy Council saluted Washington’s Chelan County Public Utility District in 2003 with the Renewable Energy Recognition Award for SNAP, a program that placed solar power installations at every school in the county. SNAP helps schools financially and kids are learning about generating renewable power. -- In June 2006, Santee Cooper’s Green Power Generating Station was named Electric Generation Project of the Year for reducing emissions of methane by the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program. This South Carolina utility offers green power to its customers and to15 of the state’s electric cooperatives. --The Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s Old Refrigerator Pickup & Recycling Program was cited as one of the “Best in America” by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy in 2003 when it reviewed energy efficiency programs across the nation. Over 8900 appliances were picked up and summer peak load was reduced by 1.9 Megawatts --When the American Wind Energy Association released its 2006 rankings of wind energy developments, Texas became the national leader, elevating the significance of Windtricity, CPS Energy’s pioneer wind power initiative. The San Antonio utility surpasses other Texas utilities delivering power equivalent to 11.3% of expected peak demand for 2007.
Next Generation As LPPC members prepare for the future, many have embarked on innovative programs to reduce emission levels and to expand and improve energy efficiency. Some of the projects underway include: --Dynamic Energy Management The New York Power Authority has partnered with the Electric Power Research Institute to identify and influence the design and deployment of “Smart Energy” technologies that will, ultimately, provide consumers with information on up-to-the second energy usage and pricing information through the Internet. --M-Power The Salt River Project in Phoenix has launched a pre-pay electric program that allows customers using “Smart Cards” and an in-home meter to buy electricity on their own schedule and to manage electricity use wisely. The average M-Power customer saves more than 12% on electricity. --Orlando Gasification Project The Orlando Utilities Commission has partnered to build a 285-330 Megawatt coal gasification plant that will turn coal into gas using the most efficient coal-fired power technology in the world. The gasification project is part of the Department of Energy’s Clean Coal Power Initiative and is valued at $557 million. --Tidal Power The Snohomish County Public Utility District and Tacoma Power have been given the authority to investigate eight sites for possible installation of tidal generators that would function like a wind turbine under water. Electricity from tidal projects would be emissions free and would be a steady and reliable source of power. -- Continuous Commissioning The Omaha Public Power District, in partnership with the University of Nebraska Energy Systems Lab, provides technical assistance and project management to optimize customer energy systems, improve comfort and minimize energy use. The Continuous Commissioning process reduces energy costs by 25% and reduces retrofit expense by 15%. Most savings result from “tuning” HVAC systems.
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