Welcome to
the November 2005 e-FFICIENCY Newsletter. Let us know what you think!
Trouble viewing this? Read it online: www.ase.org/section/aboutus/e_fficiency/
DOE, Alliance to Save Energy Help Consumers Lower Taxes, Energy Bills
 The DOE and the Alliance to Save Energy have launched a new web site to help consumers fight rising energy costs. Part of the Powerful $avings campaign partnership, www.ase.org/taxcredits provides information on how consumers can reduce their federal income taxes by becoming more energy-efficient. Information on the web site reflects provisions in the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
More info... (news release)
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FY 2006 Funding for Energy Efficiency Programs Inadequate
The Congress has passed the conference report to the FY 2006 Energy and Water Appropriations bill (H.R. 2419; H. Rpt. 109-275) and sent it to the President. DOE’s energy efficiency programs are funded through this measure. Overall funding for energy efficiency programs is flat, neglecting the potential of these programs to address the current sky-high energy prices and supply constraints. While some areas—building and vehicle technologies—saw modest increases from last year’s levels, industrial technologies, the state energy program, and building codes assistance were hit hard. The conference report also calls for closure of the six DOE regional offices by year-end.
To view the Alliance’s budget chart, which compares funding for DOE’s energy programs to last year’s levels, click here: fundingchart.pdf
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House Rejects Efficiency Amendment, Creates New Burden for TV Viewers
The House Energy and Commerce Committee recently rejected an amendment that would potentially save American television viewers billions of dollars. The amendment, offered by Representative Edward Markey (D-MA), proposed a set of energy efficiency standards on all new digital television adapters (DTAs). In a surprising twist, the Committee adopted an amendment from Representative Mary Bono (R-CA) that both pre-empts states from enforcing standards for DTAs and doesn’t require stringent efficiency requirements.
More info: www.ase.org/content/news/detail/2647
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The Low-Down on Energy Tax Credits
 One of the boons of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 05) is a series of federal tax credits that could have far-reaching implications for both consumers and commercial businesses. Two specific groups spreading the word about these important energy efficiency tax incentives are the Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). Continued...
News Release about TIAP web site launch.
TIAP: www.energytaxincentives.org
NEMA: www.nema.org
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Alliance Exec. VP Testifies on Energy Efficiency
On November 2, the Alliance to Save Energy testified before the House Energy and Air Quality Subcommittee on the virtually untapped potential of energy efficiency as a natural gas and heating oil resource. The Alliance’s Executive VP and COO, Brian Castelli, stressed the need to shift attention to the demand side of the energy equation. He also urged Congress and the Administration to provide adequate funding for energy efficiency and to enforce key provisions of the new law.
Click here for pdf of testimony.
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Alliance Taskforce Eyes Federal Energy Use
On October 5, 2005, the Alliance to Save Energy’s Federal Energy Productivity Taskforce met to discuss actions the Alliance and its Associates can take to ensure implementation of EPAct provisions intended to reduce energy use in federal facilities. Based on the outcome of the meeting, the Alliance is monitoring development of federal metering guidelines, helping develop guidance for federal participation in building tax incentives and working to increase funding for technical assistance to help agencies comply with the provisions.
Click here for pdf of presentation.
More info, contact Steve Capanna: scapanna@ase.org / 202-530-2245.
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Wal-Mart Leaps into Energy Efficiency
Corporate giant Wal-Mart Stores has unveiled plans to invest $500 million in technologies to increase energy efficiency and reduce storewide energy consumption. The Wal-Mart proposal will raise fuel efficiency in their fleet of trucks by 25 percent, reduce greenhouse gases in existing stores by 20 percent, and eliminate 25 percent of solid waste from its stores.
More info, go to: www.wbcsd.org/plugins/DocSearch/details.asp?type=DocDet&ObjectId=16996
Wal-Mart: walmartstores.com/GlobalWMStoresWeb/navigate.do?catg=217
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PG&E Lends a Hand
 This winter Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will implement two new initiatives in an effort to help California customers fight rising natural gas prices. The Winter Gas Savings Program will offer a deferral of nearly 9 percent of customer gas costs until the spring and summer months, when bills are typically much lower. PG&E also announced the “10/20 program”, offering customers a 20 percent discount for reducing their gas usage by 10 percent or more. PG&E estimates the average residential customer who participates in the 10/20 program will reduce gas costs by roughly $200.
More info: www.pge.com/news/news_releases/q4_2005/051103.html
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The Power is in Your Hands
In the face of rising energy costs and possible fuel shortages for residential consumers this winter season, the Alliance to Save Energy and Dittus Communications are launching a major, national consumer outreach and education campaign called The Power is in Your Hands. With support from the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, the American Gas Association, Dow Chemical, as well as many other leading companies and trade associations, the program will educate and arm consumers with the necessary tools to reduce their energy demand this winter.
The campaign will be supported by a multi-city media tour, national TV and radio spots, print ads, a new and improved Power$mart booklet and campaign website. To kick off the event, the Alliance and other partners will be conducting a press conference on December 14 in Washington, DC.
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Alliance, NYSERDA Super Powers Message Lights up Broadway
 The energy efficiency message takes front and center stage on Broadway. The huge Panasonic Board high above Times Square spotlights the Alliance to Save Energy's Super Powers PSA with its home energy efficiency/ENERGY STAR message. The national Alliance version alternates with a New York Energy Smart-taglined version, produced for Alliance Associate NYSERDA, twice every hour for a month for a total of 9600 airings worth more than $100,000.
View the Times Square Super Powers PSA.
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Trane awarded ‘Green’ contract
Charleston Air Force Base has awarded Trane a $32 million contract under the Department of Energy’s Super Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC). The proposal is expected to save the base nearly $2 million a year in energy costs. An Alliance Associate, Trane will use geothermal heat pumps, advanced control systems, new lighting, and other energy efficient measures to achieve these savings.
“Our ESPC program will reduce energy consumption at Charleston Air Force Base while improving the quality of life and productivity for the military warfighters and the base civilian workforce,” said Robert Johnson, a spokesman for Trane.
More info: www.trane.com/commercial/homepage/pdf/PR_CAFB_1005.pdf
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Save Money by Saving Energy
It’s a twofer. Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI) recently unveiled their new Sustainable Energy Education & Communication (SEEC) employee training and communication program at the 2005 Greenbuild Show in Atlanta, November 9-11. The 10-module series of lessons shows companies how to contain costs by increasing overall energy efficiency.
The concept was developed in cooperation with the National Energy Foundation using the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)’s Environmental Education Materials: Guidelines for Excellence.
More info: www.jci.com/CorpPR/Releases/cg/release929.asp
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California’s Energy Action Plan, Redux
In an effort to address California’s energy needs, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the California Energy Commission (CEC) released the October 2005 Energy Action Plan II. The document calls energy efficiency a “first choice for meeting California’s energy needs” and specifies key actions the state should take, including: expanding public awareness and outreach programs, updating of both appliance and building standards from 2004 levels, encouraging state-sponsored low-interest loans for energy efficiency projects, and updating all compliance standards and protocols for current programs.
Click here for report pdf:
www.energy.ca.gov/energy_action_plan/2005-09-21_EAP2_FINAL.PDF
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Midwest Leaders ‘Inspiring Efficiency’
 The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance recognized five Midwest leaders with their annual Inspiring Efficiency Awards. The categories included leadership, impact, education, innovation, marketing, and a special chairman’s award.
To see who won and read more about the event, click here:
www.mwalliance.org/news/meeaminute/documents/Fall2005MEEAMinute.pdf
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Lean and Green, Fuel Efficiency showcased at Tokyo Motor Show
A variety of both concept and production line “green” cars were on display at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show. Manufacturers from Suzuki to Mercedes-Benz showed off over a dozen new vehicles that combine fuel efficient technology with cutting edge design.
To learn more about the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show and eco-friendly cars, click here:
autos.msn.com/as/minishow/
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