Alliance to Save Energy

Last week’s mid-term elections were closely followed by the Alliance. Although not everyone agreed with the results, it’s time to focus on what our Congressional representatives can agree on. As Alliance President Kateri Callahan told the National Journal, energy efficiency policy is the quickest and cheapest way to save both money and energy — something both parties can support. The poor economy has government agencies worried about whether they’ll have the budgets to institute energy-efficient measures. Although energy efficiency is a key priority for federal agencies, a poll of 201 government managers conducted by Schneider Electric and the Alliance found that 66 percent think tighter budgets will hinder energy-efficient projects. But all isn’t lost yet! As Senior Vice President of Policy and Research Floyd DesChamps said, there are measures agencies can take that don’t require additional funding. [Environmental Leader, Federal Times, PC World] The Alliance has a new friend! Facebook has partnered with the Alliance by donating $500,000 worth of advertising and promoting the Alliance’s new consumer-oriented website LivingEfficiently.org. Here’s to a lasting green friendship. [Mother Nature Network] Kateri Callahan headed to North Carolina to chat with college students at Duke University about the future of energy and the lack of consumer awareness. [The Chronicle] Efficient windows are a great way to keep the chill out this winter and save on heating bills. Don’t wait too long — as The Morning Call reminded readers, federal tax credits to pay for energy-efficient home improvements up to $1,500 expires on December 31. Don’t get left in the cold!

We’ve faced the fact that there won’t be a climate change bill during this session of Congress, but there’s still hope — environmentalists see this as an opportunity to tout the benefits of energy efficiency as part of the solution. In Wisconsin alone, the state could create 7,000-9,000 jobs by 2012 just by tripling its energy efficiency investment. “I’m not saying efficiency is a panacea, but it comes pretty darn close,” said Alliance President Kateri Callahan. Wow. Imagine the possibilities if all states followed suit. [Post Crescent] Looking for a way to lower energy bills? Consider installing energy-efficient windows in your home or office. In buildings, single-pane windows contribute up to 35 percent of wasted energy. But if you’re thinking of taking advantage of the federal tax credit to purchase them, make sure they qualify before buying — even experts are fooled. [CNN Money, WMUR-9, Christian Science Monitor]

With the hottest summer on record, your energy costs might be higher than ever. Alliance to Save Energy President Kateri Callahan spoke with the Wall Street Journal about easy green changes consumers can make to save money and help the environment. Among the biggest energy guzzling culprits? Cracks, gaps and leaks in your home. “Often people have so many small leaks around the home that it’s the equivalent of having a three-foot by three-foot window wide open,” Callahan said. Ouch. The Alliance also found its way into several other news outlet this week: You still have time (500 KB PDF) to take advantage of Uncle Sam’s 2009-2010 Energy Tax Credit and claim tax credits up to $1,500 for energy-related home improvements. [Dallas Morning News] Businesses, take note: investing in a lighting upgrade can save big bucks — and pay for itself quickly. [Florida Today] Callahan shares her thoughts on where energy efficiency has been, where it’s going and what she hopes we’ll see five years from now. [Digital Energy Solutions Campaign]