(MPSC Press Release, October 15, 2009) – Calling it an energy efficiency revolution taking place one light bulb at a time, Commissioner Monica Martinez, of the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), today highlighted the efforts of Michigan utilities and the MPSC to help customers cut their electric bills by making compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) available at discounted prices.
All Michigan electric utility customers will have a utility-sponsored energy efficiency program available to them by the end of November, with an emphasis on switching to CFLs.
“Compact fluorescent light bulbs offer electric customers a quick, easy and affordable way to see an immediate reduction on their bills,” Commissioner Martinez said at an event hosted by Michigan Energy Options in East Lansing. “And they are now available around the state at lower prices, thanks to utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs and a MPSC grant.
“The result will be a significant improvement in energy efficiency across the state. That will help customers save money, cut the need for new electric generation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. You could call what’s happening in Michigan an energy efficiency revolution taking place one light at a time.”
Martinez noted that ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs save $30 or more in energy costs over each bulb’s lifetime; use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs; last up to 10 times longer; can be used in most incandescent fixtures already in the home; and offer bright, warm light.
Joining Commissioner Martinez today were Teri VanSumeren, manager of Consumers Energy Company’s Energy Efficient Solutions program; Michael McNalley, director of DTE’s Energy Efficiency and Business Energy Services; Susan Devon, assistant general manager of the Lansing Board of Water and Light; and Mike Buda, director of external affairs at the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, who all highlighted their CFL discount programs. Jennifer Binkley-Power, of Michigan Energy Options, and East Lansing Mayor Vic Loomis also highlighted their roles in energy efficiency.
Utility-sponsored CFL discount programs are part of each utility’s mandated energy optimization program. More information on the DTE CFL program is available here: http://www.dteenergy.com/residentialCustomers/saveEnergy/rebates/resEnergyStarLighting.html (http://www.dteenergy.com/residentialCustomers/saveEnergy/rebates/resEnergyStarLighting.html)
More information on Consumers Energy’s lighting rebate program is available here: http://www.consumersenergy.com/eeprograms/Landing.aspx?ID=799 (http://www.consumersenergy.com/eeprograms/Landing.aspx?ID=799)
Customers of other electric utilities are encouraged to contact their local electric utility to find out details about available CFL programs.
To promote energy efficiency and environmental stewardship, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has proclaimed October 15 as “ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day.”
Governor Granholm has once again joined with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Governors from across the country to celebrate ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day and bring attention to the critical importance of using energy wisely at home. This commemorative day is part of the national ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World Campaign to encourage Americans to take simple actions at home to help preserve our energy resources and be part of the solution to global climate change. The national educational campaign is run in partnership with hundreds of businesses, energy efficiency organizations, state and territory governments, and more. This annual campaign encourages Americans to be energy aware on ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day – and all year long.
More information about ENERGY STAR is also available toll-free by calling 1-888-STAR-YES or on their Web site: energystar.gov/changetheworld (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=globalwarming.showPledgeHome).
CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, so it is important to dispose of them properly. The Michigan Department of Community Health has a helpful fact sheet that contains information on proper disposal: michigan.gov/documents/mdch/CFL_Fact_Sheet_193840_7.pdf (http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/CFL_Fact_Sheet_193840_7.pdf).
The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.
(MPSC Press Release, October 15, 2009) – The Wind Energy Resource Zone Board today issued its final report, identifying the four regions in Michigan with the highest level of wind energy harvest potential. The report, which looked only at commercial or utility-scale wind energy on land, was submitted to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).
The final report incorporated the concerns of people who submitted comments by mail or via electronic mail and in person at the two public hearings held in Bad Axe and Scottville. It identifies the same four regions with the highest level of wind energy harvest potential as in the proposed report issued on June 2.
“I am pleased to submit the board’s final report to the MPSC,” said board chairman David Walters. “The board has spent a considerable amount of time analyzing where Michigan’s greatest potential lies for wind energy projects. During the public comment period, including both public hearings, we heard comments both pro and con about issues related to wind energy. We acknowledged those comments and concerns in the final report, and are grateful for the public’s input.”
The 11-member board was appointed by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on Dec. 4, 2008, as required by Public Act 295 of 2008, also known as the Clean, Renewable and Efficient Energy Act. Its proposed report presented its preliminary findings related to: A list of regions in the state with the highest level of wind energy harvest potential
A description of the estimated maximum and minimum wind generating capacity in megawatts that can be installed in each identified region
An estimate of the annual maximum and minimum energy production potential for each identified region
An estimate of the maximum wind generation capacity already in service in each identified region
The proposed and final reports identified the same four regions all located in the Lower Peninsula: one in the Thumb and three along the western side of the state. Region 1 includes parts of Allegan County; Region 2 includes parts of Antrim and Charlevoix counties; Region 3 includes parts of Benzie, Leelanau, and Manistee counties; and Region 4 includes parts of Huron, Sanilac, Tuscola, Bay and Saginaw counties.
Today’s report reiterates that the transition to increased wind energy development in Michigan will depend on a number of factors, such as state and federal policies and incentives, community acceptance, wind resources, land availability, and economic considerations. Another factor that may affect the scope and pace of wind energy development will be the ability of the electric transmission system to support the delivery of such power to customers.
Now that the final report has been submitted, transmission companies and electric utilities have the task of identifying for planning purposes the electric transmission facilities needed to deliver the estimated minimum and maximum wind energy potential from each of these regions. They are required to submit this information to the Wind Energy Resource Zone Board, which will review that information.
Following that, the MPSC will issue a final order that designates the area of Michigan likely to be most productive of wind energy as the primary wind energy resource zone and may designate additional wind energy resource zones. The MPSC is also required to submit a report to the Michigan legislature on the effect that setback requirements and noise limitations under local zoning or other ordinances may have on wind energy development in wind energy resource zones. The report will also include any recommendations the MPSC may have for legislation addressing those issues. The Commission will also conduct hearings in various areas of the state to receive public comment on the report.
The entire proposed report is available at michigan.gov/windboard (http://www.michigan.gov/windboard) .
The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.
(From Earth911) – Do you find yourself checking the green labels on products before purchasing them?
They validate social and environmental concerns for both businesses and consumers, promising everything from healthier food to better stewardship of the land. With nearly 400 certifications worldwide, it can be difficult to understand what each one means and distinguish between legitimate seals of approval and marketing schemes.
BBMG, a branding and integrated marketing agency, recently released a Conscious Consumer Report. They tested 13 of the seals to see how 2,000 adults responded, in terms of recognition and alliance. Here are the 10 most recognizable labels, according to that study:
http://tinyurl.com/yhofcns
(From ashrae.org) – There are many ways to define a green building. Energy-saving measures, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, materials and building orientations all play a role, but it is the way that all of these come together that makes a building truly high performing.
Requirements to achieve green buildings will soon be available from ASHRAE, the U.S. Green Building Council and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America in the form of a standard. Standard 189.1P, Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, will define the minimum requirements for high-performance green buildings.
And to make following those requirements easier, a user’s manual also is being developed. ASHRAE is currently accepting research proposals for development of a user’s manual for Standard 189.1P. Proposals are due Nov. 9. For more information, visit www.ashrae.org/technology/page/548.
“The manual will provide users with a better understanding of how to apply the standard, as well as serve as a guide for self-education and training about the requirements and appropriate strategies to meet them,” Kent Peterson, chair of the Standard 189 committee, said. “It will include worksheets and examples that can be used to determine compliance.”
As part of its energy efficiency efforts, ASHRAE also is accepting proposals for a User’s Manual for Standard 90.1-2010, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. The 2010 standard, which will be published next year, is being developed with the goal of achieving a 30 percent energy cost savings improvement compared to the 2004 standard.
More information on both projects can be found at www.ashrae.org/technology/page/548.
ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.
