Energy Efficiency: Why not now? Why not you?
August 23, 2006
Posted by: Branko Terzic 08:23 PM
During the first week of August this year all seven U.S. independent grid operators reported new record electricity demands. California hit three new peaks in three days. Other areas of the US reported similar records. The record electricity demand occurred even in states with aggressive demand reduction and conservation programs.
Were these conservation programs effective?
It’s hard to say. My guess is that some were and others were not.
Sure, one could say “It’s the weather, stupid” but there must be more going on when it comes to the growing peak demand in electricity in all areas of the US. For example, California’s peak last week was 20% above demand during its electricity crises of 2001-2002. And this is a state which has been recognized for leading the charge when it comes to conservation and efficiency!
Clearly more needs to be done. That’s where we all can do something.
After all, the potential savings from electricity efficiency and conservation, to the individual consumer, businesses and to society, have been well documented.
But, as Walt Kelly’s cartoon character Pogo reflected on Earth Day 1971 to his friend Porkypine “Yep, son, we have met the enemy and he is us.”
Consider, for example, the results of a recent Deloitte survey of the electricity consumers across the US which indicated low levels of actual electricity efficiency or conservation activity.
In answer to the question “Have you made any recent changes in your lifestyle to decrease your electricity use?” - a full 65% of America’s consumers answered “No!”
This might explain why so many electric systems hit their peaks in August.
The other 35% responded “Yes,” that they had “made recent changes,” but even that response needed further analysis.
In a subsequent question, 74% of the people responding “yes”, to the original question, indicated that their “lifestyle” change was “decreased usage.” My guess is that most of these people probably made the minimal effort of adjusting their thermostats occasionally. This is a good start but not enough.
Only 17% of consumers reported purchasing new appliances based on energy savings characteristics. In reality any new appliance will save energy over an old one of the same size. (And how many people replaced old appliances with new ones of greater size or capacity?)
According to the Deloitte poll only 3% s of America’s consumers spent money, where savings can be the greatest, on improved insulation, better windows and other capital improvements.
So, with 65% of the public responding that they are not doing anything about energy usage, a lot still needs to be done in the area of consumer awareness and engagement in energy conservation and efficiency programs.
Here’s a start for the 65% of us still not doing anything. The EPA’s Energy Star program and other sites list all kinds of useful tips you save energy.
The ISO New England offers the following tips:
- Set thermostats at 76 degrees F, or above when the house is occupied during the say, especially on weekday afternoons between 1 and 5 PM. Turn up a few degrees higher at night
- Close drapes and shades on the east, south and west windows during the day to prevent the sun’s energy from heating the room unnecessarily
- Use fans to create a wind chill effect that will make your home more comfortable. A ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat 4 degrees F with no reduction in comfort.
Thanks for reading this far. Copies of the full poll are available for the asking. I look forward to your comments and submissions.
A Steady Regimen of Diet and Exercise
August 07, 2006
Posted by: Paul von Paumgartten 04:27 PM
On Monday, July 31, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) held a press conference announcing its National Energy Action Plan for Energy Efficiency. The plan seeks to address the nation’s growing demand for energy in U.S. homes, buildings and industries through efficiency. I’m all for it!
The plan was developed by a leadership group that includes 23 electric and gas utilities, 7 state utility regulators and more than 30 other organizations. More than 50 other organizations pledged commitments, including my firm, Johnson Controls.
It's a gallant effort. But as one respondent so eloquently stated via this forum: ”yes, many corporations have seen the need and reduced energy use, replaced capital investments with greener stuff, all while their employees are driving huge SUVs back to their 3500 Sq ft houses. Until this energy conservation makes its way to the individual user, it is not going to be effective.”
OK, let's pick up right there and all take a look in the mirror. We all know what to do and it's not one singular solution. Solving the energy crisis is like the “diet and exercise” combination my doctor drills into my head. You know, diet alone won’t help you lose those pounds, and a healthier eating habit without exercise won’t get you there either.
From an energy perspective, the menu is full of healthy choice selections. There’s energy efficiency, conservation, sustainability, personal responsibility and federal, state, local government policies that drive us toward a healthier lifestyle. The products and services on the menu include fuel-efficient automobiles, energy efficient appliances plopped down in energy-efficient homes, green buildings, and various forms of alternative fuel. A recent university study suggested indulging in chocolate could be a source of renewable energy. This stew of solutions must work in unison to effect change.
But, we’re a spoiled people and getting us to change our diet is a difficult proposition. But, we all are willing to adjust a bit and even a small adjustment by every individual and organization will have an impact. I contend that if we all proactively did something...individuals, corporations, organizations, then collectively, we just might slim our waistlines. Perhaps you have a liposuction-type solution for our energy crisis?
