May 2003
 Kansas
Updates Energy Efficiency Standards
Posted: May 28, 2003
Kansas HB 2131, officially adopting the 2003 version of the
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for commercial and
residential buildings, or a HERS rating of 80% (residential), was signed
recently by Governor Kathleen Sebelius. Jim Ploger, Energy Manager of the
Kansas Corporation Commission, attended the signing. The bill, effective
July 1, 2003, makes Kansas one of the first states in the nation to adopt
the 2003 version of the IECC.
The NEED Project Selects State of the Year – The
United States Virgin Islands
Posted: May 23, 2003
The National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project has selected
the Virgin Islands NEED Project/Virgin Islands Energy Office as its State
Program of the Year. This award is given annually to a state/territory
program which mirrors the goals and objectives of the NEED program, and
proactively promotes comprehensive energy education, teacher training, and
student leadership. This award has never been bestowed on a NEED program
in a United States Territory.
The 2002-2003 school year was one of growth, excitement, and outreach for
the Virgin Islands NEED Project due to the support and encouragement of
the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO). With a staff dedicated to
improving energy knowledge, energy efficiency and conservation on St.
Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, the VIEO launched a renewed NEED Project
effort in 2001-2002, with plans to continue in the coming years. Now in
its second year, the VI NEED Program has the committed leadership of
Victor Somme, III, and a team of NEED-trained energy educators at the
Virgin Islands Energy Office. The Virgin Islands NEED program reaches over
100 teachers and their students.
Michigan Completes Semiannual Assessment of
Energy Markets
Posted: May 16, 2003
The Michigan Public Service Commission completed its semiannual
assessment of Michigan's energy markets. The assessment assists in
identifying potential supply problems, including adequacy of supply,
weaknesses in the distribution system, and energy price changes. The focus
of this report is on recent events impacting supply and prices, and
expected conditions and changes for the next six months. The report’s
development was overseen by Jeffrey Pillon of the Michigan Public Service
Commission, who also Chairs NASEO’s Energy Data and Security Committee.
The scope of the analysis varies by energy source. Petroleum product
markets in Michigan are affected by international market conditions and
events and regional refinery production. Michigan's electricity prices,
supply and availability are largely determined by events in Michigan and
the Midwest. Natural gas supplies and prices are closely tied to national
trends. For the appraisal, recent historical balances between Michigan's
energy consumption and supply are analyzed, and consumption and supplies
are projected. Actual and expected energy prices are reviewed to identify
changes impacting consumer costs. Generally, the fall appraisal focuses on
the winter heating season, and the summer appraisal focuses on concerns
regarding summer energy use, including peak electricity supply and demand
and gasoline for the summer driving season. The Energy Appraisal can be
accessed by
clicking here.
Government “Oscar” Awarded to Efficiency Vermont
Posted: May 15, 2003
The Institute for Government Innovation at Harvard University’s John F.
Kennedy School of Government announced that Efficiency Vermont, the
nation’s first independent, ratepayer-funded energy efficiency utility,
has won the “Oscar” of government awards. Efficiency Vermont, developed by
Vermont’s Public Service Board and the Vermont Energy Investment
Corporation, is one of five winners of the prestigious Innovations of the
American Government Award and will receive a $100,000 grant to support
replication of its creative efforts. An independent organization, with no
role in selling energy, Efficiency Vermont has the statewide
responsibility to deliver efficiency services, and one in five Vermont
electricity customers has already participated. Those services include:
rebates for buying energy efficient products and equipment, energy–saving
services for low-income Vermonters, and technical and financial assistance
for the construction of energy–efficient homes and commercial buildings.
In its first three years, the program generated over 99,000 megawatt hours
of electricity savings. For the entire story,
click here.
Opportunity to Address Energy Efficiency in HUD Programs
Posted: May 8, 2003
On April 21, 2003, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) unveiled a simplified “SuperNOFA,” announcing the availability of
more than $2.3 billion in grants to serve the homeless, promote
development, and improve the quality of housing and communities. The HUD
policy priorities of the SuperNOFA include the promotion of ENERGY STAR in
HUD Programs.
The assistance can be provided to State and units of general local
government, community housing development organizations, private lenders,
and for-profit developers of low-income housing. See the HUD Website for
full information, including the text of the SuperNOFA:
www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm.
Additionally, there will be a SuperNOFA Webcast with information on
Community Development Technical Assistance on Monday, May 12, 2003, 1:00
PM - 5:00 PM (10:00 AM Pacific). While you are on the HUD web site, search
for “energy” and see the HUD Energy Action Plan approved by the Deputy
Secretary.
www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/energyenviron/energy/index.cfm.
<
back
to top >
|