Local Gov'ts implement major energy savings and CO2 emissions cut programs

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NYC to cut 30 percent municipal energy comsumption by 2017

NEW YORK, Dec 5, 2007 -- Comtex

New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg on Wednesday announced a plan to begin reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from the city's municipal buildings and operations by 30 percent by 2017.
The 10-year plan includes 132 projects throughout all five boroughs and is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 34,000 tons annually.
The projects in this plan include lighting replacement and sensor installation; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning improvements; water and sewer equipment upgrades as well as vehicle replacements.
The plan was developed over the last six weeks by the steering committee created by an executive order signed by Bloomberg in October.
The steering committee is also charged with developing and implementing a comprehensive 10-year energy conservation plan, which will be submitted to the mayor by June 30, 2008.
The municipal energy consumption accounts for approximately 6.5 percent of New York City's total energy usage and 10 percent of its peak electricity demand.
Bloomberg is leading efforts in the New York City to protect environment. In June, he unveiled "PlaNYC" which calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030

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1. New Jersey and Pennyslvania programs to conserve energy and cut CO2 emissions

PSE&G Proposes Innovative Programs to Conserve Energy and Cut Carbon Emissions

Dec 06 - PRNewswire

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) today unveiled new carbon abatement programs designed to curb customers' energy consumption, and result in lower customer bills and a meaningful reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.


In a filing with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), the company proposed to provide energy-saving measures such as home energy audits, programmable thermostats, attic insulation and high-efficiency lighting upgrades through the implementation of six pilot programs. The proposal, if approved by the BPU, would enable the utility and regulators to determine the best way to implement broader initiatives to reach the state's aggressive carbon reduction goals.
"During the past year, PSE&G has taken a number of steps to reduce its own energy use and carbon footprint," said Ralph LaRossa, PSE&G president and COO. "And we have been encouraging our customers to do the same. To have a meaningful impact on carbon emissions, however, we need to give customers greater direct access to energy-saving tools and information that will lead to real reductions."
"Several of the pilot programs we are proposing are also targeted to those customers who find it the most difficult to make the up-front investments in energy-saving measures," he said. "These investments should be just as accessible in cities like Trenton and Newark as they are in suburban towns. That will happen with the right commitment, the right partnerships and resources."
PSE&G will commit up to $5 million to provide the carbon abatement programs. The filing seeks to recover the investment, not otherwise repaid by customers participating in the programs, through an energy charge adjustment. Under PSE&G's proposal, a typical residential customer would pay about a penny a month for eight years for the carbon abatement initiative.
Residential and small business programs in Trenton and Newark
Under the company's proposal, three of the six pilot programs will be offered to customers in Trenton and Newark. Customers who qualify for the Residential Home Energy Tune-up, for example, will receive an energy audit, including a blower door test, that will identify steps they can take to make their home more energy efficient. PSE&G will also install caulking, weather-stripping, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and a programmable thermostat, as well as other efficiency measures as recommended in the audit. The installation of these items will be provided free of charge to low income customers, while other customers will be required to repay a portion of the cost over two years.
Through the Programmable Thermostat Installation Program, PSE&G technicians will install new thermostats during routine utility-related service calls to customers in Trenton and Newark. Customers will also receive an energy savings kit, including CFL bulbs.
"The programs PSE&G is announcing today demonstrate the power of Trenton Green," said Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer. "Together, public and private sector partners -- with a shared vision of 'local control of climate control' -- can bring this movement directly to our neighborhoods. Together, we can help empower residents and small business owners to find ways to pay less for their energy and become more involved in the critical effort to conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions. This is what we all need to do."
New Jersey Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman added," All communities need to understand the importance of energy efficiency to protect our environment. The role of older and urban communities is essential in recognizing that it is not just a community's role, but an individual's responsibility to do whatever they can to help protect the environment in which we all live. Even though often times the upfront cost associated with energy efficiency makes it unattainable for lower income communities, with PSE&G's help we can make this necessary goal a reality. This partnership is socially responsible and recognizes the significant collective effort that is needed to preserve and protect our future."
In addition to the pilots for residential customers, a similar program will be available to small business owners in these two urban centers. Eligible customers will receive an energy assessment, and direct installation of basic efficiency measures, such as lighting upgrades, insulation, and more energy efficient refrigeration and heating and cooling systems. These customers would be required to repay a portion of the installation costs over two years.
Large business and hospital technology demonstration programs
PSE&G's proposal also includes conservation and carbon reduction initiatives for large warehouses that could benefit from more efficient lighting systems. PSE&G is collaborating with Orion Energy Systems to provide high-bay lighting equipped with lamp and ballast products of ecomagination from GE Consumer & Industrial, "day lighting" light tubes and a lighting control system that automatically dims the fixtures when there is sufficient natural light, thereby saving energy and money. PSE&G will provide financial incentives that will enable customers to recover their investment in two years through energy and operating savings.
The final two programs proposed by PSE&G are targeted for existing hospitals and new construction hospitals, with priority given to non-profit facilities. Based on a comprehensive energy audit, hospitals will receive financial incentives to make it more cost effective for them to upgrade their facilities.
"A utility like PSE&G can play a critically important role in organizing, developing and implementing a carbon-reduction effort that makes energy savings universally accessible for our customers, promotes economic development in our communities, and makes a big difference for the environment," LaRossa said. "It's essential to get the ball rolling to a lower carbon future if our state is to have any chance of reaching its aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals."
If approved by the BPU and implemented, the carbon abatement initiative would save about 143,000 tons of carbon dioxide during a 10-year period.
Additional information can be found on http://www.pseg.com/.
Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey's oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state's population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) , a diversified energy company (http://www.pseg.com/).
Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G)
CONTACT: Karen Johnson or Bonnie Sheppard, [phone]
Web site: http://www.pseg.com/


Montco to vote Thursday on plan to cut greenhouse emissions

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (The Associated Press) - Dec 6

Pennsylvania's third-largest county is on the verge of a rare step as commissioners vote on a plan to reduce greenhouse emissions.
Thursday's vote on a "climate change action plan" is expected to make Montgomery the first county in Pennsylvania or New Jersey to adopt such a regional approach.
It seeks to cut greenhouse gas levels in half by 2025 through steps like converting to renewable energy sources to generate electricity, getting people to ride trains and buses, and encouraging energy-efficient houses and businesses.
President Brian Hill of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council it could be a model for other local or regional bodies. Delaware County is working on a similar plan.

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2. XCEL Energy public benefit fund announces list of renewables grants funding

Xcel Energy Announces Renewable Energy Project Selections

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec 06, 2007 -- BUSINESS WIRE

Twenty-two proposed renewable energy projects featuring wind, hydroelectric, solar, biomass and biofuel technologies have been selected to receive nearly $23 million from the Xcel Energy (NYSE:XEL) Renewable Development Fund.
An advisory board with representation from Xcel Energy, environmental groups, Xcel Energy customers and the Prairie Island Indian Community today recommended to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission that $8,223,922 be awarded to projects for energy production and $14,397,817 for research and development.
Nearly 100 renewable energy proposals were reviewed during the current funding cycle. In previous cycles, more than $52 million has been awarded for renewable energy research and renewable energy production. Currently, more than 23 megawatts of renewable energy are under development from fund initiatives.
"Innovative and new renewable technologies, such as solar and biomass, have trouble competing with conventional energy in the marketplace," said Scott Wilensky, Xcel Energy acting vice president of regulatory and government affairs. "The fund's objective is to remove barriers to entry of new renewable energy technologies by funding research on emerging technologies and supporting development of renewable energy projects."
Money for the Renewable Development Fund, which was created in 1999, comes from Xcel Energy customers. Each year the company transfers $16 million to the fund in accordance with state statute. Owners of energy production projects sell the energy to Xcel Energy or use the energy themselves. All selected projects are subject to final approval by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
"The Renewable Development Fund provides research support for marketable advancement of innovative renewable energy and environmental technologies that will benefit Minnesota customers as well as promote renewable energy within the region, nationally, and worldwide," said Bill Grant, associate executive director, Izaak Walton League, and Renewable Development Fund advisory board member.
"This round of grants appropriately focuses on the goal of making solar and biomass resources more cost-effectively available for Xcel Energy customers, which is entirely consistent with our state energy policy goals," said Mike Bull, assistant commissioner of renewable development and advanced technologies, Minnesota Department of Commerce, and Renewable Development Fund advisory board member.
Energy Production Projects (locations denote project site):
-- American Crystal Sugar Co., Moorhead, Minn., to design, develop and construct a 3-megawatt electricity cogeneration plant utilizing methane, which currently is produced as a result of sugar beet processing. The cogeneration facility will be integrated with the company's current biogas collection system, $2 million.
-- Freenerg, Minneapolis, to demonstrate the commercial viability of providing solar-generated electricity for homes based on a leasing and service package of rooftop solar panels connected to the grid. The program will use 50 solar generating systems at 5.6 kilowatts each, $1,488,922.
-- City of Minneapolis and EyeOn Energy Ltd., Minneapolis, will install up to 600 kilowatts in direct current of photovoltaic PV panels on the roof of the city's Currie Equipment Facility. The system is projected to include at least 3,000, 200-watt panels, $2 million.
-- Merrick Inc., Vadnais Heights, Minn., to connect a 100-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array capable of generating 125,000 kilowatt-hours annually to an existing geothermal heating and cooling system, $735,000.
-- Outland Renewable Energy LLC, Chaska, Minn., to co-locate a 2-megawatt solar power plant in Cottonwood County in southwestern Minnesota with its 50-megawatt wind energy production facility currently being developed, $2 million.
Research and development projects (locations denote research site):
-- University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, N.D., to test and develop a novel biotechnology additive to convert biomass into biogas, $970,558.
-- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, to evaluate and address economic and technical issues related to biomass integrated gasification combined cycle technology in electricity generation at ethanol-producing plants, $819,159.
-- Coaltec Energy USA Inc., Carterville, Ill., to prove the feasibility of biomass gasification (using turkey manure and agricultural waste) in a commercial turkey farm setting to generate electricity and heat, $1 million.
-- University of Minnesota, Morris, Minn., to provide biomass fuel stock suppliers with accurate guidelines for management of biomass harvesting and maintenance of soil quality, $979,082.
-- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, to develop an efficient system for the production, pre-processing and delivery of biomass feedstock for energy production that minimizes feedstock cost for energy facilities, while maximizing landowner income and the environmental benefits of biomass production, $992,989.
-- Community Power Corp., Littleton, Colo., to adapt current proven modular biopower technology to produce and demonstrate a biomass/natural gas hybrid (dual fuel) power generation system. The system will integrate with on-site electrical and thermal loads to deliver electricity and heat, $999,926.
-- University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, N.D., to demonstrate the performance of a mobile integrated indirect wet biomass liquefaction system gasifier at one-fourth commercial scale, $999,065.
-- Minnesota Valley Alfalfa Producers, Raymond, Minn., to research the application of a new energy-efficient technology to process a variety of biomass feedstock to expand the resource options for biomass energy production, $1 million..
-- Bepex International LLC, Minneapolis, to examine, evaluate and reduce the capital and operating costs of utilizing a thermo-chemical biomass pretreatment regime, called "torrefaction." Biomass used will be corn stover with the resulting product densified into briquettes for electricity generation, $924,671.
-- University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, N.D., to develop an economical biomass power system by combining previous bench scale work in thermally integrated gasification systems with developmental work on a low-Btu gas turbine, $999,728.
-- Northern Plains Power Technology, Brookings, S.D., to make specific recommendations for changes to codes, standards and test procedures to enable the use of harmonic-based loss of mains detection, $493,608.
-- InterPhases Research, West Lake Village, Calif., to develop a photovoltaic technology that offers potential for extremely low cost and high volume production of thin-film, flexible cell modules, $1 million.
-- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, to develop a new paradigm for controlling the microstructure of thin-film silicon, which will improve stability, efficiency and lower the cost of nanocrystal silicon photovoltaic cells, $732,032.
-- SarTec Corp., Anoka, Minn., to use solar energy, photosynthesis and rapid growth algae to capture carbon dioxide from flue gas and produce lipids that can be transformed into the renewable biodiesel fuel, $350,000.
-- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, in sponsorship with Prairie Island Indian Community, to develop and test a high resolution Virtual Wind Simulator for accurate prediction of local wind and turbulence with the purpose of optimizing the turbine siting design of wind energy projects, $999,999.
-- Xcel Energy, Minneapolis, to test the hypothesis that battery storage technology will enable effective storage of wind energy, and therefore enable "firming" of wind energy to reduce impact from the variability and limited predictability of wind generation resources, $1 million.
-- West Central Telephone Association, Sebeka, Minn., to determine the ideal system configurations and specifications to use renewable energy solutions for its landline telephone switching nodes by testing five different small wind/solar hybrid back-up power systems, $137,000.
Detailed information on the projects selected is available on Xcel Energy's Web site at www.xcelenergy.com/rdf
Xcel Energy is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company with regulated operations in eight Western and Midwestern states and transmission facilities in 10 states. Xcel Energy provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.3 million electricity customers and 1.8 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies. Company headquarters are located in Minneapolis. More information is available at www.xcelenergy.com.
SOURCE: Xcel Energy

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3. New Rule for Microturbines/CHP(combined heat & power) big part of NY energy savings & CO2 cuts

New York City Mayor Bloomberg Announces New Rule for Microturbine Deployment

http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/882813

CHATSWORTH, Calif., Dec 04, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- CPST | charts | news | PowerRating -- Capstone Turbine Corporation (www.microturbine.com ) (NASDAQ:CPST), the world's leading clean technology manufacturer of microturbine energy systems, today announced that New York City has implemented the country's first standard for the use and installation of microturbine technology.

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The new rule was published in yesterday's City Record and takes effect immediately. The rule will help New York meet its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions citywide by 30% between now and 2030, and it will help spur the real estate and development communities to build more efficient, greener projects moving forward.

"Capstone has been cooperating with the Cogeneration Task Force for more than a year to get this new standard written and on the books," stated Jim Crouse, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Capstone Turbine Corporation. "This has been a substantial undertaking by our employees, partners and consultants to work collaboratively with the Cogeneration Task Force in meeting the New York building codes and Fire Department safety guidelines," Crouse added.

Buildings in New York City generate 79% of the city's greenhouse gas emissions. By supplying on-site power generation to buildings, microturbine systems provide an energy-efficient supplement to power plants, New York City's conventional power supply. Building owners are now enabled to take advantage of Capstone's microturbine technology, which will help the City reach its PlaNYC goal of expanding clean distributed power generation citywide.

Utilizing the waste heat from the turbines for heating or to drive absorption chillers for cooling can increase efficiences from the standard 35% electric grid to as much as 85%.