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Editor: Matte Elkins

Welcome to the Alliance to Save Energy's monthly newsletter e-FFICIENCY NEWS

Industry Leaders Interview: Eugene Zeltmann, NYPA

Picture of Eugene Zeltmann The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is the nation's largest state-owned electric utility, with 17 power plants and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines throughout New York State. NYPA is also heavily involved in promoting energy efficiency, new energy technologies and clean transportation. All have been top priorities for Eugene W. Zeltmann, who is retiring as NYPA's president and chief executive officer after nearly 8 1/2 years at the Authority. e-FFICIENCY NEWS interviewed Mr. Zeltmann as he prepared to step down from his post.

e-FFICIENCY NEWS: While at the helm of NYPA you were often noted to be a strong advocate of energy efficiency measures. What actions has NYPA taken to promote energy-efficiency and what has been the result, both for NYPA and New York State?

ZELTMANN: The Power Authority to date has completed energy-efficiency projects at more than 2,350 public facilities throughout New York State, with a total investment of more than $840 million…Overall, NYPA’s completed projects have reduced peak demand for electricity by more than 190 megawatts while cutting annual energy use by more than 870,000 megawatt hours and saving consumers some $92 million a year on their electricity bills. Read the full interview.

Austin To Raffle Clean Energy

Austin Energy’s GreenChoice clean energy continues to outpace and outperform the traditional utility market. Due to lower prices and limited supply, the Austin City Council has decided to hold a public drawing for an account in the GreenChoice program. Officials at Austin Energy estimate the remaining batch of unsold wind-generated electricity in the program will provide roughly 1,400 residential and 200 business accounts. Raffle winners will enjoy the added benefit of fixed prices for the life of the wind energy contract – typically 10 years. Customers who subscribed to this program when it began four years ago are currently saving more than 50 percent on their utility bills over what a typical Austin Energy customer pays.

Pataki Pushes For EE Perks

Governor George Pataki is leading the charge in New York for energy efficiency, clean air and alternative fuel technology. Pataki’s new $110 billion budget proposal includes provisions to suspend the sales tax on Energy Star products, toll discounts and tax credits for hybrid vehicles, funding for an alternative fuel research laboratory, as well as a handful of additional state energy-efficiency transportation measures.

2005 Flex Your Power Awards

Winners of the 2005 Flex Your Power Awards have been announced; 35 recipients were chosen from more than 250 applicants. Awards for outstanding achievements in energy efficiency were given in five categories: Best Overall, Energy Efficiency, Demand Response, Education and Leadership and Innovative Products and Services. The Alliance is proud to announce that four winners are participants in either the Green Schools or Green Campus Programs. Flex Your Power is California's statewide energy-efficiency marketing and outreach campaign.

Treasury, IRS Announce Vehicle Tax Credit Guidance

On January 13, Treasury Secretary John Snow announced measures to help consumers determine methods for claiming hybrid vehicle tax credits included in the 2005 Energy Policy Act. The draft guidance states that automakers are responsible for certifying to the IRS which vehicles qualify. Automakers will then inform consumers of the exact amount of the tax credit. More information from the Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) Web site.

Plug-in Campaign Kicks Off at National Press Club

Plug-In Partners Logo The Alliance to Save Energy has joined the city of Austin and its public utility, Austin Energy, to launch the Plug-In Partners coalition. This one-year, national grassroots campaign will encourage automakers to develop plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) by signing up “pluggers” or committed groups, business organizations and utility companies to demonstrate a viable market for PHEVs. Kateri Callahan joined Austin Mayor Will Wynn, Senator Orrin Hatch, James Woolsey and plug-in pioneer Dr. Andy Frank among others on January 24 at the National Press Club to evidence support for the campaign and the potential benefits of plug-in HEVs. Alliance press release.

Don’t Forget Evening With the Stars

dinner logo: Blue and red seven point star The Alliance to Save Energy invites individuals, companies and organizations to enter its 2006 Star of Energy Efficiency Awards competition. Interested parties should apply by March 31, 2006. (Early Bird nominations end February 14.) This year’s ceremony will take place September 12. Nominate your favorite energy-efficiency leader.

WGA Goes All The Way

The Western Governors’ Association’s (WGA) Clean and Diversified Energy Advisory Committee (CDEAC) has released its latest task force report on energy efficiency for the region. The report suggests widespread adoption of best practice energy-efficiency policies and programs, monitored and enforced at the state level, with an overall goal of reducing electricity consumption 20 percent by 2020. Continued.

Going ‘Energy Hog-Wild’ in Texas

The Energy Hog is pictured here with Director Dub Taylor proudly celebrating the Texas Longhorns’ National Football Championship Look out! The Energy Hog has been loosed on the Texas State Energy Conservation Office. The Hog is pictured here with Director Dub Taylor proudly celebrating the Texas Longhorns’ National Football Championship.

EPA Proposes Revising Stickers

The EPA is proposing a new method for calculating city and highway mpg estimates that appear on car window stickers. The new method would take into account many factors that have changed since revisions were last made in 1985, including the increased use of air conditioning, greater traffic congestion and higher speed limits. By putting this new method into effect, the EPA predicts fuel economy measurements will typically drop 10-20 percent. However, none of the proposed changes will affect current CAFE standards. The EPA changes would take effect beginning with 2008 model cars.

Hawaii Considers Energy for Tomorrow

Hawaii wants clean, dependable, cheap energy – preferably not petroleum. Both Governor Linda Lingle and the state legislature recently unveiled plans to reduce dependence on oil imports and radically shift from being a state with the highest energy costs to one of the lowest. Lingle’s “Energy for Tomorrow” bill and a similar Democratic plan propose a series of comprehensive energy-efficiency measures, including tax credits for hybrid vehicles and alternative energy technologies, provisions for more renewable energy and alternative fuels, as well as strategies that would add both jobs and income while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Going Hybrid Lowers Car Insurance

Lately it seems owners of hybrid vehicles get all the benefits. From tax breaks to special lanes and preferred parking, driving a hybrid suddenly seems to be one way to get special treatment. Now insurance companies have gotten on board. Several, such as Farmers and St. Paul Travelers, are offering special insurance discounts to drivers, anywhere from 5-10 percent, in select areas.

Super Powers Continues to Shine

Coming off a successful stint on the Times Square Panasonic Board, the Alliance Super Powers PSA has made news again. Not only is the humorous PSA still ranked # 2 in the Nielsen ratings, it has captured a 2005 Communicator Crystal Award for Excellence in the Video Competition.

EE etc. . .

The Alliance is pleased to welcome three new Associates this month:

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI),
The Jupiter Oxygen Corp., and
Encelium Technologies Inc.

The Alliance has posted fact sheets for 38 states to help consumers save on home energy costs. The documents are filled with practical – often cost-free – energy- and money-saving tips.

The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) launched its new web site. The updated design and content includes a full schedule for the 2006 Outreach Tour, information on tax incentives and the first SEEA brochure which is available for downloading on the site.

The Energy Hog web site added updated content for adults which includes tips, checklists, information on tax credits for home improvements, and a home energy audit tool.

Southern California Edison awarded the Alliance two contracts valued at over $2.6 million to implement the Green Schools and Green Campus programs in SCE territories through 2009.

e-FFICIENCY NEWS: February 2006

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