Friday, October 17, 2008 |
Editors: R.J. Levangie / K.S. Robinson epoeditor@epoverviews.com Important Notice to Subscribers - email delivery changes Beginning Tuesday, October 21, 2008, the sender email address of Energy Efficiency and Demand Reduction will be energy-efficiency@epoverviews.com. If necessary, please adjust your email settings to allow delivery. Thank you for your continued business and we apologize for any inconvenience. Editors: R.J. Levangie / K.S. Robinson Atlantic Energy Solutions sees $18 million US in Energy Efficiency partnership (G&C) Atlantic Energy Solutions has signed a contract with another energy corporation to undertake an energy efficiency project for the Northern New Jersey Township and School District valued at over $18 million. The project will include a partnership to develop and manage a one-MW co-generation plant, and to install a 700-Watt solar plant to produce electricity for eight of the town's large municipal buildings. In addition to being one of the largest revenue-generating projects for Atlantic Energy Solutions, the project is the first of its kind in New Jersey. Atlantic Solutions hopes this project will further raise awareness of the importance of energy efficiency in the region and boost the company's profilewith regard to such projects. The work with the Northern New Jersey Township and School District is slated to begin in November. (Market Watch, October 16, 2008)
Data center Energy Efficiency necessary for low utility costs and reduced energy use, EPA report indicates (Ind. Report) A 2007 US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report estimates that data centers consume around 1.5% of all US electricity consumption, and also predicts that without additional efficiency gains their power consumption will nearly double. The bill will also, the EPA believes, increase from $4.5 billion in 2006 to $7.4 billion in 2011. Today, experts believe that minor changes in data center infrastructure can reduce consumption. One of the best, and easiest, changes that can b made includes installing rack-based power-distribution units (PDUs) to take advantage of switching-mode power supplies (SMPS).
SMPSs are designed to adjust to more efficient voltages by sensing input voltage and adjusting DC output. Consumers can also install a three-phase rack of PDUs which can support a data center's needs, reduce under-floor cable congestion, improve air flow and further increase efficiency. As an added bonus, it also reduces material and maintenance costs. Intelligent PDUs can also switch individual receptacles on and off and thus reduce costs drastically. Any of the above-mentioned PDUs are more or less considered data center-grade power strips that can be retrofitted into existing data centers or installed as part of a new project. (Source: News Factor, October 16, 2008)
Colorado Governor earmarks $1 million US for Energy Efficient buildings (G&C) The city of Grand Junction and a series of Mesa County public entities will receive $1 million in grant funds to build energy-efficient buildings as part of Governor Ritter's New Energy Community Initiative program. The program will help local governments develop energy-efficient buildings and renewable energy demonstration projects. The Mesa County grant is part of 14 awards totaling $10 million that the state will distribute this year. The funds will be used to increase the energy efficiency of government buildings as well as smaller projects, including installing LED street lights throughout the county and encourage homeowners to install solar panels and solar water heaters. (Source: GJSentinel, October 15, 2008)
Gas Firm Centrica makes $12.2 million US Energy Efficiency acquisition (Int'l, M&A) British Gas owner Centrica has acquired Building Management System Integration (BMSi), a company that installs systems to increase energy efficiency in buildings. The $12.2 million (£7 million) acquisition, which includes an additional earn-out mechanism of up to $5.19 million, will launch its entry into the UK's expanding business energy services market. Centrica's British Gas division continues to explore other acquisitions in the energy efficiency sector, and projects that the UK energy services market is expected to be worth $3.46 billion over the next five years. (Source: City AM, October 16, 2008)
Bank of North Dakota receives Energy Efficiency funds (Funding) The Bank of North Dakota (BND) received $85,500 US to offset the cost of energy efficiency retrofits to its new building. The funds were allocated by the North Dakota Department of Commerce from special funding managed by the Office of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, and originated from a $20 million fund given to the state in the 1980s as a result of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act, an effort to clean up and create energy efficiency in the public and private sectors. Currently, there remains $1.5 million left for other projects, though it must be used to enhance buildings through energy efficiency. BND's upgrades included geothermal wells, separate ventilation systems for non-business hours, motion-sensitive lighting systems and various heat pump systems. The payback period will span 15 years. (Source: The Bismarck Tribune, October 16, 2008)
A subscription to Energy Efficiency and Demand Reduction includes ... Daily or weekly email delivery to three email recipients within your organization, and a feature article profiling your company's products and services to ep Overviews readers worldwide. For more information, or to subscribe online, visit www.epoverviews.com. Share Energy Efficiency and Demand Reduction or any of ep Overviews' publications with a colleague or customer To send a free, 30-day subscription to a business associate or customer, simply complete and submit the attached information form. We'll even advise your colleague that the publication is being sent with your compliments! Click Here Reliant Energy drives Energy Efficiency awareness in Texas (Ind. Report) Reliant Energy has been recognized as the best in Texas for the second consecutive year, and eighth in the nation, for promoting energy efficiency awareness for the Energy Star Change a Light, Change the World Campaign. The campaign, sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency, encourages individuals to switch to energy efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). For the 2008 campaign, Reliant Energy helped 23,582 customers change 33,258 standard light bulbs with Energy Star-certified CFLs. The results are a projected savings of more than $872,000 and a 6,800 ton reduction in GHG emissions. In two years, Reliant Energy has also distributed over 34,000 free CFLs to Texans thoughout the state, and provided customers with tips and solutions as to how they can lower their energy bills and consumption. The Reliant Energy Power Pact not only encourages CFL use, but also shows consumers the best ways to maximize their investments in efficiency throughout their home. (Source: Market Watch, October 16, 2008)
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