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| Case Stories: Utility-Based Programs Technology-Specific Programs Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Program (www.sce.com/RebatesandSavings/Residential/RefrigeratorandFreezerRecycling) This program is operated by Southern California Edison (SCE) and offers its customers financial incentives ranging from $35–$50 to recycle inefficient refrigerators and freezers. Energy Star® — Qualified Lighting Products (www.pge.com/res/rebates/lighting/index.html) To promote Energy Star® rated lighting products, Pacific Gas & Electric Company offers customer rebates and discounts on the purchase of CFLs and light fixtures ranging from $1–$10. Custom Services Program (http://www.wmeco.com/programs/save/business/custom.asp) This program, operated in conjunction with Connecticut Light and Power Company and Western Massachusetts Electric Company, offers technical assistance and monetary incentives to large commercial customers who increase the efficiency of their electrical equipment. One of several customer services offered is Tailored HVAC, which helps customers make informed decisions about replacing and installing large HVAC equipment. Umatilla Electric Cooperative Association (www.ueinet.com) Concerned about burdening farmers in their service territory with rising electric rates, this association found a way for customers to reduce energy costs. This Pacific Northwest electric co-op initiated a task force of farmers, food processors, and other agricultural interests, which recommended hiring an irrigation specialist to develop programs to help farmers save energy. The utility's programs included a computer/phone irrigation scheduling network that provides irrigation recommendations and so far, have resulted in twenty to twenty-five percent water and energy savings for the farmers. Comprehensive Programs Osage, Iowa (www.sustainable.doe.gov/success/osage_muni.shtml) Wes Birdsall is living proof that a single spark can start a community-wide effort to improve energy efficiency. In 1974, Birdsall, then general manager of the Osage, Iowa, municipal utility, set out to make his town more energy efficient. He started by taking aerial infrared pictures of heat loss from local buildings to vividly depict the tremendous amount of energy wasted by the community. Then he went door to door to encourage better insulation. Over the years, Birdsall's efficiency efforts have made Osage an internationally recognized model of energy efficiency and kept thousands of dollars in citizens' pockets. Osage residents currently use 25 percent less energy than the state average and their rates are 37 percent lower. Wahoo, Nebraska (www.sustainable.doe.gov/success/energy_wahoo.shtml) This utility-driven program gave incentives, energy audits, and financial analysis to its customers to promote energy efficiency. Espanola, Ontario (www.solstice.crest.org/efficiency/irt/16.htm) This project was launched in June 1991 by Ontario Hydro to learn what energy savings were possible and why people conserve. A Community Advisory Committee, consisting of representatives from a variety of community groups, provided direct community feedback, and organized special events. The local newspaper ran articles on the projects, ranging from an "energy tip of the month" to interviews with pleased customers. An educational component of the project reached fifty-three classrooms, grades one through six. The utility gave participants compact fluorescent light bulbs and hot water heater tune-ups, and paid half the cost of implementing efficiency improvements for heating systems, windows and doors, and insulation. With this arrangement, 87 percent of all eligible residences have improved energy efficiency. During the first year of the project Espanola saved 7,424 Megawatt-hours. |