2006 News
AECP HOLDS 7TH ANNUAL GREEN LIVING AND ENERGY EXPO
AECP conducted its 7th annual Green Living and Energy Expo at the Roanoke Civic Center on December 1 and 2, 2006. Attendance was our best ever with almost 1500 people attending the two-day event. We had 50 exhibits, which was our most ever, and several workshops and presentations on both days.
AECP SERVES ON STATE ADVISORY BOARD
AECP Executive Director, Billy Weitzenfeld was appointed to serve on a state advisory board, which will help develop a 10-year Virginia Energy Plan. The Board is comprised of 40 public and private stakeholders, businesses, and organizations. AECP presented at the final meeting of the group on November 2, 2006 and submitted the following recommendations:
RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROPOSALS FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE VIRGINIA ENERGY PLAN ADVISORY GROUP:
Submitted by:
Billy Weitzenfeld, Executive Director
The Association of Energy Conservation Professionals (AECP)
- In Mr. Spellman’s overview presented on Nov. 2 it was noted that there is a 0% investment by utilities in Virginia in the areas of energy conservation and efficiency. With due respect to the utilities in Virginia this was a disappointing revelation. We must work together to identify the barriers and disincentives that may exist that prevent a more appropriate investment by Virginia utilities in areas that are so beneficial to the general public. If we agree that energy conservation and efficiency are important and necessary then we must have greater leadership and participation from our utilities.
- According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA) the total of energy savings resulting from utility Demand Side Management (DSM) programs nationwide in 2005 was 59,000 Megawatt Hours. These programs work and we need to encourage the design and implementation of DSM programs in Virginia. These programs must be properly designed and implemented and based on a long- term dedication to success.
- As we develop the Virginia Energy Plan there is a reality that must be faced. Programs and services recommended by the Plan must be adequately funded. 22 other states have some type of Public Benefit Fund in place that provides an annual funding mechanism for consumer programs that promote energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, green building, and programs for low-income families. The Public Benefit Funds are normally funded thru a small wires charge or tax on rate- payers bills. A couple of years ago AECP had a bill in the general Assembly – HB 2317 – that would have added a monthly tax of three cents a month - $.36 - to every rate payers electric bill. This would have generated about 1.5 million dollars annually to be used for consumer programs. This is not enough but our effort represented a fair and equitable tax, paid equally by everyone, with a benefit to all and a financial burden on nobody. Even 10 cents a month - $1.20 a year – would not hurt anybody and generate from 4-5 million annually. These are examples of simple but fair mechanisms that would help fund activities in the Virginia Energy Plan. The truth is this – a Virginia Energy Plan with no built in funding mechanisms will just be a plan that sits on a shelf. I do not believe that any of us want this to be the case.
- We need to embark on a massive public outreach campaign to educate consumers on the importance and benefits to saving energy – to include water conservation - and show them how they can do this in there home and/or business. The first step would be to design a structured curriculum so our message is consistent and effective. We then could use the following methods of delivery:
- The Virginia Department of Education should develop a k-12 energy education curriculum that is offered in all public schools and that carries the same weight as reading, writing, and math. The National Energy Education Development (NEED) Program has an excellent k-12 energy curriculum that could serve as a model. Our young people need to learn the impact of energy production and use and the importance of saving energy and using our resources more efficiently. This really represents the long term solution.
- Virginia has an excellent net metering law. We need to take advantage of it and provide interested homeowners with the necessary incentives to employ renewable energy systems in their homes. This clean, renewable energy is then pumped back into the existing transmission grid. Imagine the impact on our stressed supply systems and our environment if every home and/or business in Virginia was an independent, clean energy producer capable of contributing to the grid by way of our existing net metering law. Imagine solar panels on every roof in Virginia!
- We need to work with the VA Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) to develop and properly regulate a professional home energy audit industry. A criteria and set of standards need to be developed that individuals can be trained and tested on. There is a right way to perform an energy audit and many ways that are insufficient and incorrect. Homeowners and businesses must be able to employ the services of a trained and licensed home energy auditor and be comfortable that they will receive a professional service that will help them be more efficient in their homes and/or business. We also need to do the same in the areas of solar and small wind installers.
- We need to revise, modify, and update our building codes to encourage the building of energy efficient homes that utilize green building principles whenever possible.
SLEC HAS SEMI-OPENING
AECP’s Sustainable Living Education Center (SLEC) had a semi-opening on October 24, 2006 as it hosted a USGBC local chapter meeting. On display were the wind and solar systems, the rainwater collection system, the straw bale structure, and several educational exhibits on fuel cells, water conservation, energy efficient lighting, green products, recycling, renewable energy, global warming, and much more.
AECP MANAGES WEATHERIZATION INTERCHANGE
AECP planned and implemented a week-long weatherization event, held at Virginia Tech September 18-21, 2006. The event involved all of the weatherization assistance programs in Virginia and consisted of workshops, crew competitions, social activities, and awards. D&R International provided technical and logistical support for the event.
AECP PARTNERS WITH TOWN OF BLACKSBURG
AECP has partnered with the Town of Blacksburg, VA to plan and develop the town’s first annual Environmental Awareness Week, held in August, 2006. AECP will also help the town implement a grant received from the U.S. EPA, which will provide consumer education and outreach on a variety of projects.