Some people might have heard the story recently about Energy Star taking one on the chin after an undercover investigation found that a bunch of bogus products and companies were able to receive Energy Star status or certification.
Ouch.
The reason the report really stings is that Energy Star has worked very hard over the past several decades to earn the brand recognition as the premiere stamp-of-approval for energy efficiency. Energy Star products usually cost a little more, but consumers make up that difference in the money they save on their electric bill (and for some people, it also comes with the warm, fuzzy feeling of helping conserve natural resources and save the environment). No matter what the reason, Energy Star's credibility took a major hit. No point in spending extra on that fancy energy-efficient refrigerator if it's not really saving me any money each month, is there?
So, changes have been made to ensure this type of silly business doesn't happen again in the future.
Here is the official Energy Star press release for your reading pleasure.
Friday, April 16, 2010
A great weekend for window shopping
If you have been seriously considering a major home appliance purchase (clothes washer, refrigerator, dish washer, freezer, room air conditioner), now is the time to get serious.
If you have ever thought about upgrading from your old appliances to newer, energy efficient models, now might be the right time.
Starting Monday, April 19, The State of Alabama will implement a mail-in rebate program to help residents replace older, inefficient appliances with ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances. The program is scheduled to begin April 19, 2010 and will run for three weeks. If funds remain after this initial program, the state may hold a second rebate period in October 2010 during Energy Awareness Month.
The state has $4.4 million in rebate money available. When it's gone, it's gone. The money is part of the federal stimulus package. Some states have already started their appliance rebate program, and Alabama is about jump on board.
Here are the general guidelines and rebates available:
Air Conditioners (Room) — $25
Clothes Washers — $100
Dishwashers — $75
Freezers — $50
Refrigerators — $150
Of course, the appliances have to be ENERGY STAR® qualified to get the rebate
So, spend some time this weekend checking out what's on the market, and head back to the stores on Monday once the rebate program has started.
Here is a link to the official web site.
If you have ever thought about upgrading from your old appliances to newer, energy efficient models, now might be the right time.
Starting Monday, April 19, The State of Alabama will implement a mail-in rebate program to help residents replace older, inefficient appliances with ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances. The program is scheduled to begin April 19, 2010 and will run for three weeks. If funds remain after this initial program, the state may hold a second rebate period in October 2010 during Energy Awareness Month.
The state has $4.4 million in rebate money available. When it's gone, it's gone. The money is part of the federal stimulus package. Some states have already started their appliance rebate program, and Alabama is about jump on board.
Here are the general guidelines and rebates available:
Air Conditioners (Room) — $25
Clothes Washers — $100
Dishwashers — $75
Freezers — $50
Refrigerators — $150
Of course, the appliances have to be ENERGY STAR® qualified to get the rebate
So, spend some time this weekend checking out what's on the market, and head back to the stores on Monday once the rebate program has started.
Here is a link to the official web site.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
House fire a painful reminder of space heater dangers
Most people in Cullman County have, by now, heard news of the house fire this past weekend in which four area residents died.
Reports have come out saying that officials believe the blaze was started by a space heater in a bedroom that was too close to a bed.
Use Your Space Heater Safely
Many people turn to space heaters—both electric models and those powered by kerosene or even wood— as a convenient source of warmth in winter months. However, space heaters can be dangerous if not used properly.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that more than 25,000 residential fires every year are associated with space heaters. More than 300 people die in these fires. In addition, an estimated 6,000 people annually receive hospital emergency care for burn injuries connected with space heaters.
Space heater hazards stem not just from fires caused by contact with or close proximity to heating elements. They also include fires started by flammable fuels used in the heaters; defective wiring in the appliance; and carbon monoxide poisoning caused by improper venting or an incomplete combustion of fuels.
Here are some tips for using your electric space heater safely:
• Keep the heater at least 3 feet from flammable items such as curtains, furniture, or bedspreads.
• Select a space heater with a guard around the heating element.
• When buying a heater, choose one that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing institution such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Buy a heater that can handle the area that you want to heat.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
• Never leave a space heater unattended.
• Never go to sleep with a space heater on.
• Never use or store flammable liquids near a space heater.
• Do not use a heater in a bathroom–it’s a high-moisture area that could cause damage.
• Keep heaters away from water to prevent electrocution.
• Do not use an extension cord with a space heater.
• Do not use the heater to dry clothes.
• Be sure the heater’s plug fits snugly in an outlet. The cord and plug may feel warm when operating since the unit draws so much power, but they should not feel hot. If they do, unplug the heater and have a qualified repair person check for problems.
• Do not attempt to repair a broken heater yourself. It should be checked and repaired by a qualified appliance service center.
For additional safety tips on using space heaters that use wood or kerosene, visit the CPSC’s Web site.
Reports have come out saying that officials believe the blaze was started by a space heater in a bedroom that was too close to a bed.
Use Your Space Heater Safely
Many people turn to space heaters—both electric models and those powered by kerosene or even wood— as a convenient source of warmth in winter months. However, space heaters can be dangerous if not used properly.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that more than 25,000 residential fires every year are associated with space heaters. More than 300 people die in these fires. In addition, an estimated 6,000 people annually receive hospital emergency care for burn injuries connected with space heaters.
Space heater hazards stem not just from fires caused by contact with or close proximity to heating elements. They also include fires started by flammable fuels used in the heaters; defective wiring in the appliance; and carbon monoxide poisoning caused by improper venting or an incomplete combustion of fuels.
Here are some tips for using your electric space heater safely:
• Keep the heater at least 3 feet from flammable items such as curtains, furniture, or bedspreads.
• Select a space heater with a guard around the heating element.
• When buying a heater, choose one that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing institution such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Buy a heater that can handle the area that you want to heat.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
• Never leave a space heater unattended.
• Never go to sleep with a space heater on.
• Never use or store flammable liquids near a space heater.
• Do not use a heater in a bathroom–it’s a high-moisture area that could cause damage.
• Keep heaters away from water to prevent electrocution.
• Do not use an extension cord with a space heater.
• Do not use the heater to dry clothes.
• Be sure the heater’s plug fits snugly in an outlet. The cord and plug may feel warm when operating since the unit draws so much power, but they should not feel hot. If they do, unplug the heater and have a qualified repair person check for problems.
• Do not attempt to repair a broken heater yourself. It should be checked and repaired by a qualified appliance service center.
For additional safety tips on using space heaters that use wood or kerosene, visit the CPSC’s Web site.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
The power of a positive attitude
Stumbled across this story today, and thought it would be a good one to share. Always good to remember that even when we don't have electricity and all of the modern conveniences it supplies, life does go on...
Here's the link, or read the story below:
The power of a power outage
How one mom turned a simple power outage into a time to reconnect as a family
By Julie Friedman
Having lived in our mountain-top home for 16 years, weathering many storms (evacuated twice due to fires and trapped by road closures), I'm used to the unpredictability of natural disasters. Then torrential rains and lightening on Jan. 21 snapped a power line over our pepper trees. With a flick of the switch (so to speak) the next eight hours was a gift from the heavens.
What a novel experience to be without the tools of modern life -- no phone, television, computer or washer and dryer. Before the daylight dwindled, I caught up on my photo albums, organized my dresser drawers, cleared my desk and relaxed by reading the newspaper.
But the true gift came later in the day after picking up my twin boys from school. We bought pizza, came home, lit candles and ate dinner. With ringside seats by the kitchen window, we watched in amazement as electrical crews worked in the dark, rainy night -- the sounds of thunder providing a musical background.
Many times have I seen these tireless workers ascend to great heights to replace power lines. This time however, with the running commentary of my 12-year-old twins it was fueled with excitement.
My husband and I quizzed our boys on their spelling words, lingering longer than usual in making up sentences for each word. One of my boys even serenaded the electrical workers with his accordion, practicing in the dark by the window where they were outside working. Abandoning the usual nighttime routine of watching television, my husband and I sat with the boys as they got into bed and told stories instead.
Families (ours included) tend to waste hard-earned money on movies, events and other outings, when just being together without an activity can be equally satisfying. The days of families gathering around listening to the radio offered homespun fun. This power outage offered an interlude that harkens back to those days. It gave me a moment to reconnect with family in ways lost due to the gadgets and gizmos that occupy our time and minds.
As if it was all synchronized, the power came on right as it was "lights-off" time for my boys. And what could have been just another uneventful school night turned into a true family adventure that will add to our collection of memories for years to come.
Copyright © 2010, Tribune Interactive
Here's the link, or read the story below:
The power of a power outage
How one mom turned a simple power outage into a time to reconnect as a family
By Julie Friedman
Having lived in our mountain-top home for 16 years, weathering many storms (evacuated twice due to fires and trapped by road closures), I'm used to the unpredictability of natural disasters. Then torrential rains and lightening on Jan. 21 snapped a power line over our pepper trees. With a flick of the switch (so to speak) the next eight hours was a gift from the heavens.
What a novel experience to be without the tools of modern life -- no phone, television, computer or washer and dryer. Before the daylight dwindled, I caught up on my photo albums, organized my dresser drawers, cleared my desk and relaxed by reading the newspaper.
But the true gift came later in the day after picking up my twin boys from school. We bought pizza, came home, lit candles and ate dinner. With ringside seats by the kitchen window, we watched in amazement as electrical crews worked in the dark, rainy night -- the sounds of thunder providing a musical background.
Many times have I seen these tireless workers ascend to great heights to replace power lines. This time however, with the running commentary of my 12-year-old twins it was fueled with excitement.
My husband and I quizzed our boys on their spelling words, lingering longer than usual in making up sentences for each word. One of my boys even serenaded the electrical workers with his accordion, practicing in the dark by the window where they were outside working. Abandoning the usual nighttime routine of watching television, my husband and I sat with the boys as they got into bed and told stories instead.
Families (ours included) tend to waste hard-earned money on movies, events and other outings, when just being together without an activity can be equally satisfying. The days of families gathering around listening to the radio offered homespun fun. This power outage offered an interlude that harkens back to those days. It gave me a moment to reconnect with family in ways lost due to the gadgets and gizmos that occupy our time and minds.
As if it was all synchronized, the power came on right as it was "lights-off" time for my boys. And what could have been just another uneventful school night turned into a true family adventure that will add to our collection of memories for years to come.
Copyright © 2010, Tribune Interactive
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
In case you didn't know, Alabama has a football game Thursday night
We've had a few people ask "what is the co-op doing to prepare for the weather (ultra cold temperatures and snow) predicted for Thursday?"
What they are really trying to say is "what is the co-op doing to make sure the power doesn't go out while I'm watching Alabama play Texas in the BCS national championship game?"
Well, there is good news and bad news.
The good news — most weather forecasts we've been following are calling for anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of snow. That's not a problem. Snow by itself really poses no major threat to the power distribution system (power lines). If all we get is a few inches of snow, then people should be able to go outside after the game and celebrate Alabama's victory by making snow angels in the front yard.
The bad news — the well-below-freezing temperatures pose a potential threat. When it gets Minnesota cold in Alabama, everyone tends to crank up the heater and/or plug in space heaters. When everyone is using more electricity than they normally would, that could cause circuits to overload, and that could result in a power outage.
Cullman EC's construction and engineering staff monitor our electrical system throughout the year in an effort to prevent just these type of problems. But sometimes Mother Nature takes over and there is nothing we can do except deal with the consequences as quickly — and safely — as possible.
So, to answer the question: Yes, we are prepared for the cold weather. We've done everything we can to make sure you can watch the big game while staying warm inside your home. And if Mother Nature causes problems, you can be assured Cullman EC's linemen will be working to fix the problems ASAP.
What they are really trying to say is "what is the co-op doing to make sure the power doesn't go out while I'm watching Alabama play Texas in the BCS national championship game?"
Well, there is good news and bad news.
The good news — most weather forecasts we've been following are calling for anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of snow. That's not a problem. Snow by itself really poses no major threat to the power distribution system (power lines). If all we get is a few inches of snow, then people should be able to go outside after the game and celebrate Alabama's victory by making snow angels in the front yard.
The bad news — the well-below-freezing temperatures pose a potential threat. When it gets Minnesota cold in Alabama, everyone tends to crank up the heater and/or plug in space heaters. When everyone is using more electricity than they normally would, that could cause circuits to overload, and that could result in a power outage.
Cullman EC's construction and engineering staff monitor our electrical system throughout the year in an effort to prevent just these type of problems. But sometimes Mother Nature takes over and there is nothing we can do except deal with the consequences as quickly — and safely — as possible.
So, to answer the question: Yes, we are prepared for the cold weather. We've done everything we can to make sure you can watch the big game while staying warm inside your home. And if Mother Nature causes problems, you can be assured Cullman EC's linemen will be working to fix the problems ASAP.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
You think it's cold outside right now...
Just wait. The National Weather Service is calling for a high temperature of 29 on Friday and 25 degrees on Saturday after a cold front moves through on Thursday.
(On a personal note, I would like to state my objection to Mother Nature. There is a reason many of us choose to live in the South, and part of it includes our dislike of bitterly cold weather. We do not appreciate this type of erratic behavior on your part.)
Here are some energy saving tips you can use at home to combat the cold weather:
• Take a quick inventory of your home, and see what you might be able to turn off or unplug – cell phone chargers, TVs, lights when you leave a room.
• Set the thermostat no higher than 68 degrees or to the lowest comfortable temperature. Moving the thermostat down one degree means as much as a three-percent reduction in your electric bill. Wear a sweater or sweatshirt inside the house and you can move the thermostat down another degree or two.
• Keep heating system filters clean.
• Keep air vents clear of obstructions.
• Open blinds/drapes on the sunny side of the house during the day and let the sun naturally heat your home, but close them at night.
• Compact fluorescent lamps can replace bulbs in most table lamps and will save up to 75 percent in lighting energy, produce more light and last up to 10 times longer.
• Wash full loads of clothes in the coolest water possible. Rinse clothes in cold water.
• Keep the temperature between 36 degrees and 40 degrees in the refrigerator and 0 degrees and 5 degrees in the freezer. Use a refrigerator/freezer thermometer to check the settings.
• Stop the dryer as soon as clothes are dry, or use the moisture sensor control to automatically shut off the dryer. Overdrying wastes energy and sets in wrinkles.
• Dry loads one right after another. You'll use less energy because the dryer is already heated.
• Use electricity for work (such as laundry, running the dishwasher, ironing, cleaning, etc.) during non-peak hours. Peak hours are between 5-7 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
• Avoid using the oven during peak hours. A microwave is much more energy efficient.
• Take your showers at night before you go to bed rather than in the morning during peak times.
• Unplug unnecessary electric appliances and equipment.
• Don't have every TV and light on in your home — learn to turn out lights when you leave a room.
• Turn off indoor and outdoor decorative lighting.
• Reduce exterior door openings and closings — weatherstrip and caulk.
(On a personal note, I would like to state my objection to Mother Nature. There is a reason many of us choose to live in the South, and part of it includes our dislike of bitterly cold weather. We do not appreciate this type of erratic behavior on your part.)
Here are some energy saving tips you can use at home to combat the cold weather:
• Take a quick inventory of your home, and see what you might be able to turn off or unplug – cell phone chargers, TVs, lights when you leave a room.
• Set the thermostat no higher than 68 degrees or to the lowest comfortable temperature. Moving the thermostat down one degree means as much as a three-percent reduction in your electric bill. Wear a sweater or sweatshirt inside the house and you can move the thermostat down another degree or two.
• Keep heating system filters clean.
• Keep air vents clear of obstructions.
• Open blinds/drapes on the sunny side of the house during the day and let the sun naturally heat your home, but close them at night.
• Compact fluorescent lamps can replace bulbs in most table lamps and will save up to 75 percent in lighting energy, produce more light and last up to 10 times longer.
• Wash full loads of clothes in the coolest water possible. Rinse clothes in cold water.
• Keep the temperature between 36 degrees and 40 degrees in the refrigerator and 0 degrees and 5 degrees in the freezer. Use a refrigerator/freezer thermometer to check the settings.
• Stop the dryer as soon as clothes are dry, or use the moisture sensor control to automatically shut off the dryer. Overdrying wastes energy and sets in wrinkles.
• Dry loads one right after another. You'll use less energy because the dryer is already heated.
• Use electricity for work (such as laundry, running the dishwasher, ironing, cleaning, etc.) during non-peak hours. Peak hours are between 5-7 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
• Avoid using the oven during peak hours. A microwave is much more energy efficient.
• Take your showers at night before you go to bed rather than in the morning during peak times.
• Unplug unnecessary electric appliances and equipment.
• Don't have every TV and light on in your home — learn to turn out lights when you leave a room.
• Turn off indoor and outdoor decorative lighting.
• Reduce exterior door openings and closings — weatherstrip and caulk.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
PACE News: Earthquakes and Bats slow renewable energy projects
The Partnership for Affordable Clean Energy keeps a close eye on what's happening with the climate change debate, and legislation that could impact people here in Alabama. PACE was organized and is run by Lance Brown, who sends out e-mail updates every once in a while, and we'll start sharing them with you. Check out the PACE website to learn more.
PACE NEWS (12/15/09)
Renewables Meet Reality: From Earthquakes to Bats, Ambitious Projects Hit Roadblocks
According to a New York Times article from December 12th, "the company in charge of a California project to extract vast amounts of renewable energy from deep, hot bedrock has removed its drill rig and informed federal officials that the government project will be abandoned."
According to NYT reporter James Glanz, "the project by the company, Alta Rock Energy, was the Obama administration's first major test of geothermal energy as a significant alternative to fossil fuels and the project was being financed with federal Department of Energy money at a site about 100 miles north of San Francisco called the Geysers." The abandonment of the project by AltaRock comes on the heels of a permanent shut down of a similar project in Basel, Switzerland, that caused damaging earthquakes in 2006 and 2007. The geothermal project at the Geysers relied on $6 million from the Department of Energy and five times that amount in venture capital.
On the other side of the country, a major wind project in West Virginia has been stopped in recent days by a smaller - and furrier - concern: bats.
On December 8th, a federal judge in Maryland concluded that "there is a virtual certainty that Indiana bats will be harmed, wounded, or killed imminently by the Beech Ridge Project...", located in Greenbriar County, West Virginia, and operated by Beech Ridge LLC. The company planned to build and operate 122 wind turbines along 23 miles of ridgelines. According to published reports, 40 of the wind turbines are already under construction.
According to this first-of-a-kind ruling, Beech Ridge LLC did not properly determine whether Indiana bats were present at the project site. Acoustic data later revealed that Indiana bats were likely to be present at the project site in the Spring, Summer, and Fall and would be endangered by the wind turbines. The bats hibernate in Winter.
"Whether it's the shut down of geothermal in California or wind in West Virginia, I think we are starting to see that the build-out of renewable energy can be a treacherous road," says Lance Brown, PACE Executive Director. "It should make us think at least twice about whether aggressive national renewable mandates are even achievable in the proposed timeframes, much less equitable or affordable."
PACE NEWS (12/15/09)
Renewables Meet Reality: From Earthquakes to Bats, Ambitious Projects Hit Roadblocks
According to a New York Times article from December 12th, "the company in charge of a California project to extract vast amounts of renewable energy from deep, hot bedrock has removed its drill rig and informed federal officials that the government project will be abandoned."
According to NYT reporter James Glanz, "the project by the company, Alta Rock Energy, was the Obama administration's first major test of geothermal energy as a significant alternative to fossil fuels and the project was being financed with federal Department of Energy money at a site about 100 miles north of San Francisco called the Geysers." The abandonment of the project by AltaRock comes on the heels of a permanent shut down of a similar project in Basel, Switzerland, that caused damaging earthquakes in 2006 and 2007. The geothermal project at the Geysers relied on $6 million from the Department of Energy and five times that amount in venture capital.
On the other side of the country, a major wind project in West Virginia has been stopped in recent days by a smaller - and furrier - concern: bats.
On December 8th, a federal judge in Maryland concluded that "there is a virtual certainty that Indiana bats will be harmed, wounded, or killed imminently by the Beech Ridge Project...", located in Greenbriar County, West Virginia, and operated by Beech Ridge LLC. The company planned to build and operate 122 wind turbines along 23 miles of ridgelines. According to published reports, 40 of the wind turbines are already under construction.
According to this first-of-a-kind ruling, Beech Ridge LLC did not properly determine whether Indiana bats were present at the project site. Acoustic data later revealed that Indiana bats were likely to be present at the project site in the Spring, Summer, and Fall and would be endangered by the wind turbines. The bats hibernate in Winter.
"Whether it's the shut down of geothermal in California or wind in West Virginia, I think we are starting to see that the build-out of renewable energy can be a treacherous road," says Lance Brown, PACE Executive Director. "It should make us think at least twice about whether aggressive national renewable mandates are even achievable in the proposed timeframes, much less equitable or affordable."
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