Energy User News articles from June 2003

Energy User News archives from June 2003

U.S. announces big Clean Air settlements amid controversy.(Dominion Virginia Power agrees to spend $1.2 billion to address emission problems at plants in Virginia, West Virginia)
June 1, 2003... WASHINGTON, DC -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on April 21 announced the largest Clean Air Act enforcement settlement with a power utility. Dominion Virginia Power, formerly known as Virginia...

Concessions are not enough to save SMD.(Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's standard market design)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... WASHINGTON, DC -- Despite concessions to states that viewed the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) standard market design (SMD) proposal as a power grab, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources slammed the door on the...

Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator Inc. (Eunticker).(agrees to partnership with Tennessee Valley Authority, PJM Interconnection)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator Inc. (MISO), PJM Interconnection (PJM) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), three of the largest power grid operators in the eastern-half of the United States, agreed to work together to...

Constellation Energy Group Inc. (Eunticker).(plans to bring new plant on line in early summer)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Constellation Energy Group Inc. expects to bring its new 850-MW High Desert gas-fired power plant in Southern California on line in early summer. Speculation about the status of the plant was heightened by its inclusion of the California...

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District. (Eunticker).(announces opening of wind power plant in Solano County, California)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) reported that its 10-MW wind power plant in Solano County, CA, is now up and running. The plant consists of 15 Vestas 660-kW turbines. The completed California project together with the turbine...

Aquila Inc. (Eunticker).(reports loss of almost $2.1 billion)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Aquila Inc. posted an annual loss of nearly $2.1 billion, the majority of the loss coming from write-offs for failed investments and devalued businesses. Company officials said they expected continued losses for 2003 and into 2004 but predicted...

The U.S. Department of Energy. (Eunticker).(announces energy agreement with Russia)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced on April 8th that the U.S. and Russia had signed a new Protocol on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The protocol was signed during a meeting of the U.S/Russia Energy Working Group (EWG),...

Williams Cos. (Eunticker).(will sell Texas Gas pipeline system)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Williams Cos. announced April 15 that in order to reduce debt it has agreed to sell its a 5800-mile Texas Gas pipeline system for more than $1 billion. The Tulsa energy company's latest sale of a natural-gas pipeline means Williams will slip...

Eunload Profile.(Priorities for Future Application of Technology survey from Association of Energy Engineers )(Brief Article)(Illustration)
June 1, 2003... EUNLOAD PROFILE Priorities for Future Application of Technology Renewable energy 10% New lighting technologies 28% Metering equipment 23% Geothermal heat pump ...

EUN Calendar.(Calendar)
June 1, 2003... JUNE 14-18 APPA National Conference, Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, TN. American Public Power Association. For more information, call Paulette Kum: (202) 467-2941 or visit: www.appanet.org 26-27 Forum on Power Supply, Marriott...

Transmission key for New York-Area power. (News).(TransEnergie struggles to gain permission to put underwater cable into service)
June 1, 2003... NEW YORK, NY--While New York on April 16 approved running a new 600-MW power cable across the Hudson River from a New Jersey power plant to New York City, a Connecticut Superior Court judge blocked the latest attempt by Canada's TransEnergie to...

AEE lists proposals for energy policy. (News).(Association of Energy Engineers)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... ATLANTA, GA--A market survey conducted by the Association of Energy Engineers (ABE) produced a detailed list of proposals to ease U.S. dependence on foreign energy sources. The AEE, a non-profit organization, developed the proposals based on...

As a Result of Current or Pending Deregulation, it is.(deregulation survey data)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
June 1, 2003... AS A RESULT OF CURRENT OR PENDING DEREGULATION, IT IS Approval of energy projects has not changed 57% Easier to get energy projects approved 12% More difficult to get energy projects approved 31% Note: Table made from...

ASHRAE funds research to provide data on new refrigerants. (News).(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... CHICAGO, IL--As R-22 is phased out, system designers using flooded evaporators in low temperature systems likely will turn to R-507 as perhaps the only viable alternative to ammonia due to concerns about fractionation of other possible HIFC...

Economy slows CFC chiller phase out. (News).(chlorofluorocarbons chiller use survey from Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... ARLINGTON, VA--Building owners in the United States last year replaced or converted 2594 comfort cooling chillers that use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), leaving an estimated 38,800 of the units that still rely on CFC refrigerants. The United...

America's economy could profit from renewable energy. (News).(report from U.S. PIRG)
June 1, 2003... WASHINGTON, DC--America has the potential to generate four times its current electricity generation from renewables, not counting its considerable solar resources, according to a new report released April 16 by U.S. PIRG. Generating...

EIA assesses natural gas productive capacity for 2003. (News).(Energy Information Administration)
June 1, 2003... WASHINGTON, DC--Estimates of available productive capacity for natural gas during 2003 are developed and compared to forecasted natural gas demand in the latest edition of Natural Gas Productive Capacity For the Lower-48 States, released in...

Contractor creates unique air distribution system. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... OVERLANDPARK, KS--A Johnson County real estate office is the first in the area to enjoy the comforts of an unconventional beating and cooling system. A.L. Huber General Contractor recently completed the construction of a Reece & Nichols office....

Letters.(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2003... Green and Purple Money Only accounting can tell the difference Joel Levin's observations on how finance officers have a different view of the value of energy conservation struck a real chord with readers. They share their frustration...

Conservation always reduces cost: energy managers can rely on energy management-even in turbulent times. .(Editorial)
June 1, 2003... Recent news reports citing high natural gas prices, nuclear plant outages, and spot shortages due to transmission limits all point to the possibility of higher than expected electricity prices this summer. That natural gas prices will be high...

What's in a name? A horse is a horse, of course. (Green Matters: Environmental Policies).(global warming and junk science)
June 1, 2003... Remember when the concept of global warming and other controversial environmental notions were only "junk science"? Recently, we came across a guy who has taken that pejorative to a new level -- perverse science! We don't know if he...

ASHRAE/IES 90.1-1999 energy code: the code has strict lighting requirements.
June 1, 2003... Energy codes are designed to set minimum standards for design and construction and can significantly reduce building system life-cycle costs. ASHRAE/IES 90.1 Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, developed in the...

The strategic energy spend: a new way to think about energy.
June 1, 2003... In the last two years, energy operational costs have gone up by 10% annually for retailers and commercial businesses. This time of dramatic rate increases, compounded by recent world and economic events has lead to confusion--and innovation...

Lighting controls in the changing workplace: new opportunities for saving.
June 1, 2003... Today's commercial building owners, and their occupants, need more flexible lighting controls than ever before. Space usage changes more rapidly as the nature of business activities change and business environments evolve. Office occupancy...

Submeters help San Diego Convention Center reduce electric bill, monitor power quality: electric submeters help facility lop $13K off its annual power bill. (Case Studies).(Advertisement)
June 1, 2003... With today's cost of energy, just paying the electric bill for an average home can cause sticker shock. Imagine, then, how the operators of the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC)--a seven-city-block long, 2.6 million square-foot ([ft.sup.2])...

Data acquisition and management information system. (Products Literature & Services).(Advertisement)
June 1, 2003... Data acquisition and management information system with an improved graphical interface provides a comprehensive, real-time assessment of essential equipment and operations within a facility. Based on PC technology utilizing Microsoft Windows...

Power meter. (Products Literature & Services).(Advertisement)
June 1, 2003... Power meter features a large display that allows users to view all three phases, plus neutral, for current or voltage at one time. Combining data collection capabilities with its firmware, the meter can automatically forecast power use. Users...

Tandem scroll compressors. (Products Literature & Services).(Advertisement)
June 1, 2003... Tandem scroll compressors for mid-range commercial air conditioning systems, intended for use in chillers and large rooftop units, pair two compressors of different frame sizes. The 35-hp tandem product combines a 15- and a 20-hp compressor,...

Fluorescent ballast. (Products Literature & Services).(Advertisement)
June 1, 2003... Fluorescent ballast with built-in infrared dimmer offers personal control of overhead lighting through the use of a handheld JR transmitter. Overhead lighting can be individually set to various levels, reducing eyestrain, increasing comfort,...

Border tube system. (Products Literature & Services).
June 1, 2003... Border tube system for outdoor sign applications is high-brightness LED solution which provides an energy savings up to 85% over standard neon, the manufacturer says. The system includes pre-manufactured corners (interior and exterior),...

Choosing the right integrator. (Products Literature & Services).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Choosing the right integrator for your building automation project is the topic of a white paper that offers an understanding of the difference between system integrators and product integrators when implementing a building control project....

Web-based interface. (Products Literature & Services).
June 1, 2003... Web-based interface provides 24/7 access to the company's facility management system. Authorized personnel can access the system in real time across their facility's local or wide area network using a standard web browser. There is no need to...

On-line UPS. (Products Literature & Services).
June 1, 2003... On-line UPS fulfills the need of users who operate computer and other sensitive equipment in environments where a 208/240 input voltage source is not available. The unit offers 120- and 240-V output, making it suitable for smaller office...

Digital soft starters. (Products Literature & Services).
June 1, 2003... Digital soft starters offer advanced motor control and simplified operation in a package that is one-fifth the size of conventional soft-starters, the manufacturer claims. The line will accommodate motors from 3 to 60 hp (10-85 A, 220-575 Vac)....

Industrial standby generator line. (Products Literature & Services).
June 1, 2003... Industrial standby generator line features 12 models with outputs ranging from 75 to 500 kW. The generators are suited for use at factories, schools, hospitals, and other facilities requiring dependable standby power. Each unit is powered by a...

Load profiling meter enhancements. (Products Literature & Services).
June 1, 2003... Load profiling meter enhancements include kW and kVAR load profiling, alarming and control options, net-metering Capability, and a third channel for storing reactive (kVAR) data in its interval data readings. Optional Form C relay provides...

Surge protection device. (Products Literature & Services).
June 1, 2003... Surge protection device (SPD) is a hybrid that provides both surge suppression and broadband noise filtration in a compact, low-profile, and lightweight unit. It is ideal for protecting critical power in commercial, industrial, and OEM...

Variable-speed drive. (Products Literature & Services).
June 1, 2003... Variable-speed drive (VSD) reduces chiller energy use up to 30% while enhancing operating safety and equipment life, the manufacturer says. It can be added to both new and existing chillers. Adaptive Capacity Control (acc) learns and remembers...

Industrial standby gen sets. (Products Literature & Services).
June 1, 2003... Industrial standby gen sets are available in 75-300 kW capacities with standard water-cooled Perkins four and six-cylinder diesel engines. Optional engine choices are John Deere and Isuzu. Status monitor flashes in the event of low oil...

Line current differential relay. (Products Literature & Services).
June 1, 2003... Line current differential relay features full distance and/or overcurrent backup for high-speed line protection, the manufacturer says. Bulk power users can now protect, monitor, and control main lines with a single piece of equipment that can...

Power transfer load center. (Products Literature & Services).
June 1, 2003... Power transfer load center (PTLC) protects sensitive electronic equipment from power outages and electrical transients. The unit integrates an automatic transfer switch, transient voltage surge suppression modules, power distribution, and...

Inverter-duty motor family. (Products Literature & Services).
June 1, 2003... Inverter-duty motor family will provide 1000:1 constant torque in a totally enclosed fan-cooled motor enclosure. This level of performance is normally provided only by a TEBC motor with a separate external blower and blower starter or with an...

Energy management software. (Products Literature & Services).
June 1, 2003... Energy management software for the company's unitary controllers allows customers to lower energy costs and reduce installation times. It combines advanced VAV control sequences with intelligent energy management algorithms in a dedicated,...

HVAC rotary-based fiberglass duct liner. (Products Literature & Services).
June 1, 2003... HVAC rotary-based fiberglass duct liner is said to be approximately 40% more moisture resistant than the previous generation of the company's product. Unlike reflective, continuous film coatings, the "breathable" surface coating preserves the...

Solid-state motor starter. (Products Literature & Services).
June 1, 2003... Solid-state motor starter virtually eliminates the high inrush currents and damaging starting torque that can occur when starting ac motors across the line. It is an alternative to electro-mechanical reduced voltage motor starting, since it...

State energy efficiency programs grow, in contrast to fed retreat. (News).(states and utilities are focusing on energy efficiency, while the federal government continues to cut efficiency programs)
June 1, 2003... WASHINGTON, DC--Despite weak state budgets and a soft economy, states and utilities are boosting their investment in energy efficiency, while the federal government continues to cut efficiency programs, says the American Council for an...

Producers and consumers of natural gas support free market price reporting. (News).
June 1, 2003... WASHINGTON. DC--An industry-led price reporting process remains the most effective way to provide the natural gas industry with price transparency. However, significant improvements need to be made to restore confidence in the market, the...

Nicolet college plans ecovillage. (News).(Nicolet Area Technical College in Rhinelander, WI, launches a campus-wide focus on renewable energy)
June 1, 2003... WAUNAKEE, WI--Nicolet Area Technical College in Rhinelander, WI, is the first of the state's 16 technical colleges to embrace a campus-wide focus on renewable energy. The college, using grant monies from the Wisconsin Technical College System...

Microsol and ATS expand in North America. (News).(Microsol and Automation Technologies & Services form an organization )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Microsol, Ltd. and Automation Technologies & Services, LLC announced the formation of a new organization, which will provide comprehensive offerings of equipment and services for monitoring, control and asset-management of electric utilities...

Energy lab reduces impact on environment. (News).(the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's employees are following the Laboratory's Sustainable NREL program)
June 1, 2003... GOLDEN, CO--Employees at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are walking the talk by reducing their impact on the environment at work through the Laboratory's Sustainable NREL program. "Our...

NY demand curve draws protest, support. (News).(the New York Energy Buyers Forum protests the New York Independent System Operator's proposed process for pricing of generation capacity)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... NEW YORK -- The New York Energy Buyers Forum (NYEBF) filed a protest against the New York Independent System Operator's (NYISO) proposed demand curve process for pricing of generation capacity. The 22 members of the group filed legal papers...

Ambient deploys power line communications in AL. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... NEW YORK -- Ambient Corporation (PLC), announced the successful deployment of a field trial of its proprietary power line communications technology, in partnership with Southern Telecom Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company. The...

NEEI training benefits districts. (News).(training of staff members help two Oregon school districts achieve cost savings through energy efficiency projects)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Authorities credit training received by staff members with helping two Oregon school districts achieve cost savings through energy efficiency projects. The two school districts, North Santiam and Tigard-Tualatin, encouraged staff members to...

Luxaire Makes-A-Wish come true for child. (News).(Luxaire Heating and Air Conditioning and the Make-A-Wish Foundation form a partnership)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... NORMAN, OK -- The first in a series of wishes made possible by a partnership between Luxaire Heating and Air Conditioning and the Make-A-Wish Foundation has been granted to a 7-year-old Tuttle, OK, resident. Amber, a victim of B-Cell...

Jackson Associates explains delay in DG mkt development. (News).(Jackson Associates releases a study of the dealys in the DG market)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... QUEENS, NY -- Jackson Associates released a study dated March 19 analyzing and explaining delays in the DG market. According to Jackson Associates, DG market proponents have long anticipated a market takeoff that has not materialized. Results...

Hotel hosts energy-efficient lighting controls. (News).(DoubleTree Hotel in Sacramento, California)
June 1, 2003... SACRAMENTO, CA -- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) researchers are studying the energy savings of a new lighting control system to be installed at a DoubleTree Hotel in Sacramento, CA, under an agreement signed in March by...

Select Energy secures wholesale power deals for MA and NJ utilities. (News).(Massachusetts, New Jersey)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... BERLIN, CT -- Select Energy, the energy marketing subsidiary of Northeast Utilities (NYSE: NU), made an April 14th announcement of new wholesale contracts to serve electric utilities in Massachusetts and New Jersey. Effective May 1, 2003,...

Today's energy company bankruptcies were predicted. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... HAUPPAUGE, NY -- While the recent spate of energy company bankruptcies and threatened bankruptcy filings seem to have taken the industry by surprise, regulators predicted the trend a decade ago. In the years 1993 through 1995, R.J. Rudden...

HP announces 'smart' cooling solution for data centers. (News).(Hewlett-Packard Co.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... PALO ALTO, CA -- Hewlett-Packard Co. (HP) recently announced a "smart" cooling solution for the design of data centers that it says could dramatically reduce energy use and save enterprise users millions of dollars annually. The solution uses...

Degree Days for Selected Cities.(Illustration)
June 1, 2003... DEGREE DAYS For Selected Cities April City Monthly Monthly Deviation Monthly Deviation Total from Norm from Last Year Atlanta 134 -17 45 Baltimore ...

Weather Hedging.(cooling degree days data)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
June 1, 2003... Weather Hedging: Chicago Mercantile Exchange Weather Futures Prices Each Degree Day valued at $100 per contract HDD Cooling Degree Days Location April April June...

Electricity Price Comparison.(Illustration)
June 1, 2003... Electricity Price Comparison Breakeven Rates 1st Q-02 2st Q-02 3rd Q-02 Large Office (150,000 [ft.sup.2]) Boston Edison Company (Boston, MA) ...

Gas Price Comparison.(Illustration)
June 1, 2003... Gas Price Comparison Breakeven Rates ($/therm) 1st Q-02 2nd Q-02 3rd Q-02 Large Office...

Ranking of Electricity Prices Commercial.(Illustration)
June 1, 2003... Ranking of Electricity Prices Commercial Rank Cts/kWh ST UTILITY %Total kWh 1 23.03 AK Bethel Utilities Corp. 0.007% 2 21.95 AK Koizehue Electric Assn., Inc. 0.002% 3...

Rebate Report.(Illustration)
June 1, 2003... Rebate Report State HVAC Motors Gas Water Renewables Refrigeration Alabama Alaska Arizona X X Arkansas X California X X X ...

Ranking of Gas Utility Prices By State Commercial.(Illustration)
June 1, 2003... Ranking of Gas Utility Prices By State Commercial Rank State Price/Mcf 1 Hawaii $18.89 2 District of Columbia $10.09 3 Rhode Island $9.19 4 Maine ...

EMC focuses on leading-edge technologies for green buildings, distributed generation, and meeting California's toxic mold Ordinance.(West Coast Energy Management Congress)
June 1, 2003... The West Coast Energy Management Congress, with its 21-year proven track record, has gained the reputation as the leading-edge" conference and exposition most likely to improve your company's bottom line by showing you how to apply innovative...

Conference Program.(Calendar)
June 1, 2003... Wednesday, September 17, 2003 / CONCURRENT AFTERNOON SESSIONS / 2:30-4:30 pm TRACL 1: Capacity Building SESSION 1A DEMAND RESPONSE PROGRAMS Chair: PETER W. LIVINGSTON, P.E., C.E.M., Director of Energy Engineering, Beechard...

Aee Seminar Options.(Calendar)
June 1, 2003... Two and one half-day certification seminars: Monday-Wednesday / September 15-17, 2003 8:30 am - 5:00 pm On Monday, Tuesday, and half of Wednesday, AEE will present the Fundamentals of lighting Efficiency along with the Certified...

Expo Showcase.(listing of exhibitors expected at West Coast EMC 2003)
June 1, 2003... Make plans to attend the show on September 17-18 to see these West Coast EMC 2003 exhibitors. The following list represents a partial list of exhibitors as of April 16, 2003. We invite you to visit the expo to see firsthand the latest in...