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Energy News | September 2009

National Energy News

  1. NEMA Publishes Fluorescent Lighting Systems Standard - NEMA, Rosslyn, Va., has published LL 9-2009, "Dimming of T8 Fluorescent Lighting Systems." This new standard is the first coordinated guidance from industry on the dimming of T8 fluorescent lighting systems and covers ranges between 100% and approximately 35% output (60mA lamp current). The publication was a result of discussions between numerous manufacturers and end-users as well as years of data gathering, testing, and analysis.  LL 9 may be downloaded at no charge, or a hardcopy purchased for $36, by visiting: http://www.nema.org/stds/ll9.cfm
  2. Proposed Addendum by ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007 Energy Standards for Buildings, Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings - is now out for public review, with comments due to ASHRAE by September 28th.   http://www.ashrae.org/technology/page/331
  3. Latest $$$ Incentives from DSIRE - The Database for State Incentives for Renewables & Energy (DSIRE) is loaded with new financial incentives for energy-efficient lighting and renewable energy sources. http://enews.penton.com
  4. Capitol Dome Could Be a Glowing Example of Energy Efficiency - How many lawmakers does it take to change a light bulb? You may soon find out, thanks to an effort underway to illuminate the U.S. Capitol dome with more energy-efficient lighting.  Helen K. Diemer, president of the Lighting Practice, the Philadelphia-based consulting firm was hired, at a cost of $671,900, to come up with a system that would not only save energy but also celebrate the Capitol's "unique identity" and "enliven the visual experience" of all those who view it. 08/21 Los Angeles Times
  5. $60 Billion to Be Spent on Green Buildingsby 2013 -McGraw-Hill Construction, SmartMarket Trends Report, 2008.  Green building and sustainable design are trends that are here to stay. If you are in any profession linked to new buildings or existing buildings it will become harder to compete if you are not current with the trends. CleanEdison offers courses in LEED Green Associate , Operations and Maintenance , Building Design and Construction , and LEED for Homes to corporations and individuals Nationwide.  There are many state and local incentives for green products. Some of which are:

    6. View more effective ways to join the Green Economy: visit www.cleanedison.com

     

  6. Does Banning The Traditional Light Bulb Make Environmental Sense? - The economic and environmental cases in favour of CFLs against domestic light bulbs have been made for many years and yet have failed to convince the buying public. The recent increases in electricity prices have strengthened the financial argument, but to little effect on consumer buying habits.  A political solution was to remove the choice and force domestic light bulbs off the shelves. This was not by legal abolition, but an informal agreement last year by the major UK retailers that sets out a staggered timetable starting with 150 W lamps and above.  As a consequence tungsten halogen lamps are now appearing that emit almost the same light output as 40, 60 and 100 W light bulbs but which consume about 30 per cent less energy and last twice as long. Comparison of GLS lamps and new halogen lamps from OSRAM. The final twist is that the current halogen lamp is also due to be phased out in a second stage proposed by European lamp companies unless its efficacy can be improved and the wattage ratings reduced further. http://www.bsria.co.uk/news/light-bulb
  7. DOE Municipal Solid-State Street Lighting Consortium - To leverage the efforts of multiple cities pursuing evaluations of LED street lighting products, DOE has announced the formation of a Municipal Solid-State Street Lighting Consortium. The Consortium will collect, analyze, and share technical information and experiences related to LED street lighting demonstrations.  Membership will be open to municipalities, utilities, and energy efficiency organizations (more details will follow soon). DOE does not anticipate that Consortium membership will be open to manufacturers, though manufacturers might occasionally be invited to present information on selected topics at Consortium meetings. DOE expects to launch the Consortium in September 2009.www1.eere.energy.gov/
  8. New Construction Starts Jump 8% in July - The value of new construction starts rose 8% in July to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $420.3 billion, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, New York. Non-residential building strengthened after a very weak June, while residential building continued to edge upward from its depressed performance at the outset of 2009. The non-building construction sector, comprised of public works and electric utilities, was essentially flat in July with the previous month.  http://ecmweb.com
  9. Rebates Coming for Buying New Appliances - Call it "Cash for Clunkers," the home-appliance edition. The government hopes to have a program up and running by the end of the year that would provide consumers rebates for buying Energy Star-qualified home appliances.  The program will differ from the clunker program in that each state will craft its own requirements and old appliances won't necessarily have to be traded in and junked. The government has set aside $300 million to fund state-run rebate programs.  Each state will determine which appliances qualify for rebates and how large those rebates will be. The government has its eyes on boilers, central air conditioners, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, furnaces, heat pumps, refrigerators, room air-conditioners and water heaters. 08/22 The Columbus Dispatch
  10. Energy Efficiency for Electronic Ballasts for T8 Fluorescent Lamps - NEMA BL 2-2007 includes energy efficiency requirements for declaration as NEMA Premium rated products and for evaluating electronic ballasts designed for use with 4-ft 32 W T8 fluorescent lamps with a lumen output greater than or equal to 3100 lumens.  http://www.nema.org/stds/BL2.cfm
  11. Global Emerging Lighting Technologies Market Worth US$112.2 Billion by 2014 -According to a new market research report, 'Global Emerging Lighting Technologies Market (2009-2014)', published by MarketsandMarkets (http://www.marketsandmarkets.com), the global emerging lighting technologies market is expected to be worth US$112.2 billion by 2014, recording an estimated CAGR of 7.9% from 2009 to 2014. The North American market is expected to account for nearly 39% of the total revenues.  Browse 109 market data tables and in-depth TOC on emerging lighting technologies market. Early buyers will receive 10% customization of reports. http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/emerging-lighting- technologies-and-global-market-120.html 
    The increase in the living standards and changing lifestyles has led to a greater demand for energy-efficient new lighting technologies over the traditional incandescent and halogen lighting. A wide number of application areas ranging from small household lighting to commercial and industrial lighting have been benefited by these emerging lighting technologies. The fulcrum has further shifted in favor of these new technologies by virtue of their availability in different sizes and shapes and with different fixtures to justify their usage in the widely varied application areas. With U.S and Europe holding the major chunk of the market share currently, Asia is seen as an emerging market with tremendous potential, particularly in countries like India and China.  09/02 /PRNewswire
  12. Lighting Equipment Demand Slides Again During Q2 2009 - In addition to a substantial first quarter decline, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Rosslyn, Va., reports that its Lighting Systems Index contracted another 4.3% during the second quarter of 2009. The drop marked the third consecutive quarter in which the index has fallen to a new all-time low reading. On a year-over-year basis, the index was down even more sharply, plunging almost 25%, and has registered more than a collective 30% drop from its cyclical peak in early 2006. For the third consecutive quarter, all major types of lighting equipment that comprise the index posted lower inflation-adjusted shipments versus the second quarter of 2008, with a particularly sizable year-over-year decline in luminaire shipments.  http://ecmweb.com/market_trends/lighting-equipment-demand-20090824/
  13. CFL Market Share Rises in Quarter 2 - Despite the gloomy economy, NEMA recently reported that its index for incandescent lamps registered a reading of 59.4 for the second quarter of 2009, which essentially is unchanged compared to the first three months of this year. Nevertheless, the index decreased 11.85% on a year-over-year basis. CFLs showed a similar result, although declining by a milder rate of 3.95% on a year-over-year basis. Concurrently, the CFL index increased 3.8% versus the first quarter of 2009, climbing to 222.6 on a seasonally adjusted basis. Recent performance could indicate the indices might be at or near bottom given the relatively flat to moderate increases in growth. http://ecmweb.com/market_trends/cfl-market-share-20090818/
  14. USGBCSome Buildings Not Living Up to Green Label - USGBC’s own research suggests that a quarter of the new buildings that have been certified do not save as much energy as their designs predicted and that most do not track energy consumption once in use. And the program has been under attack from architects, engineers and energy experts who argue that because building performance is not tracked, the certification may be falling short in reducing emissions tied to global warming. Some experts have contended that the seal should be withheld until a building proves itself energy efficient, which is the cornerstone of what makes a building green, and that energy-use data from every rated building should be made public.  08/30 NY Times 
  15. LEED Seeks to Beef Up Its Credentials -For some architects and designers, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED program — a green building certification issued by the United States Green Building Council — has always had shortcomings.  Some building professionals and building owners are questioning LEED.   09/04 NY Times
  16. Report Predicts 56% Increase for Solar Cell Production in 2009 - Photovoltaic (PV) solar cell manufacturing capacity is expected to grow 56% in 2009 to 17GW, according to a recent report by DisplaySearch, Austin, TX. The report, "Q3 '09 Quarterly PV Cell Capacity Database & Trends Report," http://www.displaysearch.com claims ramped capacity, which was only 2.3GW in 2005, is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 49% to more than 42GW in 2013.  http://ecmweb.com/ezone/increase-solar-cell-production-20090812
  17. Climate Bill to Be Slowed by Health-Care Debate- The Senate's top Democrat now says that climate legislation will be considered by the end of the year -- a deadline that buys time to see whether Democrats will have the political strength to take up climate change after a bruising health-care fight. But if the health care debate drags on, the energy bill could get stalled by the 2010 congressional midterm elections. 09/08 WSJ
  18. Cash for Clunkers Replaces 700,000 Vehicles with More Efficient Models - The popular "Cash for Clunkers" program ended its brief run on August 25, and the program is estimated to have removed nearly 700,000 inefficient vehicles from U.S. roads. Officially known as the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), the program achieved greater fuel economy gains than originally expected, as consumers chose more fuel-efficient models than were required by the program. In fact, the average fuel economy of the traded-in vehicles, which were crushed, was 15.8 miles per gallon (mpg), while the average fuel economy of the newly purchased vehicles was 24.9 mpg. That's a fuel economy gain of 9.1 mpg, or 58%.  According to DOT, the top vehicles traded in under the program include sport utility vehicles, pickups, and vans from Ford, Jeep, Dodge, and Chevrolet. The top 10 new vehicles purchased include cars from Toyota Motor Sales, American Honda Motor Co., Hyundai Motor America, Nissan North America, and the Ford Motor Company, with the Ford Focus and Ford Escape both making the top-10 list.  http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=14875
  19. T12s Still Popular Despite 2010 Phase-Out   - Many building owners haven’t upgraded their four-foot T12 fluorescent lighting systems, despite the fact that much more efficient alternatives have been available for at least a decade, according to a recent study by the National Lighting Bureau (NLB), Silver Spring, Md.  “T12 fluorescent technology is 70 years old and is generally considered outdated when compared to the far more efficient T8 and T5 fluorescent technologies currently available,” said Susan Bloom, NLB’s vice chair and director of corporate communications for Philips Lighting and Philips Lighting Electronics. “Nonetheless, industry sales data reveal that less-efficient T12s still account for three out of every ten four-foot fluorescent lamps sold in the U.S. This means that literally millions of existing T12 fluorescent lighting sockets will have to be upgraded sooner rather than later, because the lack of these replacement ballasts will make T12 lighting harder to maintain. http://enews.penton.com
  20. Natural Gas Hits a Roadblock in New Energy Bill- The natural gas industry has enjoyed something of a winning streak in recent years. It found gigantic new reserves, low prices are encouraging utilities to substitute gas for coal, and cities are switching to buses fueled by natural gas. But its luck has run out in Washington, where the industry is having trouble making its case to Congress as it writes an energy bill to tackle global warming. For all its pronouncements that gas could be used to replace aging, inefficient coal-fired power plants — and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the process — lawmakers from coal-producing states appear committed to keeping coal as the nation’s primary producer of power. Those influential lawmakers, from both parties, say that new technologies under development to capture and bury emissions of coal are a better bet than gas for long-term solutions to climate change.  The Senate is planning to begin writing its own bill later this month and is more open to natural gas.  09/07 NY Times
  21. Rebates On Way for Energy-Efficient Machines - Virtually lost in the $787 billion economic stimulus package approved by Congress earlier this year was a $296 million program offering rebates to buyers of more energy-efficient appliances carrying the Energy Star label. Like Cash for Clunkers, a federal "Cash for Appliances" program is on the drawing board, coming to a nearby store before year's end. 09/05 The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
  22. Who’s Who 2009: Leaders in Energy Management and Sustainability in September Buildings - http://www.buildings.com
    The Buildings editorial team has selected a dozen organizations whose practices in energy management and sustainability have resulted in significant reductions in energy usage and operating costs. These organizations have also anticipated the future by putting practices in place that are designed to maintain their momentum.The organizations run the gamut from private real estate firms to public agencies, from a defense contractor to a hospital and a university:

      • Brookfield Properties
      • Cobleskill Regional Hospital
      • Crescent Real Estate Equities LLC
      • Department of County Facilities, Hamilton County, Ohio
      • Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. (Freddie Mac)
      • Jones Lang LaSalle
      • Liberty Property Trust
      • Lowe Enterprises Real Estate Group
      • ProLogis
      • Raytheon
      • Transwestern
      • University of Iowa
  23. Holiday Inn Hotels Switch to Signage Using GE LED Lighting - The Holiday Inn hotels will get new LED-based signage as part of the $1 billion global Holiday Inn brand relaunch. According to Holiday Inn, more than 3,200 of its hotels are being updated to improve quality and consistency of service at Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express hotels around the world. A redesign of the iconic brand logo required new exterior signage for over 3,200 locations. The signage reportedly incorporates GE Tetra LED lighting systems, which are GE ecomagination certified solutions from Lumination, GE Consumer & Industrial’s LED business.   http://www.sslighting.net
  24. EU Ban on 100 W and Higher Incandescent Bulbs Goes into Effect - As of September 1, 2009, the phase out of incandescent light bulbs is officially underway in the European Union with a ban on the sale and importation of 100 W and higher bulbs. The European Energy Commission stated that the banned lamps will not be removed from shop shelves on September 1, and that the retailers are allowed to sell their existing stock of incandescent 100 W bulbs. The EU plans to gradually phase out conventional incandescent and halogen bulbs from the market by the end of 2012. Compact fluorescent bulbs and LEDs are the two main alternatives. European Energy Commission News Release   http://www.sslighting.net

State Energy Issues to Watch

  1. Baltimore Launching Grass-Roots Campaign to Save Energy - With free gadgets and tips, Baltimore is launching a campaign to get residents to save money and fight climate change by switching to energy-saving light bulbs, putting low-flow nozzles on showers and making other simple, relatively inexpensive changes in their homes. Residents who sign pledges to join the effort will be given "energy-saver kits." Besides compact fluorescent bulbs and tips, the kits will include carbon monoxide detectors to improve home safety.  08/12 The Baltimore Sun
  2. Energy Makeovers Poised to Save State $15M -Buildings at more than two dozen state colleges and universities, government agencies and the World Congress Center are using federal stimulus money to get an energy makeover, saving the state $15.1 million a year in utility costs, the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority said Wednesday. Gov. Sonny Perdue on Wednesday signed off on 135 energy-efficient projects, which include adding fluorescent lights, cleaning chillers and boilers and sealing leaky ducts in buildings across Georgia. The projects, backed by $63.1 million in federal stimulus money, mark the first time the state has had a direct incentive to make its buildings more energy efficient. A total $3.1 billion in federal stimulus money is being sent to states for energy programs. Last month, Georgia received $32.9 million of an $82 million package for its state energy program.  09/02The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  3. LED Streetlights--A Bright Idea...
    But No Break Yet on a City's FPL Bill     -
    DOE said it will form a consortium of municipalities http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ssl/gatewaydemos_consortium.html to share information about LED streetlights. As part of the federal effort to kick-start the economy, the department is doling out $2.8 billion in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funds to state and local governments. The money can be used to install LED streetlights, among other projects. But there was one problem. Even if the city reduced its electric consumption, Florida Power and Light Co. wouldn't lower the bill. Lauderhill, FL would still have to pay a statewide per-pole rate for its 3,000 streetlights set by the utility and approved by regulators. The dispute comes at a time when FPL, the state's largest utility, is proposing raising its base rate by $1.3 billion, including increases for street lighting. The state Public Service Commission will consider the request later this month in Tallahassee. Part of the utility's pitch has been that it needs more money to invest in cleaner energy.  08/18 Sun Sentinel
  4. Florida Slowest to Spend Stimulus Funds - In a recent letter addressed to Florida Governor Charlie Crist, U.S. Rep. James L. Oberstar, (D-Minn.), who leads the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee, criticized the governor for not spending money the state received from the ARRAct "quickly, efficiently, and in harmony with job-creating purposes of the Act." Florida ranks last, after the other 49 states and the District of Columbia, when it comes to spending federal highway stimulus money. As of July, the state has spent only 2% of the $1.35 billion allocated for highway projects. The average for all the states comes to 23%. http://ecmweb.com
  5. Pittsburgh International Airport's Parking Lots to Get Energy-Efficient Lights - Nearly 1,500 energy-efficient lights will be installed in Pittsburgh International Airport's parking lots in a $1.6 million project expected to save the airport authority about $160,000 a year.The airport authority is studying energy usage at Pittsburgh International and Allegheny County airports as it looks for ways to cut both costs and usage. 08/15 The Pittsburgh Tribune
  6. PA Initiative to Aid Buyers of Energy-Efficient Appliances - If you liked the cash for clunkers program, soon you'll be able to enjoy the home edition. That's right. If you've been thinking about getting a new heat pump, or air conditioner, washer or other major appliance, you should hold off. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has obtained $12 million in federal stimulus money from the U.S. Department of Energy to help defray the cost of buying new, more energy effi cient appliances for the home.  08/31 Reading Eagle
  7. KY Starts Loan Program for Energy Efficiency - Gov. Steve Beshear has announced the creation of a financing program to help make public buildings more energy efficient.The aim of the "Green Bank of Kentucky" is to save money by providing loans to pay for such things as energy-efficient lighting, appliances, weather stripping and high-tech temperature controls.Beshear rolled out the program in Lexington at the Kentucky Educational Television headquarters, which is applying for a $1.5 million loan to make energy improvements. Beshear said the improvements could save KET more than $100,000 a year in utility payments.Beshear said money saved on utility bills can be spent on government services like education.The state using nearly $19 million from the federal stimulus package approved by Congress earlier this year to fund the loan program.  09/02 AP
  8. DTE Energy Discounts Give 'Green' Light to Energy Efficient Bulbs - DTE Energy is making it easier - and more affordable - for its Detroit Edison customers to make their homes greener and more energy efficient with discounts of up to 50 percent on compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). The specially priced bulbs are available now through DTE Energy at several area retailers for as little as 99 cents apiece at ACO, Costco, Home Depot, Meijer and Sam's Clubs throughout Detroit Edison's southeastern Michigan service territory. www.YourEnergySavings.com
  9. Octus Energy Announces Affiliations with University of California Smart Energy Research Centers - Octus Energy today announced its affiliation with two University of California, Davis energy efficiency research centers, the California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) and the Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC). As an affiliate member, Octus will collaborate with CLTC and WCEC to develop and deploy the Octus Smart Energy Platform (OctusSEP), focused on commercializing innovative and highly efficient lighting and cooling products and systems. http://octusenergy.com
  10. California Building Standards Commission Announces Nation's First Green Building Standards Code- The California Building Standards Commission, Sacramento, Calif., recently announced that the nation’s first Green Building Standards Code became effective August 1.  The International Code Council (ICC) publishes the California Green Building Standards Code. For information and to obtain a copy, visit: http://www.bsc.ca.gov/default.htm
  11. Northwest Power Panel Calls for Conservation - A panel that sets policy for the Bonneville Power Administration says the Pacific Northwest can rely on conservation to meet most of the new demand for electricity over the next two decades.The Northwest Power and Conservation Council http://www.nwcouncil.org/ released its plan Thursday in Portland for public comment.The panel has representatives from Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington State.Every five years it produces a long-term energy plan to guide the BPA, the largest electricity supplier in the region.The plan envisions that adopting more energy-efficient technology and practices could offset 85 percent of the demand for new electrical generation in the Northwest in the two decades ending in 2030. 09/03 AP

MONTHLY SPECIAL

Solid-State Lighting  http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ssl/factsheets.html


This page contains links to fact sheets describing solid-state lighting, its characteristics, applications, and issues relating to its successful introduction into the marketplace.

LED Basics

  • Comparing White Light LEDs to Conventional Light Sources (PDF 500 KB)
    Compares current LED products to conventional lighting on the basics: energy efficiency, life, lumen depreciation, light output/distribution, and color quality (4 pages, October 2008)
  • Color Quality of White LEDs (PDF 226 KB)
    Review of basics regarding light and color; summary of the most important color issues related to white light LEDs, including recent advances (2 pages, January 2008)
  • Thermal Management of White LEDs (PDF 683 KB)
    Review of the role of heat in LED performance, and methods for managing heat in LED system design (2 pages, June 2009)
  • Energy Efficiency of White LEDs (PDF 728 K)
    Overview of lighting energy efficiency in general, and the rapidly evolving status of white LEDs (2 pages, June 09)
  • Lifetime of White LEDs (PDF 368 KB)
    Overview of lumen depreciation, measurement of LED useful life, and features to look for in evaluating LED products (2 pages, June 2009)
  • LED Basics (PDF 191 KB)
    What retailers, energy efficiency advocates, and consumers need to know to make informed buying decisions (2 pages, January 2008)

LED Application Series

LED Measurement Series

 

 

About Summit Energy News

Summit recognizes the importance of energy management and the impact it can have on your business. In response, we have partnered with Bill Attardi, a nationally recognized expert in energy management, to provide you with timely information about the energy market. Bill is widely respected in the field of energy management. An executive in the lighting business for 40+ years, he has held positions with Westinghouse, Philips and USI Lighting.
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