Energy Efficiency

Despite large budget cuts, the Washington legislature will create a new program within WSU to promote greater energy efficiency within buildings and homes.

Though cutbacks are affecting everyone in Washington State, environmental programs could be getting a boost.
In Olympia, members of WSU’s Energy program are witnessing what could be the beginnings of a new chapter for the University’s Energy Program. The bill, SB 5649, sponsored by Sen. Phil Rockefeller, Chairman of the Environment, Water & Energy Committee, plans to create the Energy Efficiency Assistance Program.
As it stands, the bill provides that the new program will work in conjunction with the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development to provide greater support for low- and middle-income housing and commercial buildings.
The legislature predicts the program to create ‘family-wage’ jobs and provide economic stimulation to the areas in which work and research are being conducted. The Senate Democrats website reports that 20,000 buildings will be retrofitted a year for five years and that the program could potentially create nearly 7,500 new jobs.
“These jobs aren’t just meant for the highly educated or upper class. They are meant to help the average person within their community,” said an official from Olympia.
“The WSU Energy Program is thrilled with the support it is receiving from the Environment, Water and Energy committee and its Chairman,” said Sheila Riggs, Division Manager for the Energy programs Olympia Office.
“However,” said Riggs, “the bill is in its infancy and has only been through the first policy committee. The bill will change, I can guarantee you that.”
Typically, the WSU Energy program specializes in working with larger entities like the Bonneville Power Association, utility companies and providing training services.
On Average, the typical Washington home can expect to spend anywhere from $65 to over $90 per 1000 kWh in 2009 depending on the utility company according to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. In 2008, nearly two-thirds of a home’s total energy consumption was used for space and water heating alone. The Energy Efficiency Assistance Program will cut costs for owners by implementing smarter practices and more efficient equipment. Operating on a smaller scale than its WSU counterparts, the program will audit commercial buildings, businesses and residential homes..
According to David Hales, a Building Systems Specialist at the Spokane Office of WSU’s Energy Program, there is a lot happening in that specific field, though there are still many unknowns.
“There is a lot of anticipation at the state level to see what gets passed down from the federal level when the Stimulus Package takes effect,” Said Hales.
Right now, it is a waiting game to see how what the final product will be.
“There are thousands of homes and businesses in our state that can save money with home based technologies like solar. We aim to empower communities and local workers to do energy assessments and make needed improvements to save money and reduce greenhouse gases." Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Bainbridge Island.

Feeling the pinch? Here are some tips to keep your energy costs down:

- Lower your thermostat. Doing so by even one degree can save you up to 5% on your bill.

- Check windows and doors. Gaps in seals can release a large amount of heat from your home. Using calking to plug these holes can save you over $100 a year.

- Fireplace. If you have one, make sure the damper is closed when not in use. This will help keep heat from escaping up the chimney

- Water. Lowering your water heater’s temperature to around 130 degrees F. and washing your clothes using cold water can significantly reduce your utility bill.

- Lighting. Perhaps the easiest to do, replacing fluorescent light bulbs with incandescent ones will not only save you money, but incandescent bulbs can last as long as 7000 hours vs. just 750 for a fluorescent.
*tips from Alliance to Save Energy

For More Information on how to save energy or even perform your own home energy audit visit:

Alliance to Save Energy - http://ase.org/

US Department of Energy - http://www.energysavers.gov/tips.html

Or your local utilities provider.