Reinventing the Incandescent Lightbulb

For the first time in more than 100 years, the basic incandescent lightbulb is getting a facelift. To accommodate new energy efficiency standards set by Congress (which require lightbulbs to be more efficient starting in 2012), a new generation of incandescent lightbulbs has entered the marketplace. These products boast energy savings of 25 percent and a lifespan up to three times longer than their soon-to-be extinct predecessors.

“Up to 12 percent of a typical monthly electric bill pays for lighting, so removing energy-wasting bulbs from the market will have a big impact on America’s energy use,” explains Erik Sorenson, a project manager with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), which represents companies that make products used in the generation, transmission, distribution, control, and end use of electricity.

Retooled incandescent bulbs contain a small capsule of halogen gas that surrounds the filament, which increases efficiency and improves longevity, while retaining the shape, color choices, and dimming capabilities that consumers have favored in incandescent bulbs.

Under the federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, lightbulbs must be 28 percent more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs (which use 90 of their energy producing heat) starting in 2012, and by 2020, they must be 70 percent more efficient. NEMA estimates the new standards could save Americans up to $15.8 billion per year.
Other options

The new generation incandescent bulbs will join compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as energy-efficient lighting options. CFLs and LEDs both are about 75 percent more efficient than traditional incandescents. CFLs last about 10 times longer; LEDs about 25 times longer. But CFLs are the more economical choice at the moment. The cost of LEDs is expected to come down as the technology advances.

“With lighting legislation mandating more efficient technologies and consumers looking for every opportunity to save, navigating lighting solutions has never been so important,” emphasizes David Schuellerman, GE Lighting’s public relations manager.




Sources: U.S. Department of Energy (EnergySavers.gov), National Electrical Manufacturers Association, GE

Energy Audit for Commercial Business Can Yield Up To $7,000 Reimbursement

The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) announced the opening of the application period for its Alaska Commercial Energy Audit Program. Owners of eligible commercial buildings throughout Alaska may be reimbursed up to $7,000 for a qualifying energy audit.

The program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and is expected to provide 100 to 150 commercial energy audits that will specify energy efficiency measures that can be implemented, how much energy can be saved, and how fast those measures will pay for themselves.

“Energy efficiency is good for business,” said AEA Executive Director Sara Fisher-Goad. “This program will help private sector commercial building owners make informed decisions about how to invest in long-term energy savings.”

The Alaska Commercial Energy Audit Program will reimburse eligible applicants the cost of an energy audit up to a specified dollar limit on a per square foot basis. Eligible buildings are commercial buildings, including non-profit owned, up to 160,000 square feet. Building tenants are not eligible, but may refer the building owner to the program.

AEA must receive completed applications by 4:30 PM Wednesday, March 28, 2012.
Program guidelines, the application form and related documents can be found at www.akenergyauthority.org/EfficiencyAudits.html. Applicants may also contact Energy Efficiency and Conservation Project Manager Sean Skaling by e-mail at sskaling@aidea.org, or telephone (907) 771-3079.

Alaska Energy Authority is a public corporation of the state whose mission is to reduce the cost of energy in Alaska.

Smarter Than Your Average Meter

A popular buzz word in the electric industry is the “smart” meter and “smart” home. The term encompasses different uses for different metering systems.  As a consumer, it is important to be aware and fully informed on the technologies used and the benefits of using an intelligent metering system.

In 2010, Homer Electric successfully completed a system-wide installation of an automated meter reading system which replaced its aged system.  The meters are solid-state electronics with no moveable parts, state-of-the-art.  The use of this automated metering  benefits HEA members by reducing estimated billings and provides real-time meter information such as energy usage (kWh), voltage, demand  (kW) as well as maintains a record of f power interruptions at a location.  Each meter on the system is set to transmit this data to the cooperative at regular intervals during the month or can be requested upon demand from the HEA offices. The system has saved our members the cost of manual meter reading, unnecessary trips to the field, helps to identify power outage locations, and the data is used to size additional load on the system.

However, in other states, such as California, there are heated discussions and controversy over the use of “smart” meters and the health impacts associated with the exposure to radio frequencies (RF).  This is a different technology than what Homer Electric installs.

Homer Electric’s automated metering system uses FCC compliant meters which are no more dangerous than a hardwired telephone or any other piece of electronic equipment in your home.  Homer Electric’s system does not operate on a wireless radio frequency (RF) mesh networks like the ones under controversy.  Rather, the HEA system uses signals that transmit across the power lines in the same way that energy is delivered to a location. 

Feel free to contact our offices for more clarification and we can provide further information so you can be aware of the difference between Homer Electric’s metering system and others’.

HEA's Kick InCan Energy Conservation Program

As part of its ongoing effort to promote energy conservation, Homer Electric is supplying several of the local social service agencies compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to distribute to families in need.  The “Kick in Can” light bulb exchange program was very successful in 2010, and through one of its’ national affliliations, HEA was able to purchase 5,000 CFL’s at a very reasonable cost to make the donation possible.

The vision is to provide CFLs to those who can benefit the most. “Kick inCan” CFL distribution is being managed by the Salvation Army stores in Homer and Kenai, Kenai Peninsula Food Bank, Seldovia Village Tribe, and Ninilchik Traditional Council.

“We have partnered with a number of social service agencies that are an excellent  channel for this type of  distribution because they touch so many people with all types of needs around the Peninsula. These groups were selected to ensure that the bulbs get into the hands of folks who might benefit the most. We want to help people find ways to manage their electric bill, and changing incandescent bulbs out for CFL’s will do just that,” said HEA Member Relations Manager Sandra Ghormley.

“I think it is a great way to provide energy efficiency resources. We appreciate partnering with Homer Electric in an effort to bring this to everyone in our communities ” said Bob Crosby, Housing Director of Ninilchik Traditional Council.

Replacing incandescent bulbs with CFLs can be a major source of savings for a household. A 15-watt CFL bulb uses 75 percent less energy than a 60-watt incandescent bulb to produce the same amount of light. Over the life of one CFL bulb, savings can be as much as $40 or more. For more information about CFLs and energy savings, please visit http://www.energystar.gov/.

HEA's Line of Credit Program Can Help

Did you know that Homer Electric offers a one-of-a-kind Line of Credit Program to qualified members for amounts ranging from $200 to $5,000 for the purchase of electrical, plumbing appliances, plus the labor for the installation?  The Line of Credit Program is convenient, offers competitive rates, is fast, and provides monthly installments to fit your budget.  The program is now featuring renewable energy equipment from our local vendors as well!  Visit us online for more information on how you can benefit from the Line of Credit Program!

Welcome to Homer Electric's Wise Watt's Blog

Homer Electric is excited to participate in a forum that shares tips and ideas on energy efficiency and conservation! There are elements that we do not have control of when it comes to fuel rates and the price of electricity, but you can take control of your electric usage in your home and business. Be sure to visit our website at http://www.homerelectric.com/ for more information on your electric cooperative.