The Smart Grid Defined

Smart Meters-AMI One of the more commonly used yet least understood terms in today’s electric utility vocabulary is the term Smart Grid. Much like other often-used terms, with broader use it now lacks any precision, particularly given the evolution of many related programs and initiatives. Virtually every presentation on the topic starts with a definition of what Smart Grid is relative to the...

The Value Case for Energy Efficiency

There is no questioning the notion that customer knowledge of how electricity is priced will lead to improved efficiency and conservation, and ultimately lower electricity bills. The continuing challenge to full customer acceptance of any initiative regarding energy efficiency is two-fold: Do the benefits outweigh the costs? Will investors support the programs? The Standard Approach State...

ABCs of Energy Efficiency

Simple Measures to Improve Energy Efficiency There are two actions that, with relatively low levels of investment and virtually no intrusion into one’s habits and lifestyle, can have a dramatic impact on the energy efficiency of a home: Air sealing, often referred to as “plugging”, improves the overall energy efficiency of a home and represents one of the more important actions in...

Reducing Home Energy Consumption

By simply cleaning and performing minor maintenance tasks homeowners can significantly improve energy efficiency and realize savings on their energy bills. For example: Cleaning refrigerator coils and removing sediment around the water heater tank will ensure these major appliances operate at maximum efficiency, and Proper insulation in the attic will prevent ice dams from forming on the roof...

Energy Efficient Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems

Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS), easily mistaken for stucco or concrete, consist of a wall cladding that uses stiff insulation boards on the outside of a structure’s wall and an exterior coating made of plaster. This building technology originated in Germany in the aftermath of World War II and was introduced to the U.S. in the 1960’s. There are a number of varieties, but all...

Conserving Energy in the Laundry Room and Bathroom

The keys to reducing energy consumption in the laundry room and bathroom are to economize on the use of hot water and shorten the operation of appliances. Methods to Conserve Energy in the Laundry Room Energy Efficient Laundry Room The following tips are provided with respect to clothes washers: Cold water detergents are as effective as conventional detergents in cleaning clothing If the...

Showers and Water Conservation

Water conservation in the U.S is not generally a topic of major public concern except for regional events related to droughts over a well-defined period of time. Its level of public attention has not reached the level of importance of electricity conservation, though the use of hot water is a primary factor in electricity consumption in today’s households. Water – particularly water used...

Insulate Windows – Lower Energy Costs

The ability to reduce drafts or mitigate the impact of a shining sun through windows can have a major impact on home energy costs: 15 to 35 percent of the heat loss experienced in colder climates results from poorly insulated windows. In the Sun Belt, the summer sun passes through the windows, increasing the ambient temperatures and forcing air conditioning systems to work harder. Higher...

Home Energy Conservation

Energy Conservation need not be a complicated or challenging endeavor. Simply making sure all the window locks are engaged will save energy, as most windows have weather stripping that seals out air leakage along the edges and between the upper and lower sash and the locks assure a tight seal. With that as an example, here are other ideas that can be applied to any homeowner’s energy efficiency...

Introduction to Demand Response

21st Century Electric Grid The traditional electric grid is a one-way system in that it provides electricity in response to an initiating event such as turning on an appliance or the cycling of a home’s heating and cooling system. A smart grid, the 21st century version of today’s grid, offers 2-way communication between the utility and consumer, where: The flow of electricity can be...