The SCPPA project could shift as much as 64 gigawatt-hours of on-peak electrical consumption to off-peak periods every year, improving the reliability of the grid. Installation begins in the first half of this year and will be completed by 2012. The SCPPA agreement also allows other municipal utilities and agencies in Southern California to deploy similar systems. See the Ice Energy press release and technology description.
FTC Proposes EnergyGuide Labels on Televisions
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed that EnergyGuide labels be required on televisions sold in the US to help people make informed decisions about the energy consumption of different models. The labels are already required on many appliances, such as washing machines and refrigerators, and provide information such as the estimated yearly cost of operating the appliance and the cost range compared to other similar models.
In March 2009, the FTC issued a notice seeking comments on whether EnergyGuide labels should be mandatory on a range of consumer electronic products, including televisions. The FTC is seeking public comments on their proposal for TVs through May 14 and is looking for specific comments on issues such as the need for these labels; how the energy usage of TVs should be determined; the location, format, and content of energy disclosures; and the timing of the proposed labeling requirements. The proposal was published in the Federal Register on March 11. See the FTC press release and the Federal Register notice of proposed rulemaking (PDF 628 KB).
Poll: Clean Energy is the Best Solution to Energy, Climate Woes
Roughly two-thirds of respondents to a worldwide poll believe the solution to energy and climate change issues lies in developing low-carbon sources of energy, rather than reducing energy use.
The wording of the poll, which was not released by Accenture, may have influenced the finding, as people are generally in favor of more efficient ways to use energy, but don't want to be personally restricted, nor do they want their country's economic future harmed by draconian restrictions on energy use.
The Accenture poll found that 90% of respondents are concerned or extremely concerned by rising energy costs, and 76% are worried about the prospect of energy shortages. Large percentages of the respondents are also concerned about climate change, air pollution, energy imports, and their country's reliance on fossil fuels. About 85% believed that more government control and intervention is required to address these energy challenges. See the Accenture press release.
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EREE Network News is a weekly publication of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
