Electricity

August 8, 2008 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced a program to help low- and moderate-income residents cut their electricity expenses and build on the state’s commitment to renewable energy.

The Connecticut Solar Lease Program, the first of its kind in the nation, is a new initiative designed to eliminate the high initial costs associated with the purchase and installation of residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), a combination of rebates and tax credits can be used to lower the cost of leasing solar systems, helping more residents obtain clean, renewable solar energy.    » read more »

Highlights Conference Theme of "Building Green Economies"

August 13, 2008 -- Continuing his pledge to cooperate on increasing environmental protection, fighting climate change and building commerce in the U.S.-Mexico border region, California Gov. Schwarzenegger today opened the XXVI Annual Border Governors Conference (BGC) at Universal Studios Hollywood. The XXVI Annual BGC, chaired by Governor Schwarzenegger, will highlight the benefits of building green economies throughout the border region.    » read more »

August, 2008 -- Solomons Island, MD - A coalition of safe energy advocates warned today that the third reactor proposed at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant is not in the public’s best interest and likely will become an extremely costly and dangerous mistake for the region’s energy policy. The advocates were scheduled to testify at Maryland Public Service Commission’s first public meeting Monday night on the proposal to build a new atomic reactor on the Chesapeake Bay.

UniStar, a consortium of Baltimore-based Constellation Energy and the French electricity operator EDF, has selected the Calvert Cliffs nuclear power station in Lusby, Maryland, for the construction of the first 1,600-megawatt Evolutionary Power Reactor (EPR) proposed for the United States.    » read more »

Twelve Industry Teams Partner with DOE to Advance Integration of Solar Energy Systems into Electrical Grid

August 12, 2008 -- WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy John Mizroch announced today that DOE will invest up to $24 million in Fiscal Year 2008 and beyond—subject to the availability of funds—to develop solar energy products to significantly accelerate penetration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the United States.    » read more »

U.S. Senate Hearing Will Focus For First Time on Renewable Energy
and Transmission

June 17, 2008 -- Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee will today hold its first-ever hearing focused exclusively on renewable energy and transmission, inviting renewable industry, utility, and government leaders to discuss ways to invest in new transmission that will tap the nation’s vast – but currently stranded –renewable energy resources.    » read more »

OAK RIDGE, Tenn., June 2008 — The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory and General Electric have collaborated to finalize, test and market the first product from a major brand to meet DOE's new Energy Star criteria for electric heat pump water heaters.

The GE ® Hybrid Water Heater is affordable and designed to be 50 % more energy efficient than a standard 50 gallon electric water heater, which should help reduce carbon emissions associated with standard electric storage water heaters in the average home.

GE and Oak Ridge National Laboratory entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement where ORNL and GE will jointly test and market the units, which could be available in home improvement centers by late 2009.    » read more »

June 9, 2008 -- The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is urging residents to be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning when using alternative sources of power during an outage.

Due to recent weather-related power outages, Michigan residents are asked to be extra vigilant as they compensate for the lost power.

If not used safely, gas-powered generators, kerosene heaters or other alternative heating or power sources can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Residents are encouraged to seek shelter with friends, family, or at a community shelter as a safer alternative.    » read more »