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It was the Renaissance scientist and philosopher, Sir Francis Bacon, who was the first who to say that knowledge is power. If he was correct, power is easily attainable during the upcoming months. Attend the West Coast Energy Management Congress to be held in Seattle on June 15 & 16. Top experts in all areas of the energy business will be on hand to share knowledge. Another powerful opportunity is the Energy-Facilities Connections Conference to be held May 12-14 in Leavenworth. Hosted by the Washington State University Energy Program, the conference offers forward-thinking approaches to the economic and energy challenges of the next decade. With the belief that knowledge is power, Bacon had a major impact on scientific research and inquiry that remain to this day. What kind of power can you have with deeper knowledge of energy efficiency? |
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Save the Date! West Coast Energy Management Congress
June 15 and 16, 2010 · Washington State Convention & Trade Center, Seattle, WA
PSE is hosting the 29th annual West Coast Energy Management Congress (EMC) in Seattle this June. Presented by the Association of Energy Engineers, EMC is the largest energy conference and technology expo held on the west coast specifically for business, industrial and institutional energy users. Top experts in all areas of the field will be on hand to help set a clear, optimum path to both energy cost control and energy supply security.
You can explore promising new technologies, compare energy supply and alternative energy options, and learn about innovative and cost-conscious project implementation strategies. The multi-track conference covers a variety of topics.
The Pacific Northwest Green showcase, co-presented by the U.S. EPA's ENERGY STAR®, will feature regional information on the latest green / sustainable / environmentally friendly energy technologies now available for both new design and retrofit projects. Showcase presenters will cover such topics as LEED® certification and building commissioning; high performance facilities; the latest developments in renewable energy; reducing carbon emissions; transportation solutions for the future; and green/sustainable project success stories.
PSE customers are eligible for a discounted conference registration of $395, less than half of the standard conference registration cost of $895. Register online at http://www.aeecenter.org/pse to receive the discounted rate. To view a presentation schedule, or see this year's list of exhibitors, click here.
There are limited booth locations remaining in the expo for vendors wishing to display their energy efficiency technology solutions. To secure your location, please contact Ashley Clark with the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) at 770-279-4392 or ashley@aeecenter.org. Please visit PSE's booth (#400) at the expo. To obtain an expo pass or for more information about the EMC event, visit www.energyevent.com
In addition to the two-day conference program, the following AEE seminars are also scheduled to take place in conjunction with the 2010 West Coast Energy Management Congress. Click the appropriate link below for details and registration info for each seminar: Show Hours:
Tuesday, June 15, 2010: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
PSE Awards Energy-Efficiency Grant to South King County
The South King County fire department is about to become a lot more energy-
efficient, thanks to a $37,000 grant from PSE. The grant will allow the fire
department to install upgrades that will result in 285,000 kilowatt hours of
savings per year, translating to an estimated savings of nearly $23,000
annually.
The grant will pay for South King County Fire & Rescue to retrofit all the fluorescent lighting fixtures in seven of the department's facilities.
"The payback on the project should be felt within the first year. It will save the department a considerable amount of money relating to energy expenses, while updating our lighting systems with a more energy-efficient product," said Deputy Chief Mike Knorr. "It's a great savings for our department and our citizens."
South King Fire & Rescue is pleased to take advantage of lighting retrofits, which is one of PSE's most popular programs for non-residential buildings, due primarily to the cost-effectiveness of combining utility grants with quick return from lower energy bills.
"PSE grant incentives typically pay for about 50 percent of a project's cost at facilities like those of South King Fire & Rescue," said Bill Younger, of PSE's Business Energy Management group. "Combined with lower bills, the upgrades in public facilities pay for themselves very quickly."
The lighting upgrade is one of several projects the fire department is working on to reduce energy consumption and put taxpayer money to good use. Fire department administration is encouraging all employees to make a concerted effort to reduce energy consumption by turning lights off when leaving a room, keeping thermostats in apparatus bays set at minimum temperatures and installing new sensor activated light switches. Additional efforts by the Information Technology division should reduce power consumption in the department's computer server room and associated cooling systems.
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PSE's Commercial Green Power Program Makes it Easy for
Businesses to Go Green
Puget Sound Energy encourages business owners to participate in the Green Power program. By participating in this voluntary program, your business helps lead the effort to develop more renewable energy by investing in new projects throughout the region beyond those that are owned and operated by PSE. Green power is electricity that is generated from environmentally sound resources such as solar, wind and biomass energy. The program's mission is to expand the use of earth-friendly energy sources like these. We call these power sources "green" because they don't deplete nonrenewable resources or produce by-products that can harm the environment.
For as little as $20 per month, you can qualify for the Business Recognition Program under PSE's Green Power Program: The funds are used to purchase green power, educate the public, market renewable energy and administer the program.
Businesses participating in the Green Power Program are part of an elite group of community leaders that includes small businesses, universities, cities, retailers and large corporations. In fact, in a recent independent survey of PSE Green Power Program participants, 86 percent said they were more inclined to buy from or work with businesses that support green power. Additionally, more than half of all respondents in the general population agreed.
When you participate in the Green Power Program, your company earns one credit toward Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, provided you "green" 35 percent of your energy use over a two-year period. To learn more about LEED certification, visit www.usgbc.org.
Corporate and small business customers who participate in PSE's Green Power Program at the Leadership level receive a certificate, print ad, window decal and other business tools to promote their involvement within the community. To learn more, click here.
So what are you waiting for? Click here to sign up for PSE's Green Power program! |
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Recycle and Re-energize for PSE's CFL Bulb Drive!
PSE is challenging local businesses' employees to recycle 50,000 CFL
bulbs before the end of the year.
Businesses with 20 or more employees can participate in a recycling
drive for burnt-out compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Re-
Energize your workplace by hosting a free PSE CFL bulb collection box. Employees are encouraged to gather burnt-out CFL bulbs from their homes and from friends and family and properly recycle them free of charge. Once full, the collection boxes can be closed and shipped to PSE's local partner recycling facility using the pre-paid shipping label included with the box.
For more information or to sign up for PSE's CFL Bulb Drive to receive a collection box, visit PSE.com/BulbDrive or e-mail BulbDrive@pse.com.
Though safe to use in the home, CFL bulbs contain trace amounts of mercury, and cannot be disposed of in household garbage or recycling bins. ENERGY STAR® qualified CFL bulbs use 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent lighting. PSE offers rebates on efficient lighting upgrades for qualifying commercial customers. Learn more at PSE.com/ForYourBusiness |
PSE Encourages Whatcom County Businesses to Increase Energy Efficiency with Community Energy Challenge 
The Community Energy Challenge works to improve energy efficiency
in businesses and residences throughout Whatcom County. Puget Sound Energy has played an important role as a sponsor of the challenge - part of the utility's commitment to the region's environmental and economic sustainability.
The Challenge aims to substantially reduce Bellingham/Whatcom County's consumption of electricity and natural gas by targeting comprehensive, deep efficiency focused programs at both commercial and residential facilities, by reducing the barriers to implementing energy efficiency including financing and an adequate qualified workforce, and by raising awareness of opportunities to conserve energy through community based social marketing, establishing community goals and friendly competition. In a short amount of time, the Challenge can help reduce energy use, boost local economic development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Other services and benefits are available to those who engage in the Challenge. A fuel neutral audit can provide quick fix, low cost and long term recommendations with estimated savings of dollar and green house gases. Follow-up technical support is also available and most importantly, there is a community-wide recognition of conservation success via cooperative marketing.
The Challenge benefits from the participation of the same core partners and experience gained in the 2006-2007 community-wide campaign in Bellingham called the Green Power Community Challenge (GPCC). Bellingham was named the EPA's #1 Green Power Community in the nation as a result of GPCC's efforts. The GPCC was designed to promote green power by strategically reaching out to businesses, residents and institutions. The renowned success of the GPCC is an effective strategy guide for the success of the Community Energy Challenge.
As a sponsor and as a technical resource for Sustainable Connections and the Building Performance Center, PSE offers expertise and knowledge in energy efficiency that is helping the Challenge in meeting its goals for Whatcom County. PSE's energy efficiency and education programs involved in this challenge are proven to help customers save energy and protect the environment.
Click here to learn more about the Community Energy Challenge. |
Considering a Standby Generator for Your Business?
PSE Can Help!
At PSE, we work hard to provide reliable electric power service for your
business. Unfortunately, events beyond our control such as storms,
flooding, vehicle accidents, vandalism and even wildlife activity can cause
outages.
Loss of power can cost businesses money. That's why many commercial
customers approach PSE for assistance and information about
generators. Determining the size, type and standby generator products
that you need can be very confusing. PSE's experienced staff is available
to assist you as you determine which standby generator product will best
suit your business needs.
During power interruptions, a properly-installed standby generator can safely power many or all of your business operations. If you utilize a standby generator, it is essential to do so in a safe and legal manner.
PSE offers a contractor referral service with information about pre-screened contractors who can install your generator. Additionally, PSE staff can assist you with information on planning, permitting and installing the generator equipment.
For standby generator assistance, please visit PSE.com or contact a PSE Energy Advisor at
1-800-562-1482, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
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Save the Date! Energy-Facilities Connections Conference:
Innovative Approaches for the New Decade
May 12-14, 2010 · Enzian Inn · Leavenworth, WA
Enzian Inn |
PSE is joining other energy leaders as a sponsor of the
Energy-Facilities Connections Conference. Hosted by the
Washington State University Energy Program, the conference
will offer forward-thinking approaches and resources designed to better prepare businesses to handle the economic and energy conservation challenges of the next ten years and beyond.
Bob Stolarski, PSE's Customer Energy Management Director, will speak on innovative utility energy approaches from 9:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. at the May 13 utilities panel. Other energy leaders and top-flight facility speakers will discuss topics ranging from LEED EB operations and maintenance to making the business case for energy upgrades.
Congressman Jay Inslee will join the conference on May 14 as a keynote speaker to discuss economic recovery and innovative energy approaches for the new decade. Other keynote speakers include: Rep. Hans Dunshee, Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center's Robert Cowan and the "Father of Green Cleaning," Stephen Ashkin.
In addition to listening to these insightful speakers, attendees will have the opportunity to experience high-end, hands-on tool and equipment demonstrations as well as participate in other conference presentations.
Click here for more information or to register for the conference. Be sure to secure your lodging at the Enzian Inn (use group code 8318) prior to registration. |
Earth Day is April 22
This year will mark the 40th anniversary of the inception of Earth
Day. Twenty million people celebrated the first Earth Day on April
22, 1970. For the past few decades, people around the world
continue to contribute their energy efficient and conservation
efforts for the environment. Although everyday should be treated
like Earth Day, this day is truly a reminder that it's a good time to
take action.
A great way to celebrate Earth Day is to consider all the energy- efficient options that PSE provides such as rebates and custom
grants for your business. Increasing energy efficiency in your buildings is one of the best ways you can contribute to the global effort to protect the environment. So remember to do your part on Earth Day this year! |
Upcoming Energy-Efficiency Events/PSE Speaking Engagements
PSE Speaking Engagements:
PSE's energy-efficiency experts for all types of non-residential buildings will be speaking at events around the Puget Sound Region and even farther afield. Come and see us!
GOGREEN '10 Conference
Sponsored by Seattle Climate Partnership. Seattle City Light, Seattle Climate Action Now, City of Seattle, Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle Department of Transportation GOGREEN '10 is a conference for companies, governmental agencies and associations that provide sustainable support, goods and services to business owners. The conference gives your company the opportunity to connect, offer solutions, and develop long-term relationships with your target audience - business owners who want to become more sustainable.
PSE's Tom MacLean will speak on renewable energy at 3 p.m.
Date: April 21
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Olive 8 at the Hyatt, Seattle
Cost: $175 Early Bird Full Day Admission
$150 Early Bird Full Day Admission for Groups of 2 or more
Click here for more information or to register for the GOGREEN '10 Conference.
ACCIS Spring Conference for the Association of County & City Information SystemsThe Association of City County Information Services (ACCIS) Spring Conference offers topics such as best practices in government, the latest in technology, the ever popular security update in addition to what is happening with IT at the State level. PSE's Chao Chen will speak on energy-efficiency incentives for non-residential customers at 2:15 p.m. Date: April 21-23 Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Location: Red Lion Inn, Hanford House, 802 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352 Cost: $350 Members $450 Vendors Click here for more information or to register for the ACCIS Spring Conference. Society of Women Engineers Green Panel Engineers from PSE, Naval Shipyard and Paladino will speak to Society of Women Engineers members on topics ranging from improving sustainability within their organizations to extending sustainable products to their customers.
PSE's Holly Townes will speak on the utility's energy-efficiency programs for non-residential customers. Date: April 22 Time: Networking - 5:45 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. Event - 6:15 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. Location: TBD (email susan.h.young@gmail.com for location) Cost: Free
Events:
Northwest Food Service Show
The largest restaurant, foodservice & hospitality tradeshow in the Pacific Northwest returns to Seattle this coming April! Featuring more than 460 vendor booths, a roster of top-notch FREE educational seminars led by industry experts, culinary artistry in action on the Sysco Demo Stage, sampling and pairing tips on Northwest brews and vintages at the Tasting Pavilion and much more, this year's show promises more excitement and business opportunities than ever before.
PSE will have a booth presence at this event.
Date: April 18 & 19
Time: April 18: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
April 19: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Washington State Convention Center, Seattle
Cost: Free online registration
$25 at the show
Click here for more information or to register for the Northwest Food Service Show.
Green Building Retrofit & Renovation Conference
This is one of multiple nation-wide events launching McGraw Hill Construction's new publication "Green Building Retrofit & Renovation." Conference attendees receive a copy of this publication ($189 retail price) that provides a market assessment, business benefits, motivations, triggers, and challenges to implementing green building retrofits.
PSE's Bill Younger will speak on energy-efficiency incentives and building commissioning for non-residential customers.
Date: May 18
Time: 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Kane Hall, University of Washington
Cost: $75 (includes a copy of the McGraw Hill Smart Market Report, $189 value courtesy of the Rafn Company)
Washington's 3 Shows in 1!
Come to Washington's 3 Shows in 1 and learn about new products that can help grow your business. Meet face to face with local, regional, and national exhibitors as well as suppliers; and comparison shop for the best products for your business. Trade show targets include: restaurants, delis, coffee shops, gas stations, truck stops, bars and night clubs.
PSE will have a booth presence at this event.
Date: June 3
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue
Click here for more information or to register for Washington's 3 Shows in 1. |
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We hope that this issue has provided you with some ideas and resources to improve energy efficiency at your business. Let us know if you have ideas for future articles. Please look for our next issue in July 2010. Thanks for using energy wisely, Your energy specialists at Puget Sound Energy |
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