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We wish you a prosperous 2011 and would like to see your business get the year started right with regard to energy consumption and costs. During the cold and dark winter months, energy bills can get out of control. Smart business owners don't just let high energy bills happen to them, they take action to make their bills more manageable. There are many energy-efficient choices for lighting, heating, and other equipment purchases. Check out our commercial rebates and small business lighting program at PSE.com. In all of the public conversations and national debates about energy this year, be sure of one thing for your business - putting energy efficiency to work for you remains one of the smartest investments you can make. |
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Considering a Standby Generator for Your Business?
PSE Can Help! 
At PSE, we work hard to provide reliable electricity 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 substantial money. That's why many commercial customers approach PSE for assistance and information about standby generators. Determining the size and type of standby generator you need can be very confusing. PSE's experienced staff is available to assist you as you determine which product will best suit your business needs. Contact PSE now and we will provide you a free review of options for stand-by power.
Once you have determined what best serves your needs, PSE's Contractor Referral Service can recommend a local pre-screened contractor to install your generator. Additionally, PSE staff can assist you with information on planning, fuel needs, permitting and installing equipment.
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.
For standby generator assistance, visit PSE.com or contact a PSE Energy Advisor who will help or direct you to additional staff who can assist you. They can be reached at 1-800-562-1482, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Puget Sound Energy Helps Conway Elementary School Keep the Lights on with Energy-Efficiency Grant
 | | Ken Axelson, far right, Superintendent of Conway School District, joined members of the state Department of General Administration, PSE and McKinstry at the November 10 grant presentation |
Conway Elementary Schoolis using a lot less energy to light its classrooms these days, thanks to a $132,058 energy-efficiency grant provided by PSE.
The grant helped the Conway School District pay for energy-efficient lighting and controls installed at the elementary school. The installed energy-efficiency measures will save more than 310,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity annually. That is enough electricity to serve more than 25 homes, and will save the district more than $18,000 in energy costs per year.
The Conway School District combined the PSE grant with approximately $247,000 in state energy stimulus funds administered by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to upgrade to more efficient lighting and controls. By combining state funding and PSE grant funds with their district budget, Conway School District has been able to make upgrades to their facilities' older heating equipment and inefficient lighting, improvements that will save energy costs each year.
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PSE Expanding Green Power Rewards Card Program to All
Electric Customers
In May 2010, PSE launched the Green Power Rewards Card in Thurston County. The card, which offers discounts on products and services at participating businesses, was so successful that it will soon be rolled out throughout PSE's electric service area.
Starting in July, 2011, Green Power customers will receive a Rewards Card in the mail, and will be supporting local businesses that also participate in PSE's Green Power Program. Participating businesses receive a Green Power Rewards window decal to display in their store fronts. Residential Green Power customers will receive ongoing discounts at participating local businesses simply by presenting their rewards card at the time of purchase.
PSE currently has more than 28,300 residential Green Power participants and nearly 900 commercial participants. Businesses participating in Green Power Rewards include retail, dining, personal care, home and garden, and sporting goods stores. They all purchase Green Power for their businesses and have encouraged others to do the same.
For more information on the Green Power Rewards Card, visit PSE.com/GreenPowerRewards. To participate in the program, contact Heather Mulligan, PSE Green Power Program at heather.mulligan@pse.com or
425-456-2916.
Participation in PSE's Green Power Program is voluntary enabling customers to guarantee the amount of energy they use is matched in the grid with electricity from wind, solar, biomass and other Green-e® Energy Certified renewable energy sources. The amount paid by each business customer typically ranges from $20 to $500 per month, and goes to support the local development of renewable energy that is in addition to - and separate from - the renewable energy facilities built by PSE, the nation's second-largest utility producer of wind power. |
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Color Graphics Reduces Energy Costs with PSE Efficiency Grant
Color Graphics, a small family-owned and operated printing business in Tumwater, is using less energy and paying less in utility bills with the help of an energy-efficiency grant from PSE. The $5,468 grant will provide an estimated energy savings of 7,986 kWh.
The grant helped fund the replacement of one existing oversized air compressor with a more appropriately sized reciprocating compressor - thus reducing the compressor's energy usage. This reduced energy usage, combined with lower required maintenance will allow Color Graphics to see a return on their investment in about 14 months.
Owner Fred Gustafson is now more aware of the effectiveness of energy conservation, and will continue to work with PSE to replace a larger piece of equipment in 2011. "Thanks to PSE we are a more energy-efficient operation," said Gustafson. |
2011 Building Operator Certification Offerings
Building Operator Certification course begins
in March
Students earn their BOC certification by completing seven months of classroom training and hands-on projects conducted at the operator's facility. Topics include HVAC systems and controls, energy conservation techniques, electrical systems, and indoor air quality.
The course will be held at City University in Renton. Click here for registration information.
And if you're feeling really ambitious, a Level II course will be offered in the Seattle area in fall of 2011. Click here for more information about BOC and upcoming classes.
Over 8,000 operators hold BOC certifications nationally. The BOC certificate is accredited by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries for continuing education.
Building Operator Certification technical webinars begin in February
If you're interested in BOC technical training or need continuing education credits for your BOC certification, and prefer to learn online, the 2011 BOC Technical Webinar Series may be for you. Sponsored by PSE, the webinar series focuses on Lighting Solutions for Indoor Environmental Quality and Energy Performance.
These webinars allow you to conveniently view and listen to the technical session from your home or office. All you need is a desktop browser and a telephone. All sessions are one hour and are held from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Pacific Standard Time.
Here's a look at the 2011 webinar schedule:
February 9, 2011: New Lighting Standards
Registration deadline: February 2
March 16, 2011: Lighting Controls for IEQ and Cost Savings
Registration deadline: March 9
July 21, 2011: New Lighting Technology: A showcase of products and applications
Registration deadline: July 14
September 8, 2011: Low Cost/No Cost Lighting Strategies for Cost Savings
Registration deadline: September 2
Click here to register for one or more of the technical webinars.
Call 1-877-850-4793 for questions about the technical webinars.
Looking to increase the energy-efficiency of your building? The Level I Building Operator Certification (BOC®) course, beginning in March 2011, may be just what your company needs to get that process started. BOC is a nationally recognized, competency-based training and certification program that offers facilities personnel the improved job skills and knowledge to create more comfortable, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly workplaces. The certification provides a credential for professional development while also offering employers a way to identify skilled operators. |
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Learn How to Increase Your Building's Efficiency and Reduce Energy Costs at the Electric League's Practical Existing Building Commissioning Workshop
Date: January 25 - 27, 2011
Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Day 1 - Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue
Days 2 & 3 - Puget Sound Energy Auditorium, Bellevue
The Electric League is joining forces with Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light, Snohomish County PUD, McKinstry, PECI, GridNavigator, and Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance's BetterBricks to offer a three day workshop designed to show you how to operate your facility with an eye toward energy conservation and sustainable operations.
Existing building commissioning (EBCx) is a very cost effective way to improve your building's operation, energy use, and comfort.
This class will cover the practical approaches and techniques of fine tuning the energy use of your building through commissioning, while solving other operational problems.
Seating is limited, please register early.
To register:
Click here
E-mail: admin@electricleague.net
Call: 425-646-4727
Fax: 425- 646-4729
A link to preparatory reading materials will be provided upon registration. A link to class materials will be provided one week prior to the start of the workshop. Attendees will be responsible for printing individual copies of class materials.
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Upcoming 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!
Construction Management Association of America - Pacific Northwest Chapter - January Meeting
CMAA's Mission is "to promote and enhance leadership, professionalism, and excellence in managing the development and construction of projects and programs."
PSE's Mark Lenssen will speak on energy-efficient solutions for new construction projects.
Date: January 20, 2011
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - Registration and Social Hour
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Dinner and Program
Location: Rock Salt Restaurant, 1232 Westlake Ave N, Seattle
Cost: $45
RSVP to Allen Wycoff
Utility Overview of Energy Efficiency Programs and Opportunities
Sponsored by the Electric League of the Pacific Northwest, and presented by Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light, Snohomish County PUD, and Tacoma Public Utilities
PSE's David Landers will speak on energy-efficiency solutions for retrofit projects.
Date: January 20, 2011
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: PSE Auditorium, 355 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA
Cost: League Members: $30
Non-League Members: $35
A late fee applies for registrations received after Tuesday,
January 18, 2011.
Click here to register. |
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 April 2011.
Thanks for using energy wisely,
Your energy specialists at Puget Sound Energy |
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