Georgia Magazine - August 2011 - (Page 18)

Georgia’s energy outlook BY HEATHER TEILHET, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE, GEMC Clean Energy Reality Check Series, Article No. 7 Energy efficiency and conservation—Part II Reality check: F or eight months, this Reality Check Series has examined the use of solar, wind, biomass and hydropower as fuel to power Georgia’s homes and businesses. Last month, we examined energy-efficiency options and the resulting savings for homeowners. This month takes a macro look at the statewide potential for large-scale energy savings. The challenges of attaining significant energy savings through efficiency and conservation programs are greater for electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) than other utilities, as 72 percent of EMC energy sales is residential compared to roughly 33 percent residential energy sales for Georgia Power and municipal power systems. Large commercial and industrial customers can take advantage of energy savings through special rate designs and other programs. But for EMCs, individual responsibility and the voluntary nature of residential participation for such a large percentage of energy makes any achievement challenging. Even so, according to the 2011 EMC Demand Side Management (DSM), Energy Conservation and Energy Efficiency Report, Georgia’s 42 EMCs saved more than 36,805,000 kWh of energy in 2010. In other words, EMCs and their consumer members saved enough energy to serve more than 2,200 homes, or the population of a community like Waynesboro (population 5,800), for one year. An additional 185 MW were saved in 2010 through the EMCs’ network of more than 169,000 radiocontrolled switches installed on water heaters, air conditioners and irrigation pumps to switch them off for brief periods to help reduce peak de- mand. EMCs’ demand reduction program is almost three times the size of any similar utility program in Georgia. “DSM” is the modification of consumer demand for energy, such as direct load control and encouraging the consumer to use less energy during peak hours, moving energy use to off-peak times such as nighttime and weekends. DSM also refers to reducing “waste” energy usage by turning off lights when not in use, setting thermostats to reasonable levels, home weatherization and use of more energy-efficient appliances. “EMCs have a very robust energy-efficiency program,” says Jeff Pratt, director of Energy Efficiency for Tucker-based Oglethorpe Power Corp. “For more than 30 years, the cooperatives have really stepped forward in energy efficiency. For decades, this has been a part of our culture.” In 2010, EMCs in Georgia spent an impressive $18.7 million in marketing, rebates and incentives to promote energy efficiency. “Cooperatives are in the business of providing the greatest value to our customers, not to sell the most kilowatts possible,” says Pratt. “We want our members to get more value for every dollar they spend.” Pratt says two major factors have led to increased interest in energy savings among EMC consumers: (1) generational culture shift focusing on conservation and sustainability, and (2) economics. “Sustainability is being taught in classrooms today, just like the anti-litter campaign was taught when I was a kid,” says Pratt. “And as worldwide energy prices have increased, wages have not,” Pratt observes. “This pushes people More online at www.georgiamagazine.org to look at ways to save money at home.” Yet despite the greener culture, the tough economy and EMCs’ vigorous marketing efforts, the total amount of energy saved remains minuscule when compared to the total amount of energy consumed. The 36 million kWh saved in 2010 represent only .08 percent of the 41.7 billion kWh used by EMC members across Georgia. Some activists point to Georgia’s water conservation savings in the drought of 2007 as an example of greater potential for electric utilities. No doubt consumers and county/ municipal water systems were motivated to reduce water use under the force of state government-mandated restrictions with stiff fines for violations, often pitting neighbor against neighbor in the “policing” of water use. As the circumstances are quite different, there is no real comparison to be drawn between mandatory water conservation achievements in 2007 and voluntary electricity conservation potential. “We’re not in the business of forcing people to use, or not use energy,” says Pratt. “Ultimately, it is still the consumer’s choice. The EMCs remain bullish on efficiency, because it’s the right thing to do.” GEORGIA MAGAZINE 18 NRECA http://www.georgiamagazine.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - August 2011

Georgia Magazine - August 2011
Table of Contents
Viewpoint
Mailbox
Picture This?
Georgia News
Calendar
Currents
Georgia's Energy Outlook
Southern speedsters
From humble to highfalutin
Second helping: Barbecue
Around Georgia
My Georgia
Snapshot
Snapshot Submissions
Meet legendary NASCAR driver Rex White
The history of Lake Lanier
Gardens plant of the month; Liberty notes
Energy-efficiency tips

Georgia Magazine - August 2011