NEEP, ISO-New England partner on summer energy efficiency campaign
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) has joined with the Independent System Operator (ISO) for New England to help promote energy efficiency as a way of reducing peak electricity demand this summer and beyond.
“Take Charge New England” was launched on June 20 in Boston at a press event featuring ISO New England President and CEO Gordon van Welie, NEEP Executive Director Susan Coakley and other members of the business and environmental communities. The initiative seeks to educate energy consumers on how to be more energy efficient and invites them to “Take Charge” of their own energy usage and costs.
“Summer has arrived, and we know from experience that peak summer consumption really stretches our energy resources to the limit,’ said van Welie. “ISO New England wants to help consumers help themselves by raising awareness about the benefits of energy efficiency, and making energy efficiency tips and tools easily accessible.”
Coakley advised that “The two big areas to focus on for improved efficiency to reduce summer peak demand are lighting and air conditioning,” and offered some general recommendations on how consumers can become more efficient in both areas by:
- Changing out standard incandescent light bulbs for high efficiency compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), which use only about a third of the energy as standard lighting products, or, in business settings, using high efficiency Super T8 lighting systems, and
- Looking for the ENERGY STAR® label when purchasing lighting and appliances, particularly air conditioning equipment.
In addition, NEEP participated in a June 22 “Stakeholders Workshop” convened by ISO to discuss energy efficiency solutions to address the region’s power needs, and plans to continue working with ISO-New England in coming months to encourage their involvement in public policy solutions that encourage greater deployment of energy efficiency.
For more information on the ISO-New England “Take Charge New England” energy efficiency campaign, visit: www.takecharge-ne.org.
