| TECHNOLOGY SNAPSHOT: ENERGY EFFICIENCY | |
|---|---|
| Resource Distribution | The cheapest unit of energy is the one unused. Increase efficiency and conserve in order to lower the cost of energy. |
| Number of communities impacted | Resource potential exists throughout the State. Energy conservation and efficiency are ongoing projects that are changing and developing constantly. |
| Technology Readiness | Mature – energy efficiency requires more mind-set than technology. The most important infrastructure will be an educated public. Education and marketing are valuable components of end-use energy management. |
| Environmental Impact | End-use efficiency also requires proper design to consider user needs and comfort. Proper disposal of old equipment is necessary. The result is a reduction of energy used, the amount of fuel used, and related emissions. |
| Economic Status | The rate of return for conservation and efficiency is extremely high. This is a necessary step to take before any kind of new infrastructure is considered. That said, payback depends on energy efficient measures. |
| Case Study | Koyuk |
Introduction
This part of the wiki describes end-use conservation, existing programs to promote end-use conservation measures, and other sources of information on end-use conservation for rural Alaska. End-us conservation is defined as practices utilized by the "end" user of an energy source. In layman's terms, the "end" user is the person actually using the energy, whether it be in heating their home or turning on a light. End-use conservation focuses on practices, technologies, and strategies that can be used by the everyday energy user to decrease their consumption while still enjoying the same quality of life.
How Efficiency Works
To understand how end-use efficiency works, it's important to first review how energy works. The goal of energy conservation and efficiency is to decrease the amount of energy used, without sacrificing comfort. Examples of energy efficiency policy or best practices are building codes, appliance and equipment standards, and efficiency mandates. Energy efficiency also means operating and maintaining facilities or homes in the most efficient manner, by adding insulation, maintaining boiler systems, or testing the air flow.
Alaska has traditionally focused on energy supply as opposed to efficiency. Many Alaskan communities rely on diesel generation. When diesel prices are low, conservation efforts tend to literally slip out the window. Efficiency requires that regardless of the price of fuel, energy users commit to using efficiency measures to insulate their homes and utilize energy as efficiently as possible.
Example: Between 15-35% of heat can be lost through poorly insulated or fitted windows in the winter. Using efficiency measures such as installing blinds or curtains, caulking around the window frame to block drafts, or installing double or triple paned windows will prevent heat loss. While this will not change the cost of the fuel a user must buy, it may help the energy (heat, in this case) to be used more efficiently in a building, and so less fuel will need to be consumed.
Energy efficiency measures can range from the practically free or very cheap to expensive installations. The approach that is most appropriate varies by the building and the desires of the user, but all efficiency measures will help to use energy (heat, light, etc.) more efficiently and can help lower energy costs. This is particularly useful in rural areas of Alaska where fuel prices can be very high, and capturing heat and light effectively is very important.
Energy Efficiency Policy
Energy efficiency policies are government-initiated incentives that encourage the development and adoption of energy efficient technologies and practices. These can be put in place at the national, state, or local level. Many of these policies are more effective at the state level, where smaller government allows for more specialized policies according to state need. Policy for energy efficiency can be categorized using eight different fields: (1) utility-sector and public benefits programs and policies; (2) transportation policies; (3) building energy codes; (4) combined heat and power; (5) appliance efficiency standards; (6) lead by example in government facilities and fleets; (7) research, development, and deployment; and (8) financial and information incentives.
Energy efficiency and renewable energy are twin pillars of a sustainable energy policy. Improving energy efficiency is seen as one solution to common critical problems such as energy security, global warming, and fossil fuel depletion. Good energy conservation policy is primary when addressing these critical issues. The reduction of demands of infrastructure should be the first thing Alaskans do for energy end-use control. This reduction in demand will lead to a lowering in energy supply development cost.
The Alaskan government views high energy costs as an ongoing critical problem that affects many residents, particularly in rural areas. Recent legislatures have shown support through funding and resolutions to help Alaskans insulate their homes and conserve energy through better efficiency practices. Several programs exist that help home and business owners make their buildings more energy efficient. Tax credits and subsidies exist through various energy support entities to help offset installation and initial capital costs. See more about such programs further down the page.
Energy efficiency should be viewed as an investment, in which an initial cost is weighed against a subsequent reduction in expected energy use. Costs may continue to rise, but high costs can be mitigated by energy efficiency. Increased end-use energy efficiency will bring net economic benefits to Alaskan homes and businesses.
Energy conservation focuses on where the energy goes. The red area in the figure below highlights sectors on the demand side of the Alaskan energy flow.
Efficiency Programs
Numerous programs from both private and government funded sources exist to help home and business owners make their properties more energy efficient. Provided here is a short list of energy efficiency programs with a brief synopsis of each.
- The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation : This page provides information about grants, rebates, and income-based weatherization programs to help improve private homes.
- Weatherization Programs : A comprehensive listing of programs that will provide information and weatherization services to homeowners.
- Alaska Energy Authority : The site for Alaska Energy Authority Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants. Contact the individuals listed at the bottom of the page for information about the presented material.
- Alaska Energy Efficiency : This website provides a compilation of energy and efficiency programs that can help home and business owners be more efficient in their energy use.
- Alaska Renewable Energy Project (REAP) : A great resource for Alaska specific energy and energy efficiency related issues.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The future of Alaska demands that every resident get the most energy out of each unit purchased. Energy efficiency has the highest return on investment of any energy source. The environmental implications are extremely high as well. Many facility owners and operators tend not to think about their usage, yet it is the easiest and fastest way to keep costs down. End-use efficiency can keep energy prices stable while reducing the need for new supply-side infrastructure, or providing the extra time to build that infrastructure. Careful project design can mitigate comfort issues that may arise from new lighting systems and different building controls.
The technology is mature, but constantly evolving. Owners and operators must keep current on the changes. Before implementing changes they must assure proper testing has been completed. Conservation has a strong future in slowing the advancement of global warming by reducing or displacing production of greenhouse gases from the electricity sector.
Efficiency and conservation easily become a way of living. Constant education and outreach will be required to reinforce good habits. Safe removal and disposal (recycling) of old equipment should be ongoing. Much like the Federal Government does through mandatory reductions and use of alternatives, the State of Alaska should lead all of Alaska by example.
