May 2008 - The renewable portions of Ohio’s energy policy legislation, Senate Bill 221, could bring 5,000 to 7,000 megawatts of new wind power production to our state by 2025, according to an expert at the American Wind Power Association (AWPA). The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) supports the requirement within Senate Bill 221 signed into law by Governor Ted Strickland on May 1, 2008, that a minimum of 12.5 percent of each electric utility’s power comes from renewable resources such as wind, solar and landfill gas. The AWPA estimate is based on between 75 and 95 percent of the renewable requirement being met using wind energy.

April 2008 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has launched a new campaign to build off the “ENERGY STAR Change a Light” campaign. Called “Save the World, Start with ENERGY STAR,” the new campaign shows consumers the steps they can take to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The new pledge encourages consumers to make their home heating and cooling systems to run more efficiently; ensure their homes are well sealed and insulated; utilize the power management features on computers and monitors; and choose ENERGY STAR models when replacing or purchasing new appliances. Take the pledge on the ENERGY STAR Web site.

April 2008 - The federal government has established the first-ever ENERGY STAR criteria for water heaters. The ENERGY STAR logo on a product indicates that it meets stringent energy efficiency specifications.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “by the end of the fifth year in effect (2013) the new water heater criteria are expected to save Americans approximately $780 million in utility costs, avoid 4.2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and achieve cumulative energy savings of more than 3.9 billion kilowatt-hours and 270 million therms of natural gas.”

The agency says that water heaters are the third largest energy user in residences, accounting for 17 percent of a home’s total use. For more information about the new ENERGY STAR water heater standards, click here.

March 2008 - Guidelines for remodeling residential homes while being environmentally conscious have been created through the joint efforts of the American Society of Interior Designers Foundation and the U.S. Green Building Council. The “REGREEN” guidelines examine the 10 most common projects, including remodeling a kitchen and finishing a basement.

Energy efficiency is integral throughout the comprehensive REGREEN guidelines. For more information, including the new guidelines, visit the renovations section of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Green Home Guide Web site here.