With the rise in fuel and energy prices and the increase in energy demand from Americans, the desire to become “smarter” about energy consumption has also increased. This, coupled with the need to build new power plants, has moved energy efficiency into the spotlight and allowed consumers to participate with their utility in a more hands-on approach to using electricity more wisely. The Electric Power Research Institute and McKinsey & Company each released separate reports on energy efficiency in the U.S. that stated that increasing energy efficiency is a significant, low-cost source of electricity in the U.S.
The Rural Electric Management Development Council Energy Innovation Task Force describes energy innovation as having four legs:
· Demand Response: Shifting energy use to different times.
· Energy Conservation: Changing behavior to reduce energy use.
· Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy use without changing behavior.
Demand Response
Government incentives provided to U.S. citizens have caused an increase in interest in energy efficiency and in the demand for home energy audits. A survey done by the Cooperative Research Network on residential products and services shows that lower income families are more likely to participate in weatherization programs typically driven by federal or state incentives. This study also shows that higher income families usually have higher energy use due to living in larger homes. These families are also more likely to invest in energy efficiency improvements such as windows, insulation and Energy Star appliances. Society has come to realize that the initial step in delaying the construction of new generation is to use less electricity by becoming more energy efficient. The Cooperative Research Network’s Overview of Trends for Measuring and Verifying Energy Efficiency Investments and Savings points out that there is no consistency in how states monitor or measure energy savings or its impact on demand. This lack of consistency should not be a roadblock to utilities and consumers working together to reduce load and peak demands. This cooperation will help keep energy costs affordable and reduce the need to build new generation.
Energy Conservation
Utilities must work to educate consumers about the importance of energy conservation and how to make their homes more energy efficient. As found in Case Study SM 1.0 Residential AMI, advanced metering infrastructure will play a vital role in helping to educate consumers. AMI technology provides the utility and consumer with information to help them control energy use. See Case Studies SM 1.0 Residential AMI and UA 2.0 Advanced Automation Distribution.
In-home displays are a key to making the consumer more aware about their electricity use. Case Study HBA1.0 focuses on how home automation/in-home displays enable consumers to make informed energy conservation decisions. This case study uses data to determine the rationale and implications for both the consumer and utility to use in-home displays to improve demand response and customer satisfaction. See Case Study HBA 1.0 Entire Home Automation
Energy Efficiency
Energy audits are a vital part of making any energy efficiency improvements or installing distributed generation applications. It is imperative to determine and correct inefficient areas in the home before sizing any equipment for distributive generation or selecting energy efficiency improvements. If the amount of energy needed is reduced, the size of the equipment needed can be scaled down resulting in returns on investments.
A typical energy audit uses technology such as a blower door test, which helps energy auditors identify and measure the amount of air leakage from the shell of the building. Audits also incorporate infrared imaging that shows insulation deficiencies inside walls and the attic. Infrared works particularly well in conjunction with the blower door test. Computer software allows the auditor to input information, such as home square footage, type and number of windows and type and depth of attic and wall insulation. The computer generates a report with the return on investment per upgrade being considered. This information provides the savings and payback period for recommended home improvements. See Case Study EE 1.0 Energy Audits
Another key audit component is MySource, which provides consumers with educational resources like energy calculators for appliances and lighting. MySource Meter is an application that allows consumers to compare their monthly and daily electricity use with weather data. Mysource Meter, available on the Web, iPhone and iPad, empowers consumers with knowledge to make correct energy efficiency decisions. See MySource Feasibility Research