Press Statement from VAEEC regarding SCC Approval of Dominion Programs
For Immediate Release: May 2, 2019
Contact: Chelsea Harnish, Virginia Energy Efficiency Council, 804.457.8619, chelsea@vaeec.org
Virginia Energy Efficiency Council formally intervened in support of Dominion’s eleven new Demand-Response programs in the proceedings before the State Corporation Commission. Today, in their final order, the SCC approved each of these programs, which will fulfill part of Dominion’s commitment to energy efficiency under the Grid Transformation and Security Act. This is the first time ever that the SCC has approved Dominion’s programs without changes to the proposed timeline or budget.
A list of the approved programs with descriptions is provided below:
All six residential programs approved by the SCC, which were the first programs for residents in more than two years.
o Appliance Recycling Program: Incentivizes consumers to recycle eligible freezers and refrigerators.
o Home Energy Assessment Program: Facilities a walk-through energy assessment and incentivize efficiency upgrades based on the findings.
o Smart Thermostat Management Program (DR): Provides consumers who already have an eligible smart thermostat an annual incentive to enroll in a peak demand response program.
o Smart Thermostat Management Program (EE): Provides a one-time rebate for customers who purchase an eligible smart thermostat.
o Efficient Products Marketplace Program: Establishes a rebate program for qualified efficient products purchased through participating retailers or an online marketplace.
o Customer Engagement Program: Provides consumers with energy use data and energy saving suggestions.
All non-residential programs approved.
o Heating and Cooling Efficiency Program: Provides an incentive to qualifying customers to implement high efficiency heating and cooling technologies.
o Lighting Systems & Controls Program: Provides an incentive to qualifying customers to implement efficient lighting technologies with verifiable savings.
o Window Film Program: Incentivizes customers to install solar reduction window film.
o Office Program: Offers incentives for installation of a variety of energy efficiency measures related to building systems to small office facilities.
o Small Manufacturing Program: Offers incentives for installation of a variety of energy efficiency measures to small manufacturing companies, primarily regarding compressed air systems.
City Council will decide on Wednesday, May 1 whether to reserve funds for a “green” building program, which would enable private lenders to collect debts via the city government’s taxing power.
Proponents say the program — dubbed Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) — would enable building owners to invest in eco-friendlier building upgrades, like HVAC systems and roofs. They think such upgrades could yield a relatively big positive environmental impact, since buildings are major greenhouse gas emitters.
With C-PACE, eligible debt attaches to the building, which passes to the new owner if the building is sold. It’s repaid through a special assessment on the property, as a tax bill addition.
“This can address a key disincentive to investing in energy improvements because many property owners are hesitant … if they think they may not stay in the property long enough for the resulting savings to cover the upfront costs,” according to the Department of Energy.
With zero-down and long repayment terms, C-PACE may enables owners to finance upgrades for which they might otherwise lack sufficient cash.
“The annual energy savings for a PACE project usually exceeds the annual assessment payment, so property owners are cash flow positive immediately,” according to the C-PACE Alliance, a coalition of firms. “[Net new revenue] can be spent on other capital projects, budgetary expenses, or business expansion.”
The Ivy Knoll Caring Senior Community in Covington, Ky. illustrates the benefits, says Jessica Greene of the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council. With a $750,000 C-PACE loan, Ivy Knoll installed, among other things, heating and cooling controls that reduce energy costs by some 20 percent.
Read more (Alexandria Gazette Packet)
PMR indicates steady growth for the global thermal insulation material market over a four-year forecast period, 2016-2020. By 2016 end, the revenues are likely to reach US$ 45.073.8 Mn. The market will observe stable growth at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period. Developing economies will continue to lead the market globally, witnessing strong growth throughout the next four years.
Rising urbanization and increased manufacturing and construction output levels are the key macroeconomic factors expected to escalate the demand for thermal insulation material. The critical need for thermal insulation in order to maintain any industrial system’s performance will continue to sustain the demand for thermal insulation material. Rising consumption of thermal insulation material by a wide range of verticals, such as oil and gas, energy, petrochemicals, and food and beverages, is projected to escalate the demand. Increasing manufacturing levels of automobiles as well as aircrafts will also accelerate the market.
Read More (Market Research Gazette)
The following release was customized and sent to media outlets across the Commonwealth.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2019
GIS Maps Help Northern Virginia Consider Energy Efficiency
Virginia Energy Efficiency Council develops maps, promotes C-PACE program
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Virginia Energy Efficiency Council has developed geographic information system (GIS) maps for localities across Virginia, including Alexandria, Loudoun and Fairfax County, to demonstrate the potential for building owners to engage in cost-saving energy efficiency measures.
The maps demonstrate which buildings are eligible for the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program throughout these localities. Commercial, industrial, agricultural, nonprofit and multifamily residences with five or more dwellings are included in the maps. While promoting the C-PACE program, key feedback from localities is that they are hesitant to move forward with C-PACE without knowing the demand from the business community.
“The C-PACE program is designed for building owners to consider ways they can be more energy efficient,” said Jessica Greene, outreach director of VAEEC. “It allows them to upgrade their buildings for better water conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy. The maps are our way of demonstrating the potential demand for C-PACE and to increase awareness about its benefits for local property owners.”
Alexandria, Fairfax County and Loudoun have recognized the value of C-PACE and are working toward participation in the program with the help of the GIS maps. Here are current updates on GIS mapping and C-PACE in these localities:
- City of Alexandria
- Requested additional maps for properties built/last renovated before 2010 and between 2000-2010
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- These dates were requested due to a green building initiative that the city implemented
- Fairfax County
- Ordinance was approved by Board of Supervisors during March 19, 2019 meeting
- VAEEC participated in the Fairfax County C-PACE Stakeholders Group to review/provide feedback on the draft ordinance
- Fairfax County’s program is set to be the first in the state to make resiliency and stormwater measures eligible for C-PACE financing
- Loudoun County
- Board of Supervisors approved ordinance during February 2019 meeting
- Currently in procurement process for program administrator
- RFP for program administration services has been released
- Loudoun decided not to use C-PACE for multifamily buildings, so residential buildings are not included in the maps
“Ultimately, taking the steps to be more energy efficient will pay off for building owners,” Greene said. “These maps are a helpful starting point in promoting clean energy financing through this unique program. We’re excited about the opportunity to work with Alexandria, Loudoun and Fairfax County officials to continue to share the value of C-PACE, a truly unmatched and innovative financing tool for business owners in the area.”
To learn more about the C-PACE program and GIS mapping project, visit https://vaeec.org/pace/.
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Founded in 2012, VAEEC is a 501c3 organization, headquartered in Richmond, that provides a platform for stakeholder engagement while assessing and supporting programs and policies that advance energy efficiency in Virginia. We engage our members to identify barriers to and opportunities for energy efficiency advancement, and to develop a strong, fact-based, and balanced industry voice before local, state, and national policymakers and regulators. Our diverse group of over 100 members includes Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, local governments, state agencies, and more. The VAEEC’s goal is to ensure that energy efficiency is recognized as an integral part of Virginia’s economy and clean energy future.
VAEEC is part of the Mid-Atlantic PACE Alliance, or MAPA, working to accelerate the implementation of C-PACE programs in the region.
Tens of thousands of home energy assessments are conducted every year in the United States, but many recipients do not follow through on their recommendations. We studied 45 sample assessment reports by coding them for design and content elements, sending them for review by a panel of experts (energy assessors, graphic designers, and behavioral scientists), and examining a subset using an eye-tracker. We also surveyed over 600 customers who received assessments to see how they responded to them. This report summarizes the results of our study and suggests a number of strategies that assessors can use to increase the chances that customers will follow through on their recommendations. Check out a sample of the recommendations on this fact sheet.
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Fredericksburg officials said the city saved $1.8 million and produced about 25.6 million fewer pounds of greenhouse gases over the past 20 years by reducing electricity and fossil fuel consumption in its government buildings.
This environmental stewardship was first implemented in 1996-97 through energy-savings performance contracts, most recently with Siemens Industry.
Under the current contract, Siemens Industry performs energy audits and pursues measures such as retrofitting city buildings with energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling equipment. These investments save energy, reduce maintenance and conserve natural resources, while saving taxpayer money and providing healthier building environments, according to city officials.
Read more (Free Lance-Star)
Just three months into the 116th Congress, the discussion on climate change has noticeably shifted in Washington. From subtle evolutions in tone to bold new platforms like the Green New Deal, policymakers are taking a new approach to what is increasingly accepted on both sides of the aisle as an urgent problem.
The discussion spans a wide swath of policy areas, from energy to tax to infrastructure and transportation. And across them all, lawmakers are discovering that energy efficiency is uniquely positioned to make an immediate and significant impact. Political gridlock aside, there is a clear groundswell of alignment and deep bipartisan support for energy efficiency policy solutions because efficiency is the single most effective solution we have for reducing emissions, and it also is creating jobs, strengthening the economy, and enhancing American competitiveness.
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Albemarle County’s goal is to reduce overall community greenhouse gas emissions by 45 percent by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
County staff is recommending the goal as part of the first phase of the Climate Action Plan process, and the goal is consistent with the latest recommendations of the International Panel on Climate Change.
“It’s not just a goal for county operations; this is a goal for the entire community included within the jurisdictional boundary of Albemarle County,” said Narissa Turner, the county’s climate programs coordinator.
Read More (Daily Progress)
Commercial, industrial, nonprofit and multi-family property owners looking to make their buildings more energy efficient will now be able to get help from Fairfax County.
The Board of Supervisors approved a new program on March 19 to assist these property owners to borrow money from private lenders for these improvements.
Read More (Fairfax County)
The Association of Energy Conservation Professionals and CHP Energy Solutions Research & Training have partnered to offer a $2,000 scholarship in John Langford’s memory. John Langford was a legend in Weatherization and helped found the Community Housing Partners Training Center almost 20 years ago. He will be remembered for his work ethic, generous and kind disposition, respect for others, and ability to successfully impart his knowledge of and passion for the weatherization industry to others.
Click here to apply
