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T h e P o w e r B e h i n d a G r o w i n g M a s s a c h u s e t t s
Affordable Energy News
The publication of the Massachusetts Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance FALL 2008
FERC Commissioner Featured at Mass AREA
and NEEA Clean Energy Forum
n October 2, 2008 more than 70 Group. Dr. Andrew Kadak of the Joe Dalton, Director Government and
business executives, regulators and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Regulatory Affairs, Suez Energy North
O policy makers attended an energy
forum co-sponsored by the Massachusetts
then gave a presentation on the future of
nuclear energy and its importance to the
America
Jack Alexander, Manager Government
Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance (Mass nation’s energy supply. The last speaker in Relations, Entergy
AREA), and the New England Energy the first half of the program, Bill Brier, vice Helen Howes, Vice President,
Alliance (NEEA) titled, “Putting Clean Energy president, policy and public affairs, Edison Environment, Health and Safety, Exelon
to Work For Massachusetts: Real solutions Electric Institute spoke about the benefits Peter Kelly-Detwiler, Senior Vice
that reduce global warming and our and importance of energy efficiency. President of Energy Technology Services,
dependence on foreign fuel.” Constellation
The second half of the program featured
Dan Weekley, Director, Northeast,
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Government and Regulatory Affairs,
member Suedeen G. Kelly, who shared her
Dominion Resources
insights on the future of generation
resources, transmission and energy policy. Edward Krapels, Chairman, New
England Independent Transmission Co.
Commissioner Kelly then participated in an Mike Hachey, Director, Northeast Region,
executive roundtable during which TransCanada Power Marketing, Ltd.
participants engaged in a spirited Dr. Andrew Kadak, MIT
conversation about the development of the
renewable energy sector in Massachusetts The two and a half hour energy forum was
with a particular focus on transmission held at the offices of Brown Rudnick in
needs. The roundtable participants included: Boston, MA. Copies of the speakers'
Janet Besser, VP Regulatory Affairs, presentations are available on the Mass
National Grid AREA Web site at www.maarea.us. 2
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission member
Suedeen G. Kelly
The event, moderated by Peter Howe,
Business Reporter at New England Cable
News, began with presentations by Mass
AREA members and offshore wind project
developers, Cape Wind and the Blue H
Inside this issue
• ISO-New England
Conference ............................3
• Green Line's Approach to
Massachusetts' Energy Future 4
• MIT Makes Solar Energy
Breakthrough ..........................5
Dr. Andrew Kadak of MIT giving his presentation on the future of nuclear technology.
New England Energy Alliance Survey Finds Public Fitchburg Manufacturer to go “Off Grid”
Misconceptions about Electricity Generation with Proposed Biomass Plant
recent survey on energy issues produce 70 percent of New England’s electricity generation is needed to back-up
conducted for the New England electricity. natural gas-fired generating plants during itchburg, MA manufacturer Simonds The biomass plant will work by burning reduced to a 10 MW facility if the local
A Energy Alliance found that New
Englanders have significant misconceptions Reality: Natural gas is currently the
times when natural gas demand exceeds
pipeline capacity and/or supply availability. F International, has proposed plans to
build a biomass gasification plant that
the woodchips and using steam to
produce all of the electricity needed at
grid is unable to accept the excess power
produced.
about the technologies, fuels and costs of predominant electricity- generating would produce and supply power to its Simonds, essentially taking the
electricity generation. Three misconceptions fuel. Misconception #2: Wind generating manufacturing facility. The biomass plant manufacturer “off the grid.” In addition to the $2 million in savings
in particular, if unaddressed, could Almost all of the generating plants built in facilities produce the cheapest will use woodchips as its fuel source and already estimated, Simonds will be able to
incorrectly skew public policy and influence New England over the past decade have electricity. be built on Simonds’ existing property. “The proposed biomass project will save another $125,000 by using the steam
private investment decisions involving been natural gas-fired due to their low The majority of New Englanders believe eliminate the use of coal and fossil fuels to from the biomass plant to heat its building
electricity supply infrastructure and capital costs, fuel supply availability, high that wind generating facilities produce the Said James P. Sweeney, president of CCI generate our electricity and significantly and other area companies.
programs to minimize energy demand. efficiency and low-carbon emitting cheapest electricity. A much needed and Energy of Plymouth, “This is one of the reduce Simonds’ cost of electricity, which is
operations. According to ISO New England, desired energy source, wind generation basics we can do, along with solar and over $2 million a year,” said Kenneth R. “This is the most exciting project I have
Misconception #1: Oil is the predominant about 40 percent of the region’s electricity currently comprises less than 1 percent of wind power.” Myer, vice president of procurement at worked on in 36 years here,” Mr. Myer
fuel used to generate electricity. is produced by natural gas. the region’s electricity supply. Simonds. said. “It is a win, win, win, win situation.”
A significant majority of New Englanders CCI Energy is set to build and operate the Taking these new savings into
believe that oil-fired generating facilities The region’s increasing dependency on According to the American Wind Energy biomass plant for Simonds. According to Mr. Myer, Simonds will use consideration, Simonds International will
produce the largest percentage of natural gas should be a growing concern Association, the cost of electricity from only 5 to 10 percent of the electricity be able to continue to operate in
electricity in the region. Imported oil, because a diversified fuel mix provides the wind energy varies widely depending upon If everything goes as planned, the 176 year produced, and sell the rest to the local Fitchburg. The company currently employs
however, generates just 4 percent of the greatest hedge against supply interruptions. the wind speed at a given project site. old cutting tool manufacturer expects to have grid. 150 people full time, continuing to add to
region’s electricity — a significant reduction Importantly, however, advanced the plant, already touted as the largest in the the local tax base.
from the early 1970s when it was used to Interestingly, the majority of oil used for technologies are now enabling wind state if built, up and running by December of “The balance of excess power will be sent
2009. Costs for construction are estimated at out…to the lines for anyone else that As of press time, it was not known if
Continued on page 7 > $46 million, with the plant producing needs power,” Mr. Myer said. He also financing was approved for the biomass
upwards of 15 megawatts of power. added that the biomass plant will be plant. 2
New Patrick Administration Computer Power Policy to Save
Millions of KWs and Dollars Energy Issues Get Full Airing at ISO New England Conference
tate government is expected to save and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary systems comprise those exempt from part ndependent System Operator New • Realizing the full potential of renewable In addition to the keynotes and panels,
more than $2 million annually while whose office includes the Leading by or all of the standard because they are England (ISO-NE) sponsored a resources to improve electricity reliability, there was a vendor showcase displaying
S using 12 million fewer kilowatts of
electricity under a new computer power
Example Program. “Making sure we power
down computers and workstations during
used for public safety, traffic monitoring,
or other critical purposes where the
I conference and vendor showcase on
September 18 and 19 titled, “Lights
efficiency, and fuel diversity innovative industry products and services
from the energy world. 2
management standard that requires that periods of inactivity can potentially reduce standard would not be appropriate. The Power Action.” The event was held at • Incorporating demand resources into
Executive Branch agency computers be the energy they use by 95 percent.” standard was developed over six months the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel both day-to-day market operations and
shut down or switched to energy-saving by ITD and an inter-agency team that and over 450 people attended. long-term system planning
“sleep mode” when not in active use. Bowles pointed out that state savings from included EEA and its Departments of
the new policy could increase significantly Energy Resources and Environmental Attendees and speakers at the two-day Mass AREA advisor Dr. Patrick Moore a
Part of Governor Deval Patrick’s Leading by if it is adopted by the 29 state colleges and Protection, the Executive Office of Health conference learned about and discussed world-renowned ecologist, environmentalist,
Example Program to reduce energy use universities, and dozens of non-executive and Human Services, the Operational the strategies that must be pursued to co-founder and former leader of Greenpeace Published by the Massachusetts Affordable
and costs, the Enterprise Desktop Power branch agencies and authorities. Services Division and the Department of assure New England’s electric energy also addressed the conference and spoke Reliable Electricity Alliance
Management Standards announced in Revenue. future. about the importance of developing Ten Milk Street, Suite 411
September are among the most far- “We’re excited to release workstation alternative energy sources while preserving Boston, Massachusetts 02108-4600
reaching computer power standards in the energy standards that will help agencies The new policy mandates that most The conference featured keynote speeches the environment, meeting growing demand Telephone: 617-259-1791
country. The policy is estimated to cut achieve immediate efficiencies and save computer monitors be placed in sleep by Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for power, and overcoming local opposition Website: www.maarea.us
state agencies’ carbon emissions by about money,” added Anne Margulies, Chief mode after ten minutes of inactivity and Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher and Chairman, to the siting of new plants. Contact: info@maarea.us
5,051 tons per year – roughly equal to the Information Officer at the Division of be shut off whenever the workstation is President and Chief Executive Officer, of Circulation: 12,000
volume of CO2 emitted from driving 925 Information Technology (ITD), which shut down or in standby mode. It requires Northeast Utilities System, Charles W. During his speech Dr. Moore placed a particular
MASS AREA Leadership
cars or providing electricity to 669 homes developed the standards in collaboration that screen saver options not be enabled, Shivery. emphasis on nuclear power and the need for
for one year. with an inter-agency team. “Although the since they may increase a system’s energy the continued operation and relicensing of Joyce McMahon
Director of Communications
energy saved for each PC seems like a use. Most computers must be set to sleep Panel discussions with key policymakers, the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant in Plymouth
Bill Stewart
“Nationally, office equipment accounts for small step, they add up to big savings for after 30 minutes of inactivity and turned senior executives, and energy experts and other nuclear facilities in the region in Director of Development &
up to 10 percent of total annual electricity the Commonwealth - $2 million per year.” off during non-business hours unless focused on: order to help meet Regional Greenhouse Gas Member Programs
consumption in commercial buildings – administrative duties must be performed. Initiative carbon emissions reduction targets. Lauren Mauriello
Execurtive Director
and that’s without considering the About 80 percent of the Executive Branch’s Each agency is responsible for developing • Balancing economic, environmental, and
additional energy needed for office cooling approximately 40,000 computers are its own compliance strategies, ranging energy considerations through policy and Following Dr. Moore’s speech, there was a
MASS AREA is a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization.
due to waste heat emitted from computers expected to be covered by the new power technology luncheon held with several Mass AREA
and monitors,” said Ian Bowles, Energy management standard. The remaining members.
Continued on page 7 >
2• Affordable Energy News Fall 2008 Issue • 3
M A S S A R E A M E M B E R S P OT L I G H T
Green Line - An Innovative Approach to
Massachusetts’s Environmental and Energy Future
assachusetts is emerging as a national leader in the not.” Wald reports that the 90 MW Maple Ridge Wind farm near transmission lines that support wind development, while New
area of green power and environmental sustainability Lowville, N.Y., a project qualified to sell renewable energy credits to England is just getting started. ISO-NE is now undertaking studies
M with the passage of five new energy and environmental
initiatives in the last legislative session. Consequently, aggressive
the Massachusetts market, “has been shut down even with a brisk
wind blowing,” because “the regional electric lines have been so
that look at the economic benefit of installing projects like Green Line
that will facilitate the development of new green power resources.
goals for energy efficiency, the creation of green jobs, and congested.” (Matthew Wald, “Wind Energy Bumps Into Power
increased use of renewable energy resources have become the Grid’s Limits,” New York Times, August 26, 2008.) North-south Green Line is an innovative, environmentally benign transmission
cornerstone of Governor Patrick's administration. Meanwhile, transmission congestion has been a problem in New England. As project that will keep Massachusetts and Boston at forefront of
thanks to Mayor Menino’s leadership, Boston is ranked as the more renewable energy projects get built in Maine, the grid will solving complex energy and environmental issues. More about
8th most sustainable city in the United States and sits on the become more congested, and like in New York, projects that get the project can be found at its web site at
EPA’s top ten list of green power purchasers. built may not be able to operate when the wind blows. www.greenlineproject.com or by contacting Stephen Conant
at New England Independent Transmission Company at
To stay at the forefront of addressing complex energy and Investment in transmission infrastructure is pivotal if the full potential 781-246-9851.
environmental issues, Boston and the Commonwealth will of the renewable resources to the north are to be realized. Texas,
need innovative projects that support the development of California, and Colorado have already taken steps to develop Text courtesy of Green Line. 2
green power resources in an economic and environmentally
sustainable way. Green Line is such a project – a 140-mile sub-
sea transmission line that will deliver of 660 megawatts (MWs)
Photo: Donna Coveney
of power from northern Maine directly to downtown Boston. MIT Researchers Make a
Expansion of the line to 1,200 MW would allow power to be
delivered into southeastern Massachusetts. Green Line will use HVDC technology and submarine cabling Breakthrough with Solar Energy
to get power to the highly congested area of downtown
Green Line is being developed by New England Independent Boston. Just as NSTAR’s underground 345 kV AC project esearchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) The research advancement
Transmission Company, LLC, and includes many of the same eliminated Boston’s reliance on the aging New Boston station have developed a major breakthrough by harvesting energy uses photosynthesis as a
principals who developed the Neptune Project (see
www.NeptuneRTS.com). One of the most successful
in South Boston, Green Line will forestall the need to build
new power plants in the city. Green Line’s HVDC converter
R from the sun on a large scale and storing excess energy for
future use.
model: Nocera, along with
post doctorate fellow
transmission projects completed in the last decade, Neptune is station will act as a 660 MW generator in Boston, but without Matthew Kanan, use the solar
a subsea 65-mile high voltage direct current (HVDC) 660 MW air or water pollution problems. Up to now, solar energy could only be used during daylight hours power to break water down
project that links New Jersey and Long Island, New York. because of the costs associated with it, as well as the inefficient into oxygen and hydrogen
Completed on time and on budget in July 2008, Neptune has Green Line also addresses a fundamental problem within the storage methods available. Daniel Nocera, MIT’s Henry Dreyfus gases during the day.
saved Long Island consumers hundreds of millions of dollars New England electric grid – how to move more power north Professor of Energy and the senior author of the research paper, According to the researchers,
since it began operation. to south. If Massachusetts wants to get 25 percent of its said in a statement, “Solar power has always been a limited, far-off “Later, the oxygen and
energy from renewable resources by 2030 and reduce solution. Now we can seriously think about solar power as hydrogen may be Daniel G. Nocera, the Henry Dreyfus Professor
HVDC technology applied to underwater projects is not new. greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050, large unlimited and soon.” recombined inside a fuel cell, of Energy at MIT, has developed a simple
Submarine HVDC cables have been operating since the 1950s. quantities of green generation are needed. And Massachusetts creating method to split water molecules and produce
Today there are more than 20 projects operating around the is not alone. Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode carbon-free oxygen gas, a discovery that paves the way for
large-scale use of solar power.
world. They have been installed at lengths of up to 360 miles Island, and Vermont all want to use more renewable energy. electricity to
and in water depths up to 3,330 feet. Neptune was the first The non-profit public policy group Environment Northeast has power your house or your electric car, day or night.”
subsea installation in the United States. A second is being reported that 8,000 MWs of new wind generating capacity
installed that will provide power to San Francisco. And a third will be needed if New England is to meet its legislative goals The process, which can work with any renewable
is under development in New York City. for using renewable power. energy source, is aided by catalysts comprised of
cobalt metal, phosphate and an electrode, which is
Submarine cable installation has many advantages over Large-scale offshore wind projects can increase wind then combined with another catalyst made of
traditional overhead lines, especially when used to service production in Massachusetts, however, even with these platinum, thereby duplicating photosynthesis. Nocera
congested urban areas where new overhead lines are projects, much more will be needed. Northern New England and Kanan report that the catalyst works in neutral
unacceptable. DC cables laid along the ocean bottom take a and Canada stand ready to fill the gap. Last April, Maine water at room temperature and is relatively easy to
fraction of the right-of-way width of AC lines that carry the Governor Baldacci signed a law to facilitate the development set up in residential homes and larger buildings alike.
same amount of power. No right-of-way management is of 3,000 MW of new wind projects. But building new wind
needed and there are no unsightly overhead lines to projects is not enough. As energy reporter Matthew Wald wrote “This is a major discovery with enormous
interrupt people’s view. HVDC systems are also extremely recently in the New York Times, “The dirty secret of clean energy implications for the future prosperity of humankind,”
reliable. is that while generating it is getting easier, moving it to market is said James Barber, the Ernst
Continued on page 8 >
Chain Professor of Biochemistry
4• Affordable Energy News Fall 2008 Issue • 5
Continued from page 6 >
New England Energy Alliance Survey Continued from page 2 >
UMass Creates Nuclear Science Task Force
generating facilities to produce electricity legislatively mandated by Massachusetts, Reality: Wind is not suitable as a base
that is cost competitive with other fuels. Connecticut and Rhode Island, collected load source of electricity, but is n July 12, 2008, the University Of The second is to take a look at how the
Wind facilities have no fuel costs, but they do through a surcharge on electricity bills; and essential to meet carbon emission Massachusetts (UMass) Board Of energy needs we are faced with could be
have maintenance and substantial capital
development costs that must be recovered
2) costs associated with state renewable
portfolio standards that require the region’s
reduction targets
The need for base load capacity — power
O Trustees voted unanimously to
approve the creation of a task force to
helped with nuclear. We need to take a
look at what other states are doing in
over periods of significant intermittent electric utilities to purchase a specified plants that operate continuously — have research nuclear science and technology in regards to nuclear. Nuclear not only
operation (the vagaries of Mother Nature). percentage of electricity supply from been steadily increasing as the economy and Massachusetts. creates low cost clean energy, but also has
qualified renewable generation sources — or consumer lifestyles require around-the-clock a strong economic impact with tax
Reality: Nuclear generating facilities make an alternative payment collected from electricity. According to ISO New England, The vote requested that the University of revenues and jobs. We are going to take a
produce low cost electricity ratepayers that is applied towards renewable demand for electricity is growing by just Massachusetts Lowell, led by Chancellor look, policy-wise, on how we can use
The Nuclear Energy Institute reports that on a resource development. under one percent each year. As demand Martin Meehan, Provost Ahmed Abdelai nuclear to drive up our economy here in
per kilowatt-hour basis, existing nuclear continues to grow, increasing base load and supporting faculty and staff, conduct the Commonwealth.
energy facilities generate the cheapest Misconception #3: Wind generating generation will be critical. analyses of the nuclear educational and
electricity at about 1.76 cents per kWh, facilities can be relied upon for 24/7 research enterprise and recommend how LM - Why do you think nuclear power is
followed by coal at 2.47 cents per kWh. operations A major effort to construct more wind to maximize the University core such a tough sell?
Electricity generated from natural gas and oil Most New Englanders also incorrectly generating facilities is essential if the region capabilities to best fit the needs of nuclear
is more expensive at 6.78 and 10.26 cents believe wind generating facilities can be is to meet its carbon emission reduction technology, education and research now RL - In Massachusetts and beyond we
per kWh respectively. Based on studies by the relied upon for 24/7 operations. A wind target agreed to under the Regional and into the future. need to be educated on nuclear power and Richard Lawton, University of Massachusetts Board
American Wind Energy Association, state-of- plant is “fueled” by the wind which blows Greenhouse Gas Initiative. In the absence of its benefits. Nationally the support for of Trustees member and chairman of the UMass
the-art wind plants in high-wind states can steadily at times and not at all at other additional technological breakthroughs, The focus of the committee will be critical nuclear is growing every day. Since oil prices Nuclear Task Force.
generate electricity at about 5 cents per kWh times, often running at less than full however, wind facilities will be limited to analysis of nuclear energy in Massachusetts and electricity costs are so high, I think that
(although this is not always the case). capacity. about 30 percent or less of the region’s and a review of the state’s energy Massachusetts as a whole is going to take a LM - What would you like to see happen
generating capacity because of intermittent challenges, as well as the economic benefits more realistic approach to nuclear and what on a state level to increase nuclear power
Generic calculations show that even with A generating facility’s “capacity factor” is operational constraints that require back-up of a nuclear initiative in the Commonwealth it can bring to our energy mix. It’s the in Massachusetts?
the high capital costs of new nuclear one way of measuring its productivity. It supplies and other measures to limit of Massachusetts. cleanest, most affordable and safest power
facilities, they can produce electricity at a compares the plant’s actual production potential impacts on the stability of the source out there. RL - At the end of the day we don’t know
cost as low as the most cost efficient wind over a given period of time with the electrical grid. The task force is chaired by UMass Board LM - What do you think the greatest where this task force is going to go, but the
generating facility. The very high operating amount of electricity the plant would have of Trustees member Richard Lawton, who benefit to nuclear power is? University is taking a comprehensive and
availability of nuclear energy plants generated had it run at full capacity. The annual telephone survey was conducted by recently interviewed with Executive Director analytical approach to nuclear. The state has
(operating continuously “round-the-clock”) Nuclear power plants — and other large Opinion Dynamics for the New England Energy of Mass AREA Lauren Mauriello about the RL - Nuclear is clean, that is the bottom line. looked into wind and solar, however if there
contributes to their low electricity base load power plants — have the Alliance in April 2008 and included 600 project. It doesn’t release any harmful substances is no wind and no sun where will our
production costs. highest capacity factors because they run registered voters (consumers) proportionately into the environment. France has over energy come from. It’s all about education
continuously unless idled for maintenance. distributed throughout New England. The Lauren Mauriello (LM) - What do you 50 reactors and it’s the size of Texas. France and I think with time Massachusetts will
Most consumers are also apparently unaware The American Wind Energy Association margin of error is +/- 4 percent. think the most important steps are that also has the cleanest air in the world. fully embrace nuclear energy. 2
that the price of renewable electricity references capacity factors of 25 to 40 can be taken so Massachusetts has clean
generation (which includes wind) in New percent for wind energy facilities -- The New England Energy Alliance is a and affordable electricity?
England is made more affordable by state although off-shore facilities (like the coalition of energy providers, business and
taxpayer assistance including: 1) subsidies proposed Cape Wind Project) may achieve trade organizations concerned about future Richard Lawton (RL) - We have to take a
from consumer-funded renewable programs higher capacity factors. energy supplies. 2 look at all of our energy sources and we Yes! I want to join the Massachusetts Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance.
need to find alternative fuel sources that
are clean and efficient, and I think that I support your efforts to educate communities regarding the necessity for safe, reliable energy and advocacy to
ensure that Massachusetts has an ample and reliable electricity supply and economic prosperity for years to
nuclear is something that can lead the
Computer Power Policy come.* Enclosed is my tax-deductible contribution of:
Continued from page 2 > way in that regard.
Associate Member: $50 Other $ ______________________________________________________
from employee education and monitoring energy use in state agencies while Patrick issued an Executive Order in April of LM – Tell me a little more about the task
programs to use of central software to benefiting the environment at the same 2007 requiring state agencies to cut force. Business/Labor Member: Contribution Amount: $______________________________________________________
make agency-wide computer setting time. Computer power management is a greenhouse gas emissions by reducing Check Enclosed
changes. great low-cost way not only for states, but energy consumption in state facilities, RL - The UMass system is a great asset to
Mail to: 10 Milk Street, Suite 411, Boston, MA 02108-4600
for any organization to reduce energy expand use and purchase of renewable the Commonwealth. The University is
“Massachusetts is the first state that we expenditures and at the same time reduce energy, adhere to green building standards always exploring new ways to approach Signature: ____________________________________________________________________________________
know of that is taking steps to fully their carbon footprint.” and reduce water use. things like economic growth and housing Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________
implement power management across all issues and has wanted to take a look into
of its agencies and computer networks Massachusetts state government In concert with contracts used to acquire the energy crisis. Back in July the Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________
and, not surprisingly, is the first state to contributes more than one million tons of computers and workstations and provide University took a unanimous vote to form City/State/Zip Code: ____________________________________________________________________________
join the EPA ENERGY STAR Low Carbon IT greenhouse gases to the atmosphere for their recycling and disposal, the a nuclear task force.
program,” said Steve Ryan, Program annually – the equivalent of emissions Administration’s new Enterprise Desktop Telephone:
Manager of the ENERGY STAR Low Carbon generated by over 200,000 cars driven for Power Management Standards address the It’s a two faceted task force. One side is to Email: ______________________________________________________________________________________
IT Program. “By taking this action, one year. Acknowledging this impact and lifecycle environmental impacts of state- look into how the University can expand
* Conditions of membership apply. For more details send inquiries to info@maarea.us. MASS AREA is a 501(c)(6) IRS Tax-Exempt
Massachusetts can significantly reduce the its environmental consequences, Governor owned computer equipment. 2 upon their nuclear Program in Lowell to Organization that advocates for reliable, affordable, and clean energy solutions, as well as conservation measures, for all of Massachusetts.
meet the needs of the growing energy field.
6• Affordable Energy News Fall 2008 Issue • 7
Mass AREA Advises Consumers to Take Action to
Reduce Winter Heating Costs
Heating costs will likely be more this winter than last. In order to lessen that blow, the best way to save is to be more energy efficient.
What follows are some measures – from simple and less expensive to more time consuming and difficult (e.g. you might need to hire a
contractor) – to help you save money this coming winter season and beyond.
Low-cost Easy Ways to Save Moderate Effort
• Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm • Install a programmable thermostat which can save you about
setting (120°F). $100 per year.
• Clean or replace furnace and heat-pump filters regularly • When it’s time to replace an old appliance, make sure to
• Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators purchase one has earned the ENERGY STAR® label. Any extra
• Change the five most-used lights in your home to compact upfront cost will be recouped with years of savings
fluorescent lamps and you’ll save more than $60 every year in • Insulate hot water pipes and ducts wherever they run through
energy costs unheated areas
• Unplug that second, old refrigerator! Today’s models use at • Make sure your water heater has an insulating blanket
least 40 percent less energy than even the conventional • Seal up the largest air leaks in your house. The worst culprits
models sold in 2001. are utility cut-throughs for pipes and vents/fans, gaps around
• Lower your thermostat – for every degree you shave about 2 chimneys, recessed lights in insulated ceilings, electric outlets,
percent off your heating bill. and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.
• Weather strip doors and windows – properly air sealing cracks Reducing air leaks could cut 10 percent from an average
and openings in your home can significantly reduce heating household’s monthly energy bill.
and cooling costs, improve building durability, and create a • Regularly service your heating system
healthier indoor environment • Add insulation to attic floor and basement ceiling
• Use Power Strips – plug your electronics into power strips –
especially televisions and computers. When you’re done using More Effort/Perhaps Hire a Contractor
them, turn the power strip off to prevent the stand-by mode • Install new energy efficient windows and entry doors
that draws unnecessary electricity • If your walls aren’t insulated have an insulation contractor
• Keep fireplace dampers closed whenever your fireplace is not blow cellulose into the walls.
in use and install glass doors for even more savings • Plant evergreens on the north and west side of your home to
• Use the air dry setting on your dishwasher deflect wind in winter
• Keep shades and curtains open during the day on the south side
of your home to allow solar heating. Close them at night to Remember – any and all energy efficiency measures taken can
retain heat reap benefits and savings for years to come! 2
MIT Researchers Continued from page 5 >
at Imperial College London. “The that in 10 years, homeowners will be
Photo: Tom White, MIT
importance of their discovery cannot be able to power their homes through their
overstated since it opens up the door for own fuel cells, making electricity
developing new technologies for energy received by wire from utilities a thing of
production thus reducing our dependence the past.
for fossil fuels and addressing the global
climate change problem.” “This discovery in the Nocera lab
demonstrates that moving up the
Although more work needs to be done to transformation of our energy supply
incorporate Nocera and Kanan’s work into system to one based on renewables will MIT researchers have developed a new catalyst, consist-
current photovoltaic systems, the depend heavily on frontier basic science,” ing of cobalt metal, phosphate and an electrode. When
researchers are confident that it’s only a said Energy Initiative Director Ernest the catalyst is placed in water and electricity runs
matter of time. Moniz.This solar power project is part of through the electrode, oxygen gas is produced. When
another catalyst is used to produce hydrogen gas, the
the MIT Energy Initiative and the school’s
oxygen and hydrogen can be combined inside a fuel cell,
”This is just the beginning,” said Nocera. Solar Revolution, both which promote the creating carbon-free electricity to power a house or an
“The scientific community is really going research aimed at helping to meet future electric car, day or night.
to run with this.”Nocera is anticipating global energy needs. 2
Fall 2008 Issue • 8
