Rochester Public Utility and the University of Minnesota-Rochester team up to study hydrogen fuel cells operation to learn how to integrate the technology with heating and cooling systems.

Ark Valley and Touchstone Energy bring Caulk and Talk to local radio

The message is energy efficiency and the medium is radio when Ark Valley Electric Cooperative and Kansas Touchstone Energy cosponsor Doug Rye's "Home Remedies" show on KWBW AM in Hutchinson, Kan.

Solar power lights up East Grand Forks bike path

By installing solar-powered streetlights along its new Greenway Project bike path, the city of East Grand Forks, Minn., found a renewable solution to several construction challenges and learned a lot in the process.

Wind plus compressed air equals efficient energy storage in Iowa proposal

The Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities plans a novel project to wed wind energy with underground compressed air to produce energy and economic opportunity.

Solar-covered parking generates energy, rewards public transit riders

The new 140-space parking lot at La Sierra Train Station in Riverside, Calif., generates renewable energy for the municipal utility while encouraging drivers to take the train to work.

Energy Star honors two Partners of the Year in Western territory

Poudre School District of Ft. Collins, Colo., and Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency prove that even small organizations can save energy in a big way and win national recognition in the process.

Gunnison County pioneers new efficiency incentives

An electrical cooperative in Colorado's high country develops a variety of new programs to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy to its members.

Mesa, Ariz., uses grants to investigate distributed, renewable energy

A municipal utility discovers that experience can be cheap when it funds distributed generation and renewable energy demonstration projects through grants and partnerships.

Western offers green products to Federal agencies

Under the new Renewable Resources for Federal Agencies initiative, Western will acquire renewable energy to sell to any interested Federal agency in its 15-state territory that commits to purchasing the green products.

MCAS Yuma wins Western award with aggressive conservation plan

The Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz., is the latest Western customer to receive the Administrator's award for its long-term commitment to energy efficiency.

Topics from the Power Line:
ASHRAE heating/cooling standards balance efficiency and comfort

Finding a thermostat setting that maximizes energy efficiency while maintaining occupants' comfort can be a challenge for commercial building managers. ASHRAE Standard 55-1992 offers guidelines and research to help.

• Western customers' green pricing programs rate highly with NREL
  
• Large wind project to supply up to 25 percent of small town's electricity
  
• Gas produced by beer helps power brewery
  
• Roseville Energy Park project moves forward
  
• Wood-waste biomass plant helps Arizona Public Service earn green credit
  
• Energy Services Bulletin welcomes customer input
  
  

Western's Equipment Loan Program provides customers with technical equipment and training at little or no cost. The equipment helps customers improve energy efficiency and allows them to "test drive" new technologies before investing in expensive equipment.