Commercial accounts participating in a municipal utility's demonstration program are learning that investing in operations, maintenance and recommissioning building systems can pay off in long-term savings.

Hog farm, utilities, state team up to explore porker power

Southeastern Colorado Power Association set out to support a customer's anaerobic digester project and wound up as a partner in a cutting-edge renewable energy experiment that could revive the state's hog-farming industry.

Lenox wind turbine generates power, interest in renewable energy

A small municipal wind project supplies 10 percent of Lenox, Iowa's, power, while promoting the utility's new green energy program.

Successful incentive program keeps Union County, S.D., in hot water

An incentive program that resulted in the installation of 500 super-efficient electric water heaters over 13 years wouldn't be considered a runaway success—unless, like Union County Electric, the utility served 1,000 customers.

Industry pioneer urges local development of Nebraska wind farms

The Nebraska Farmers Union invited a wind development pioneer to its annual convention to discuss strategies for turning the state's untapped wind resources into a boon for rural communities.

Kansas writes its own rules for interconnecting renewable projects

The Kansas Corporation Commission is working with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to develop statewide interconnection standards and smooth the way for distributed renewable energy systems.

New California building standards raise bar for efficiency measures

The latest round of revisions to California's energy efficiency building standards are projected to cut the state's peak energy use by more than 180 MW annually after they go into effect in 2005.

Researchers, companies aim for efficient ultra-thin PV cells

Thin is in as the solar industry looks for technology that will bring down the high cost of materials and production of photovoltaic cells.

Western recognizes University of North Dakota's energy-savings program

The University of North Dakota takes winter on with innovative energy management measures and earns the prestigious Administrator's Award along with big energy savings.

Energy Services: An energy-saving tool for all seasons

Western customers can find tools on the Energy Services Web site to help consumers control their energy costs during the coldest time of the year—and beyond

Topics from the Power Line:
Accurate readings needed to assess power factor

A poor power factor can cause heavy line losses but your utility revenue meter may not give enough data to accurately assess the power factor.

• New Web site simplifies applying for Federal grants
• Secretary Abraham pledges to speed review of energy-saving standards
• Minnesota wind incentive capacity full
• Master's degree offered in alternative fuels
• California's self-generation rebate program extended