Western customers show leadership in green power programs

When the National Renewable Energy Laboratory released its annual ranking of leading utility "green pricing" programs, several Western customers made appearances in each of the four categories.

'Do-it-yourself' heat pump promotion a big success for co-op

Delta-Montrose Electric Association rolled up its sleeves and did a little of everything to promote energy-efficient electric technology, build "good load"—and win awards for innovative marketing.

Century-old Burke, S.D., enjoys 50 years of hydropower

Western congratulates a small town in South Dakota on its 100 birthday and its golden anniversary as a Federal hydropower customer.

Small-town wind garden grows from large-scale wind farm

The construction of the Colorado Green Wind Farm gave the city of Lamar, Colo., an opportunity to launch its own small wind project.

Mesa, Ariz., rolls out Green Barrel to recycle yard waste

Disposing of grass, leaves, plant trimmings, tree branches and prunings can either be a huge municipal nuisance, or in the case of Mesa, Ariz., a recycling opportunity.

SRP adds geothermal to diverse renewable portfolio

Some people collect stamps, some people collect dolls, and the Salt River Project of Phoenix, Ariz., collects energy from renewable resources.

Compressed air audit improves brewery's excellent efficiency record

Even though the New Belgium Brewery runs its operations on 100 percent renewable energy, the Ft. Collins, Colo., craft brewer wanted to make sure that its production equipment was using that energy as efficiently as possible.

Green building movement grows momentum

Environmentally friendly buildings that use energy, water, materials and land more efficiently than traditional buildings may be the next big trend in the construction and interior design industry.

NMPP, Western awards spotlight energy services achievements

At Nebraska Municipal Power Pool's annual meeting, Western and the power provider "exchanged" awards recognizing each agency's contribution to a relationship built on shared goals of customer service and support.

A historic public-private partnership will soon increase electricity transfer capacity between northern and southern California, and could save the state's electricity consumers millions in energy costs.

Topics from the Power Line:
Internet resources help evaluate energy savings from rebate program

Even if an evaluation plan was not built into a utility rebate program's design, there are Web resources to help determine an energy value for the rebates.

• DOE launches Energy Hog campaign targeting school children
  
• UL Wind Turbine Testing Facility Announced
  
• Santa Clara homeowners switch from wood to gas fireplaces
  
• FEMP redesigns its Web site
  
• Yellowstone revamps recycling program
  
  

Technology Spotlight:
What's This? A Supply Side UPS?

Energy Services Bulletin introduces a new column featuring innovative equipment, systems and applications utilities around the nation are using to save energy and improve service.