U.S. awards $3.4 billion in smart grid grants Oct 29, 2009
In addition to the smart meters, the approved projects include plans to deploy as many as 200,000 advanced transformers, 170,000 smart thermostats, about 700 automated substations and upgrades for 850 transmission centers ... 1 million smart meters and 400,000 in-home devices including networked thermostats and home load managers. (EETimes)
'Smart grid' projects to get $3.4B in grants Oct 28, 2009
In addition, there will be more than 1 million in-home displays, 170,000 smart thermostats, and 175,000 other load control devices. The funding will pay for installation of more than 850 sensors called phasor measurement units, which will cover the U.S. electric grid. (FCW.com)
Obama puttingbillions toward 'smart' power grid Oct 28, 2009
Rogers said the government funds will allow installation of 18 million smart meters and 1 million other in-home devices as well as more modern thermostats to allow homeowners to better monitor their electricity usage. The government and industry want to deploy 40 million smart meters wall-based units that can monitor how much electricity various appliances use and turn them off when energy is costlier to consume within the next several years. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Obama announces $3.4B for smart grid Oct 28, 2009
An additional $2 billion has been set aside for projects that will integrate the power grid and components that will work with the grid, such as smart meters, smart thermostats, appliances, automated substations, plug-in hybrid vehicles and renewable energy sources. A separate $25 million grant pool has been set aside to help support manufacturers that develop smart appliances, meters and transformers. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
Money Management - Tips to Save Cas... Oct 27, 2009
Turning heat thermostats down by 1 degree will barely be noticed but will save money on utility bills. The recommended temperature for a living room is 21 degrees C, and 18 degrees C for a bedroom. (Suite101.com)
Natural gas test cuts use 3 percent Oct 27, 2009
Residents were asked to lower thermostats and hot water heaters and postpone washing dishes and clothes - steps they might be asked to take during extreme cold. Share this page. (Juneau Empire)
Stocks Slide On Mixed Trade Oct 26, 2009
The maker of everything from aircraft electronics and jet engines to thermostats and building control systems said Q3 EPS fell 18% to 80 cents, topping views by 8 cents. Revenue slid 17% to $7. (Investors Business Daily)
Button-Up Your Home for Energy Savings Oct 25, 2009
Workshops teach simple do-it-yourself upgrades, like insulating attic hatches and replacing old thermostats with programmable ones. They are also an introduction to more extensive weatherization efforts. (WCAX.com, VT)
Cambridge volunteers recognize worldwide climate protest with 'barn... Oct 25, 2009
Cambridge volunteers celebrated the International Day of Climate Action with a barn raising, caulking holes, sealing fireplaces, resetting thermostats and replacing light bulbs to make the Womens Center more energy efficient ... Cambridge volunteers celebrated the International Day of Climate Action with a barn raising, caulking holes, sealing fireplaces, resetting thermostats and replacing light bulbs to make The Women s Center more energy efficient ... I ve been in this situation with... (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
5 competing for mayor's job in Keokuk Oct 24, 2009
Dont over accelerate, make notes to avoid extra trips, plant trees, economy cars, walk, storm windows, lower thermostats, close off rooms you may not use, check furnaces changing filters, hot water heater, install energy efficient furnaces, water heater, insulation, etc. Should the number of city council members be reduced after the 2010 census. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
Save cash on energy Oct 24, 2009
The thermostats can be programmed to run from five or seven days, but consumers need to be specific about their needs, said Sirois ... Her office also accepts thermostats and rechargeable batteries for disposal ... Mike Durand, a spokesman for NSTAR, said electric customers could get programmable thermostats. (Burlington Union, MA)
Energy savings drill reduced use by 2-4 percent Oct 23, 2009
City officials and local utility operators, concerned about the potential for gas delivery problems at the coldest times this winter, asked residents to lower thermostats to 65 degrees, shut off unnecessary lights and electronics, turn down water heaters to "warm" or "vacation" mode, and postpone washing dishes and laundry from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Preliminary estimates indicate the energy load reduction was 2 percent to 4 percent but those numbers might change after a more detailed analysis. (Anchorage Daily News)
Weatherizing winter woes away Oct 22, 2009
These thermostats will maintain a lower temperature at night and when no one is in the home, Dietrich said. Residents who meet the California Alternate Rates for Energy income guidelines qualify for the Low-Income Energy Efficiency program. (Big Bear Grizzly, CA)
Energy emergency test set for tonight Oct 21, 2009
Residents are asked to lower thermostats to 65 degrees, shut off unnecessary lights and electronics, turning down water heaters to "warm" or "vacation" mode, and postpone washing dishes and laundry, along with cutting use of natural gas ranges. The goal is to see what kind of effect voluntary actions might have on overall energy consumption, officials said. (Anchorage Daily News)
Reporter's Notebook: Time is running out for wood burner owners Oct 18, 2009
In response to the Mercury-Free Thermostat Act, which requires the recycling of out-of-service mercury thermostats, the state Department of Environmental Protection has approved plans to collect and recycle mercury thermostats, which will reduce the amount of mercury released into the environment ... Under the new law, manufacturers who have sold mercury thermostats in Pennsylvania must collect and recycle waste mercury thermostats at no cost to contractors and homeowners ... DEP has contracted... (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Cutting through the 'green noise Oct 18, 2009
"Things like programmable thermostats, formaldehyde-free insulation, and double-pane windows help keeps costs down," Wasserman said ... "With forced air, you can set up two zones with two thermostats," he said. (NJ.com -- Times)
Through-the-wall vision: Looking beyond Oct 17, 2009
In that application they transmit data between devices such as thermostats, fire detectors and some automated factory equipment. They are not even as powerful as the radios used in Wi-Fi networks to link computers together. (The Economist)
Don't shoulder high heating costs: It's easy to trim your bills Oct 16, 2009
Programmable thermostats are too expensive and not worth the cost. Reality: Programmable thermostats do cost $35 to $100, and professional installation can cost an additional $75 to $100, but homeowners can save about $180 a year with a properly set one, according to the Department of Energy. (USA Today -- Money)
WHITTAKER: Trash becomes an environmental wakeup call Oct 16, 2009
After the audit, we changed to energy-efficient light bulbs, reprogrammed thermostats, and also started publicizing our desire to decrease our energy use. It is always more difficult to change human behavior than to make structural changes, but we are gradually becoming better at recycling as much as possible, not using bottled water and turning off lights. (Holliston Tab, MA)
Green.view: Home front Oct 13, 2009
In praise of insulation and thermostats. A DELUGE of information, computer modelling, policy suggestions and rhetoric is swamping the mind and desk of your correspondent in the run-up to the taking place in Copenhagen in December. (The Economist)
Radio waves 'see' through walls Oct 12, 2009
Patwari says the system is known as a Zigbee network the kind of network often used by wireless home thermostats and other home or factory automation. Neal Patwari, a University of Utah assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, works with doctoral student Joey Wilson. (EurekAlert!)
District realizing significant savings through energy conservation projects Oct 9, 2009
Turning lights and computers off when classrooms are empty, keeping the thermostats at 69 degrees, and reducing the number of small appliances used. "Everyone's getting a little more aware," Burton said. (Lindstrom Chisago County Press, MN)
Briefing: Wiser wires Oct 9, 2009
There is general agreement that it will include things such as wireless displays that show the household s power consumption at that instant, thermostats that are connected to the meter and smart appliances that can be switched on and off remotely. The big question is how all these devices will be connected and controlled. (The Economist)
Energy-Star Savings Oct 7, 2009
But those compact fluorescent light bulbs, ceiling fans, washing machines, air conditioners, programmable thermostats, toilets and faucets must be certified by EnergyStar or WaterSense. And EnergyStar appliances are just one of the things you'll be able to learn more about at this year's. (W-USA News, DC)
Housing Authority builds on stimulus warchest Oct 5, 2009
The award will pay for the installation of technologies to conserve energy including Energy Star appliances, high-efficiency boilers and furnaces and programmable thermostats and controls. The funding will cut down energy costs, mitigate negative impacts on the environment and create green jobs, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan said in a release. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
Governor announce energy efficiency rebates, holiday Oct 3, 2009
Eligible products include energy efficient products such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, ceiling fans, clothes washers, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, programmable thermostats, refrigerators and room air conditioners, and water efficient products such as certain toilets and faucets. Only purchases made for personal, non-commercial will qualify for tax emeption. (Chatham Star Tribune, VA)
Letters to the editor (10/2/09) Oct 2, 2009
Now you tell us that we need to turn our thermostats down and take cold showers. I assume that this will be monitored at our gas meters and we'll probably have to pay more if we exceed a certain amount of usage. (Anchorage Daily News)
Let's Get Going: Smart Meters Go Global Oct 2, 2009
Just like bans on incandescent light bulbs, remote control thermostats, and food content controls (trans-fats) It might well be an issue in the 2010 elections. Bob Amorosi 10. (Energy Pulse, CO)
School board adopts “survival strategy” Oct 1, 2009
New technology such as programmable thermostats may also help to save money. Any cuts that involve staff will have to ratified by the school board before taking effect. (Calhoun City Monitor Herald, MS)
Ga. Energy-Related Sales Tax Holiday to Begin Oct 1, 2009
Qualified appliances and products eligible for the sales tax exemption include dishwashers, clothes washers, air conditioners, ceiling fans, fluorescent light bulbs, dehumidifiers, programmable thermostats, refrigerators, doors, windows and skylights. WaterSense-labeled products eligible for the sales tax exemption include bathroom sink faucets or aerators and high-efficiency toilets. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
City unveils plan to reduce winter gas use Oct 1, 2009
Yellow: Residents are urged to set living-area thermostats at 65 degrees; 40 degrees in garages ... Red: Thermostats should be set to 60 degrees in living areas and water heater gas valves set to "pilot." Household activities should be consolidated into as few rooms as possible and people should use the microwave for cooking. (Anchorage Daily News)
MARSHFIELD TALKING TRASH: Go green and save money Oct 1, 2009
Programmable thermostats don t require mercury to get a reading, unlike many analog thermostats. These thermostats have settings to control your temperature based on time of day and season, lowering your energy bill. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Greensense: Energy programs mean savings for customers Sep 30, 2009
The RMLD also offers appliance rebates for specific ENERGY STAR purchases of central or room air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, dehumidifiers, and programmable thermostats. Spending a few dollars more on high quality efficiency products at the time of purchase, ends up saving you money during the lifecycle of the appliance. (Reading Advocate, MA)
A simple plan for saving energy Sep 26, 2009
However, a lot of energy can be saved by such simple practices as turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use and turning down thermostats in unoccupied areas. These actions may seem obvious, but they don t begin to cover all the possible ways to reduce energy costs by using less. (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
Recycle hazardous and household waste Sept. 26 Sep 25, 2009
Mercury thermometers and thermostats. Also at the Transfer Station, the Ipswich Health Department is holding its annual Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection from 9am-Noon. (Ipswich Chronicle, MA)
Hazardous household waste collections scheduled Sep 24, 2009
Latex paint, oil-based pain, solvents, motor oil, antifreeze, aerosol cans, automobile batteries, house hold cleaners, pet care products, fluorescent tubes, mercury thermometers and thermostats, batteries, syringes, fertilizers, spa and pool chemicals and pesticides. Items not accepted at the event include explosives, propane tanks, radioactive waste and biological waste (except syringes). (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
New fire station to open on CR 535 Sep 24, 2009
Facility features include landscaping that requires minimal irrigation, materials that reflect sunlight and heat to reduce air-conditioning costs and automatic lights and thermostats. The impact to the environment was considered at all stages of building this 10,000-square-foot fire station, said Chief Donovan. (Winter Garden West Orange Times, FL)
Critical Infrastructure Determines Long-Term Strategy, Part II Sep 21, 2009
Even today, there is an explosion of new utility and consumer devices, including remote controllable thermostats, consumer-based energy storage appliances, customer displays, fault indicators, distribution automation applications and more. Regardless of the applications or devices that do emerge, a standards-based network ensures that they can easily be incorporated into the smart grid. (Energy Pulse, CO)
Take Advantage of Farmstead And Milk House Cost Savers (2) Sep 20, 2009
Dust on motors will increase heat, and dust on the thermostats will reduce accurate readings. Make sure to lube the louvers with dry graphite for best results as it does not collect dust and dirt. (Agri-View, WI)
Panel: Bham could be a green epicenter Sep 18, 2009
Installing programmable thermostats, green-friendly light bulbs and banning Styrofoam cups from the breakroom can help companies keep more money in their pockets, the experts said. It s very basic, very inexpensive and anybody can do it, Smith said. (Birmingham Business Journal, AL)
• Mercury found in T.F. parking lot Sep 16, 2009
Popular sources could be thermostats, thermometers or fluorescent light bulbs, he said. The incident was attended to by hazardous materials teams out of Twin Falls and Jerome counties, the Twin Falls Fire Department, Idaho State Police, DEQ and the Environmental Protection Agency. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Free seminar in Danvers for businesses on mercury disposal Sep 15, 2009
g., thermostats, fire alarms, sump and sewer pumps, all lighting other than incandescent lights and a variety of electronic controls). Unfortunately, the bulk of these materials are routinely disposed of in the trash when damaged or no longer needed. (Danvers Herald, MA)
Hazardous waste day in Braintree collects more than 400 electronic items Sep 15, 2009
Items collected at no cost included propane tanks, cell phones, thermometers and thermostats (which could be exchanged for new ones), and fluorescent bulbs ... Clean Harbors will remain open on Saturdays through November (call for directions and pricing at 781-380-7110) and the Salvaggio Center will continue to accept fluorescent and CFL bulbs, thermostats and thermometers, and oil-based paint (Saturday only) through the winter, in addition to all Single Stream recycling material. (Braintree Forum, MA)
James Dulley Sep 12, 2009
Set the thermostats under the heating element covers so the water is about 120 degrees at the kitchen faucet. Check with your utility company about incentive programs if you allow them to install a timer which they can control during peak usage periods. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
CPS Energy ratepayers reduce peak energy demand Sep 10, 2009
Currently, there are 19,000 Peak Saver thermostats installed inside homes and small businesses in San Antonio. CPS Energy is a municipally owned gas and electric utility. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Household hazardous waste day in Braintree is Sept. 12 Sep 9, 2009
Items collected at no cost include propane tanks, cell phones, thermometers and thermostats (which can be exchanged for new ones at the event), and fluorescent bulbs. In addition, the Friends of Thayer Public Library are continuing their collection of tires and batteries, computer monitors, televisions, air conditioners, de-humidifiers, small refrigerators, electronics, and microwaves. (Braintree Forum, MA)
NE Valley communities go green in effort to save cash Sep 8, 2009
Reduced the number of town vehicles and replaced old thermostats with programmable thermostats. Used a wattmeter to measure the supply of energy in appliances. (AZCentral -- News)
Operate & Interact: ComEd and Black Hills Talk Value Sep 4, 2009
Companies that are making or are prepared to make in-home displays typically equip them with human interfaces but are also quite capable of putting the any necessary communication hooks in them to interface with any other in-home equipment such as personal computers, Home Area Networks, smart thermostats, smart appliances, pool-pump or air conditioning controls, etc. In essence an in-home display could / should be standardized with accepted methods for interfacing to all the anticipated uses of... (Energy Pulse, CO)
AC, other costs top light rail's estimates Sep 3, 2009
Thermostats may be raised, and trains may run less often. by Sean Holstege - Sept. 3, 2009 12:00 AM The Arizona Republic. (AZCentral -- News)
Free Light Bulbs And Electric Rebates Still Available Sep 3, 2009
Published: Wednesday, September 2, 2009 6:10 AM EDT Free light bulbs and rebates for upgrading with energy star washers, dryers, air conditioners, and programmable thermostats are still available at City Hall. Residents who sign a pledge to conserve energy will receive a light bulb. (The Fort Meade Leader, FL)
Southcentral utilities planning for possible gas shortages Sep 1, 2009
Yellow would flag caution, requesting the initial lowering of thermostats and minimizing or ceasing the use of some types of electrical or gas appliances. Red would indicate an emergency and consumers likely would be asked to lower thermostats more and take other actions such as turning off water heating. (Anchorage Daily News)
Efficiency reduces the costs Sep 1, 2009
Ironically, a recent survey of U.S. Department of Energy buildings revealed a failure to use thermostats that automatically reduce the temperature when the building isn t in use. The savings would be $11. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
$132 million in stimulus dollars to help Hoosiers complete weatherization Sep 1, 2009
Households will receive up to $5,000 each for items such as programmable thermostats, insulation and more energy-efficient furnaces or water heaters, according to the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. It announced the federal grant this week. (Hartford City News-Times, IN)
Faculty body aims to cut energy costs Sep 1, 2009
Thermostats will now be set to 75 degrees in the summer and 70 degrees in the winter. The energy conservation policy is also a response to the university's pledge to reduce greenhouse gases by 17. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Putting energy into utility savings Aug 28, 2009
Thermostats must be set at 76 in the summer and 72 in the winter. No coffee pots, microwaves or refrigerators are allowed in classrooms. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Hammerle: Heres how Watertown residents should dispose of mercury and cardboard Aug 27, 2009
Mercury is released into the air in several ways, including incineration of municipal waste (our trash) when it includes mercury-bearing items like thermostats ... And lastly, credit is due to the municipal waste ban on mercury and recovery efforts, including the diversion of more than 200,000 thermometers and 41,000 thermostats from the waste stream in the Northeast ... Watertown residents should put thermostats, thermometers, mercury switches and button cell batteries into zip-sealed plastic... (Watertown TAB & Press, MA)
Tips for making your office more 'green' Aug 27, 2009
Further reduce energy use by weatherizing windows and doors, regularly maintaining the HVAC system, replacing air conditioning with fans and installing programmable thermostats. Use LCD computer monitors when possible. (Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area)
HOA Going Green Aug 26, 2009
There may be some simple and inexpensive ways to reduce energy consumption, such as installing weather stripping and programmable thermostats. Replace furnace filters on a regular basis. (RealtyTimes)
Pushing toward sustainability Aug 25, 2009
Since then, measures have been applied, including new temperature control systems, energy efficient lighting and water fixtures and setting the thermostats to 75 degrees, instead of the normal 72 degrees. Night temperature set-backs for heating and cooling were established and more cost efficient central plant chillers were placed at the Volker Campus and School of Medicine. (University News, MO)
Health care reform needed Aug 25, 2009
Shadow of the Past wrote on Aug 24, 2009 12:31 PM:" You know, I'm sure there are people who just can't wait for the day for some bureaucrat to have control over the air and hot-water thermostats in our homes, to have control over how much gasoline we can use, now much fat we can consumer, how many children we have, etc. I'm not one of these people. It's a shame that some of you are. ". pwb wrote on Aug 24, 2009 12:33 PM:" Hi doug ;-) ". (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Here comes more government health care Aug 24, 2009
Energy Dept. Fails to Use Thermostats to Cut Costs - The Energy Departments inspector general found that the department, which spends almost $300 million annually on utilities, could save enough energy to power more than 9,800 homes each year by doing what experts say every household in the country should also be doing ... (P.S. This is the first move that the socialists make to gain control over your thermostat, their logic being that if their vaunted and glorious energy department can t... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Verizon: Concord's undergrounding bylaw is keeping FiOS away Aug 23, 2009
In the meantime, the Light Plant is poised to run fiber to every neighborhood in town with the construction of a system with capacity to do more than its preliminary goals of keeping energy costs down by controlling Smart thermostats, dishwashers and other appliances. We re building a system that is robust enough to do other things, but no decisions have been made as to what or when, Sack said. (Concord Journal, MA)
Tax credit boosts interest in energy efficiency Aug 18, 2009
Products not covered include refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, room air conditioners (wall units), ceiling fans, programmable thermostats, electric storage tank water heaters and electric tankless water heaters. The new materials can be used only in existing homes and must meet certain efficiency guidelines to qualify for tax credits. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Tetsuya's big secret revealed Aug 18, 2009
It is now possible to set up without any exposed flame, thanks to the development of induction stoves, steam ovens, blenders that cook while they mix and water thermostats. Bennett does it at his new outlet, Cafe Vue at 401, Melbourne. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Comverge Files Registration to Sell Securities Aug 18, 2009
East Hanover-based Comverge makes thermostats, automated home-energy systems and other products for managing power in homes and businesses. This month, the company reported a smaller-than-expected loss for its fiscal second quarter. (ABC News -- Wire)
