TWEC Holds Third Annual Energy Forum

BY MIKE TRACY


     Saving energy is on everyone’s mind. How much difference can one person make? How will energy savers affect my energy bill? The Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative (TWEC) provided answers to these and other questions at its third annual Energy Forum on Thursday, August 14 in Wadena. The forum covered wind/solar energy, power monitoring, energy analysis, heat pumps, and an energy calculator.
     The most basic energy saving idea for individual homeowners or renters is to replace incandescent (regular) light bulbs with fluorescent light bulbs (usually seen as ‘curly’ bulbs). These bulbs last longer and use less energy than regular light bulbs. A 42 watt fluorescent bulb gives light equal to about 150 watt bulb. A comparison of the two, while connected to a “kill-a-watt” power meter showed a 26 watt fluorescent bulb compared to a 100 watt regular bulb; the fluorescent bulb uses .02 kWh compared to .06 kWh used by the regular light bulb.
     The “kill-a-watt” meters are available at TWEC for members to test appliances in their homes. It is interesting to note that some appliances (for example, if they have an internal clock device such as a VHS machine or a coffee pot) may use electricity even when shut off or not in use). TWEC suggests these units be connected to a surge protector and you just shut the whole power strip off when not in use.
     TWEC also offers a service to inspect your house with a blower door test or a FLIR (Forward Looking Infra Red) test, which detects thermal defects and air leakage in buildings. The fees, which include the trip, the scan, and the reports, are:
     A) Infra Red Scan $60;     B) Blower Door Test $60; or     C) both A+B $90.
     A demonstration on an Energy Calculator gives a glimpse of different household appliances and energy applications that will save money in the long run.      Energy Saving appliances have an energy rating which gives the consumer an idea of the energy use that appliance will cost, compared with other comparable units. 
     Another area where you can reduce your electric bill is through the use of dimmer controls in the house. It is important to remember, however, that it takes a special fluorescent bulb to work with a dimmer. Make sure the packaging states it can be used with a dimmer switch. The dimmer control can reduce your electric bill no matter which type of light bulb you are using, incandescent or fluorescent. Dimming your lights by 10% will reduce the electricity used by 10% and the bulb will last 2x longer; dimming by 25% reduces electric use by 20% and the bulb will last 4x longer; dimming by 50% reduces usage by 40% and the bulbs last 20x longer; and dimming lights by 75% reduces energy used by 60% and the bulbs last more than 20 x longer.
     It also must be noted that fluorescent lights contain a small amount of mercury, and must be recycled at an approved location. TWEC will dispose of your used fluorescent bulbs.
     Mary Williams from TWEC gave a presentation concerning basic energy knowledge for the consumer. BTU (British Thermal Units) refers to the amount of energy needed to heat one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit; therefore, one BTU = three watts. 1000 watts of energy used for 1 hour = 1kWh. You can find how much energy your appliance (or light bulb, or other electric device) uses by utilizing this formula. First, we need to find the amount charged per kWh. For example, if your electric bill was $100 for 1200 kWh ($100/ 1200 kWh = $.0834 per kWh.) Now, 1000 watts of energy used for 1 hour = 1kWh. You can find how much energy your appliance (or light bulb, or other electric device) uses by utilizing this formula. To determine usage, 100 watt light bulb used for 15 hours divided by 1000 watts uses 1.5 kWh. {100 x 15/1000 = 15kWh} Your cost, then, would be 1.5kWh x $.0834 (cost per kWh from your electric company) = $.125, or 12.5 cents.
     Older washers use 30-40 gallons of water for a load; newer front-loading washers use 20 gallons; the less water used, the less the water heater is used. It is also recommended using an insulated blanket over older water heaters to help retain heat.
     Look for the Energy Star logo when buying new appliances, and contact TWEC about rebates offered on purchases of Energy Star refrigerators, freezers and washing machines. There are no Energy Star ratings for dryers, as they are all about the same. However, letting your dishes in your dishwasher air dry instead of using heated drying will save you dollars.
     If you are a TWEC member, you may participate in their “round up” program, where your electric bill will be automatically rounded up to the next highest dollar, with the difference used for charitable causes in the TWEC service area.
     State Senator Dan Skogen attended the event and spoke about energy program legislation that has been passed. He spoke about the reduction of greenhouse gases and the reduction of the carbon footprint, and feels the priority has to be a combination of rate and reliability. As oil prices rise, many are finding energy rates increasing to an alarming level, but he said it is also important to expect reliability from your energy company.
     Skogen said he believes that climate change is real, that the use of renewable energy is good, and energy prices are up. These are all facts, he said. He said the State has passed six or seven legislative items, and we now need to give them time to see what works, rather than spend millions of dollars on programs that might not work. More work is needed in research and development. He said it would take ten years to get all the permits required to build new nuclear reactors, and another 30 years to build them.
     In his presentation, Al Haman, PE, CEO and principal engineer for Star Energy Services, said the times call for good lifestyle choices and energy efficient appliances and light bulbs.