Tuesday, September 8th 2015

From StateImpact PA:

Philadelphia Gas Works says it can cut in half the time it takes to replace its leaky pipes if it raises the customer infrastructure surcharge by 2.5 percent. For the average resident who uses natural gas to heat their home, that would mean an increase of $1.65 to $1.70 each month.

Philadelphia has struggled to replace about 1500 miles of mains — the pipes that run beneath city streets — some of which were installed more than a century ago. These cast iron and bare steel pipes include about one-quarter of the city’s gas pipes and the leaks can be deadly. In 2011, an explosion in Allentown killed 5 people, including a newborn. Leaks also pose environmental hazards because methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, and contributes to climate change at a faster rate than CO2.

via: stateimpact.npr.org

PGW has been replacing its older cast iron and bare steel pipe with the more state-of-the-art plastic pipe, but the cost is high and the pace has been slow. It takes an estimated $1 million to fix each mile of pipe. Current plans have PGW replacing all those lines within the next 88 years. But with the increase in a surcharge, known as the Distribution System Improvement Charge (DISC), the utility says it can replace those pipes within 45 years.

PGW reported 7,600 leaks in 2014, up from 6,200 in 2013. The number of hazardous leaks, meaning they could threaten life and property, rose to 3,448 last year from 3,122 in 2013.

The proposal to increase the surcharge comes several months after the Public Utility Commission, which has oversight of the utility’s rates, set out seven alternatives for paying for a pipe-replacement program. One of those recommendations included increasing the surcharge.

The PUC’s recommendation of raising the current cap of 5% of a consumer’s bill to 7.5% predicted an influx of $11 million and a reduction of the time needed to replace all the leaking pipes to 51.5 years.

Hiking the cap to 12% — which the PUC said would add $4.42 a month to the average customer’s bill — would generate up to $31 million and cut the total replacement time to 36.8 years, the PUC said in a 93-page report.

Read more at StateImpact PA…

Thursday, September 3rd 2015

From StateImpact PA:

Pennsylvania voters are heavily in favor of new federal efforts to cut carbon emissions from coal-burning power plants, but are split on whether the initiative will be too expensive, according to an opinion poll published on Monday.

The Quinnipiac University poll of 1,085 voters found 67 percent support the requirements that owners of coal-burning power plants reduce pollution, while only 28 percent oppose the EPA’s Clean Power Plan.

An even bigger majority – 72-24 percent – said they believe the initiative is necessary to clean the air, but voters were split 44-44 on whether the initiative will be too expensive.

Read more at StateImpact PA…

Saturday, September 19th
Noon – 5pm
Tesla Motors Sales & Service Center in Devon
470 Lancaster Avenue
Devon, PA 19333

For the fourth year in a row, the Renew America Roadtrip (RAR) is organizing the National Drive Electric Week Philadelphia regional event on behalf of the Sierra Club, Electric Auto Association, and Plug-In America and in partnership with Rowan Energy Integration.

Last year we 400 attended for test drives, and marketing/education about electric vehicles, solar, geothermal, and related sustainability products/services/issues.  

This is the largest EV-centric event of the year, a nationwide celebration to heighten awareness of today’s widespread availability of plug-in vehicles and highlight the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more.

The September 19th gathering will include:

• Largest EV-ent in the region, supported by National press and backed by Sierra Club, Plug-In America, and the Electric Auto Association
•  All Major PH/EV dealers confirmed or expected: Tesla, Nissan, BMW, GM, Ford, SMART, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Mercedes, Toyota, Audi
• Tesla Model P85D confirmed!
• Tesla Model P90D planned (but not yet confirmed)
• BMW i8 planned
• Porsche Panamera and Cayenne PHEVs planned
• McLaren P1 PHEV super car – still TBD

More info, vehicle confirmations, and speakers available at driveelectricweek.org

Thursday, August 6th 2015

SEI is pleased to post job openings from member companies and partners, as a means of effectively reaching qualified, local candidates in the smart energy industry. Additionally, SEI staff can review applications on you company’s behalf. If you’d liked to post a Job Alert, send descriptions and application instructions to Will Williams.

Description:

The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) is a non-profit membership organization for locally-owned businesses committed to using their businesses not just to generate profit, but to make positive impacts on people and the environment. Our mission is to transform the Philadelphia region’s economy into one that is green, thriving, and socially-just, by advancing and supporting a growing base of local businesses, and educating policy-makers and the general public. Key to SBN achieving its mission is its pursuit of public policy that will create a sustainable economy. To this end, SBN seeks a staff person to lead its policy and advocacy activities.

SBN’s Policy and Advocacy Manager will build on and grow recent policy gains made by SBN, namely, related to the Good Economy Challenge (GEC), a 5-point policy campaign spearheaded by the organization during Philadelphia’s 2015 primary election. Throughout the primary, SBN communicated with mayoral and council candidates, lent its ideas to the platforms of other powerful coalitions and organizations, hosted a mayoral forum, and gained early interest in legislation/programming around multiple areas of the platform. The Policy and Advocacy Manager will continue this momentum by engaging members in the campaign, mobilizing and building support amongst SBN’s organizational allies, and working with legislators and Philadelphia’s next mayoral administration to implement our recommended policies and programs. Beyond moving the GEC forward, the Policy and Advocacy Manager will work to keep SBN responsive to and engaged in other policy discussions (at both a state and local level) pertinent to building a sustainable economy, and will assist SBN’s Executive Director to develop systems and processes consistent with the policy and advocacy goals stated in SBN’s recent strategic plan.

A newly-created position, this is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking to make an impact on sustainable business policy, while building a strong policy function within a growing organization. Desired skills and qualifications are listed below, along with the primary duties of the position.

Skills and Qualifications:

The ideal candidate has the following skills and qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in public policy, government, environmental policy, urban planning, or related fields.
• Graduate degree preferred, but not required.
• Five years’ minimum work experience, with demonstrated success in project planning and execution; additional years’ experience welcomed.
• Experience with electoral or advocacy campaigns and/or grassroots organizing.
• Prior experience in leading a team or project to a successful outcome.
• Superior communications skills, including written, verbal, and presentation.
• Demonstrated interest in government and policy.
• Knowledge of the legislative process.
• Excellent critical thinking and research skills.
• Ability to foster relationships with members and organizational partners.
• Self-motivated; able to work independently and balance multiple tasks.
• Works well in a team.
• Commitment to SBN’s values and mission, as well as an understanding of policy related to sustainability and local economies.

Responsibilities:

• Conducting outreach to and working with the incoming administration and councilmembers to implement legislative and programmatic recommendations related to the GEC.
• Work with the Executive Director and program staff to achieve policy gains and visibility related to the SBN Good Economy Challenge, advocacy goals related to SBN’s Green Stormwater Infrastructure Partners (GSI Partners) initiative, and other pertinent areas of sustainable business policy on both state and local levels.
• Staff and administer SBN’s Policy Committee, as well as the GSI Partners Advocacy Committee.
• Engage SBN’s members in its policy efforts, through committees and one-on-one interactions.
• Conduct research and write policy briefs that will keep SBN’s staff and members informed of relevant city, regional, and state policy happenings and identify opportunities for SBN to be both proactive and reactive.
• Deepen relationships formed with organizational endorsers of the Good Economy Challenge, while also attracting new endorsements.
• Draft policies and legislation proposals designed to meet SBN’s specified objectives.
• Launch an advocacy communication strategy that includes:Other related policy activities, as identified and necessary.
  • A regular e-communication to keep members, partners, and other stakeholders engaged and up to date on relevant policy issues and our progress on the Good Economy Challenge.
  • Case studies and stories targeted to members, policy-makers, and the public to personalize SBN’s message.
  • Op-eds and opinion pieces.

Reporting:

The Policy and Advocacy Manager reports to the Executive Director.

Compensation:

This is a full-time salaried position. Compensation will be low to mid $40K’s, based on experience, plus benefits.

Tuesday, August 4th 2015

SEI is pleased to post job openings from member companies and partners, as a means of effectively reaching qualified, local candidates in the smart energy industry. Additionally, SEI staff can review applications on you company’s behalf. If you’d liked to post a Job Alert, send descriptions and application instructions to Will Williams.

Energy Management Systems, a rapidly growing comprehensive energy solutions provider, is looking for the newest member of its Field Service team. The Meter Service Technician will be a key contributor to that team, assisting our master tradesman with installations, surveys, inspections and repairs on electrical sub-metering equipment and reporting directly to the Field Service Manager. The successful candidate will have a strong construction background and entry level electrical skills, as well as effective verbal and written communication skills and the drive and determination to play an operative role in a dynamic and growing organization.

Primary Purpose

Responsible for assisting on installations and inspections of electrical systems to determine appropriate sub-metering measures. Installing and servicing electric sub-metering AMR and manual read systems.

Job Summary

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Assist master electricians with:

• Inspection, review and analysis of electrical systems in existing buildings and those proposed in new construction projects for the purpose of determining appropriate type and sizing of utility sub-metering equipment.
• Installation of sub-metering systems in existing buildings and new construction projects.
• Retrofitting existing sub-metering systems with AMR (Automated Meter Reading) equipment.
• Installation of thermostats and high efficiency light products
• Service and repair as necessary of existing sub-metering systems.

Candidate Qualifications:

Organizational skills:

• Effectively organizes material, equipment and tools on job sites for master technician.
• Effectively assists master technicians on installations and maintenance projects.
• Minimizes company exposure and risk on all field service projects.

Communication skills:

• Communicates regularly with service team, management and customers to facilitate service projects run efficiently and effectively.
• Effectively communicates relevant Service Department information to superiors.

Technical Skills:

• Intimately familiar with standard concepts, practices and procedures within the electrical field.
• Knowledge of the tools, equipment, and materials common to the electrical trade.
• Familiarity with some of the applicable electrical codes, standards, and regulations.
• Familiarity with electrical application for high and low voltage electric system.
• Experienced in the installation, repair and maintenance of all types of electrical system equipment and components.

Teamwork:

• Thrives in a team atmosphere.
• Willingness and eagerness to learn.
• Shares information with others freely.
• Mitigates conflict and communication problems.

Other Qualifications:

• Ability to gather and analyze information skillfully and efficiently.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational and multitasking skills are essential.
• Technological literacy including familiarity with word-processing, spreadsheets and other industry- specific software.
• Strong internet skills, including use of e-mail programs, group messaging, and use of online meeting platforms.
• Ability to effectively adapt to changes in the work environment and/or scope of work.

Work Schedule and Location

• Full-Time, Monday-Friday 8:30 – 4:30.
• Exton, Pennsylvania office and in the field – up to 50% travel.

Salary and Benefits

• Compensation $16.00-$18.00/hour commensurate with level of education and/or experience.
• Medical Insurance with 88% contribution by EMS.
• 401K Plan.
• Semi-Annual Bonus Plan.
• On-site training.

Read more here. 

Wednesday, July 30th 2015

SEI is pleased to post job openings from member companies and partners, as a means of effectively reaching qualified, local candidates in the smart energy industry. Additionally, SEI staff can review applications on you company’s behalf. If you’d liked to post a Job Alert, send descriptions and application instructions to Will Williams.

AFC First Financial Corporation, a Lehigh Valley, PA based private financial institution which specializes in consumer lending and program management for residential energy efficiency projects nationwide is looking for a talented, detail-oriented and upbeat person for the position of Energy Lending Specialist (Consumer Lending).

The ideal candidate has solid experience in process, production and customer service and who has demonstrated success in working in a team environment processing and closing consumer loans and/or residential mortgage loans.

The primary goal is to deliver an exceptional service experience to contractors and consumers in a consistent and timely fashion.

AFC First, founded in 1947, is the administrator of state and utility energy efficiency programs nationwide, in partnership with over 6,000 contractors. Programs include Pennsylvania’s Keystone Home EnergyLoan Program, Efficiency Maine, Illinois EnergyLoan, Energize Connecticut, WHEEL and the National EnergyLoan programs.  It is a team-oriented, collaborative company environment with direct access to executive management.

Job Description:

This position is a key part of AFC First’s EnergyLoan operations team and reports to the Director of Production.  The primary goal is to effectively process and underwrite unsecured consumer loans for energy efficiency home improvements, providing accurate decisions and an exceptional level of service to consumers and contractors.

Principal Duties Include:

• Responsible for origination, processing and closing of unsecured  consumer loans in an automated environment.  Works as part of a team handling contractor, sponsor and customer relationships.
• Ability to work as part of a team, to build and maintain a culture of exceptional customer service, handle production flow within established deadlines and work to error-free quality standards.
• Responsible for meeting established loan processing timelines and quality targets.  Maintain high volume and quality in loan production.  Review and analyze the effectiveness of the programs, recommend change as needed and works as part of the implementation team.
• Work with the Senior Credit Officer to ensure that loan decisions are within established credit matrices appropriate to the loan type.
• Effectively communicate lending status and decisions with consumers and contractors, providing friendly, knowledgeable and extraordinary service to all parties.  Accurately maintain all records in loan processing database in a timely fashion, efficiently process applications and produce accurate and correct documents.
• Ensure compliance for all lending procedures including bank and/or regulatory procedures, policies, requirements, laws, rules, and/or regulations.  Ensures compliance with company policies and procedures, and makes suggestions for improvements to procedures.
• Ensure that all interactions with customers, sponsors and contractors meet world class customer service standards.
• Other duties as assigned as part of a dynamic and growing company with a reputation for integrity and excellence since 1947.

This position is a key part of the AFC team.  You will work closely with senior management and be involved in the product planning and implementation processes.  The position is based at AFC First’s headquarters in the AFC First Energy Center on Brookside Road in West Allentown/Lower Macungie Township.

Technical Skills and Experience:

•  Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent
• Minimum three-five years experience in consumer lending, with knowledge of consumer lending laws and regulations
• Exceptional commitment to world-class customer service
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational and teamwork skills
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Ability to use standard Microsoft Office applications and an ability to quickly learn new IT platforms and technology
• Available to work regular hours Monday through Friday, plus additional hours as necessary

This is a full time, salaried position.  We are an EOE Employer, offer a competitive benefits package and salary is commensurate with experience.

Please forward resume to Jennifer J. Allen, Director of Production at jallen@afcfirst.com.

Friday, July 24th 2015

Finally!

From turnto10.com:

Rendering of Deepwater Wind Project

Construction has begun off Rhode Island’s coast on the nation’s first offshore wind farm. Deepwater Wind is building a five-turbine wind farm off Block Island. It hopes to power 17,000 homes as early as next year.

It began attaching the first of the steel foundations to the ocean floor Sunday. The first one touching the seabed is known in the industry as the “first steel in the water.” The foundations will rise about 70 feet above the waterline, about three miles off southeastern Block Island.

Read more at turnto10.com