10/28 – Why Do People Put Solar on Their Roofs?

Tuesday, October 28th 204,

From the Washington Post:

CaptureAccording to a new study, though, politics and income may not be such important factors after all. Examining the spread of solar photovoltaic residential installations in Connecticut, two researchers at Yale and the University of Connecticut found instead that the single most important factor driving whether a given house installed solar was peer influence — whether other houses nearby had recently done so.

While the author goes on to term this phenomenon “green envy” and ascribe it to one’s desire to show off their environmentalism, we’d point out that, simply by seeing solar in one’s community, people otherwise unaware of the benefits of solar may begin to consider it seriously for the first time. Its not a desire to “show off,” its simply seeing that solar can works for your neighbors, and therefore for you.

Regardless, the research is interesting and worth a read over at WashingtonPost.com.

10/22 – Limerick Nuclear Plant Licenses Extended to 2044, 2049

Wednesday, October 22nd 2014

From the AP, via PennLive.com:

Limerick-rThe Nuclear Regulatory Commission has extended the operating licenses of both units at a suburban Philadelphia nuclear plant for an additional 20 years.

The new licenses for the Limerick Generating Station in Montgomery County will now run until October 2044 for Unit One and until June 2049 for Unit Two.

Exelon says the plant generates 2,345 megawatts of electricity, enough power for roughly two million homes.

Read more at PennLive.com

10/16 – Study: Pennsylvania Struggles to Conserve Energy

Thursday, October 16th 2014

From Bakken.com:

Grumpy-Cat

Pa. ranked 39th in US in energy efficiency

As good as Pennsylvania has become at producing energy, the state is pretty good at using it, too, according to a new study.

The Keystone State ranks 39th in the country in energy efficiency, according to an analysis released Tuesday by WalletHub.com, a personal finance social website.

Most neighboring states fared better: Ohio ranked 23rd, Maryland finished 25th, New York ranked 2nd, New Jersey ranked 35th and Delaware tied for 15th.

Vermont turned out to be the most energy-efficient state in the country, while South Carolina is the least energy efficient.

WalletHub used public data to compare home energy efficiency per capita, adjusting for temperature, and car efficiency per driven miles for each of the 48 contiguous states.

Pennsylvania ranked 25th in residential energy efficiency and 42nd in car energy efficiency.

Read more at Bakken.com

10/10 – After 74 Years, PA Turnpike Diversifies Rest Stop Fuel Options

Wednesday, October 9th 2014

From StateImpact PA:

10-20-1939-spreading-concrete-by-hand-somerset-cty-620x499The Pennsylvania Turnpike turns 74 years old today. The vast majority of the roughly 190 million drivers who travel the toll road every year rely on gasoline for fuel just as they did when it first opened on October 1, 1940.

This week, StateImpact Pennsylvania has been taking a journey across the turnpike, exploring the state’s energy past and present and a future that may be shaped by efforts to fight climate change and cut down on greenhouse gases. 

According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency, about one-third of the nation’s carbon dioxide emissions come from the transportation sector, ranking second behind power plants. Yet, cars that run on natural gas, electricity and other lower-carbon alternatives haven’t become mainstream.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is trying to offer new options – in part, to lower its own carbon footprint, but also because the state is offering millions of dollars in grants to create new markets for alternative fuels.

Read more at StateImpact PA.

10/6 – Penn State Commits to 20% Energy Reduction

Monday, October 6th 2014

From Penn State’s official blog:

steidle1Penn State has joined the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge and pledged to reduce its building portfolio’s energy use by 20 percent over the next decade. With a commitment of 28 million square feet, Penn State becomes the largest university in the program, topping Michigan State (20 million square feet) and the University of Virginia (15 million).

Penn State is joining more than 200 Better Buildings Challenge partners from local governments, school districts and universities, multifamily housing to commercial real estate, health care and manufacturing companies. Partners have committed more than 3 billion square feet and 600 manufacturing plants and facilities to energy-efficiency upgrades.

“As a longstanding leader in sustainable energy practices, I’m pleased that Penn State has joined the federal government, businesses and academic partners in this ambitious challenge,” said Penn State President Eric Barron. “Penn Staters have been very supportive of our sustainability efforts, and I look forward to a united effort to achieve this important goal that will benefit generations to come.”

Read more by clicking here.

10/3 – Job Alert: Multifamily Technical Analyst at Magrann Associates

Friday, October 3rd 2014

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.

Job Description: Technical Analyst (Multifamily)

CaptureThe Technical Analyst (Multifamily) is responsible for completing performance audits for existing multifamily buildings, including field assessments, utility bill analysis, energy modeling, cost estimating, financial analysis, and report preparation. Performs visual verification of installed measures following audits. Acts as a technical contact for clients and as an interface to program agencies. Trains and coordinates administrative and field staff in the execution of appropriate audit tasks.

Principal Duties: (detailed list of duties ranked by importance or frequency)
• Coordinate aspects of completion of audits on multifamily buildings and apartment complexes;
• Perform on-site assessments, including detailed data collection and performance testing;
• Obtain utility usage data from clients and analyze to isolate high usage components/units;
• Coordinate or complete energy modeling using appropriate program-approved software;
• Coordinate or complete estimation of savings and implementation cost for potential upgrade measures;
• Compose audit reports summarizing findings, financial analysis, and recommendations;
• Perform site visits to verify appropriate installation of recommended measures;
• Obtain post-implementation utility usage information and report actual savings;
▪ Monitor new products and energy industry related developments pertinent to audits;
• Monitor incentive program opportunities and assist in development of appropriate product offerings;
• Assist in development of operation tools to improve quality and reduce time to complete audits;
• Train and direct administrative and field staff to allow them to cost-effectively perform appropriate audit
tasks;
• Conduct peer reviews of audits completed by coworkers;
• Responsible for maintenance of company equipment and vehicle (if provided);
• Other duties as assigned by MaGrann Associates.

Supplemental Information:
Salaried, exempt position;
Annual Performance and Merit Review;
Normal business hours 8:30am – 5:00pm with flexibility to accommodate company, client and event schedules as
needed;
Based at the Mt. Laurel, NJ office of MaGrann Associates with some related travel to client locations;
Requires suitable and reliable transportation, valid driver’s license and insurance.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree (B.S. in engineering preferred), Certified Energy Manager, or equivalent experience, with at least 1 year of experience in multifamily energy analysis, single family home performance audits, or commercial/industrial energy analysis. Must have a strong understanding of building envelope, mechanical and control systems, lighting, and ventilation. Computer skills must include Microsoft Office; DOE2-based building modeling applications experience preferred. Must have excellent written, verbal, presentation and organizational skills. Must have or be capable of attaining BPI Multifamily Building Analyst certification within 6 months of hire. Must be self directed with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal resources and external clients, customers and stakeholders.

Interested candidates should email resumes directly to Pat Bunn, Operations Manager at patbunn@magrann.com.

 

10/1 – SEI Staff Tours Marcellus Shale Country

Wednesday, October 1st 2014

Check out some photos from yesterday’s tour of Marcellus Shale drilling in Susquehanna County, hosted by Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation and the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry.

9/24 – Job Alert: Associate, Communications & Programs at KEEA

Wednesday, September 24th 2014

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.

Title: Energy Lending Specialist at the Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance

Job Description
Screen shot 2012-04-19 at 11.12.01 PMThe Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA) is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(6) corporation dedicated to promoting the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries in Pennsylvania. KEEA advocates on behalf of energy efficiency and renewable energy professionals on the local, state, and federal levels. By representing the interests of the clean energy industry in Pennsylvania, KEEA is growing the market for energy efficiency and helping the Keystone State secure a prosperous, sustainable tomorrow.

KEEA works along with its 501(c)(3) sister organization, the KEEA Energy Education Fund with the mission to increase the energy efficiency of Pennsylvania’s buildings through advocacy, education, and training.

KEEA & KEEF have an ambitious energy policy agenda to modernize utilities and energy markets in Pennsylvania. We have shown tremendous entrepreneurial growth over the last several years and now seek additional team members to help us take the next steps.

Position Summary: The Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA) and KEEA Energy Education Fund are soliciting applications for a full-time Associate, Communications & Programs.

Responsibilities: The Associate will be the ‘chief creative officer’ and ‘chief communications officer’ in the organization to design and market programs and membership to achieve KEEA/KEEF program objectives.

Reports to
Executive Director, Senior Policy Associate.

Oversees
Consultants, interns, and volunteers.

Project Focus
This role has two major communications-based functions: programs and membership. Both of these involve constant outreach and project coordination, leveraging web, phone, in person and other communication platforms. In other respects, these two major functions are quite different. In terms of the first capacity, the Associate drives KEEA/KEEF’s program initiatives to advance energy efficiency in buildings in Pennsylvania. This involves managing initiatives that are communication-focused, reaching business, policy and other leaders across Pennsylvania to support energy efficiency, particularly among electric utility programs. These initiatives include hosting an annual energy policy conference and schools award program, as well as, other initiatives.

In the second capacity, the Associate will design marketing programs to convey the value proposition of membership and maintain regular communications with energy efficiency business members including developing and sharing creative e-mail and newsletter updates on KEEA/KEEF activities across the organization and Pennsylvania-specific policy and market developments. The Associate is responsible for facilitating member acquisition, retention, and development.

Other Responsibilities
Event management, coordination of webinars, website content creation, CRM management, technology strategy.

Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree. 2-5 years of professional experience and/or degree in education, marketing, journalism, public relations, business, energy or other relevant field.

The ideal candidate will have many of the following personal and professional skills to be successful in this role:
• Creative problem solving abilities, including in the development and execution of marketing programs.
• Strong narrative and persuasive writing skills.
• Strong ability to communicate technical, as well as, non-technical information clearly.
• Strong technical research, analytical and quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as, on teams.
• Familiarity with economics, public policy, energy efficiency utility programs and technology, and climate change policy.
• Interest in energy efficiency and other advanced energy.
• Ability to foster and grow relationships with key partners.
• Vision and a tireless work ethic.
• Flexibility to wear many hats in an entrepreneurial organization.
• Proficiency in Drupal web design, Vertical Response web newsletters, Sales Force customer relationship management and Google applications.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Powerpoint, Excel.
• Demonstrated ability in writing funding proposals and reports.
• Successful training and management of volunteers, interns, & consultants.
• Experience in media platform development.

Workplace Policy: KEEA is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion and hires on merit.

Compensation
$40,000 – $50,000 commensurate with experience. Competitive benefit package. Successful candidate is expected to remain in and grow in the organization for at least two years, pending funding.

To Apply
Please send your complete application (resume, cover letter, two relevant professional writing samples or other work products) to Brian Kauffman, Executive Director at bkauffman@keealliance.org. No phone calls please. Please reference where you learned of this opportunity. Thank you.

9/21 – Urban Outfitters to Install PA’s Largest Rooftop Solar Array

Sunday, September 21st 2014


urban-outfitters-logo
Philadelphia-based Urban Outfitters is constructing a 1 million square foot e-commerce fulfillment center in Lancaster County, and thanks to a large Economic Growth Initiative grant from the commonwealth, will be adding what will be Pennsylvania’s largest rooftop Solar 53d15110d63f7.imagePV array.

From Keystone Edge:

“Solar will provide up to half of the company’s energy needs at the site.

URBN, as the corporate entity of the Philadelphia-based retail giant is known, is eagerly anticipating the 970,000-square-foot, $110 million center. The project is on schedule and on budget, according to several press reports. When fully operational next year, it will employ 500, even more at peak times.

URBN purchased the 52-acre tract last year in a newly created Keystone Opportunity Zone. The site is adjacent to the company’s much smaller distribution center that opened it 1996; that facility employs 117. This summer, the state announced that it had awarded a $3 million Economic Growth Initiative grant to the company for the solar array.”

Read more at KeystoneEdge.com

9/15 – Poll: Who Is Willing to Pay for Renewable Energy?

Monday September 15th, 2014

From The Atlantic’s Citylab:

lead_largeIt’s easy for people to say they support renewable energy. But if their eagerness to be green meant spending more money, would they really?

More than 1,600 Americans were asked just that in the Atlantic Media/Siemens State of the City Poll—as well as a few other questions about energy use—and their responses show that there’s a significant divide when it comes to a willingness to pay higher costs for a more sustainable power supply. It turns out the most die-hard fans of kicking fossil fuels can be found, perhaps in no great surprise, among the youngest Americans, the most educated, and those who identify as Democrats.

Read more at The Atlantic.