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Energy Efficiency Incentives Article
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Get Clear on the True Energy Efficiency Definition
from:There are many ways to explain the energy efficiency definition. It is basically finding ways to use less energy without sacrificing quality in the process. This basic definition can be confusing, though. A similar concept is energy conservation. Where energy efficiency focuses on reducing the use of energy through more efficient means, conservation is simply the concept of using less energy through behavior. It is important to undersatnd the difference.
Energy Efficiency or Conservation?
You can be energy efficient everyday. The energy efficiency definition does not say you have to change anything about yourself, but rather what you change are the products, appliances and other things that use energy. So, to be energy efficient everyday you should do things like replace your appliances with energy star appliances and replace your vehicle with a more fuel efficient model.
Many people get confused and think things like walking to the store instead of driving or taking the stairs instead of the elevator are examples of energy efficiency, but that is not true. Those things fit the definition of energy conservation, not energy efficiency. To be energy efficient you would drive a fuel efficient car to the store instead of your SUV. You would ride in the energy efficient elevator instead of the one that is not.
Fitting Energy Efficiency into your Life
While not everything is within your control there are ways you can bring more energy efficiency into your life. You can not make your company install energy efficient air conditioning in your office building, but you can do so at home. You have to take the little steps and do what you can. It is about leading by example.
The government and energy efficiency groups are working hard to get companies and businesses to become more energy efficient, so you should not worry. If you can try to do business with energy efficiency compliant companies over those who are not and send your message that way.
The Point of Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a long term idea. Conservation may be a nice thought but it is not a good solution. Not many people are going to want to give up using air conditioning in the summer or start walking to get places they need to go. More people, though, would be willing to install energy efficient appliances and drive more efficient vehicles.
Part of the reason why energy efficiency works is that it saves you money in the long run. When you start being energy efficient you will see the savings in your energy costs. Conservation will give you rewards, but you will also have to sacrifice. That is why energy efficiency works better.
When you think of the energy efficiency definition you just have to remember that energy efficiency is about using technology to reduce energy use and conservation is about changing behavior. That is the easiest way to keep the two ideas separate.
Energy Efficiency Incentives News
Financial support continues for home energy efficiency upgrades
Home energy upgrades can net rebates from LiveSmart BC and FortisBCKELOWNA, BC, Feb. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - FortisBC customers planning to complete energy upgrades to their home are encouraged to take advantage ...
Read more...Stratford lands $839,000 in incentives for energy savings
The Town of Stratford has secured $839,086 in incentive funds for an energy savings performance contract, working in partnership with the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund.
Read more...Study: Energy Efficiency in Apartments Could Save $3.4 Billion
Energy-efficiency upgrades in U.S. apartment buildings could cut energy bills by almost $3.4 billion annually nationwide, according to a new report this week from think tanks CNT Energy and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. The estimate includes $2.03 billion in potential electricity savings and $1.34 billion in potential natural-gas savings from retrofits such ...
Read more...Ameren Missouri Files Largest Plan in State for Energy Efficiency Programs
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Ameren Missouri, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE - News), filed with the Missouri Public Service Commission (MPSC) a three-year plan that includes ...
Read more...Energy Efficiency Bolsters Region's Economies
PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Formula Fabrication, based in Libby, Mont., a small, struggling town, was on the verge of closing its doors a few years ago. With trainings offered by the ...
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