Smart Energy Solutions In the News

In a quest to narrow her carbon footprint and blunt the worst of BGE's recent 72 percent price increases, the Crofton woman has spent nearly $3,500 making her house as energy efficient as possible, including a recent home-power audit.

Mrs. Nichols, who also has switched to compact fluorescent bulbs, unplugged appliances when they are not in use and air dries her laundry, said she hopes to shave 20 to 30 percent off of her monthly power bill, which averages $300.

"I'll be excited to see my next bill," she said.

A new survey of various states' energy-efficiency programs by the Maryland Public Interest Research Group suggests ratepayers could drastically cut their electric bills if the state invests in energy efficiency. Giving homeowners such as Mrs. Nichols incentives such as tax rebates to invest in energy efficiency could push the state well beyond Gov. Martin Malley's goals of curbing per capita power consumption 15 percent by 2015, according to the report.

"It's one of the most effective investments we could make," Maryland Public Interest Group Legislative Advocate Johanna Neumann said.

The report comes as Mr. O'Malley is pushing for a 15 percent per capita reduction in electricity consumption, as well as investing $140 million annually in renewable energy resources. Despite a few extra cents per kilowatt hour initially, the Maryland Energy Administration estimated the up-front investments could save ratepayers more than $200 per year.

By contrast, taking no action would lead to increases of $130 per year to customers' bills. Maryland officials also have predicted rolling blackouts by 2011 unless the state takes action to curb its power consumption now.

Residential electric audits of the type Bob Logston, an energy efficiency contractor from Baltimore-based Home Energy Loss Professionals, performed for Mrs. Nichols can shave 25 percent off of a monthly power bill, he said.

Most of his customers assume the $250 to $500 audit will uncover a need for high cost amenities such as new doors and windows, Mr. Logston said, but most homes only need some additional caulking and insulation.

"Windows are a myth," Mr. Logston said. "I can't remember the last time I put in a window. It takes 20 years to get your money back on a window."

Simpler fixes, such as insulating exposed ducts and adding insulation, pay for themselves after about seven years, he said.

The Maryland Energy Administration also suggests sealing air leaks and insulating attics before investing in high costs windows or a new furnace.

Power companies are already pushing demand reduction. BGE offers customers rebates on Energy Star rated appliances and compact fluorescent bulbs. Last year it began a pilot program that gave customers credit on their bill for allowing the power company to shut off large appliances such as thermostats and air conditioners during the times of highest demand.

BGE also will be rolling out 5,000 smart meters as part of a trial program. The meters will allow customers to view power prices in real time, letting them curb consumption during the most expensive periods of the day.

The company has proposed offering its customers rebates for home energy audits, but the program is still awaiting approval from the Public Service Commission.