Commonwealth Conversations: Energy Smarts

Energy By the Numbers: $17,689,893

Dan Burgess

Clean Energy Fellow, Department of Energy Resources

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Since 2008, 86 Massachusets cities and towns have received a combined total of $17,689,893 in Green Communities grant awards for clean energy projects in their community. 

These grants have helped fund projects that are creating local Massachusetts jobs and developing cleaner, safer and more sustainable energy options for these communities.  These projects have included solar photovoltaic installations, the development of energy management plans, installation of LED streetlights, and adopting various other energy efficient measures.

The Green Communities program is a crucial component of the Commonwealth’s efforts to create a cleaner energy future and you can visit the program web page to see a map of Green Communities in Massachusetts and to learn more about the program.

ARRA 101: The Recovery Act turns three

Dan Burgess

Clean Energy Fellow, Department of Energy Resources

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Last week, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) reached it's third year anniversary. Since 2009, the Patrick-Murray Administration has prudently invested Massachusetts' federal stimulus funds with thousands of clean energy projects completed as a result. Check out some of the social media highlights of Recovery Act in Massachusetts below - you can also view these stories in a slide show. 

A clean tech career challenge

Jim Bowen

Clean Energy Sector Development Director, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

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Last month, I went to local energy storage company FastCAP Systems' Research and Development Lab in Boston's Innovation District to talk with a group of about 30 Boston Public Schools students about the clean energy industry.  The high school students were the first in a series of tours called the “Clean Tech Career Challenge" organized by FastCAP, solar inverter manufacturer Satcon, and the clean energy incubator Greentown Labs.

The goal of the tour was to get young people excited about studying technology-related disciplines by giving them an inside look at what it is like to work at a clean tech company. Governor Deval Patrick joined students on a similar event on February 3 and spoke with them about the importance of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. As part of  the Administration’s efforts to close the achievement gap, Governor Patrick made a stop at the most recent career day to talk with students and congratulate the companies for their effort to teach students about career opportunities in clean energy.

Check out some more photos of the tour by clicking here 

FastCAP’s CEO, Dr. Riccardo Signorelli, sees this as imperative to sustaining the quick paced growth the industry has experienced in the last few years, and keeping cutting-edge clean technology jobs not only in the U.S., but in Massachusetts specifically.

“We’ve got to make sure that there is an energetic, qualified and high-tech workforce available locally to fill the clean technology jobs that we are busy creating here,”said Signorelli.

From building prototypes in the machine shop, to computer modeling and performing experiments in the chemistry lab, the students learned that they could do many types of jobs at a clean technology company. The biggest hit of the tour at FastCAP was a chemical engineer named Kavya, who explained the many applications and benefits of nanotechnology, and showed the students equipment she uses to grow and analyze tiny nanoparticles in the lab. So tiny, she said “that one nanotube is equal in size to 1/10,000th of the width of a single human hair.” 

The engineers, technicians, scientists, entrepreneurs and managers the students met during the trip illustrated the broad spectrum of jobs available in the clean energy sector - from advanced manufacturing jobs to business administration and development - from engineering and product design to entrepreneurial ventures.

The clean energy sector, which currently stands at 64,000 jobs at almost 5,000 companies in Massachusetts, grew at 6.7 percent from July 2010 to July 2012, according to MassCEC’s 2011 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report. The report also found that Massachusetts' competes with other states for jobs and that even though Massachusetts’ world-class colleges and universities produce some of the best skilled workers, companies still need more well-trained workers.  

It was clear from this report that in order for Massachusetts to stay competitive, we must do more to increase the supply of skilled workers.  Part of our mission at MassCEC is to help create a workforce that is trained with the right skills that industry needs. That's why I was excited for the opportunity to meet and talk with high school students and the host companies on  this tour. Encouraging our youth to study and obtain critical skills in  STEM will not only give them a head start to landing a rewarding career in a growing industry, but it will help keep the burgeoning Massachusetts clean energy sector growing strong. 

I hope to see more schools and companies working together to expose students at an early age to the exciting clean energy industry opportunities here in Massachusetts.

Wind turbine health impact report upcoming meetings

Kenneth Kimmell

Commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)

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On Jan. 17, an independent panel of scientific experts released a report entitled “Wind Turbine Health Impact Study:  Report of the Independent Panel”  and we're holding three meetings (two this week) to collect public feedback about the report.

MassDEP and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) sought the development of this report by a panel of independent experts in order to help the Commonwealth, as well as local governments, address some of the questions that have been raised about possible human health impacts associated with proximity to wind turbines.  

Among the key findings of the panel are:

• There is no evidence for a set of health effects from exposure to wind turbines that could be characterized as a “Wind Turbine Syndrome.”
• Claims that infrasound from wind turbines directly impacts the vestibular system have not been demonstrated scientifically. Available evidence shows that the infrasound levels near wind turbines cannot impact the vestibular system.
• The weight of the evidence suggests no association between noise from wind turbines and measures of psychological distress or mental health problems.
• None of the limited epidemiological evidence reviewed suggests an association between noise from wind turbines and pain and stiffness, diabetes, high blood pressure, tinnitus, hearing impairment, cardiovascular disease, and headache/migraine.
• There is limited epidemiologic evidence suggesting an association between exposure to wind turbines and annoyance. There is insufficient epidemiologic evidence to determine whether there is an association between noise from wind turbines and annoyance independent from the effects of seeing a wind turbine and vice versa.
• There is limited evidence from epidemiologic studies suggesting an association between noise from wind turbines and sleep disruption. In other words, it is possible that noise from some wind turbines can cause sleep disruption. Whether annoyance from wind turbines leads to sleep issues or stress has not been sufficiently quantified. While not based on evidence from wind turbines, there is evidence that sleep disruption can adversely affect mood, cognitive functioning, and overall sense of health and well-being.
• Scientific evidence suggests that shadow flicker does not pose a risk for eliciting seizures as a result of photic stimulation. There is limited scientific evidence of an association between annoyance from prolonged shadow flicker (exceeding 30 minutes per day) and potential transitory cognitive and physical health effects.

The panel is composed of physicians and scientists with broad expertise in areas including acoustical noise/infrasound, public health, sleep disturbance, mechanical engineering, epidemiology, and neuroscience. The members of the panel are: 

Dr. Jeffrey M. Ellenbogen of Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital; Dr. Sheryl Grace of Boston University; Dr. Wendy J. Heiger-Bernays of the Boston University School of Public Health; Dr. James F. Manwell of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst; Dr. Dora Anne Mills of the University of New England; Dr. Kimberly A. Sullivan of the Boston University School of Public Health; Dr. Marc G. Weisskopf of the Harvard School of Public Health; and Dr. Susan L. Santos (panel facilitator).

Wind Turbine Health Impact Study

I urge anyone with an interest in this topic to review it, and I encourage anyone with comments to submit them to us or to participate in one of three public meetings in February. This panel functioned independently of MassDEP and MDPH and consisted of seven individuals with backgrounds in public health, epidemiology, toxicology, neurology and sleep medicine, neuroscience, and mechanical engineering.  Each of these individuals is considered an independent expert from academic institutions, and I personally want to thank each of them for their time and commitment to this important public project.  

We’ve seen the public interest around this topic steadily grow.  It is extremely important that we have the best science available to us as we make future decisions on wind energy.

As MassDEP begins to digest the panel’s report and findings,  MassDEP will accept written public comments on the report until March 19, 2012 and is hoolding three upcoming public meetings.

• Tuesday, February 14, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Gardner Auditorium in the State House, 24 Beacon St.

• Thursday, February 16, 2012, from 5-8 p.m. - Bourne High School, Beth Bourne Auditorium, 75 Waterhouse Road, Bourne.

• Tuesday, February 28, 2012, from 5-8 p.m. - The Lee Middle and High School Auditorium, 300 Greylock Street, Lee. Snow date: February 29th.

We hope that interested parties will participate in this process so the Commonwealth will have the full benefit of public feedback before taking steps to implement or adopt the findings or recommendations by the independent panel.

2012: Time for the new (and improved!)

Mark Sylvia

Commissioner, Department of Energy Resources (DOER)

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Here we are, already in the second month of the New Year. If you were impacted by the tornadoes last year in western and central Massachusetts, you know that months later, residents of Monson, Springfield and surrounding towns are still working to restore their homes and get their lives back to normal. You’re probably relieved to turn the calendar page, make a fresh start and plan for the year ahead.

The staff at the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources and Massachusetts Clean Energy Center want to help you make 2012 a better year than last, by helping you rebuild – and rebuild keeping energy efficiency and renewable energy in mind. 

The ReBuild Western Massachusetts program offers rebates, grants and 0 percent interest loans for energy efficiency improvements and solar projects as you repair or rebuild your homes.  If you plan to install windows, doors or a new heating system this year, understand that there are a number of available incentives to reduce your costs.   Home and business owners as well as municipalities in the affected areas are eligible for up to $5,000 rebates and 0 percent interest loans for up to $100,000.  The available incentives in the ReBuild program in conjunction with many incentives offered by local utilities may make your efficient home improvements cost less than a non-efficient measure. Check out the video below to learn more.

ReBuild Western Massachusetts: wwlp.com

By installing good insulation, ENERGY STAR® qualified windows and doors, or a high efficiency heating system, you’ll improve your comfort every day while saving money on your monthly electrical bills. 

If you are installing a new water heater, keep in mind that a solar water heating system can provide up to 75 percent of your annual hot water usage and can greatly reduce bills from expensive heating fuels like oil, electricity and propane. 

Installing a new roof? This could be a great time to incorporate a solar electric system to lower your monthly electric bills.  With the additional rebate available in the recovery zones, almost 75 percent of the system is covered and the system can actually pay for itself in the first 2-3 years!

Remember – energy improvements are the only household improvements that actually pay you back. And when you are ready to sell the house, a lower utility bill can help sell the house faster.  Here’s to a new and improved year!

To find out more about the ReBuild Western Mass program, call 877-524-1325 to speak to a representative, email rebuildwma@icfi.com, or visit www.mass.gov/energy/rebuildwesternma.

How to make the most of farm energy projects

Gerry Palano

Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency Coordinator, Department of Agricultural Resources

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If you have been following this blog, you are already aware that the Patrick-Murray Administration has set ambitious renewable energy and efficiency goals for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  If you are a farmer, you may want to know where you can find more information about and assistance for becoming more energy efficient and/or producing renewable energy as part of your farm business. 

The Massachusetts Farm Energy Program (MFEP) is the one-stop shop for Massachusetts farmers who are looking to take on their own project. MFEP is a joint project of Berkshire-Pioneer Resource Conservation and Development Area RC&D and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR).  The project was developed with prior support from the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. Recently, the MFEP released a set of five best energy management manuals, one for each of the major farming sectors: dairy, greenhouses, maple, orchards and vegetable farms, and a fifth for renewable energy systems.  

MFEP has worked with over 300 farmers since the project was initiated in 2008, and assisted in leveraging $4,200,000 for farm energy projects implementation, resulting in over 110 projects completed on 70 farms. In total, these projects save farmers $740,000 annually - an average of $10,500 per farm - through the reduction of energy use or replacement with renewable energy, and reduced carbon emissions from the Massachusetts agricultural sector by approximately 9,000 tons annually.

These Massachusetts Farm Energy Best Management Practices Guides include equipment specifications, costs and payback periods, and renewable energy technologies. They will help farmers identify opportunities, estimate financial savings, and find technical and funding resources to reduce energy use, minimize carbon emissions, and improve farm viability. As more information becomes available, the hope is to expand the guides for other farming sectors. 

To celebrate the release of these guides, a networking event was held last fall at Bramble Hill Farm in Amherst.  It linked farmers with energy experts and resources, including state and federal agencies, installers, vendors, and public utilities, to initiate on-farm energy projects. A similar event is being planned for the southeast Massachusetts area this year.

As more farms implement practices such as in those found in the Best Management Guides and utilize some of the energy incentives available for implementation, not only will farmers save considerable amounts of money, they will also reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions throughout the state. This will be a welcome contribution to the Commonwealth’s goals and the sustainability of agricultural in Massachusetts. 

The Massachusetts Farm Energy Best Management Practices Guides are available here and at the DAR’s Energy Program website.  For more information on the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program, visit www.berkshirepioneerrcd.org/mfep and for more information on the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, visit www.mass.gov/agr.  

What makes up my electric bill?

David Cash

Commissioner, Department of Public Utilities (DPU)

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Ever wonder what you’re paying for every month when you get your bill?  There are basically four parts of your electric bill. 

1. The Commodity used to make the electricity (Blue).  The commodity - natural gas, coal, or oil - that is used in power plants to make your electricity. This is by far the biggest part of your bill, and here in Massachusetts, where we are at the end of the energy pipeline, we are at the mercy of global energy prices.  See in the graph how the blue part, the Commodity, is volatile?  In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina hit, knocking out natural gas pipelines, the price of natural gas shot up, and so did our electricity rates.  Since we don’t have any coal, oil, or natural gas in Massachusetts, we have two ways we can reduce that blue part. We can ramp up energy efficiency and develop more homegrown renewable energy like solar and wind.  Both of these efforts have been priorities of the Patrick-Murray Administration, and this year, for the first time, Massachusetts is #1 in the country in energy efficiency beating out California.

2. The Distribution charge (Purple):  This is what it costs for your electric company to deliver the electricity to your house – the wires, substations, repair trucks, etc.  This is the only portion of your bill that the state directly regulates.  The Department of Public Utilities closely regulates the utilities and makes sure that what it charges for this portion is fair and reasonable.  This is also the portion of the bill in which there are charges to invest in the state’s energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.  For every dollar that is invested in all these programs, we get two dollars in savings!   And remember, these are how we reduce our dependence on fossil fuels that come from outside of Massachusetts.  Notice that the graph shows that this part of the bill has been relatively stable in the last decade – even with new energy efficiency and renewable investments.  

3. Transmission charge (Green):  This portion of the bill pays for the big interstate transmission wires that make up the backbone of the electric grid.  This is regulated by the federal government.

4. Transition charge (Red):  This is a leftover charge from when the state’s electricity system was restructured in the late 1990’s.  This charge will soon disappear.

A year in review…the clean energy revolution continues

Mark Sylvia

Commissioner, Department of Energy Resources (DOER)

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This week, President Obama and Governor Patrick both confirmed their visions for our clean energy future. In the State of the Union speech, the President talked about the “promise of clean energy,” and said “nowhere is the promise of innovation greater than in American-made energy.” In the Governor’s State of the Commonwealth address, he brought it home, reminding us that the Green Communities Act fundamentally shifted our state’s energy focus toward efficiency and renewable energy.  

Our nation-leading energy policies are producing results across the board.  Massachusetts citizens, businesses, state entities, and local governments - including 86 designated Green Communities - are taking advantage of the economic and environmental rewards of investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy. We’re creating clean energy jobs, reducing municipal operating costs, using less energy and adding cleaner energy. And we’ve received national recognition for our efforts.

Take a look at the advances in our energy agenda from last year (for the best view press play, click 'More' and view 'Fullscreen'). 

You can also view the Massachusetts 2011 Clean Energy Year In Review on this site or you can download 2011 Massachusetts Clean Energy Year in Review.

Under Governor Patrick’s leadership and support of renewable energy, the clean energy industry grew nearly 7 percent in Massachusetts last year, and added thousands of jobs. We’ve added tens of thousands of kilowatts of renewable generation – enough to power over 25,000 households – since 2007.  

This past fall, Massachusetts was ranked as the No. 1 state in the nation for energy efficiency by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) for “excelling in every aspect of energy efficiency” and continuing “the implementation of the 2008 Green Communities Act.” Massachusetts’ success in renewable energy was also underlined in the fall, when Governor Patrick was awarded the Solar Champion Award by the Solar Energy Industry Association. 

None of our success would be possible without the hard work of the more than 63,000 people working in 4,900 Massachusetts clean energy companies, weatherizing homes, designing energy efficient buildings, installing solar panels for electricity or heating, and tuning up high efficiency furnaces. It also wouldn’t be possible if homeowners, renters, landlords, business owners and municipal leaders didn’t see the benefit of investing in energy improvements that provide savings and value today, and well into the future.

It’s been a thrilling first year as commissioner and I look forward to continuing my work with you as we create a cleaner energy future together. 

More winter energy savings tips

Susan S. Kaplan

Marketing & Outreach Coordinator, Department of Energy Resources

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With winter drawing to a close we’re bound to get some end of season cold snaps before we get to spring. Sign up to follow our Energy Smarts Twitter feed at @maenergysmarts for tips on how to save energy this winter. Here are some more tips.

1. Don’t open your oven door when cooking. Instead, turn on the oven light and gaze through the oven door window.

2.  If you use glass or ceramic pans, you can turn your oven temperature down 25 degrees and foods will cook just as quickly.

3. When cooking on top of your range, match the size of the pan to the heating element. A six-inch pan on an eight-inch burner will waste more than 40 percent of the energy!

4. Dispose of older incandescent lights and buy new LED holiday lights. Older strings of incandescent holiday lights can use up to 99 percent more energy than new LED light strings.

5. Replace your old heating system and cut your natural gas use nearly in half

6. Open south-facing window curtains, drapes and blinds during the day. Close window coverings at night to keep the heat in.

7. Get a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Moister air feels warmer, letting you set your thermostat at a lower temperature.

Energy By the Numbers: 72

Dan Burgess

Clean Energy Fellow, Department of Energy Resources

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Five years ago, Massachusetts had just 3.5 megawatts (MW) of solar power installed. Today, thanks to the leadership of the Patrick-Murray Administration, there are now 72 MW of solar power capacity installed in Massachusetts - enough to power 12,264 homes for a year.

The Commonwealth initiated its first program for solar PV rebates and partnerships in 2001, funded through a small renewable energy charge on electric utility bills.  But solar really took off when, in April 2007, when Governor Patrick announced a goal of 250 MW of installed solar power by 2017 and launched the Commonwealth Solar (CommSolar) program in January 2008.

With installations in 328 cities and towns across the state, this twenty fold increase in solar capacity since January of 2007 highlights the Administration’s commitment to creating a cleaner energy future for the Commonwealth. Investing in clean, healthy, and homegrown energy sources is a vital component of this future as Massachusetts is at the end of the energy pipeline.

Of the $22 billion the Commonwealth spends annually to buy the energy that runs its power plants, buildings and vehicles, 80 percent flows out of state to purchase coal from Colombia, oil from Venezuela, and natural gas and oil from the Middle East and Canada. That’s nearly $18 billion in lost economic opportunity that Massachusetts stands poised to reclaim through investments in home-grown renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Making solar a cornerstone of the Commonwealth’s clean energy economy has created a vibrant industry. In 2007, just 50 solar installers were doing business in Massachusetts, while today there are more than 250 solar installers. Solar energy is the most prominent renewable energy technology area for Massachusetts clean energy companies, with more than two in three renewable energy employers working with solar energy technologies.

For more information about solar power in Massachusetts, visit the Department of Energy Resources or the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. You can also see how the Commonwealth is progressing towards meeting its ambitious renewable energy goals on the Renewable Energy Snapshot.