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Pulse Energy
The Surrey Leader highlighted the second-annual Surrey Schools Energy Conservation Cup, with 19 secondary schools and the District Education Centre competing to save the most energy. Using consumption data compiled by energy intelligence provider Pulse Energy, each participant has committed to reducing their use of electricity and natural gas by a certain percentage.
Source: Surrey North Delta Leader
Institutions, Cities & States
The Citizens Utility Board released its report card for electricity competition in Illinois, which has seen 1.7 million residential customers switch to alternative suppliers since 2010. The market gets an A for short-term savings but D for innovation, with none of the competitive suppliers offering energy efficiency or demand response programs.
Source: Citizens Utility Board
Californians could get $1.6 billion in electricity refunds because of market manipulation during the first few months of the 2000/01 energy crisis. A preliminary decision against wholesalers including the Bonneville Power Administration and government of British Columbia was released last week, but will go through extensive appeals.
Source: The Sacramento Bee
North America
US natural gas utilities invested $958 million in ratepayer-funded efficiency programs in 2011, with $1.4bn budgeted for 2012. The American Gas Association survey found that participating households reduced annual natural gas usage by an average of 13% and saved $107 annually.
Source: American Gas Association
Home energy management services offered by broadband providers (BSPs) will reach 900,000 users by 2020, according to Pike Research. Less than 100,000 currently subscribe through their BSP, who are hampered by missing technology standards and lukewarm utility support.
Source: BusinessWire
International
France will require all non-residential buildings to shut off their lights overnight from later this year, in order to reduce emissions and lower light pollution. Major tourist attractions are exempt, like the 20,000 flashing bulbs on the Eiffel Tower.
Source: Sustainable Business News
Please send story suggestions or comments about This Week in Energy Efficiency to Peter J. Cavan
