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General Resources
www.dulley.com/ The James Dulley energy advice column is a regular to Ruralite magazine.
www.energy.wsu.edu/ The Washington State University Cooperative Extension Education Program's energy information.
www.esfi.org/ The Electrical Safety Foundation International offers a wealth of electrical safety information.
www.epri.com/ Electric Power Research Institute
www.cchrc.org/ The Cold Climate Housing Research Center
www.nreca.org/ National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association
www.touchstoneenergy.com/ The Touchstone Energy Cooperatives site offers information about energy efficiency and national grass roots efforts
www.ourenergy.coop The Our Energy, Our Future site of NRECA
www.ase.org/ The Alliance to Save Energy offers an interactive home energy checkup
www.energyquest.ca.gov/ The California Energy Commission's site is geared for kids with games, information and teaching resources
www.fuelcells.org/ Information and Education site of Breakthrough Technologies Institute
www.energyguide.com ENERGYguide.com, operated by Aclara Software
www.nru-nw.com/ Northwest Requirements Utilities Association
www.nwriverpartners.org/ Northwest River Partners
www.ppcpdx.org/ The Public Power Council covers rate and transmission issues including legislative updates
www.nwppc.org/ Northwest Power and Conservation Council
www.energystar.gov/ Energy Star products and efficiency improvements for the home and business
www.eia.doe.gov/ U.S. Energy Information Administration
www.fueleconomy.gov/ The Department of Energy site offers vehicle fuel economy comparisons and gas mileage tips
www.pueblo.gsa.gov/ The Federal Citizen Information Administration offers U.S. energy statistics and reports
www.bpa.gov/indexmain.shtml Bonneville Power Administration site
nwtc.nrel.gov/ National Renewable Energy Laboratory
www.doe.gov/ U.S. Department of Energy
www.eere.energy.gov/ Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy site of the U.S. Department of Energy
www.es.wapa.gov Western Area Power Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Energy
Search for Solutions (2010)
CARBON IN OUR WAKE: Several websites are designed to test your personal carbon footprint, including www.nature.org/inititatives/climatechange/calculator, http://www.carbonfootprint.com/ and www.greenprogress.com/carbon_footprint_calculator.php. To quantify ways to save energy, go to the Bonneville Environmental Foundation site at www.b-e-f.org/carbon.
TRANSMISSION IS VITAL: To further research the smart grid and what it means for electric customers, a number of facts and links are available on the U.S. Department of Energy website, www.oe.energy.gov/smartgrid.htm.
THINK SMALL (SMALL GENERATION): Thinking even smaller can contribute to the country’s energy goals, while at the same time saving you money. Residential wind, solar and geothermal energy systems installed on primary residences and second homes qualify for a 30-percent federal tax credit, with no upper cost limit, until December 31, 2016. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov/taxcredits.
GEOTHERMAL RISING: Homeowners can take advantage of geothermal technology when they install an energy-efficient geothermal heat pump. It exchanges heat with the ground. For more information, see http://www.geoexchange.org/ or http://www.energystar.gov/ and click on home/products/ and EnergyStar products/heat pumps geothermal.
GROWTH POTENTIAL (BIOMASS): Learn more about the federal government’s research and development of biomass resources in the United States at www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass.
CASH FOR APPLIANCES: If you purchase an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for your home, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit of 30 percent of the cost, up to $1,500. Many of the rebates expire December 31, 2010. For specific requirements, see http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfmc=tax_credits.tx_index.
POWER FROM WAVES: Summer is a good time to buy inexpensive energy-saving tools and equipment, such as new air conditioner filters. In hot weather climates, you can save up to 2 percent of your energy bill just by replacing air conditioner filters monthly. For more summer energy-saving tips, go to www.consumerenergycenter.org/tips/summer.
ADMINISTRATION TIES CLEAN ENERGY TO JOBS:For more details about the administration’s position on energy and the environment, see www.whitehouse.gov/issues/energy-and-environment. To support members of Congress who are seeking nonregulatory solutions to climate change issues, join the nationwide Our Energy, Our Future grassroots campaign at www.ourenergy.coop.
THE FUTURE FOR COAL: How does your state measure up with its average retail price for power? What are the major generating sources for electricity in your state’s portfolio, and how dependent is your state on coal? To find out, click on www.americaspower.org.
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