PECO Energy, a Philadelphia based electric and natural gas utility, has provided the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) with $232,100 for installation of photovoltaic solar energy systems in 22 low-income homes. This is part of a $500,000 PECO commitment to support solar power installation in low-income housing in Philadelphia. The grant is made available through PECO’s Universal Services program, which provides usage reduction and utility financial assistance to more than 125,000 low-income households throughout the company’s service area.
The PHA estimates that residents using the solar systems will save from $400 to $500 yearly in energy costs, or as much as 25 percent of their energy costs each year. Six 185-watt solar panels will be mounted on each roof and connected to the home’s electrical system. Each installation is expected to produce 1,630 kilowatt-hours of usable electricity in a year.
AECP ASSISTS IN CONSTRUCTION OF ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED HOME
AECP is assisting The Jacksonville Center (TJC) in Floyd, VA design and construct an Energy Star certified residence that will house students and families that are participating in TJC’s Craft School. TJC is a small business incubator that promotes economic development in the region through art, culture, local history, and sustainability. The Craft School will provide opportunities to students and young people to learn arts and crafts that are taught by skilled artisans that are in residence at TJC. The AECP office is located at TJC where there are plans to build a Sustainable Living Education Center.
An Energy Star certified home is independently verified to be at least 30% more energy efficient than homes built to the 1993 national Model Energy Code or 15% more efficient than state energy code, whichever is more rigorous. These savings are based on heating, cooling, and hot water energy use and are normally achieved through a combination of:
- Building envelope upgrades (maximum insulation)
- High performance windows
- Controlled air infiltration
- Energy efficient HVAC systems
- Tight duct systems
- Energy efficient water heating equipment
- Energy efficient lighting and appliances
- Features designed to improve indoor air quality
To find out more about Energy Star homes – check out www.energystar.gov
GREEN POWER CHOICE IS AVAILABLE IN VIRGINIA
Pepco Energy Services, a utility serving Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, DC and Pennsylvania is offering green power – electricity that is produced through renewable energy sources – to customers in Virginia. This is possible because the restructuring of the electric utility industry is allowing consumers to choose the provider of their electricity.
Pepco is offering 100% pollution free electricity that is generated by wind farms located in the Mid-Atlantic region and under contract to Pepco Energy Services. They are also providing electricity generated by solar panels, biomass fuels and hydroelectric plants. The generation of green electricity produces almost none of the emissions commonly referred to as “greenhouse gases” that contribute to global warming, smog, acid rain, and can result in damage to our environment. So for just a few pennies more per Kilowatt-Hour, you can:
- Help improve the quality of our air and water
- Reduce environmental impact
- Protect wildlife and their natural habitats
- Reduce our dependence on foreign fuels
- Support the development of more efficient and affordable renewable resources
Check out www.pepcoenergy.com or call 1-800-ENERGY-9 and find out if green power is an option in your service area.
ENERGY TIP
Stay cool naturally by reducing heat gain in your home. Reflect sunlight away from the home by increased outdoor shading, eliminate heat- generating sources in the home, and removing built-up heat.