ACI Home Energy Forum to Set Stage for Special Legislative Session

Waynesburg, PA, August 30, 2007

Local and national residential energy efficiency experts will convene in Harrisburg on Wednesday, September 5th for a one-day forum on residential energy efficiency. The ACI Home Energy Forum, which will be held at the Harrisburg Hilton, is designed to influence Pennsylvania’s energy policy debate set to resume at the Capitol on Sept. 17th.

Pennsylvania is at a crossroads, and a bit behind the times. Governor Rendell’s Energy Independence Strategy and the work of some legislators are intended to solve a number of energy and environmental issues that confront Pennsylvanians:
 Electric rate caps, which limited electric rate increases for 10 years, are due to expire as early as 2008. Some rural electric cooperatives have already raised rates as much as 60%.
 Heating oil and natural gas prices are twice what they were in 2000, and unlikely to go down.
 World pressure is building to take immediate action to curtail climate change and the effects of global warming. Pennsylvania is the 3rd highest source of CO2 emissions in the country.

Many valuable strategies have been put on the table in Harrisburg, but one key element has been slighted. Residential buildings account for 24% of the energy used in Pennsylvania. Per capita electricity used in homes increased by 1,090 kWh between 1980 and 2001, representing an annual average increase of 1.6%. Making homes more energy efficient is one of the best solutions for warding off the effects of electric and heating fuel increases, and for impacting climate change. Other states in the Northeast have adopted stellar (aggressive) programs, such as ENERGY STAR® for Homes, to help homeowners and renters save energy and money. Tax credits and rebates for energy efficient appliances will help, but the big ticket item for most homes is home heating and cooling.

Leading experts will share what has worked in other states for the residential sector. These include Steve Cowell of Conservation Group; David Lee, ENERGY STAR Residential Branch; Rick Gerardi of Lockheed Martin; and Bill Prindle of the American Council for Energy Efficient Economy. Representatives of the Public Utility Commission, PHFA, government agencies, local energy groups and the PA legislature will also speak. ACI, a non-profit organization, which has trained building and weatherization professionals for 20+ years, is hosting the Forum.

It's Time for a Plan of ACTION!
Decisions made in the next eighteen months will set a path for energy policy, rate structure, and consumer action. Each of these will have a direct impact on economic development, job creation, and quality of life in Pennsylvania communities for decades to come. Don't miss this one-day forum for utility and governmental program managers, legislative staffers, regulatory staff, policy makers, housing leaders, and program providers. Attend the Forum and take an active role in Pennsylvania's energy future.
For more information:
Nancy Hawkins, Marketing Manager
Affordable Comfort, Inc. (ACI)
Email: NHawkins@affordablecomfort.org
Phone:
Website: www.affordablecomfort.org