First Energy Group offers top 10 rules for solving energy crisis

September 1, 2003—In light of the recent blackouts in the northeastern US and Canada, a Northeast-based energy management company is urging political and business leaders to consider common-sense steps to solve the energy crisis. The First Energy Group (not affiliated with FirstEnergy Corp.) has assembled “10 Common-Sense Rules We Can Use to Solve our Energy Crisis.” First Energy Group says that following these rules will help lower energy usage, decrease maintenance costs, decrease operational expenses, decrease dependence on foreign oil, and decrease harmful pollutants.

1. While energy conservation used to be synonymous with sacrifice, state-of-the-art technology of today makes energy efficiency clean, comfortable, and cost-effective.
2. Take advantage of “free money”—There are many existing tax incentives, rebates, and loans available to encourage changing to more efficient energy handling systems. Many utilities, banks, and the federal government already realize and encourage energy conservation.
3. Use modern, energy-efficient equipment—Modern lighting, air conditioners, motors, pumps, and equipment can use up to 50% less electricity than models produced over 10 years ago.
4. Compare up-front price vs. life-cycle cost—From light bulbs to air conditioners to cogeneration systems, when purchasing any energy consuming device, consider the life-cycle cost, not only the up-front purchase price. Will it cost more now, but utilize less energy overall and last twice as long? Make a “big picture” analysis to help make the appropriate decision.
5. Use timers, controls, and building automation systems—Cut back energy use where and when it’s not needed for heating, lighting, and cooling systems.
6. Invest in proven renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and biomass—These clean energy technologies are already available and don’t rely on the already-overloaded energy grid.
7. Companies should appoint a CEO (Chief Energy Officer) to monitor and manage energy use—Energy use is one of the major costs to almost every company, plus manufacturing, commercial, and industrial facilities utilize a substantial portion of the energy supplied by the power grid. The more they use, the greater chance of a grid overload.
8. Utilize new technologies that fundamentally change how energy is used—GeoThermal is a commercially available technology that uses the Earth to heat and cool buildings. Thermal storage can store energy at night, when rates are low, to cool during the day. Newer, more efficient transformers not only save energy, but also increase reliability.
9. Remember the Light Switch—Simple yet effective, turning off the lights is one of the easiest ways to trim energy costs. No installation required.
10. Realize what can be done differently to save energy, create a cleaner world, and reduce dependence upon foreign oil—Every summer brings brownout or blackout situations, every winter brings skyrocketing heating bills. Consumers have the power to change the situation, but first they need to change how they see energy, says First Energy.