Gov. Rendell this week announced a number of strategic initiatives the Commonwealth will take to expand on the steps it has been taking since 2004 to reduce energy costs and stimulate renewable energy among state agencies.

An extensive energy reduction and conservation initiative in state office buildings that Governor Rendell called for in 2004 has reduced energy consumption by 10 percent annually under Executive Order 2004-12.

"Rising energy prices affect every customer, including state government," Gov. Rendell said. "We need to make immediate, sweeping adjustments to the way state government operates to counter escalating gas prices and rising energy prices.

"The steps I am announcing today will reduce our environmental impact by using less energy, and helping to grow our renewable energy sector by purchasing more clean, renewable energy," he said.

"My goal is to have the commonwealth reduce its energy consumption by an additional 10 percent by the end of 2010," Gov. Rendell said. "Cutting energy consumption by 20 percent in just eight years is a very ambitious goal, but one that we can achieve by implementing these initiatives."

Specifically, Gov. Rendell has directed the Department of General Services to:

· Purchase 50 percent Green Power — Increase the commonwealth's purchase of green power from the current 30 percent of all electricity to 50 percent by mid 2010. The state will increase its purchase of energy from green sources, including solar, wind, geothermal, low-impact hydropower and biomass sources, such as methane from landfills, wood and energy crops. Green power costs are expected to decline while conventional power rates are expected to increase over the next few years. Pennsylvania already is the largest state purchaser of green power; this initiative will solidify that lead. At 50 percent, the commonwealth's green power use will exceed 500 million kilowatts; enough electricity to power all the homes in Allentown and Easton (50,000).

· Reduce Energy Use by Another 10 percent — Energy consumption in state buildings was reduced by 10 percent in 2006; the commonwealth will reduce energy use by another 10 percent. Energy reduction initiatives include:

· Increasing Office Temperatures By One Degree. Starting this month, the state will raise office thermostats to 75 degrees in the summer, from 74 degrees. The one degree change will reduce energy use by 5.3 million kilowatt hours annually.

· Reduce Energy Use During Peak Periods. The state will begin to review and implement smart meter and load shedding strategies in state-owned buildings to monitor a building's energy use throughout the day and automatically turning off certain items, such as central air, lamps or hot water heaters that draw energy during peak use times. This measure will set the foundation for effective load management for the future.

· Convert to Sensor Lighting. Transition lights on manual switches to sensor lighting where economically feasible within the Capitol Complex. Sensor lighting has already been installed in some office upgrade projects. All future projects will incorporate sensors. Light sensors will reduce energy use by about 600 kilowatt hours, or $40 per unit annually.

· Use Compact Florescent Lights. The state annually buys 77,000 incandescent lights. Future state contracts will allow only the purchase of energy-saving compact florescent bulbs. Replacing all incandescent lighting with florescent lighting, once existing incandescent bulbs burn out, will reduce energy use by an estimated 61 million kilowatt hours annually; enough to power 6,100 homes.

· Reduce Fuel Use by Five Percent (367,000 gallons) — By implementing stricter travel controls, such as encouraging carpooling and conference calling, the commonwealth will reduce fuel consumption by five percent, saving 367,000 gallons of gas annually. For example, the Capitol Police will decrease vehicle patrols and increase foot and bicycle patrols around the Capitol Complex.

· Buy Smaller Vehicles — Downsize the type of new vehicle purchased for the commonwealth fleet to improve fuel efficiency. For example, a Ford Taurus will be replaced by a smaller vehicle, such as a Ford Fusion; a Chevrolet Impala will be replaced by a Chevrolet Malibu. During a typical year, the state purchases between 125 and 150 vehicles.

· Downsize Total State Fleet. In 2003, there were 16,715 vehicles; in 2008, there are 16,225 vehicles, a decrease of 490 vehicles.

· Extend Vehicle Use. In 2003, vehicles were turned in for auction at 65,000 miles; in 2008, they are kept in use until after 100,000 miles.

· Increase Use of Hybrids. The state has increased the number of hybrids, from zero in 2003 to 53 in 2008. As long as automakers will be able to meet the demand, the state plans to introduce another 50 hybrids into the vehicle fleet next year.

· Reduce SUVs. The Commonwealth has reduced SUV use by 30 percent, or 460 vehicles, from 1,585 in 2003 to 1,125 currently in use today. It has also increased its alternative fuel fleet. In 2003, there were 95 alternative fuel vehicles in the fleet compared to 711 alternative fuel vehicles in use today.

6/20/2008