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 The “Dog Days of Summer” have certainly arrived. Phone calls don’t seem to get returned as quickly and commute times even seem a bit shorter.
And then there’s the heat.
The heat has been almost unbearable for much of the country. It’s been uncomfortable, and in some cases, it’s even been deadly. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that this oppressive heat has served as wake up call on global climate change. People are beginning to realize that something is happening, and this heat is just one indicator.
And as if the heat weren’t bad enough, the papers are filled with more bad news about wars in the Middle East and terrorist plots targeting American and European travelers. It’s all very dramatic and all too scary. And the American people are missing none of it. They are reading the papers and watching TV and are beginning to ask themselves “what can I do to declare my energy independence?”
Well, one part of the answer is clean energy. By buying clean, renewable energy we each can do a little part to help reduce green house gas emissions that cause global climate change. And by buying clean energy we each can make our own “declaration of energy independence”.
It’s easy to do. As I write this, both of SmartPower’s offices in Hartford, Connecticut and Washington, DC are signed up for and supporting clean energy. Over 8,000 residents in Connecticut are signed up for clean energy; over 6,000 in Massachusetts; and whopping 20,000 residents in Pennsylvania are now buying clean energy. And in case you’re wondering, for all of these customers, the lights are still working and the air conditioning is keeping everyone cool. All of us buying clean energy are making our own “declaration” and we are proving to our friends, neighbors, our elected officials and others that clean energy is real. It’s here. And it’s working.
So in this summer of oppressive heat and war, join us in our effort. Go on line to www.SmartPower.org. And sign up for clean energy for your home and business. It’s easy. And if we all do our part, we’ll help mitigate the ravages of global climate change while declaring our energy independence!
Let’s make more! |
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This month, SmartPower President, Brian F. Keane was featured in Grist magazine’s “InterActivist” column. Grist Magazine is a non-profit organization funded by foundation grants, reader contributions and minimal advertising. The magazine publishes articles that “tell the untold stories, spotlight trends before they become trendy, and engage the apathetic” about green issues and sustainable living. As part of his column, Brian answered questions about his role at SmartPower and how SmartPower is making a positive environmental impact. The column allowed readers of this national magazine get to know the SmartPower President as well as the important work that SmartPower does. To read the full article click here. |
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August 19-25th in Florence, Italy |
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Held every two years, the World Renewable Energy Congress provides an international forum that attracts several hundred delegates from nearly 100 countries. The Congress aims to enable participants from developed and developing countries to exchange knowledge and experience; assist and promote local, regional and global environmental benefits of renewable energy; promote the innovation, diffusion and efficient economical renewable energy technologies application; and provide a technical exhibition where manufacturers and educational authorities can display their products and services. |
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| August 26th, 1-3pm at Talcott Mountain Science Center, Avon, CT |
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Later in August, PACE will present another of its tremendous tours on solar electricity, solar hot water and active and passive solar heating. On August 26th, the solar tour and seminar will allow attendees to see and learn about photo-voltaics, equipment monitoring, an electric/human-powered commuter car, fuel cells and various other clean energy technologies. To receive a ticket, please send a check for $15.00 to Donna Burkhardt, 6 Bel Air Lane, Canton, CT 06019. |
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| September 9th at Edgerton Park, New Haven from 12-7pm |
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The first Sustainable Connecticut Expo will be held in conjunction with the long-running New Haven Folk Festival in Edgerton Park, New Haven on Saturday, September 9 from noon to 7 p.m. Clean energy will be featured prominently at this event including exhibits on the CTCleanEnergyOptions program, solar PV systems and other renewable technologies. The expo, which is free to the public, is intended to provide a “one-stop shop” of ideas, products and services that will help visitors to reduce their carbon footprint and lead a more sustainable lifestyle. The evening’s Main Stage Concert features Bruce Cockburn and Elisa Gilkyson. |
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| September 18th, 10-2pm at 400 West St. Rocky Hill, CT |
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Presentations from John Sterman, Director of Systems Dynamics Group, MIT Sloan School of Management and Gina McCarthy, Commissioner of the CT Department of Environmental Protection will be featured at the next Clean Air-Cool Planet’s N.E. Science Center Collaborative “Meet the Scientists” forum. Mr. Sterman will speak on “Understanding the Climate System and Climate Change” which will help participants better understand the climate system and the need for immediate action. Commissioner McCarthy will describe the state's public policy initiatives and highlight Connecticut leaders -- including students, schools, towns, businesses, and faith communities -- that are taking innovative steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Space is limited. Click Here to register. |
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| September 22-23, 2006 in Kempton Pennsylvania |
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Presented by the MidAtlantic Renewable Energy Association, this 2nd annual festival offers attendees a wide-ranging educational program and a chance to debate the key issues, whilst the exhibitor hall creates the perfect environment to evaluate the solutions. Featuring dynamic speakers, national exhibitors, workshops, hands-on demonstrations, vendors, live music and entertainment, children's activities, food and more this two day festival is an event you shouldn’t miss! |
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September 25-26, 2006 at the Marriot Long Wharf in Boston, MA |
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This two-day conference will focus on regional solutions to address today’s energy challenges. With a keynote address by FERC Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher and panel discussions that address challenges and solutions, tackling costs and future actions this conference will provide attendees with an opportunity to gain insights from key policy makers and industry leaders. |
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September 29, at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA |
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The Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA will host a workshop aimed to provide energy end-users and decision makers in the Northeast with information on cost effective opportunities for combined heat and power (CHP) – or re-cycling energy on-site at your facility. Presenters will showcase valuable case studies on how to use CHP at your facility and explain current incentives, financing strategies and how to knowledge that will assist you in moving your project idea into a reality. |
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October 16-19th at the San Jose, CA Convention Center |
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Presented by the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Solar Power 2006 focuses on the the areas of solar technology, energy policy, and market opportunity. With more than 130 exhibitors and 100 speakers this year’s Solar Power Conference and Expo is the largest business-to-business solar event held in the United States. |
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This month, SmartPower staff reenergized while visiting the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, CO. A part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), NREL is the DOE’s only field office completely devoted to research and development of renewable energy technologies.
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| (L-R) Bob Wall, Brian F. Keane, Keri Enright, Jonathan Edwards and Molly Tsongas. |
After receiving a warm welcome from Jim Bosch, NREL Outreach Coordinator, SmartPower staff met with Blair Swezey, Principal Policy Advisor, and Lori Bird, Senior Analyst, at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) to discuss national renewable energy marketing strategies and the center’s wind facilities.
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| Test wind turbine at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC). |
As a part of a day of meeting with NREL, SmartPower was invited to tour and learn about NREL’s National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) and the new Science and Technology Facility (S&TF). Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, the NWTC is a first class design and testing facility for wind energy. SmartPower staff saw firsthand how the center facilitates critical research and development of wind power technologies.
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| Brian F. Keane, SmartPower President, talks with Jim Johnson, NREL Senior Mechanical Engineer at the NWTC. |
Giving SmartPower a comprehensive tour of the facility Jim Johnson, Senior Mechanical Engineer, explained how the center enables NREL researchers to work with wind turbine developers to create advanced wind systems, provides technical assistance to wind plant operators and utilities and allows wind turbine system and component manufacturers research and test their products. It was extremely inspiring to learn about the exciting work they are currently working on at NWTC.
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| Solar PV system at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC). |
Following our meeting and tour at the NWTC, Jim Bosch introduced SmartPower Staff to Marc Landry, Master Technician, who gave us a tour of the NREL’s brand new Science & Technology Facility (S&TF). This new state-of-the-art facility was designed to meet Gold-level LEED standards, which includes features that will reduce the buildings energy use, increase the amount of daylight that enters the building, use advanced heating, ventilation and cooling systems and incorporates an architectural design that allows the building to be integrated into its surrounding landscape. The new facility will provide researchers with much needed space and capabilities to expand their research on photovoltaics, hydrogen, solar, solid-state lighting, thin-film coatings and devices, electrochromics and nanotechnologies.
The opportunity to tour the NREL facilities and see first hand the thrilling new technologies that are in store for the renewable energy industry provided SmartPower staff the opportunity to reenergize and strategize on how we will continue to create a robust clean energy market. |
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 SmartPower applauds Curtis Packaging Company of Newtown, CT for their annual purchase of 4.5 GWh (4,500,000 KWh) of clean energy. This purchase will meet 100% of their electricity needs and makes Curtis Packaging a corporate leader in Connecticut with the voluntary support of clean energy.
“The commitment to clean energy by Curtis Packaging clearly demonstrates that clean energy is real, here and working in the business community of Connecticut,” stated SmartPower President, Brian F. Keane. “Further, the Curtis Packaging purchase of clean energy is evidence to everyone in Connecticut that energy independence and clean air is critical to the high quality of life and business practice we enjoy in this state and across the country.”
 An exciting component of this purchase is that 30% of the company’s purchase will be made through the CTCleanEnergyOptionssm program and is designed to help Curtis’ hometown of Newtown qualify for a free 2kw solar-PV system through the Clean Energy Communities program. Curtis Packaging made its purchase through Community Energy.
“As a leader in the luxury printing and packaging industry, we are proud of the commitment we have made to protect the environment. We are confident that our clients and the community will recognize the importance of our environmental and sustainability objectives. It’s gratifying to know that of our products will be manufactured using clean, renewable energy,” said Don Droppo, Jr., Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
“Now that Curtis Packaging has purchased such a significant amount of clean energy, we hope that this commitment immediately prompts Newtown elected officials to pass a resolution committing to the SmartPower 20% by 2010™ campaign,” continued Keane. “More importantly, we hope that businesses and institutions throughout the state follow Curtis Packaging’s civic leadership by helping their host town to become a Clean Energy Community.”
“Once Newtown commits to 20% clean energy use by 2010, the free 2kw solar energy system we provide the town will hopefully be the first of many,” stated Bryan Garcia, Director of Energy Market Initiatives at the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. Local residents can help the town qualify for more free systems by signing up for clean energy through the Options program. |
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Photo Credit:
Danny Clinch
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Seattle rockers Pearl Jam recently announced their “Carbon Portfolio Strategy” which is intended to offset their own carbon emissions from touring and raise public awareness about global warming. As part of this strategy, the group plans to donate $100,000 to nine organizations doing innovative work around climate change, renewable energy and the environment. The organizations include American Solar Energy Society, Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Cascade Land Conservancy, Conservation International, EarthCorps, Green Empowerment, Honor the Earth, Island Wood and the Washington Clean Energy Initiative. Pearl Jam has a longstanding history of supporting renewables including the 2004 Vote for Change Tour, through which they and tour mates, Dave Matthews and Bonnie Raitt, raised $77,000 that helped pay for solar photovoltaic installations in states across the country. |
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| Go to: |
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to learn how to sign up
in your state. |
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