Archive for May, 2010

Jim Rogers provides The Daily Energy Report his thoughts on attending the American Power Act proposal announcement by Senators John Kerry and Joe Lieberman.

Schneider Electric Building Solutions And Energy Efficiency

May 27th

Posted by Ben Lack in Interview Series

Christopher B. Curtis has over 15 years experience guiding the successful growth and strategy within global energy management specialist Schneider Electric. He has held various sales and marketing leadership positions, was president of Schneider Electric Canada for a “too short but effective” year and a half and was named president, Schneider Electric US in June 2006. Curtis was named president and CEO of Schneider Electric in North America in 2008, assuming responsibility for all N.A. operations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. In 2009, Curtis assumed additional responsibilities to lead Schneider Electric’s global Buildings business as well as its Renewables Business. He speaks to us about the importance of energy management, performance contracting, and a deal with the city of Houston.

Building Performance Institute Supports Home Star Bill

May 26th

Posted by Ben Lack in Interview Series

Larry Zarker joined BPI in 2005 and now holds the position of Chief Executive Officer. Larry previously had his own firm, MarketEdge Consulting. He focused his practice on helping building industry clients accelerate acceptance of innovative building products and systems. Larry worked for nearly twenty years with the NAHB Research Center and served as Vice President of Marketing for over a decade. We spoke with Larry about the importance of educating the growing energy audit industry and the importance of the Home Star Bill.

Universities Studying Energy Efficiency Too

May 25th

Posted by Ben Lack in Interview Series

Nicole Biggart joined the Graduate School of Management in 1981 as one of the School’s first faculty members. In 2002 she was awarded the Jerome J. and Elsie Suran Chair in Technology Management. She served as dean of the Graduate School of Management from July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2009. In 2008 she was awarded the Faculty Pioneer Award by the Aspen Institute, and the Women Who Mean Business Award by the Sacramento Business Journal.

Professor Biggart is an expert in organizational theory and management of innovation. Her research interests include economic and organizational sociology, firm networks, industrial change and the social bases of technology adoption. She has studied reasons for failed energy efficient technology adoption in the commercial buildings industry.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Pushing For A Smarter US Electrical Transmission Grid System

May 24th

Posted by Ben Lack in Interview Series

Jon Wellinghoff, Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) was one of my favorite interviews at the Alliance to Save Energy’s EEGlobal 2010. Jon spoke with me about the challenges of integrating America’s transmission and delivery systems, the importance of a proper smart grid roll out, how utilities are preparing for a smarter grid system and what he wants to be remembered for when he finishes his service at the FERC.

The World Bank Energy Efficiency Plans In Developing Countries

May 21st

Posted by Ben Lack in Interview Series

Energy efficiency is on the top of many people’s minds at The World Bank. 86% of all future energy needed will be coming from developing countries. Jas Singh, Senior Energy Efficiency Specialist for the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) in The World Bank talks to us about the challenges developing countries face when trying to develop an energy efficient nation. According to Singh’s latest report, “Public Procurement of Energy Efficiency Services: Lessons from International Experience,” it is important to review the efforts made by developing countries when putting together a plan for third world countries and other developing nations. But he is clear to point out that every situation is different and it takes a lot of understanding of a specific country’s culture and personality to find the best solutions.

Chile Becoming An Energy Efficiency Leader in South America

May 20th

Posted by Ben Lack in Interview Series

Honorable Jimena Bronfman, Vice Minister of Energy for Chile speaks about her administration’s efforts to promoting energy efficiency to her country. Awarded the Alliance to Save Energy EEGlobal Leadership award, Bronfman discusses the importance of promoting energy efficiency within Chile and what the next steps are toward becoming a more energy efficient country.

Solar Power Assesment Of Georgia, More Renewables Needed

May 19th

Posted by Ben Lack in Opinion

Renewable energy can come from wind, water, light, or nuclear reactions typically. Solar panels use radiation from the sun to produce energy much the way plants do. They are exciting to environmentalists because they decrease our output of carbon dioxide and mercury and reduce water used through traditional energy production. “Solar can run anything that coal and oil can from pocket calculators, to road signals and cameras,” explains James Marlow, Founder and CEO of the Atlanta, Georgia based firm Radiance Solar. However, its use in the United States has been limited by the strength of large oil and coal companies and current cautious policy moves by the federal government and most state governments. GuidetoOnlineSchools.com has information on science degrees for those who want to pursue more knowledge about current and future energy sources. Well-trained people,
research and innovation will be needed to develop alternative forms of energy in the future.

Marlow’s company develops, designs, and installs solar energy systems. More importantly however, they collaborate with political action groups, environmental groups, government agencies, and other energy producers to influence federal and state policies that hinder the United State’s adoption of sustainable energy.

Fast Food & Convenience Stores Energy Management Solutions

May 19th

Posted by Ben Lack in Interview Series

Joseph Harberg, CEO of Current Energy has a fantastic energy management solution for fast food, convenience store and other retail chains. With the help of some cutting edge energy management technology, Current Energy is helping these companies lower their energy consumption by 10-25%. This not only helps these companies save millions of dollars but it also helps them run their operations more efficiently. We talked with Joseph about what his system does and the challenges that his customers face when it comes to lowering their energy consumption.