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Utility's energy-saving plans approved

Tampa Electric also finds a partner in a peak-hour energy-management program.

By ASJYLYN LODER, Times Staff Writer
Published September 26, 2007

A slew of new energy-saving programs approved by state regulators Tuesday will help Tampa Electric save enough electricity to power more than 7,000 homes for a year, according to the utility's estimates.

Tampa Electric also won unanimous approval Tuesday from the Public Service Commission to outsource an energy-saving program, makingTampa Electric the first in the Southeast to partner with EnerNOC Inc., a growing Boston-based energy-management firm looking to expand throughout the region.

It works like this: Tampa Electric pays EnerNOC to reduce electricity demand by up to 25 megawatts during peak times. To do this, EnerNOC recruits commercial electricity customers to agree to certain power-saving outages during peak demand, like dimming lights or lowering heat and air conditioning use. When the utility calls, EnerNOC has 30 minutes to gain the 25 megawatts, or risk paying penalties to Tampa Electric.

Tim Richardson, conservation expert in Tampa Electric's regulatory affairs department, said other Florida utilities have voiced interest in similar contracts.

Jennifer Collins, spokeswoman for EnerNOC, said the company has 756 megawatts under management throughout the Northeast and mid-Atlantic region. The program will start in June.

"We're certainly exploring other opportunities in the Southeast," Collins said, declining to name utilities that have expressed an interest.

The Public Service Commission granted interim approval for the EnerNOC program, asking for additional review in 2009.

Tampa Electric, a subsidiary of TECO Energy, has more than 666,000 customers and a total capacity of more than 4,600 megawatts. One megawatt can power about 615 homes.

In addition to the EnerNOC program, the commission approved 12 new conservation programs Tuesday, along with changes to several of Tampa Electric's existing programs. The programs include:

-Incentives for builders and homeowners for energy-efficiency improvements like better windows, insulation, energy-efficient heating and cooling units and hot water heaters.

-Walk-through and telephone energy audits that help customers lower electricity use by using energy-efficient bulbs.

-Energy-saving equipment for low-income families.

-Energy-awareness programs for eighth-grade science classes.

-Incentives for sealing ducts so heated and cooled air isn't wasted through leaks.

-Incentives and rebates for energy-efficiency improvements in commercial buildings.

By 2014, according to Tampa Electric estimates, the programs will help the utility save 110-gigawatt hours of electricity, enough to power more than 7,000 homes for a year.

Asjylyn Loder can be reached at (813) 225-3117 or aloder@sptimes.com.

[Last modified September 25, 2007, 23:12:52]