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Metro-area public and private sectors commit to 20 percent energy reduction by end of ’09

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Apr 24, 2008 12:00 AM (128 days ago) by Whitney Blake, The Examiner
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Related Topics: WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Energy use in 400 area buildings will be cut by 20 percent by the end of next year under a plan announced Wednesday by a recently begun partnership of local governments, the U.S. General Services Administration and the private sector.

“We are increasingly a higher-cost region because of energy costs. If we are to compete with the rest of the world ... we have to lower our costs,” said George Vradenburg, co-founder and vice chairman of the Chesapeake Crescent, a member of the Energy Efficiency Partnership of Greater Washington. “It isn’t going to be easy,” he added.

To ease the transition, the organization will front some of the capital costs involved with retrofitting the buildings with improved lighting, heating and cooling systems, and other energy-saving measures. The partnership was begun in October 2007 by Virginia Tech’s National Capital Region branch in Alexandria, Pepco Energy Services, and financier Hannon Armstrong.

Armstrong is investing $500 million over five years. So far, more than $50 million has been earmarked for more than 10 buildings. The owners of these buildings will pay Armstrong back over time with savings from the energy-efficiency improvements.

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In total, more than 74 million square feet of space will be retrofitted, saving about $36.5 million in energy bills each year and the equivalent of the carbon dioxide emissions released by 45,000 cars.

Public-sector entities in all three area jurisdictions are dedicating $175 million to the initiative. A $150 million commitment comes from Virginia, which will retrofit 380 state-owned buildings.

Arlington County will improve six county-owned buildings — about 523,000 square feet total — including three community centers, a human services office building, a branch library and a jail.

About 200 buildings in Maryland are committing to the Partnership goal, including the Orioles and Ravens stadiums, University of Maryland, College Park, and the Department of Transportation.

In D.C., the 2.3 million-square-foot Washington Convention Center will be part of the effort.

The federal government has also agreed to participate. The GSA, the country’s largest single consumer of energy, will reduce energy use in 13 of its properties in the metro region.

In the private sector, developer JBG has committed to retrofitting L’Enfant Plaza.

Western Development will outfit Georgetown Park. The Brookings Institution will update its own headquarters, and Cafritz will make five of its area buildings more energy-efficient. Western Development and Cafritz will be using some of Armstrong’s investment money.

wblake@dcexaminer.com

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Comments from Examiner Readers

10:57 PM MST on Fri., Jul. 25, 2008 re: "Rules prevent residents from hanging clothes outside to dry"

 Examiner Reader said:
Don't we have more crapto worry about than if someone is hanging clothes out to dry.BG&E is probly made because these people arent using electricty.

 1 agree | 1 disagree
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5:07 AM MST on Fri., Jul. 25, 2008 re: "Rules prevent residents from hanging clothes outside to dry"

 Examiner Reader said:
Rules prevent residents from hanging clothes outside to dry.------------But hanging clothes outside will reduce our carbon footprint.You liberals should do a little more thinking. Don't you all remember the carbon footprint you been shoving on us lately!

 1 agree | 1 disagree
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6:31 AM MST on Mon., Jun. 9, 2008 re: "Heat wave leaves residents sweating over electric bills"

 Examiner Reader said:
Did you vote for Bush too, can we blame you for that? "Dont blame me, I voted for Ehrlich!"

 4 agree | 4 disagree
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6:29 AM MST on Mon., Jun. 9, 2008 re: "Heat wave leaves residents sweating over electric bills"

 Examiner Reader said:
Conservative Maryland voters are reponsible for anything that is bad for the great county of The United States of America.

 2 agree | 2 disagree
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3:32 AM MST on Mon., Jun. 9, 2008 re: "Heat wave leaves residents sweating over electric bills"

 Examiner Reader said:
Liberal Maryland voters are reponsible for anything that is bad for the great state of Maryland

 2 agree | 2 disagree
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5:58 AM MST on Fri., May. 9, 2008 re: "Thirsty county seeks funds for regional water authority"

 Examiner Reader said:
Harford should get no money, pay it out of your tax base. You asked for this BRAC expansion, now you look for the handouts to help pay for it, hope they say no!

 5 agree | 2 disagree
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10:02 AM MST on Thu., Jan. 3, 2008 re: "Energy-saver bulbs carry health risk for consumers"

 Examiner Reader said:
The danger of broken bulbs and the proper way to despose of these bulbs should be required to be put on the box. Just like cigarettes.

 128 agree | 111 disagree
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9:59 AM MST on Thu., Jan. 3, 2008 re: "Energy-saver bulbs carry health risk for consumers"

 Examiner Reader said:
I have hear on the radio that stores are looking for ways to provide recycling of these bulbs. It would be most helpful if your article also included updates for recycling. Trading one problem (land fill) for another is not the answer to saving energy. Also I was looking for much more detail to the prtental danger to children from a broken bulb, as well, if there is danger from unborken bulbs for children. Is just haveing them in the home a danger?

 143 agree | 123 disagree
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3:11 PM MST on Wed., Jul. 11, 2007 re: "Power companies aim for low usage in summer"

 middleclass2008 said:
Yeah, riiiight... They just had a 50% boost in revenue, and they are laughing all the way to the bank. The consumer, as usual, gets taken to the cleaners... google my name!

 331 agree | 309 disagree
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3:40 PM MST on Fri., Jun. 8, 2007 re: "O’Malley announces increased energy assistance"

 Examiner Reader said:
Dont blame me, I voted for Ehrlich!

 381 agree | 389 disagree
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6:38 AM MST on Mon., Jun. 4, 2007 re: "Expert: Electric supply options are limited"

 Examiner Reader A Disgusted Voter said:
I notice that one of the lobbying groups is calling for the energy industry to start planning for the future needs of power. This is a little late because the horse is out of the barn. These same lobbyists were the ones that have blocked the energy companies in the past, and they are the groups that want new sources of power but not in my backyard. Choices have to be made for the good of all not for the FEW.

 359 agree | 347 disagree
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11:59 PM MST on Fri., Jun. 1, 2007 re: "BGE rate hike: Push comes to shove"

 Examiner Reader said:
This is a sad situation for our people. Balto is sinking, sinking, sinking. 1000 characters is not enough to list the diastrous issues this city has. Utility hikes, gas, crime ALL OVER corruption, education, lies just to name a "few"in no special order. What gets accomplished...NOTHING. Just meetings, more meetings. Plans & more plans. This is for show. This city is going around & around in a circle and getting worse. Balto did not used to be like this...change happens, of course, but what is happening in Balto. is pathetic. I commend the organizations/people who are active in helping out i.e. marches, etc. However, ultimately, it is our so-called leaders that do not lead. For anyone who suggests I move if I don't like it, I will not leave my family. I feel for the elderly, disabled & honest people who are sincerely trying to make it & cannot on the income they have. Market rates, "people" knew this was coming & let it sneak in. Balto is out of control-NOW we get outside hel

 421 agree | 399 disagree
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9:40 PM MST on Thu., May. 31, 2007 re: "BGE rate hike: Push comes to shove"

 Examiner Reader said:
Well that did it, I'm boycotting the higher electric rates by turning off my ac and running around naked!

 559 agree | 393 disagree
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6:52 PM MST on Sun., May. 27, 2007 re: "O’Malley: PSC ruling falls short of campaign promises"

 Examiner Reader said:
don't need o'malley's apology, need him to stop the rate hike!

 389 agree | 361 disagree
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10:55 PM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "Credit scores can limit consumers’ utility choices"

 Examiner Reader said:
this is a typical martin omalley tactic he will do anything to make you look bad he has done it before as mayor and will continued to do it as govenor,why do thease idots keep supporting him

 407 agree | 316 disagree
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10:51 PM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "O’Malley: PSC ruling falls short of campaign promises"

 Examiner Reader said:
omalley has always been a lie,i noticed all those people that voted for him have nothing to say now because they got screwed

 387 agree | 370 disagree
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1:21 PM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "BGE rate hike: Push comes to shove"

 Examiner Reader said:
Vice President O'Malley won't have to worry about BGE much longer.

 397 agree | 459 disagree
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12:49 PM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "O’Malley: PSC ruling falls short of campaign promises"

 Examiner Reader said:
Mr. O'Malley forgot that it was Mr. Glendening and his Annapolis legislature that voted on this in 1999. When it came time to work on the issue, they once again sat around blaming everyone but themselves and will continue to do so. So, it's not 4 years, it's 9. To blame the Ehrlich government and make it the BIG issue during the campaign is just another cheap shot for not being honest. I hope this is remembered come voting time.

 367 agree | 366 disagree
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9:22 AM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "O’Malley: PSC ruling falls short of campaign promises"

 Examiner Reader said:
Martin O'Malley lied to the people of Baltimore City and now the whole state of Maryland is going to see just how shady he is. He will blame the former gov., President Bush, everybody in the Republican party BUT WILL NOT take the blame for HIS mistakes or wrong doings. Residents of the state, get ready because Martin O'Malley is just getting started to run this state in the ground - Just like he did Baltimore City.

 383 agree | 366 disagree
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7:01 AM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "BGE rate hike: Push comes to shove"

 BC said:
O'Malley is a straight up LIAR.

 428 agree | 433 disagree
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6:20 AM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "Credit scores can limit consumers’ utility choices"

 Examiner Reader said:
I agree with this article because when I moved into my house I did not have a BGE bill for five years. This was due to paying them on time and believe it or not I got a refund for over paying. My service was turned on and my credit score was a factor. I paid a deposit in three installments in addition to my regular BGE bill. People really need to think twice before switching utility service.

 395 agree | 316 disagree
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3:51 AM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "Del. Carter leads protesters outside Constellation headquarters"

 Examiner Reader said:
Interesting, this article says a special session that carter is proposing would be an immediate solution, but the Sun article, in a likely effort to help O'Malley by not forcing him to respond, says that Carter's proposal would not be immediate. Thank you examiner for clearing that up.

 654 agree | 404 disagree
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1:38 AM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "Del. Carter leads protesters outside Constellation headquarters"

 Charles said:
Hey, you're right. But, even better, we should protest outside O'Malley's door and the door of every legislator that got us in this mess and is now ignoring the problem.

 385 agree | 338 disagree
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1:35 AM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "Credit scores can limit consumers’ utility choices"

 Charles said:
I was at the rally. That guy, Davis, was no "passerby". He came there on purpose to attack Jill Carter on behalf of O'Malley. He was the only one grandstanding. No other state representatives are willing to do anything, only Jill. Her call for a special session is a problem for O'Malley because, after major grandstanding that he would lower electricity costs, he's now claiming he can do nothing. But, Jill is pointing out that there is something he can do. He can call a special session.

 388 agree | 358 disagree
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1:23 AM MST on Fri., May. 25, 2007 re: "BGE customers will pay 50 percent more"

 Examiner Reader said:
I think the protesters should protest against the BGE rate increase in front of the Public Service Commission headquarters instead of Constellation Energy, because the Public Service Commission approved the BGE rate increase.

 363 agree | 331 disagree
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10:40 PM MST on Thu., May. 24, 2007 re: "Credit scores can limit consumers’ utility choices"

 Examiner Reader said:
Why is O'Malley acting like there is nothing he can do? Is he deaf, or just too corrupt? SPECIAL SESSION !

 394 agree | 377 disagree
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2:16 PM MST on Thu., May. 24, 2007 re: "BGE customers will pay 50 percent more"

 Examiner Reader said:
It is a democrat and republican issue! Democrats bold faced lied about the issue to get total power and now they wont be giving it up.

 392 agree | 794 disagree
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11:34 AM MST on Thu., May. 24, 2007 re: "BGE customers will pay 50 percent more"

 Examiner Reader said:
I doubt it's coincidence that Constallation Energy and Oil companies are reporting record PROFIT! We all need to wake up... the goverment isn't going to do anything- not using energy or gas today won't stop you form needing it tomorrow! Cut back, use less. You might sweat but it will be a few less dollars in THEIR pockets... Might even make our beautiful planet earth a few degrees cooler :)

 410 agree | 395 disagree
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11:29 AM MST on Thu., May. 24, 2007 re: "BGE customers will pay 50 percent more"

 Examiner Reader said:
I don't think it's a democrat/republican issue!! Wether you're a blue collar, hard working middle class or below citizen, or a wealthy businessman/woman you're getting screwed. Unless of course, you have your hand in the pot. Bush for example- amazingly he has invested in the oil business... he doesn't seem to be suffering but hey- at least he's the kind of guy you could sit down and have a beer with! Why can't solar power and energy efficient homes be the LAW? Funny how we can pass laws to emliminate smoking in bars and restaurants... where are our priorities? America is getting greedy and the only thing worth worrying about seems to be the almighty dollar. I think the only way to avoid this wool being pulled over our eyes is to conserve energy!! No, it's not going to be fun on 108 degree days, but it's the excessive use of energy that borught us the 108 degree days!! (GLOBAL WARMING) No one is going to do anything FOR US, only themselves... use less energy, pay less money

 378 agree | 333 disagree
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7:57 AM MST on Thu., May. 24, 2007 re: "BGE-Constellation relationship concerns officials"

 Examiner Reader A Disgusted Voter said:
Each year more and more people expect the government to take care of the "poor citizens" of the country or the state. Our once great country of indepentent hard working citizens has lost the will to work and think for themselves. Politicians are the reason that we are in this situation. They promised to take care of you by holding prices for four years. Then when the price caps come off they are forced allow the prices to stablize according to the market. The environmental lobbyists have prevented expansion of power generating plants, oil drilling capabilities and building newer better refineries. When you go to the voting booth you should know what the politicians are promising you. They are only promising what you want them to GIVE you. Words not deeds.

 383 agree | 362 disagree
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7:02 AM MST on Thu., May. 24, 2007 re: "BGE customers will pay 50 percent more"

 Examiner Reader said:
You are all missing the point. Last year O'Malley claimed the rate increases were fully controlled by the PSC and that if elected he would appoint a PSC that does not allow rates to increase. You suckers fell for it hook line and sinker. Now his PSC is allowing the raising the rates up. Well if we take his to his word that the PSC has full control, then he is raising the rates, like he accused Ehrlich of last year to get elected. Where's the outrage?? None! Republicans + high rates = outrage, Democrats +high rates = fairness. Just remember, O'Malley cares, suckers!

 388 agree | 341 disagree
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6:53 AM MST on Thu., May. 24, 2007 re: "BGE customers will pay 50 percent more"

 Karl Chue said:
The Democrats created this mess in 1999 and the Democrats blamed Ehrlich for it last year. They put off the rate hikes until after the election to fool the mass majority of poorly educated/ uninformed Marylanders. They still have no viable plan. Democratic domination of the legislature once again proves that it badly serves Baltimore City and the rest of Maryland.

 377 agree | 386 disagree
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6:49 AM MST on Thu., May. 24, 2007 re: "BGE customers will pay 50 percent more"

 Examiner Reader said:
We're being robbed.

 400 agree | 385 disagree
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4:38 AM MST on Thu., May. 24, 2007 re: "Credit scores can limit consumers’ utility choices"

 Examiner Reader said:
Kudos to Jill Carter. She's beginning to seem like the only politician that will stand up to power and speak truth even when it's unpopular. Too bad most of the others won't follow her lead. O'Malley is a liar, but so are all the others that went along and blamed Ehrlich and Ehrlich's PSC.

 411 agree | 363 disagree
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6:44 PM MST on Sun., May. 13, 2007 re: "Credit scores can limit consumers’ utility choices"

 Examiner Reader said:
The ramifications of this are extremely bad. people with the least money, that cannot afford BGE bills now before the rate hike hits, will be foreclosed from choosing less expensive options?! People have bad credit often because they have no money. How sad that this is where our society is moving, and sadder that politicians are doing nothing to stop this.

 435 agree | 386 disagree
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11:59 AM MST on Tue., May. 8, 2007 re: "BGE-Constellation relationship concerns officials"

 Examiner Reader said:
hidden costs and risk management fees have maryland consumers more than double what the actual price of electricity is on the open market. a cooperative would better serve consumers with a manager buying it on the market daily like on the stock exchange.

 445 agree | 433 disagree
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6:12 PM MST on Mon., May. 7, 2007 re: "BGE-Constellation relationship concerns officials"

 Examiner Reader said:
Del. Carter and her unnamed allies, the "activists" and "other utiilty providers" are not doing the public any favors. Read Jay Hancock's article in the Sun to see that the alternate providers are bemoaning the fact that they can't compete against BGE's standard rate and are trying to bail out on their rate schedules. If the PSC wants to perform a public service, it should worry less about the relationship between BGE and its suppliers and concentrate on insuring the financial stability of the suppliers and enforcing the terms of their rate schedules. Deregulation left the choice to the consumer; it isn't up to mother PSC to make the choice for him or her.

 478 agree | 414 disagree
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9:38 PM MST on Fri., May. 4, 2007 re: "BGE-Constellation relationship concerns officials"

 Examiner Reader said:
Part of the PSC's duty is to ensure that BGE gets a reasonable rate of return from its investment. One must always keep this in mind when attempting to decipher the scam that is commonly called "De-regulation". First of all de-regulation is a bad term to use, the industry was just restructured not de-regulated. The restructuring occurred in 1999 when BGE was required, by the wisdom of our elected officials, to separate itself from the electric generation and wholesale marketing side of the business. Thus BGE was buying electricity from plants it onced owned for the first couple of years, in the years since 2002 BGE has been buying power set by the wholesale market, which is considerably higher than buying fuel for a plant and generating the power itself. Before restructuring BGE would request a rate increase corresponding to an increase in fuel costs, however now the rate is tied to wholesale market. Want someone to blame, look in a mirror your vote or nonvote caused this.

 481 agree | 930 disagree
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1:13 AM MST on Fri., May. 4, 2007 re: "BGE-Constellation relationship continues to cause concern for state officials"

 Examiner Reader said:
It's the elected officials' fault. "Deregulation prompted rate hike". Question: Why is Gov. O'Malley and General Assembly silent on Del. Jill Carter's request for a Special Session? Answer: Because they all sold us out to be in bed with corporate execs and just got re-elected.

 705 agree | 424 disagree
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7:17 AM MST on Tue., May. 1, 2007 re: "BGE customers face May 31 deadline"

 Bruce A. said:
I remember when I first started out on my own in the mid 1970's things like utility bills, gasoline, groceries etc. were a reasonable and fair part of my meager weekly wages. Today they are a substantial chunk of my still meager weekly wages. I realize that the cost of things go up over time especailly when you overpopulate and can't keep up with the wear and tear that goes with it. But my wages are lagging far far behind and haven't kept pace with inflation. I don't have a lot of debt thankfully as I don't spend what I don't have but I don't know how long I can survive if the practical needed things such as utility bills etc. keep consuming a big chunk of my paycheck. There needs to be a compromise between what is good for the consumer and shareholders. The consumer consistently loses.

 453 agree | 435 disagree
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2:31 PM MST on Thu., Apr. 26, 2007 re: "Expert: Deregulation prompted rate hike"

 Examiner Reader said:
how would they keep rates down when all their supplies have doubled and tripled plus EPA regulations are more expensive if a new power plant is needed.Plus underground cables are more expensive to maintain . Wages increased also from 1999 .Lots of money needed to have new lines into new housing developments. I don't like to pay more either. wind mill current is very expensive too. Are we afraid of atomic energy? it could be cheaper.

 495 agree | 449 disagree
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12:03 PM MST on Thu., Apr. 26, 2007 re: "Expert: Deregulation prompted rate hike"

 Examiner Reader said:
BGE , and The PSC screwed the citizens of Maryland when they sold Calvet Cliffs to out of state investors. I say pull their permit to operate a Nuclear Power Plant in our State. I Remember when they built it . it was suppose give the citizens of Maryland some relief in our bottom line. Now we are faced with out of State owners selling back a product generated in the state of Maryland. Shareholder

 433 agree | 442 disagree
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6:17 AM MST on Tue., Apr. 24, 2007 re: "Constellation Energy executive says his firm is ‘in business to make a profit’"

 Examiner Reader said:
Don't publicly regulated utilities have a responsibility to the consumer as well as investors?

 696 agree | 428 disagree
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