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Earlier this week, Rep. Bryon Short (D-Highland Woods) held a community workshop on getting started with government programs that encourage sustainable energy use. After the meeting, he sat down with the Community News to talk more about the nuts and bolts of going green.
What piece of upcoming legislation will have the biggest impact on green energy in Delaware?
When we go to net metering (with Senate Bill 85), which will allow for people to carry forward the credits they have earned for reducing their net energy consumption. . .You gain credits when your meter spins backward, [but] right now there’s an annual expiration date, and if you don’t use you lose.
What other legislation should green-minded Delawareans be on the lookout for?
Updates for the residential building code (in Senate Bill 59) ... requiring more energy efficient materials to be used in buildings and more energy efficient designs.
What is the green energy fund?
When folks pay their utility bills, there is a small amount that goes to the green energy fund. The green energy fund is used for the reimbursements that the state gives for things like solar technology or geothermal technology ... it helps offset the costs.
What types of projects are eligible for reimbursements?
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Bryan Short Position: State Representative, Highland Woods Affiliation: Democrat Elected: 2007 Committees: Economic Development, Veterans Affairs, Housing & Community Affairs, Energy Occupation: self-employed |
There are federal tax credits available as well as reimbursement on the state level [for] solar [and] geothermal and there is payback on energy star appliances to encourage people to buy those products.
What is the Sustainable Energy Utility?
We are using regional greenhouse gas initiative payments to fund the sustainable energy utility, which is used to offset costs for people who are investing in energy conserving appliances and technologies. This is going to be our long term approach to help encourage people to make choices that will reduce their carbon footprint.
How will the Sustainable Energy Utility lead to a greener Delaware?
It changes the market equation. With the incentives that will come it will make more economic sense for homeowners and businesses to choose the more energy conserving and often more expensive appliances.
What are some easy projects people can do to improve their energy efficiency?
The easiest thing is not to use the energy ... turn off your appliances and lights when you’re not using them. Don’t consume when you don’t need to. The next biggest return for your investment is insulation. These aren’t fancy things, but insulation, windows and caulking ... retain the energy that you’ve already spent money on.
For more information, visit:
Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Interstate Renewable Energy Council
Earlier this week, Rep. Bryon Short (D-Highland Woods) held a community workshop on getting started with government programs that encourage sustainable energy use. After the meeting, he sat down with the Community News to talk more about the nuts and bolts of going green.
What piece of upcoming legislation will have the biggest impact on green energy in Delaware?
When we go to net metering (with Senate Bill 85), which will allow for people to carry forward the credits they have earned for reducing their net energy consumption. . .You gain credits when your meter spins backward, [but] right now there’s an annual expiration date, and if you don’t use you lose.
What other legislation should green-minded Delawareans be on the lookout for?
Updates for the residential building code (in Senate Bill 59) ... requiring more energy efficient materials to be used in buildings and more energy efficient designs.
What is the green energy fund?
When folks pay their utility bills, there is a small amount that goes to the green energy fund. The green energy fund is used for the reimbursements that the state gives for things like solar technology or geothermal technology ... it helps offset the costs.
What types of projects are eligible for reimbursements?
|
Bryan Short Position: State Representative, Highland Woods Affiliation: Democrat Elected: 2007 Committees: Economic Development, Veterans Affairs, Housing & Community Affairs, Energy Occupation: self-employed |
There are federal tax credits available as well as reimbursement on the state level [for] solar [and] geothermal and there is payback on energy star appliances to encourage people to buy those products.
What is the Sustainable Energy Utility?
We are using regional greenhouse gas initiative payments to fund the sustainable energy utility, which is used to offset costs for people who are investing in energy conserving appliances and technologies. This is going to be our long term approach to help encourage people to make choices that will reduce their carbon footprint.
How will the Sustainable Energy Utility lead to a greener Delaware?
It changes the market equation. With the incentives that will come it will make more economic sense for homeowners and businesses to choose the more energy conserving and often more expensive appliances.
What are some easy projects people can do to improve their energy efficiency?
The easiest thing is not to use the energy ... turn off your appliances and lights when you’re not using them. Don’t consume when you don’t need to. The next biggest return for your investment is insulation. These aren’t fancy things, but insulation, windows and caulking ... retain the energy that you’ve already spent money on.
For more information, visit:
Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Interstate Renewable Energy Council
