Energy
Using energy efficiently has been a critical focus of CNT’s efforts to improve urban sustainability. In 2000, CNT Energy (formerly known as the Community Energy Cooperative) was created to explore new ways to measure energy usage and to assist individual consumers and concerned communities in achieving sustainable, affordable energy solutions.
The energy programs at CNT are consolidated under the division CNT Energy, a 501c(4) non-profit organization helping consumers and communities obtain the information and services they need to reduce their consumption and costs. CNT Energy’s areas of focus include building performance and energy efficiency, real-time electricity pricing, climate change analysis, regional energy planning, and green building research and evaluation.
CNT Energy offers consumer households up-to-date information on the rapidly changing energy market in Illinois. Members gain access to educational programs on managing energy costs, as well as opportunities to participate in pilot programs designed to benefit consumers.
CNT Energy will continue developing innovative programs and strategies to reduce energy consumption and costs, and will work to help communities become healthier and more sustainable.
To learn more about CNT Energy’s programs and tools, visit our Web site at www.cntenergy.org.
Thursday, June 4th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
CNT recently helped to co-author a guide that will help cities and counties to develop a longterm and sustainable energy efficiency and conservation plan and maximize the opportunity for cost savings, environmental benefits, financial leverage and economic development. “Chicago’s Guide to Completing an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy”, was co-authored by the Chicago Department of the Environment, CNT Board Member Julia Parzen of Urban Sustainability Associates and CNT.
The guide introduces the energy efficiency and conservation strategy, gives a model outline, a process guide, execution options, and where to go for resources and help for communities receiving funding under “The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant” (EECBG) program, which was passed as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Within 120 days after receiving initial funding, eligible communities must submit a proposed Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy that describes the energy goals and proposed plan for the use of the EECBG grant.
Chicago’s Guide will help cities and counties to thoughtfully plan for long-term and sustainable energy efficiency and conservation and maximize the opportunity EECBG planning dollars represent. The requirement to develop a plan is also a great opportunity. A strong strategy can provide not only a roadmap for reducing energy use, but also for lowering government, business, and resident energy costs, and promoting economic development and job creation.
Chicago has undertaken this kind of planning and this Guide builds on the lessons of the Chicago experience. The very inclusive Chicago process took more than a year to complete, but the time dedicated to systematic assessment and broad engagement had a high payoff. Taking advantage of the work that Chicago did and the reports posted on Chicago’s climate action website is one way to expedite the energy efficiency and conservation planning process.
The report can be downloaded at CNT’s site or at Chicago’s Climate Action website.
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 at 9:51 am
The Illinois Smart Grid Initiative (ISGI)’s new report, “Empowering Consumers through a Modern Electric Grid”, explores the potential benefits of a modernized electric grid and maps a policy path for achieving those benefits for consumers and the economy. At a time when both President Obama’s Administration and Congress have prioritized electric grid modernization and the jobs potential it holds, Illinois is well positioned to become the national leader in the adoption of a truly consumer-focused smart grid.
Illinois residents face $6-11 billion annually in costs related to power outages and power disruptions, with many communities experiencing outage levels far above the national average. The ISGI Report outlines how a smart grid can fundamentally improve reliability and efficiency, integrate renewable energy on the local level, and empower consumers to take charge of and reduce their electricity bills–while saving energy and reducing carbon emissions.
The ISGI Report identifies several steps that can be taken right now to improve the electricity system for the benefit of all Illinois citizens. It encourages increasing consumer choice by pairing real-time electricity rates with smart technology, and urges regulatory rule changes that encourage public and private investment in energy efficient smart grids. Finally, investing in the smart grid can open the door to new ‘green power’, high-tech business opportunities in communities throughout the state.
Currently, Illinois is the national leader in offering residential customers real-time pricing options, and is among the leading states in mandating increased renewables and energy efficiency. Using the economic stimulus bill as one catalyst, the ISGI Report maps out how Illinois can transform the electric grid into a smart grid and set the standard for the nation in stimulating the economy and protecting the environment.
Download Summary Report (PDF, 363KB)
Download Full Report (PDF, 1.26MB)
Download Fact Sheet - Smart Grid: Status and Opportunities in Illinois (PDF, 119KB)
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Wednesday, March 4th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
CNT Energy’s Power Smart Pricing program received some notable attention from the media this week. Stories about the program appeared on the local news on both the ABC and NBC affiliates in Peoria on March 2. The ABC affiliate in Champaign featured Power Smart Pricing in the March 3 local news program. The news stories provided a good introduction to the program, including possible savings and tips on who can benefit from hourly electricity pricing.
View the story from the Champaign station. Also, read a recent Press Release, “Downstate Illinois Households Get Power Smart to Cut Costs”.
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