Public Power Brainstorming

Students in LCC's Introduction to Alternative Energy Class recently brainstormed ideas about how LBWL might enhance alternative energy/efficiency options for its "owners/customers."  Here's an initial list from about an hour of creative thinking….

Green Power Promotion

• make it easy for people to say "yes" - to support/purchase green power options
• lower the cost and size of "blocks" that folks must purchase to participate
• spread a portion of the cost over the customer base
• put a check box on the bill so people can round up -- or purchase green power when they can afford it -- long-term contracts may scare people away
• provide incentives to participate -- free C.F. light bulb(s), energy audit, etc.
• offer "super green" option for folks who want to purchase all their power from green sources.  (or shades of green)
• survey/inventory renewable energy resource available locally (wind, hydro, efficiency, cogeneration, solar, wood, methane, etc.)
• experiment with decentralized, distributed power options (if consumers and policy makers don't know their options, how can they make wise decisions)

Customer Education/Wise Energy Promotion

• start a "Power Ranger" program in schools.  Perhaps Louie might be jealous, but…not if Louie could also be included ; - )  Get Louie the Lightning Bug a new Power Ranger for those times when he's "burnt out" 
• light bulb exchange with compact fluorescents – 3 for 1
• (Could be an occasional program – at high visibility City-wide events, chili cook-offs, river clean-ups, etc.)
• use the bills to share information, educational materials, and/or survey with customers.  Factoids

Other Customer Services & Conservation

• smart meters to help educate consumers
  How much energy do they take to run?
  How much to they cost to buy?
• explore and test Smart Water and Gas Meters too
• explore promotion of plug-in electric vehicles/hybrids  (http://www.calcars.org/calcars-phevtalkingpoints.pdf)
• Explore expanded service option (Gridwise, etc.)

AEET 102 (LCC's Introduction to Alternative Energy) includes Corey Carter, LeRoy Dowding, Gail Engelmeyer, LeRoy Harvey (instructor), Brandon High, Matt Housepian, Richard How, Justin Miernik, Sherrie Molitor, Ken Pontius, David Rorai, David Smalley, Heather Sudharsan, and Glenn Voisin.