The April 16 avalanches
The avalanches severing Juneau from its cheap and clean source of power affect all of Juneau -- families, business, and government. Few of us can easily absorb such a massive increase in electric costs and we will all be forced to take note of our habits. The City and Borough of Juneau government has already begun and will continue to take a hard look at ways to reduce energy consumption in our organization.
Juneau residents conserve! AEL&P reports that kilowatt usage has dropped about 30% since the avalanche. Keep up the good work and don't stop now!
See below for more NEWS items.
Daily Energy and Fuel Use Statistics
City News and Documents
April 17 - CBJ declaration of emergency
April 23 - Report on CBJ energy saving measures
April 29 - Assembly continued Special Assembly meeting to Tuesday, at 12:30 p.m. in Chambers to continue discussion on Resolution 2441, an Emergency Appropriation Resolution Appropriating $3,250,000 to Alaska Electric Light and Power, and For Energy Conservation Measures, Funding Provided by the Budget Reserve. Assembly amended Resolution 2441, referred the Resolution to further discussion at a Special Assembly meeting on May 1, 2008, 5pm, Chambers.
May 1 - Assembly met in Special Session and adopted Emergency Appropriating Resolution 2442(am) Appopriating $3,250,000 to the Manager for a Grant to the United Way of Southeast Alaska, and a Loan to the Juneau Economic Development Council, for Energy Assistance to Residents and Small Businesses, and for Energy Conservation Measures, Funding Provided by the Budget Reserve.
May 6 - Juneau Legislative Delegation launches website with links to newsletters and other documents
May 8 - Re-energizing Juneau (Saturday, May 10, energy forum) schedule
May 8 - Applications for temporary avalanche-related electric bill assistance now available. Press Release Application FAQ Do you qualify?
May 9 - Re-energizing Juneau Marketplace: buy a new energy-efficient refrigerator or freezer between May 10-17, and Waste Management will pick up half of the disposal cost for your old model. Certificate here.
Energy Saving Info
Ways to reduce your energy bill (printable brochure mailed to all households in Juneau)
No cost:
- unplug appliances you're not using
- reduce the temperature setting on your hot water heater
- take shorter showers
- wash full loads of clothes in cold water
- use the power saver setting on your dishwasher
- hang your clothes out to dry or only partially dry clothes in your clothes dryer
Low cost:
- install compact florescent lightbulbs (remember to dispose of them properly)
- install low flow shower heads
- seal and weatherstrip windows and doors
Tools to help you estimate your energy use
| Quick calculations: one month at 50 cents per kWh |
Watts |
Hours Per Day |
Monthly cost at 50 cents/kWh |
|
|---|---|---|---|
electric oven |
3200 |
.5 |
$24 |
microwave |
1000 |
.5 |
$7.50 |
water heater |
5000 |
2 |
$150 |
clothes dryer |
5000 |
1 |
$75 |
100 w bulb |
100 |
3 |
$4.5 |
100 watt CFL equivalent |
23 |
3 |
$1.04 |
CFL= compact florescent light
Amazing fact: it takes over a half gallon of diesel fuel to generate the electrcity to run your clothes dryer for 1 hour!
Lists of the energy use of many household appliances:
- Appliance chart from Marquam George at UAS, including cost estimates at 50 cents per kWh (PLUS estimates of diesel used to generate the power)
- Appliance chart from KINY, including cost estimates at 50 cents/kWh
- Typical Aplliance Energy Use and Costs (from a Washington electric utility)
- Appliance Usage List ( from a New Hampshire electric utility)
More detailed recommendations and a lot more information may be found through the links, below.
Flex Your Power (California statewide energy efficiency outreach campaign)
U.S. Department of Energy -- info for consumers
Consumer Reports -- 20 free ways to save energy
Alliance to Save Energy - Info for consumers
California Energy Commission - Energy Choices in the Home
California Energy Commission - links regarding energy conservation and efficiency
Energy checklist ffrom Energyhog.org
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Brochures produced by the City of Sitka:
- Energy Consumption of Electronics and Appliances
- Home Heating
- Energy Audits and Weatherization
- Water Heating
- Personal Transportation in Sitka
- Sitka's Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Financial & Other Assistance for Individuals
For information on the city-funded privately administered grant program for temporary avalanche-related electric bill assistance:
Alaska 2-1-1 is a free, confidential, health and human services information and referral system brought to you by United Ways of Alaska. Dial 2-1-1 from any phone; operators are available during weekday business hours. United Way’s 2-1-1 operators can help you access information about where to get financial assistance for utility bills, food banks, emergency shelter and a host of other services. You may also search their online data base 24/7.
Heating Assistance Program. This federally-funded state-run program provides assistance to low income households to offset the high cost of home heating. The deadline for applications is April 30. See the State of Alaska's Heating Assistance Program website for more information and to see if you qualify.
State of Alaska Weatherization and Energy Rebate. The governor signed legislation April 3, 2008, to award $300 million to AHFC for weatherization and energy rebate programs. The funding will help Alaskans reduce their energy bills by making energy-efficient improvements to their homes. See the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation website for more information.
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