Clean Energy Springfield

Yesterday I attended CWLP’s Community Energy Meeting at UIS. This was the sixth in a series of community meetings designed to update the public on the utility’s energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, and solicit suggestions and ideas on opportunities to improve these efforts. The meeting was co-sponsored by the student environmental group, Students Allied for a Greener Earth or SAGE. SAGE deserves a huge “thumbs up” for the turnout. It was the best attended meeting so far with approximately 50 participants.

The most interesting aspect of the meeting was the introduction of a new manager and administrative assistant for CWLP’s Energy Services Office. This office has always been known for its dedicated and knowledgeable technical staff, but CWLP recognized the need to add expertise in program development, marketing and community outreach areas. Bolstering the energy office also became a priority for the utility under the Clean Energy Agreement it worked out with the Sierra Club as part of the construction of the new Dallman coal-fired power plant. The agreement calls for CWLP to make greater investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy to meet the energy needs of Springfield.

CWLP announced at the meeting that it plans to expand the rebate program for heat pumps, including geothermal units. The utility is also working on a series of initiatives to help seniors and low-income residents reduce energy costs by switching to compact fluorescent lights, replacing old, inefficient refrigerators and tuning up their air conditioners.

CWLP appears to be open to a range of new ideas so this would be a good time to contact the utility if you have a suggestion on how it could promote more energy efficiency practices, or help people take advantage of renewable energy like solar and wind power. The public can send ideas to smartenergy@cwlp.com, or CWLP Smart Energy, 800 E. Monroe, MCE, Springfield, IL 62757.