11July2010
Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.
Please join us for the next regular Naperville for Clean Energy and Conservation (NCEC)meeting this Tuesday, July 13th. We are meeting at 7:30 pm in the lower level of the Municipal Center. Our meetings are open to the public and we always welcome new faces.
NCEC BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATIONS
Please let me know if you are interested in serving on NCEC’s Board of Directors. Board members set the mission and vision of the organization to be carried out by the Executive Committee. Attendance at regular NCEC meetings is encouraged, but not mandatory. The only requirements which have been set for this position are you must be at least 18 and a resident of Naperville. You may nominate yourself or others. Nominations received to date include: Stephanie Hastings, Jodi Trendler, Jim Weihrouch, Beth Schwartz, Frank Oboikovitz and William Dawe. Ideally the board will consist of seven directors.
Following is an overload of good information and key dates I have attempted to consolidate for all of you.
NEWS/ARTICLES/VIDEOS/NEWSLETTERS/NOTES:
CLEAN COAL DREAM A COSTLY NIGHTMARE
Article from today’s Tribune with latest and summary information about the Prairie State Coal Plant in which Naperville has invested via the IMEA http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-coal-plant-20100710,0,3046966,full.story
AURORA COMMITTED TO GREEN POWER
The City of Aurora has partnered with BlueStar Energy Solutions, Illinois‘ only independent provider of residential green power, to offer residents the option of purchasing 100% renewable energy. Aurora residents interested in participating can sign up on-line for renewable energy at 5% less than the cost of traditional power. http://www.gogreenaurora.com/. Information on how to become a Green Power Partner is available at http://www.epa.gov/grnpower/.
2012 ENERGY EFFICIENCY BUILDING CODES - CALLS FOR STRICTER CODES
http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=181514.0&dlv_id=155526
ILLINOIS ENERGY SUBSIDIES ARTICLE
https://illinoispolicy.org/uploads/files/Energy%20Subsidies.pdf
NEW IL SOLAR BILLS
House Bill 6202 sets yearly targets for utilities to purchase solar energy, while House Bill 5429 removes obstacles for homeowners that want to install solar. Both have passed the IL House and Senate and most likely will be signed by Quinn.
OBAMA/GULF OIL VIDEO - CALLS FOR CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/cleanenergyupdate
TOXIC COAL ASH VIDEO - CALLS FOR REGULATION
https://secure2.convio.net/sierra/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=4409&autologin=true&s_subsrc=txtbx&JServSessionIdr004=zh7l98ml21.app226a
CLEAN AIR COUNTS - A TON OF EVENTS AND RESOURCES ON THIS LINK
http://www.mayorscaucus.org/fileBroker/Events.doc
JULY/AUGUST - ASES “SOLAR TODAY” ISSUE
http://www.solartoday-digital.org/solartoday/20100708#pg1
IL EPA - SUMMER 2010 Citizen Newsletter
http://www.epa.state.il.us/newsletter/
Alliance for Environmental Sustainability (AES) Newsletter
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/627942/14c236d06a/283203653/e2bea47d1a/
STYROFOAM BANNING EFFORT IN CHICAGO
http://www.nofoamchicago.org/
DELTA INSTITUTE IS HIRING
http://www.delta-institute.org/Jobopportunities.php
NEW “MEET-UP” GROUP (FYI)
http://www.meetup.com/Naperville-Area-Sustainability-Group/
UPCOMING DATES/EVENTS:
JULY 16 - SIERRA CLUB IL CHAPTER Ravinia Event
http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=181662.0&dlv_id=155624
JULY 16 - USGBC Event, Cruizin’ the Fox Lake
http://usgreenbuildingcouncilchicagochapter.roundtablelive.org/calendar?eventId=114042&EventViewMode=EventDetails
JULY 17 - MCDONALD FARM OPEN HOUSE & CONSERVATION @ HOME DAY
http://www.theconservationfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=366:mcdonald-farm-open-house-a-conservationhome-day&catid=56:current-events&Itemid=200051
JULY 21 - LEED GREEN ASSOC. CREDENTIAL
http://usgreenbuildingcouncilchicagochapter.roundtablelive.org/calendar?eventId=174349&EventViewMode=EventDetails
JULY 22 - USGBC Business Meeting
http://usgreenbuildingcouncilchicagochapter.roundtablelive.org/calendar?eventId=114021&EventViewMode=EventDetails
JULY 27 - CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GREEN LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEETING
Any NCEC member can attend these meetings now for no extra charge. These meetings are typically the 4th Monday of each month at 7:30 am. For details or questions, please contact our VP of Sustainable Business, Jim Weihrouch jw2050@aol.com.
JULY 27 - CMAP EVENT “GOING GREEN AND PAYING FOR IT” (Tools for Municipalities)
http://usgreenbuildingcouncilchicagochapter.roundtablelive.org/calendar?eventId=175826&EventViewMode=EventDetails
AUG 7 - LIVING GREEN EXPO @ HOTEL ARISTA
http://www.nihba.com/nihiba-news/schedule-of-events.html#bf_calFrame_471
AUG 7 & 8 - RENEWABLE ENERGY FAIR
http://www.illinoisrenew.org/events/2010_fair.html
NEXT GREEN DRINKS - TBD
Contact Jodi Trendler for questions or details jodi@trendler.net.
NCEC RESIDENT EDUCATION
NCEC is looking for member-based groups who are interested in having a NCEC representative attend their meeting and give our educational presentation titled, “Are You Effectively Green?”. This presentation has been well received by many local groups.
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
8/10– Meeting Room A
9/14– Meeting Room A
10/12– Meeting Rooms B&C
11/9– Meeting Room A
12/14– Meeting Room A
26May2010
Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.
NOTE: Tuesday, June 15 - Next NCEC Meeting, 7:30 PM (Municipal Center). Time to start the electoral process for our Board of Directors. If you are interested in serving as a board member (9/1/10 through 8/31/12), please email me ncec.email@yahoo.com. You must be a Naperville resident and must be at least 18 years old.
May Meeting Minutes:
I. NCEC EARTH DAY EVENT WRAP-UP
- Ï Mixed survey results from the event. Most feedback indicated concerns for amount of parking and the live music being too loud. Some participants indicated the cost per lead is much less than other marketing channels such as radio or print. Some businesses indicated cost per table was too high. The turnout was lower than the planning committee expected – some participants were satisfied with the turnout, others were not. Several commented the event should expect to grow each year.
- Ï Drawing tickets will be kept in inventory for future use (not dated).
- Ï John Melquist has extra 10’ green extension cord
- Ï Stephanie has two Nokia phones – were these meant for e-recycling?
- Ï Financials – Drawing netted $51, Litter Free Lunch payment was $20
- Ï Jodi will follow up with Clothes Mentor for gift card, if no response, Stephanie will send them an invoice.
- Ï Ideas/Notes for next time:
- Different venue with better parking such as City of Naperville’s Public Works Facility, All Saints gymnasium, Players Indoor, Bethany Lutheran, Public High School gymnasium
- It was determined NCEC should have a signature event annually
II. BRIGHTON CAR WASH
- Ï Brighton planning to install 4 kW vertical access wind turbine (Urban Green Energy)
- Ï A former plan of a horizontal access was declined by the zoning board due to the height restrictions which is why the plan was revised and now meets height guidelines (there are no zoning ordinances for wind turbines currently, so the zoning board did not have a way to measure the project)
- Ï Brighton will be taking the revised plan to city council on Tuesday, June 1st. The new turbine has a sound rating of 46 decibels at 3 meters. The average annual wind production at the site is 8.5 – 11.8 mph at 45’ (height).
- Ï NCEC is in favor of renewable energy projects J and is favor of the City of Naperville establishing renewable energy zoning ordinances asap. City staff members have indicated the project is in the “work plan” but have not provided any timing to the completion of the new ordinances.
III. JUNE 5 – RECYCLING EXTRAVAGANZA
- Ï Michelle Hickey Fouts is looking for volunteers for the City of Naperville’s Recycling extravaganza. The two shifts are 8:30 am to 12:00 pm or 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. Please email Michelle if you are available to volunteer your time michellehf@comcast.net or call her at 630.281.0194.
- Ï Michelle also passed out information about upcoming Illinois Solar Association events:
- Solar Field Trip June 12 10 am – 12:30 pm beginning at Brighton Car Wash
- Visit www.illinoissolar.org for more information about additional events including educational seminars and webinars. Michelle is also looking for feedback about what educational programs ISA should offer.
IV. JUNE 26 – SOLAR RACE
- Ï Roy Grundy is looking for volunteers for the annual Solar Car Race on June 26th. This year the finish line is at Naperville North High School. Some cars cost over $500,000 to build and it is very rare opportunity to see these cars and be a part of this race.
- Ï Volunteers will help with distributing materials and possibly with crowd control or parking. The volunteer opportunity will be around 10 am to 4 pm. More details will follow. If you are available please email Stephanie Hastings ncec.email@yahoo.com or call her 312-523-4347.
- Ï The ISA will be hosting a fundraising event following the awards ceremony. More information to follow.
V. FUTURE MEETINGS
- 6/15– Meeting Room A
- 7/13– Meeting Room A
- 8/10– Meeting Room A
- 9/14– Meeting Room A
- 10/12– Meeting Rooms B&C
- 11/9– Meeting Room A
- 12/14– Meeting Room A
VI. TABLED UNTIL NEXT MEETING
þ River Clean Upþ 2011 Eventþ Fundraising ideas
8March2010
Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.
Its official! The city of Naperville will have a community-wide Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 24th from 10 am to 2 pm on the campus of North Central College. The Earth Day Planning committee is currently seeking exhibitors, sponsors and volunteers for this great family friendly event. To learn how to get involved, please visit:
http://ncec.us/earthday2010/
15February2010
Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.
EARTH DAY
A BIG thank you to those who were able to attend Tuesday’s meeting - in spite of the snow! The Earth Day discussions resulted in the following decisions and follow-ups:
- Objective(s) - The objective of the event is not completely defined, but preliminary direction is to have an educational, environmentally-focused, well-attended event on/near Earth Day which will include both the public and private sector.
- Date - Dates which are currently being considered are Thursday, April 22, Friday April 23, and Saturday, April 24.
- Time - Time frames being considered are in the evening on a weekday or during the day on the weekend.
- Place - The Sustainability Coordinator at North Central College will begin looking into availability of the new LEED Rec Center Arena (for fair layout) and the 3rd Floor Conference Room (for speaker/workshop layout) for the suggested dates. Plan B would be to use space at the Naperville Electric Service Center. Determining space was identified as the #1 priority this week.
- Target Audience - This will be a “B to C” event and will target a residential audience
- Participants - Ideally, participants in this event will be for profit and not-for-profit organizations who offer information, products or services which save people money and positively impact the environment. If we are able to secure a space which would accommodate workshops/speakers the speaker topics suggested were: Energy Star, Smart Meters, Home Energy Audits, Rebates and Tax Incentives, Green Jobs, and Lighting.
- Budget - Stephanie will start putting together a budget for the event in order to help determine the amount of sponsorship funding necessary for adequate promotion and to cover all miscellaneous costs. It was determined all the monies would be handled by NCEC. Certain attendees agreed to begin conversations with local corporation contacts to find an “umbrella” sponsor to help cover the costs of promoting the event.
- NEXT MEETING will be a conference call on Wednesday, Feb 17th at 7:30 pm. If you were not able to attend Tuesday but would like to participate in the next meeting, please send Stephanie Hastings an email before the end of this week in order to be sent the call-in number and passcode at ncec.email@yahoo.com.
Below are some additional updates and upcoming event reminders:
U.S. ENERGY OUTLOOK
WASHINGTON, DC - The Annual Energy Outlook 2010 (AEO2010) reference case released in December by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) presents updated projections for U.S. energy consumption and production through 2035.
http://www.eia.doe.gov/neic/press/press334.html
UPCOMING FEBRUARY EVENTS
FEB 12 (FRI)
- Just Views - will view documentary, “Food, Inc.” and discussions will be lead by Green Earth Institute’s (organic farm in Naperville) Steve Tiwald. This event is sponsored by the DuPage Peace through Justice Coalition and are held at the Unitarian Church in Naperville IL at 4 S 535 Old Naperville Road (630/505-9408).
FEB 15 (MON)
- Sierra Club, “Chill the Drills” event in Glen Ellyn - see attached flyer
FEB 20 (SAT):
- The USGBC is hosting a FREE event for home owners to learn about “greening” their homes. This is the first in a series of residential green education programs slated for this year in the Chicago area. The event is entitled, “Green Homes 101.” See attached flyer to RSVP for this event.
- Fox Valley Environment Conference in Batavia - see attached flyer
FEB 22 (MON):
- Green Drinks at Pizza Fusion 7:00 pm (NCEC presenting, “Are You Effectively Green”)
FEB 23 (TUES):
- Radha Rajagopalan, North Central College’s fifth Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence, will give a free talk titled “It’s Not Just Hot Air: Facing Climate Change in North American Cities” at 7:30 p.m. in North Central College’s Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St.
UPCOMING MARCH EVENTS
MARCH 9 (TUES):
- 7:30 pm NCEC General Meeting at Municipal Center lunchroom. Special Topic is Smart Grid/Meters
MARCH 12 (FRI)
- Just Views - Coal Country Video followed by discussions led by NCEC. This event is sponsored by the DuPage Peace through Justice Coalition and are held at the Unitarian Church in Naperville IL at 4 S 535 Old Naperville Road (630/505-9408).
MARCH 14 (SUN)
- NCEC presenting “Are you Effectively Green?” during the Sunday Morning Forum at the Naperville Unitarian Church 4 S 535 Old Naperville Road at 9:30 am, about an hour for presentation and discussion.
MARCH 27
30October2009
Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.
7:30 PM - Municipal Center Meeting Room A
I. CITY OF NAPERVILLE
- Envirolink Meeting 11/2 Updates – ESP Matrix
- $11 Million Grant for Smart Meters and Peak Demand Pricing
- City Council will need to approve $11 Million Matching
- OPOWER Update
- Flex Fuel Kits – Stephanie Hastings met with Fleet Manager Jim Inglese
- Fuel Reduction Program, MPG Meters, Nitrogen, & IEPA Clean Diesel or IllinoisGreenFleets.org Grant Program
- 5 Hybrids Added to Fleet (one for Mayor, Home Energy Raters)
- Facility Tour (recycle bins serial number – emailed Beth Lang idea to help increase curbside recycling http://corporate.recyclebank.com/home
- Green Fuels Depot – Senate passed bill. On President’s desk for signature.
- Reminder: LED Streetlight Test – Naperville will be testing PolyBright brand LED streetlights along the south side of Diehl Rd. between Country Club Blvd and Fairway Drive from now until January 2010. Residents are encouraged to submit feedback to Kathy Rendek rendekk@naperville.il.us or 305-6201.
II. NCEC RESIDENT EDUCATION
III. BUSINESS COMMITTEE
- Next meeting: call scheduled for 11/5 at 7 pm (email jw2050@aol.com for details)
IV. EVENTS
- UofI Extension Oct 14– Mark Skowron update (Next meeting is on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.)
- Green Town, Columbia College (Chicago) Oct 15 – Mark Skowron, Jodi Trendler and Jim Weihrouch updates
- Chamber Green Committee Oct 19 – Jim Weihrouch update
- DuPage County Green Building Expo Oct 23rd 8:00 am-12:00 pm – Bill Dawe, Chris Martersteck and Jim Weihrouch updates
- The City of Aurora will be having a ELECTRONIC RECYLING DAY as well a a SHRED EVENT, on Saturday, November 14th over at Fischer Middle School from 8am to 11am
- Nov 18 - Clean Air Counts Energy Forum at Elmhurst College 10 am - 12 pm Blume Board Rm/Frick Center. RSVP to Eve Pytel epytel@mayorscaucus.org or 312-201-4506 by November 10.
V. FUNDING
- Grant opportunities
- DuPage Community Foundation grant application submitted 8/7/09 (selections made mid-Nov).
- SECA City of Naperville applications due November 2nd.
- Need to prepare list of targets and calendar of grant application deadlines.
VII. FUTURE MEETINGS
PLEASE NOTE OUR 12/7 MEETING HAS BEEN CHANGED TO THURSDAY 12/10/09 MEETING ROOM A
- 1/12 – Meeting Rooms B&C
- 2/9 – Meeting Room A
- 3/9 – Lunchroom
- 4/13– Meeting Room A
- 5/11– Meeting Room A
- 6/15– Meeting Room A
- 7/13– Meeting Room A
- 8/10– Meeting Room A
- 9/14– Meeting Room A
- 10/12– Meeting Rooms B&C
- 11/9– Meeting Room A
- 12/14– Meeting Room A
30October2009
Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.
October 12, 2009, 7:30 PM - Municipal Center Lunchroom
Attendees: Jim Weihrouch, Stephanie Hastings, John McCollum, Jean McCollum, Rick Kosek, Jeff Davis, Mark Skowron, Bill Dawe, Christine Martersteck, Joe McElroy, Bob Fieseler, Paul Hinterlong, Sue Walker
I. EVENTS
þ Cool Ride-Clean Choice was Oct 10 and NCEC collected two enrollments during the event. There was very little attendance, it was very cold. þ UofI Extension Oct 14 (1100 E. Warrenville Rd. Ste 170) – Mark Skowron will attendþ Green Town, Columbia College (Chicago) Oct 15 – Mark Skowron, Jodi Trendler and Jim Weihrouch plan to attend.þ Chamber Green Committee Oct 19 – Jim Weihrouch, Bill Dawe and Jodi Trendler to attend. Committee Chair is Dr. Everton Walters.þ DuPage County Green Building Expo Oct 23rd 8:00 am-12:00 pm – Bill Dawe, Chris Martersteck and Jim Weihrouch plan to attend.
II. CITY OF NAPERVILLE
þ Flex Fuel Kits – 30 cars could be converted to flex fuels. Bob Fieseler informed group name of Fleet Manager is Jim Inglese, City has 3 filling stations/locations, and warned kits would void manufacturer warranty. Mentioned DuPage Forrest Preserve contact Karl Schultz as a good resource. Stephanie Hastings to set up meeting with Jim to discuss possibility.þ LED Streetlight Test – Naperville will be testing PolyBright brand LED streetlights along the south side of Diehl Rd. between Country Club Blvd and Fairway Drive from now until January 2010. Residents are encouraged to submit feedback to Kathy Rendek rendekk@naperville.il.us or 305-6201.þ Green Fuels Depot – Bob Fieseler gave an update. Bill containing $1.5 million funding will go to vote in Senate within October. Line items such as these seldom get pulled out prior to vote. Have a meeting with Packer 10/13 to begin discussions on which components of project would be funded with $1.5 million.þ Hydrogen Fueling Station – Bob Fieseler said the City will be acquiring a used hydrogen fueling station from BP for no charge (other than the costs associated with collecting/retrieving equipment from CA). BP has exited hydrogen business but has invested millions in switch grass/cellulose facility in FL.þ Solar Vehicle Challenge – Naperville most likely will be the finish line in a college-built solar powered vehicle race in late June 2010. NCC offered dorm room space to competitors.
III. NCEC PUBLIC EDUCATION & OUTREACH PROPOSAL
þ Stephanie Hastings gave update about meeting with Nadja Lalvani, Katie Wernberg and Jennifer Runestad in which proposal was reviewed. Following meeting Dan DiSanto send out a clarifying email stating the city in the short term will be focusing on marketing new programs, no more than $10K will be allocated to NCTV17 to create a video, and remaining funds will be spend on mass education (determination of remaining funds will be made near the beginning of 2010). þ Speakers Series NCC Update from Mark Skowron – Ken Hanna of NCC inquired about technical and reception details/needs. Rate of Meiley Swallow Hall is $175 and City of Naperville partnership would be beneficial due to certificate of insurance being on record. Mark to continue to work with Ken on concept and pricing.þ NCEC agreed to refine existing resident education presentation and begin reaching out to organizations such as Rotary, Homeowners Confederation and Jaycees. Need to consider seasonal messages such as holiday lighting, too. Stephanie Hastings to contact Chris Martersteck about updating presentation
IV. BUSINESS COMMITTEE RELAUNCH –
Stephanie Hastings announced Jim Weihrouch is the new Business Committee Chair. Jim handed out latest draft of survey and asked members to provide feedback directly to him. Stephanie and Jim plan to speak with Dr. Walters prior to the initial Chamber Green Committee meeting to get a better understanding of initiative and how NCEC can be involved/help/support the effort.
V. FUNDING
þ Grant opportunities – DuPage Community Foundation grant application submitted 8/7/09. City of Naperville applications due November 2nd. Joe McElroy will follow up with Bob Fieseler to see if NCEC is a good fit for SECA. Bill Dawe and Jim Weihrouch indicated they would help with SECA application.þ Need to prepare list of targets and calendar of grant application deadlines.
VII. FUTURE MEETINGS
11/2 - 7:30-9:30 City Hall mtg room A12/10 - 7:30-9:30 City Hall mtg room A2010 Meeting Schedule is here – Stephanie Hastings will email new schedule to distribution list.
30October2009
Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.
September 11, 2009 7:30 PMMunicipal Center, Room AAttendees: Rick Kosek, Mark Skowron, Lorna Paisley, Jodi Trendler, Bill Dawe, Bob Fieseler, Jim Weihrouch, Joe McElroy, Stephanie Hastings
I. EVENTS
þ Stephanie Hastings and Mark Skowron to make Joliet Presentation Saturday Sept 19 to new group forming in Joliet.þ Patterson Elementary School Idling and Child Safety Audit volunteer opportunity – Sept 22. Jodi and Jim volunteered to help with this audit.þ Cool Ride-Clean Choice Oct 10 (funded by Community Energy) – need to begin planning for this, scheduling volunteers. Volunteer Sign-up sheet was passed around. Stephanie will send out an email with more information.þ Green Town, Columbia College (Chicago) Oct 15 – Michelle Hickey-Fouts is looking for volunteers for this event. Anyone interested in volunteering please contact michellehf@comcast.net . Please note, volunteers will not have to pay the participant fee.þ DuPage County Green Building Expo Oct 23rd 8:00 am-12:00 pm.
II. CITY OF NAPERVILLE
þ ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PREFERENCE SURVEY – Due Sept 15 www.naperville.il.us/envirosustain.aspx . NCEC reviewed the survey and discussed which of the items were our top priorities. The survey forces ranking which may dilute the importance of some items.þ LED Streetlight Test – Naperville will be testing PolyBright brand LED streetlights along the south side of Diehl Rd. between Country Club Blvd and Fairway Drive from now until January 2010. Residents are encouraged to submit feedback to Kathy Rendek rendekk@naperville.il.us or 305-6201.þ Green Fuels Depot – Bob Fieseler reviewed this project. Patent information is available at uspto.gov for anyone interested. Also, Central Grocers in Joliet uses hydrogen fuel cell powered machines (forklifts) in their indoor facility.
III. NCEC PUBLIC EDUCATION & OUTREACH PROPOSAL – Stephanie Hastings will schedule another conference call for RE Committee.
þ Video – review estimateþ Robocall – sample 1 minute callþ Speakers Series - defineþ Publications – Jim will send a clean file to Stephanie to include in proposal.þ Case studies – Bob Fieseler agreed to approach VIPs for home energy audit commitment. Stephanie to contact city staff member to confirm if training will require audits with instructor and if city is willing to create ‘educational’ case study during training. þ Babylon article
IV. FUNDING
þ Grant opportunities – DuPage Community Foundation grant application submitted 8/7/09. City of Naperville applications due November 2nd.þ Need to prepare list of targets and calendar of grant application deadlines
VII. FUTURE MEETINGS
10/12 - 7:30-9:30 City Hall LUNCHROOM11/2 - 7:30-9:30 City Hall mtg room A12/7 - 7:30-9:30 City Hall mtg room A
30October2009
Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.
August 17, 20097:30 PM Municipal Center, Room AAttendees: Dr. Everton Walters, John McCollum, Mark Skowron, Bill Eagan, Bill Dawe, Michelle Hickey-Fouts, Jodi Trendler, Beth Schwartz, John Melquist, Bob Fieseler, Jim Weihrouch, Stephanie Hastings, Moe Shahpar I. HOUSEKEEPINGþ Renewable Energy Program (Review & Tips) – Michelle Hickey-Fouts reviewed the program, its benefits, good selling techniques and communicated the enrollment goal of 10% which equates to 537 new enrollments, 15 directly from NCEC. Community Energy is looking for individuals (paid) to table for the program which could earn either commissions or individuals who could volunteer their time and fundraise for NCEC. Those interested should contact Michelle michellehf@comcast.net þ 2010 NCEC meeting schedule will be determined this October (Jodi Trendler). þ IRS and IL 990 returns – Stephanie Hastings to meet with Bill Eagan to prepare formsþ Members suggested “Constant Contact” and “Grassroots.org” as possible alternatives to yahoo for NCEC member communications II. CITY OF NAPERVILLEþ EECBG – Naperville’s Strategy Document – No new information has been made available from the DOE about the timing of fund distribution.þ Green Fuels Depot – Mark Skowron formed a sub-committee to generate questions for a Q&A (Public Hearings) for Packer Engineering about the input and output of the biomass process and any impact on the immediate residential neighborhoods/traffic. One question about biomass is how to guarantee the consistency of the input materials and Michelle Hickey-Fouts offered the resource of BioCycle http://www.jgpress.com/products.html . The final list of questions will be sent to Packer by Friday, August 21. þ LED Streetlight Test – Naperville will be testing PolyBright brand LED streetlights along the south side of Diehl Rd. between Country Club Blvd and Fairway Drive from now until January 2010. Residents are encouraged to submit feedback to Kathy Rendek rendekk@naperville.il.us or 305-6201. III. NCEC PUBLIC EDUCATION & OUTREACH PROPOSALþ Bob Fieseler agreed to approach mayor and invite him to have energy audit prepared for his home and prepare a case study. The resident education committee will continue to meet to make progress on this proposal. IV. EVENTSþ Cool Ride-Clean Choice Oct 10 (funded by Community Energy) – need to begin planning for this, scheduling volunteers – watch for future emails. V. FUNDINGþ Grant opportunities – DuPage Community Foundation grant application submitted 8/7/09. þ Need to prepare list of targets and calendar of grant application deadlines. A member reminded the group that most employers will match donations made to 501c3 organizations. VII. FUTURE MEETINGS
9/11 – 7:30 – 9:30 City Hall mtg room A10/12 - 7:30-9:30 City Hall LUNCHROOM11/2 - 7:30-9:30 City Hall mtg room A12/7 - 7:30-9:30 City Hall mtg room A
27October2009
Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.
City of Naperville
Smart Grid Investment Grant Program would provide long-term savings to power customers
NAPERVILLE, Ill.— The City of Naperville is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Energy has selected the city for award negotiations of nearly $11 million in funding through the Smart Grid Investment Grant Program as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This grant requires a local match and will be considered by the Naperville City Council at an upcoming Council meeting.
“We have the opportunity to save the community tens of millions of dollars going forward in our power purchases,” said Naperville Director of Public Utilities Allan Poole. “Through real-time pricing options, customers would have a choice on when and how they choose to utilize energy.”
Naperville’s smart grid project includes:
• Complete automation of the city’s electric grid, which will provide automatic, computerized meter readings in real-time. This will streamline customer billing and increasing billing accuracy.
• The addition of more than 57,000 smart meters will allow residents and businesses to analyze and adjust their energy usage patterns, thus conserving energy and controlling consumption and costs.
• Based on the availability of real-time feedback, the Department of Public Utilities will increase utility reliability and support two-way communication flow between the customer and the utility.
• Through a better understanding of utility demand and usage, pricing can be lowered accordingly.
• The smart grid will also serve as the initial infrastructure to support electric car usage for the average household.
“As customers are more actively involved in monitoring their energy usage, we anticipate an overall reduction in energy use and decreased peak demand usage, which will lower the wholesale and retail costs of energy,” said Assistant Director of Public Utilities-Electric Mark Curran. “This project will increase economic opportunities and create jobs.”
The Smart Grid grant is part of a larger DOE initiative doling out $3.4 billion to 100 commercial scale smart grid projects. The City of Naperville was one of approximately 400 applicants for this grant.
A DOE grants officer will review this allocation by November 16 with a formal award letter to follow. For more information, please visit the DOE Web site at http://www.energy.gov/recovery/.
Posted using ShareThis
7August2009
Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.
I. HOUSEKEEPING
þ Renewable Energy Program (Review & Tips) – need to schedule a presentation date during September and need to secure a meeting place, such as the library.
þ Need to create 2010 NCEC meeting schedule
þ Need to set up meeting with accountant to prepare IRS and IL 990 returns
II. CITY OF NAPERVILLE
þ EECBG – Naperville’s Strategy Document
þ Green Fuels Depot – Mark Skowron, Q&A (Public Hearings)
III. NCEC PUBLIC EDUCATION & OUTREACH PROPOSAL
þ Video – review estimate
þ Robocall – sample 1 minute call
þ Speakers Series - define
þ Publications
þ Case studies – approach mayor and invite him to have energy audit and prepare case study
IV. ALTERNATIVE AUDIENCES
þ Develop Strategy for Faith based organizations
þ Small businesses (Business Committee)
V. EVENTS
þ Cool Ride-Clean Choice Oct 10 (funded by Community Energy) – need to begin planning for this, scheduling volunteers
VI. FUNDING
þ Grant opportunities – DuPage Community Foundation grant application submitted 8/7/09.
þ Need to prepare list of targets and calendar of grant application deadlines
VII. FUTURE MEETINGS
Sept. – TBD – Pizza Fusion Social Outing and Community Energy presentation
10/12 - 7:30-9:30 City Hall LUNCHROOM
11/2 - 7:30-9:30 City Hall mtg room A
12/7 - 7:30-9:30 City Hall mtg room A