Western workshops give customers tools to save energy and money
One of Western's most valuable services is keeping our busy customers up-to-date on the latest developments in the energy industry. That is why we sponsor workshops throughout our service area, like the ones recently held in Tucson, Ariz., and Sioux Center, Iowa.
Whether the subject is developing a renewable resource or saving energy resources through efficiency measures, "Workshops offer ideas and technologies that ultimately save customers money and improve the efficiency of their operations," said Western Field Representative Greg Vaselaar who helped facilitate the Iowa workshop.
Compressed air workshop pumps participants
"Mastering the Most Expensive Utility: Your Compressed Air System," hosted by Sioux Center, Iowa, Municipal Utilities, fell into the category of energy saver. Missouri River Energy Services cosponsored the April 17 event that taught attendees how to optimize the efficiency of a technology that produces only one horsepower of compressed air per eight horsepower of electrical energy.
Hank Van Ormer, a consultant with more than 40 years of experience in the compressed air and gas industry, presented the day-long workshop. Topics included the basics of compressed air systems, typical problems that lead to leakages and cost-effective solutions for controlling them. "He did a great job of explaining 'common sense' approaches to operating systems more efficiently, even pointing out other options that might be more appropriate than compressed air," said Vaselaar.
Participants—many of them end-use customers— believed the workshop would help their companies reduce energy costs and use their compressed air systems more effectively. Attendees' evaluation forms praised Van Ormer's presentation and the use of real-life examples of problems and solutions. The response was positive enough that Western and MRES are looking into sponsoring future workshops on compressed air systems.
Utilities learn growing solar industry can strengthen their business
Tucson was an appropriate setting for "The Sun is Rising on Energy Opportunities," April 24 to 25, cosponsored by Western, Tucson Electric Power Company, Market Development Group and the U.S. General Services Administration.
 |
Building-integrated PV systems like this solar unit/carport were among the hot topics discussed at "The Sun is Rising on Energy Opportunities," a seminar on the future of solar energy in Tucson, AZ.
|
A mix of utility staff, students and representatives from government, public institutions and private businesses turned out to learn about the present and future of solar energy. The future is very bright indeed, said Western's Sierra Nevada Region Energy Services Manager Bob Parkins, who spoke at the workshop. "Over the last three or four years, the industry has grown an average of 30 to 35 percent annually," he noted. "With more states adopting renewable portfolio standards, and a general concern about the reliability and security of our national energy supply, that growth should continue."
Participants benefited from discussions about interconnection, renewable portfolio standards and improving client service. "We want our customers to understand how renewable energy can make them more competitive and better position them for changes in the marketplace," said Parkins.
Comprehensive workshop has something for everyone
About one-third to one-half of the 37 attendees were interested in smaller systems of the type that might be installed on a home or school, Parkins estimated. In fact, sessions covering the basics of system design and installation were among the most popular.
"Outside of the industry, most people are simply not that familiar with the technology," he stated. "Western workshops are a great place for them to get the latest and most accurate information about PV systems."
Participants who wanted to know more about the economics of solar power learned that increased demand, coupled with new, more efficient production techniques, is bringing down the cost of panels. At the lunchtime presentation, "Show Me the Money," Utility Forum Connection Director Guy Nelson gave an overview of financial incentives for PV installations, including bank loans, third party financing and other options.
A panel of architects, engineers and utility representatives discussed permitting issues and design and installation considerations. The introduction of PV modules in architectural colors is a new development that promises to expand their use. "They are much less noticeable than the blue or black modules," explained Parkins. "This will be a big boon for architects who have to account for the aesthetic impact a system has on the building design."
Throughout the year, Western presents workshops
on a range of topics designed to give our customers and their
end users the information they need to make sound policies and
educated decisions about their energy use. Watch our calendar
of events for upcoming workshops in your area. Also, feel
free to suggest your own idea for a workshop using the on-line
workshop suggestion form or contact your regional
energy services manager listed on the left side of the ESB
home page. After all, a new technology or management strategy
can only help your business if you know about it.