Recipients of the USDA Rural Development grants for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements worked with power providers and municipal officials to win funding for their projects.

Commercial and industrial customers show growing interest in renewable energy

With more than 300 utilities in 32 states offering some type of program that allows customers to support electricity production from renewable resources, businesses are finding it easier—and more affordable—to be green.

Alameda P&T gives customers renewable energy education they want

Alameda residents asked their municipal utility to teach them about renewable energy, and Alameda Power and Telecom gave them a comprehensive education program for all ages.

Small gasifier promises clean energy from wood waste

With support from NREL and the U.S. Forest Service, Community Power Corp., nears the commercialization of a biomass-fed gasifier designed especially for off-grid homes, schools and small businesses.

Talking meters save labor, improve service for rural Wyoming co-op

Carbon Power and Light is retrofitting its meters with the Two Way Automatic Communications System for more accurate billing, reduced field trips and faster response to service problems.

Minnesota utility promotes heat pumps to tackle winter heating load

Thief River Falls Utilities encourages its customers to install geothermal heat pumps with incentives and low-interest loans.

APPA recognizes Western customers' programs and achievements

Western customers and their employees were honored for innovative programming, community service and contributions to the public power industry at the American Public Power Association's 2003 National Conference.

Renewable and energy efficiency breakthroughs turn science fiction into fact

Recent technological advances offer new sources for environmentally friendly energy or reduce fossil fuel dependence through more efficient energy use.

Equipment Loan Program helps university maintain efficiency, safety

The University of North Dakota keeps its campuswide electrical system in prime condition using infrared scanning cameras borrowed from Western's Equipment Loan Program.

Compressed air users learn how to plug leaks at Western workshop

Industry expert Hank Van Ormer teaches utilities and compressed air system owners how to master their most expensive system at a seminar sponsored by Western and Nebraska Municipal Power Pool.

Topics from the Power Line:
Standards offer utilities, customers guidance on power quality

The American National Standards Institute and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., set standards for voltage levels and advise customers on controlling sags and harmonics that can interfere with sensitive equipment.

• Energy professionals share expertise, network at upcoming forum
  
• New Web sites cover state, national wind development issues
  
• California cities begin taking output of state's largest wind farm
  
• Blackout a wake-up call to energy decision makers, think tank says
  
• New housing community to run on solar power