The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005)

Energy efficient lighting and controls can pay for itself in energy savings. For at least the next two years it may pay for itself initially as well as over time. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 was signed into law on August 8th, 2005. It includes a significant tax deduction to encourage the use of energy efficient products. Lighting and controls is emphasized and encouraged because of the ease of upgrading and the dramatic energy savings from readily available new technology. The HVAC/hot water systems and building envelope designs can also qualify for additional tax deductions totaling up to 60 cents per square foot for each system with a possible $1.80 per square foot maximum. A 100,000 square foot building could generate up to a $180,000 deduction just for using progressive energy saving products to exceed ASHRAE 90.1-2001 requirements.


 

New Standards for Lamps Light a Path for Greater Efficiency

Seven percent of all electricity used in the United States is for lighting, the department of Energy recently announced aggressive actions to promote energy efficiency, propelled in large part by new standards for the lamps most commonly found in residential and commercial buildings.

The standards apply to general service fluorescent lamps and incandescent reflector lamps. By bringing more energy-efficient technologies to American homes and businesses, we won't just significantly reduce our energy demand, we will put more money back in the pockets of consumers.


 

Green Switch and Energy Savings

Light Composers, Inc. is proud to be southern Arizona's only certified Green Switch installer. This revolutionary product will help to reduce our energy demand and eliminate power waste. With it's ZiggBee mesh networking protocol communication it will be ready to work with the coming new smart grid.

President Obama has called for the installation of 40 million smart meters and 3,000 miles of transmission lines. That means 2009 could be the year that we finally start seeing real attention being paid to “Power Grid 2.0” — basically turning the electrical grid of the 60s and 70s into a modern network that uses microprocessors and software to work efficiently and to connect to renewable energy generation.

The new smart grid will utilize wireless sensor networks, software, and computing to enable utilities to see how much and where energy is being consumed, and if there are problems or blackouts in the network. Homeowners will be able to see how much energy they’ve consumed and adjust their consumption habits accordingly. Two-way connected smart meters will be installed in every home — Obama is calling for 40 million, but as of 2006 less than 6 percent of the U.S. population had a smart meter.

Smart meters will pave the way for real-time pricing, where energy is priced at different rates depending on the time of day and much demand there is for the electricity. Utilities can use real-time pricing to better manage the loads on the grid, while home owners can use it to cut their monthly energy bills.