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August 2007
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Conservation Update
A newsletter of energy efficient projects around the U.S.
In Nebraska and Around the Nation...
Incentives and Policies for Encouraging Wind Energy Generation
With the Unicameral’s unanimous passage of the Rural Community-Based Energy Development Act wind legislation, LB 629, this year, the legislature indicated its strong support for development of one of Nebraska’s under-utilized resources — wind.
But exactly what is “community wind development” and how does it differ from other types of wind energy development? According to Windustry, a wind energy resource advocate organization, “community wind” refers to...

weatherization furnace inspectionU.S. Department of Energy Awards $2.23 Million for Home Weatherization in Nebraska
In July 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a grant of $2,231,477 in weatherization funds to the Nebraska Energy Office to make energy efficiency improvements in homes of low-income families.
The Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program in Nebraska typically makes home improvements such as adding wall and attic insulation, checking the safety and energy efficiency of furnaces, stoves and water heaters...

Updates Plan for Handling Petroleum Shortages...
Energy Office Receives $10,000 Grant
In May 2007, the National Association of State Energy Officials awarded $10,000 to the Energy Office to update the state’s Energy Assurance Plan by refining its plan for handling petroleum shortages. Nebraska is one of the few states that does not have an oil refinery within its borders and must rely on imported supplies from other states. Nebraska has not allocated petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel...

Wind Farm Kimball, NE. Summer beauty after a July thunderstorm.
Photo by Bob Pinkerton 2006 Annual Report on U.S. Wind Power Installation, Cost, and Performance Trends
The wind power industry is in the midst of substantial growth and, with the market evolving at such a rapid pace, it has become increasingly difficult to keep up with trends in the marketplace.

The report, 2006 Annual Report on U.S. Wind Power Installation, Cost, and Performance Trends, is the first in what is envisioned to be an ongoing annual series...

Path to PassiveIn the Spotlight...
Path to Passive: Nebraska's Passive Solar Primer
Path to Passive: Nebraska’s Passive Solar Primer by Solar Energy Associates was published in 1982. The purpose of the Primer was to provide information required to make a decision on whether or not to build an energy efficient passive solar heated home. The book was designed for architects, engineers, builders, contractors, and homeowners...

Pivot Irrigation SystemGetting the Most from Your Energy Dollar...
Using Energy Wisely on the Farm and Ranch
There’s no avoiding this reality in farming: Energy is one of the more expensive components of raising crops and livestock. In fact in 2005 in Nebraska, agricultural expenditures rose 10 percent above 2004 costs according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture because of rising costs for fuel and fertilizer — which is petroleum-based. An earlier USDA study found that nearly half the cost of production was for spent for energy.

In this issue, the Quarterly profiles fact sheets on cellulosic ethanol, the benefits of center pivots over drip or trickle irrigation, ways renewable energy can be incorporated into farming operations, energy-saving irrigation tips and ways to reduce on-farm energy costs.

Dollar and Energy Saving LoansQuestions and Answers...
5% Dollar and Energy Saving Loans
Q: We are preparing to build a home. Our planned home will utilize a variety of energy-saving technologies such as integrated concrete forms, geothermal and solar. Can a Dollar and Energy Saving Loan be used to finance construction of our soon-to-be-built home? Q: We're considering buying a Maxfire Stove that is fueled with corn made by Bixby Energy. The stoves cost approximately $3,400, and I'm estimating a 60-70 percent reduction in gas heating cost once installed. Would this qualify for a Dollar and Energy Saving Loan?
State Energy Program
The Nebraska Energy Quarterly is funded, in part, by the U.S. Department of Energy through the State Energy Program.
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Answers to Your Questions
In this issue, the Wiz answers questions about solar power options and quartz radiant electric heaters.

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