Rebates are available to customers who replace single pane or aluminum-frame windows with new energy-efficient windows.

Chelan County PUD will offer cash incentives to homeowners who add insulation and replace windows beginning Jan. 1, 2010.

The PUD will pay 25 cents per square foot of insulation added, and $3 per square foot for energy-efficient windows and glass doors. The rebates are expected to cover from 10 percent to 25 percent of the cost, depending on the type of project.

Mark Wiser, conservation program manager, said he expects rebates to total about $250 for insulation and about $500 for windows in a typical home.  The maximum rebate per homeowner is $2,500.

All electrically heated homes are eligible, including manufactured homes and multi-family homes up to a four-plex.

The rebate program will replace a low-interest loan program operated by the PUD for more than 20 years. That program ends Dec. 31, 2009. Customers interested in loans can still apply through Nov. 13.

Wiser notes that with the new program, customers can finance their projects through local banks and credit unions and still be eligible for the PUD rebates.

Click here to put your name on a list to receive a reminder postcard or e-mail when the new program starts.

Vampire power, also known as phantom load, is the electricity that electronics and appliances use while they are turned off or in standby mode.  While it may seem like just a small nibble in your home energy consumption, vampire power quickly adds up to be a significant drain nationally on energy resources.

Standby power is beneficial when used in remote controls, clock displays, and timers. But too often it’s simply wasted because cell phone chargers, iPod chargers, power adapters and other devices not being used are left plugged in.
According to Energy Star, the amount of energy used by products when they are in standby mode is significant. The average U.S. household spends $100 per year to power devices while they are off (or in standby mode). On a national basis, standby power accounts for more than 100 billion kilowatt hours of annual U.S. electricity consumption and more than $10 billion in annual energy costs.

The Energy Star Web site lists these tips for ridding your home of energy spooks:

• Look for ENERGY STAR when shopping. All ENERGY STAR qualified products are among the lowest power consuming in their category in standby mode.
• Enable the ENERGY STAR power management settings on your computer and monitor, so they go into power save mode when not in use.
• Use a power strip as a central “turn off” point when you are done using equipment, which completely disconnects the power supply. You can use one for your computer and all peripheral equipment, and another for your home electronics (TV, VCR, DVD, stereo, gaming). Keep in mind though that if you’ve set a timer to wake up a product, such as programming a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to record a program, then the product must remain plugged in (and able to draw standby power) to function as intended.
• Unplug your chargers: cell phone chargers, camera chargers, battery chargers or power adapters, etc. These are drawing some amount of energy even when not in use (and even when not connected to an end-use product).

Related links
National Vampire Awareness Day 2008
Vampire power explained
Surge protectors

It’s time for a lot of local retirees to fly south for the winter. Energy-conscious snowbirds are calling Chelan County PUD’s Conservation Department  for advice on shutting up their homes for the season.

Their main question: At what temperature should I set my thermostat when I’m away?

The answer: about 55 degrees F. In older homes that are not well insulated, customers may want to leave the thermostat at 60 degrees. If there’s no fear of pipes freezing, you might be able to get away with 50 degrees.  Tip: Leave cupboard doors under sinks open so warm air can get to your pipes.

Here are some additional tips:

• To save energy, turn off the circuit breaker to your hot water heater. Just remember to turn it back on when you get home before you jump in the shower.
• Unplug electrical appliances and computers (but not the refrigerator/freezer). Power outages and/or power surges may cause undue stress on any electric equipment.
• Make sure your smoke alarms work and have new batteries.
• Turn off those faucets throughout the home. Check drains to make sure they are open and ready to drain if necessary. Turn off the supply valve of water to the toilet and water supply lines to your washing machine.
• Ask a friend, neighbor or family member to check your home every week or two while you are away, especially during extended periods of cold weather.

Related links
Closing your home for the winter

Larry Hibbard of Manson shows a small turbine runner to Kydykbek Isaev, governor of the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan. In the foreground (with backs turned) are PUD Commissioner Randy Smith and translator Natalya Goncharova. The runner was recently replaced after being in service at the 5-kilowatt project for 20-some years.

A Manson orchardist’s renewable power project has drawn the interest of a governor from Kyrgyzstan.

Kydykbek Isaev, governor of the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan, visited the small hydro installation on Lower Joe Creek at the home of Larry Hibbard and Mary Murphy earlier this month. The visit was part of a day-long tour arranged by Chelan County PUD Commissioner Randy Smith. Smith and the governor were joined by interpreter Natalya Goncharova and PUD Commissioner Dennis Bolz.

The governor is interested in how small hydro and irrigation technology might benefit farmers in Kyrgyzstan, Smith said.

Hibbard told the group how his 5-kilowatt project is powered by water that travels through about 1,500 feet of six-inch pipe above Joe Creek Falls to the power plant 120 feet below. The power plant consists of a six-inch-diameter Pelton-style wheel with a two-jet system that provides flexibility for operating with varying seasonal water volumes.

The system has been producing electricity for 27 years. Since 2004, it’s been producing power as part of the PUD’s Sustainable Natural Alternative Power (SNAP) program.

Smith said the governor’s main focus in coming to the U.S. was to meet with officials in Washington, D.C. But the side trip to North Central Washington was suggested by Zamira Sydykova, ambassador to the U.S. and Canada, who had visited the Wenatchee area in May. Smith had coordinated a tour for the ambassador and she suggested the follow-up visit to the governor.

The tour included stops at TreeTop, two local orchards, Blue Star Growers in Cashmere, and a small hydro project on the west canal of the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project.

Hibbard and Murphy shared Aplets and Cotlets fruit candy with their grateful guests.

Smith’s connection stems from a friendship with Seattle attorney Gary Furlong, who Smith said “has a long-standing desire for the Northwest to help in economic development of that region. He’s worked tirelessly for years and years to that end.” Smith and Furlong met while involved in the Washington Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program.

Smith said Kyrgyzstan is one of the major fruit-producing regions of central Asia. The governor commented that the Wenatchee area felt like home to him, Smith said.

Smith will soon find that out for himself. He plans to visit Kyrgyzstan later this year. In the meantime, he’s working with Chelan County and the Port District to develop a sister city-type relationship with the Issyk-Kul region.

Larry Hibbard and his wife Mary Murphy (center) hosted (from left) translator Natalya Goncharova, PUD Commissioners Dennis Bolz and Randy Smith, and Kyrgyzstan regional governor Kydykbek Isaev.

Need help finding energy savings in your home? Step into the House of Savings and reduce your energy bill.

The House of Savings is a new interactive feature on Chelan County PUD’s Conservation Web page. Place your mouse over a feature in the house and a pop-up box provides tips on saving energy and money. Hover over the thermostat, for example, and you’ll learn that for every degree you set your thermostat lower (or higher for summer cooling) you can reduce your power bill by 2 percent. The items also contain links to related information.

The house is a collaborative effort of  technology, graphics and conservation staff at the PUD. Come on in!