Alabama Cuts Government Energy Waste

July 18, 2013

Alabama Cuts Government Energy Waste by $3.9 Million in 2012

Governor Robert Bentley announced that the State of Alabama has saved taxpayers almost four million dollars by reducing energy waste in in state facilities. Bentley signed an executive order in 2011 mandating a 30% reduction in energy consumption from 2005 levels. The order sets a 2015 deadline for reaching the full savings goal.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs analyzed energy data submitted by agencies and reported they achieved nearly 10 percent reduction in energy use in 2012, resulting in savings totaling $3.9 million.

ADECA is also a partner with Nexus Energy Center to help north Alabama families voluntarily reduce energy waste by an average of 15% with rebates up to $750 on comprehensive home energy assessments and energy-saving home improvements. Homeowners in some areas are eligible for low interest loans up $15,000 for energy efficient heating, air conditioning, duct improvements, insulation and air sealing.

“ADECA is working with agencies to make state government a model for cost cutting through energy efficiency,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said.

The Department of Corrections reported the largest reduction in the report, saving $1.5 million, a 16-percent decrease from 2005. The measures included lighting upgrades, programmable thermostats, occupancy sensors that turn lights off when rooms are vacant and centrally-controlled energy systems.

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency reported using 39.5 percent less energy than in 2005 and saving $79,848 in annual costs. Energy upgrades to the agency’s headquarters included energy-efficient heating, air conditioning and ventilation equipment and lighting upgrades.

Many state agencies were able to reduce energy costs by more than 10 percent with low- or no-cost conservation measures including turning off lights when rooms are not occupied, switching to more CFLs or LED lighting and turning off computers at night.