July 2009
Adding it up with Carbon Footprints
Carbon dioxide exists everywhere. It’s in every breath we take; it keeps trees and plants around us lush and green; it even gives our soft drinks fizz.
But because the ever-present gas also helps holds the sun’s heat in our atmosphere, it has taken on an edge of notoriety in recent years. Increasing amounts of carbon dioxide emitted from sources like factories, cars, and power plants have been blamed for tipping nature’s balance and contributing to climate change (along with a list of other “greenhouse gases,” including methane).
Carbon dioxide molecules can last in the atmosphere for a century or more, and many experts see too much of it as a bad thing. The idea of a “carbon footprint” has been developed to tally the amount of carbon dioxide anything emits, directly or indirectly—from a coal-fired power plant to a family of four.
Technically, each of us expands our own carbon footprint every time we exhale, although the amount really adds up when it comes to burning fossil fuels like coal, gasoline, and natural gas. Burning these fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and everyone connected to those emissions (such as a family driving a car or using electricity) boosts their own carbon footprint.
The sources making up carbon footprints are often broad in scope, spanning state and sometimes national boundaries. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) breaks sources of carbon dioxide emissions into three categories, applied here to a family as an example: direct emissions, such as from the family minivan; indirect emissions from generation of the electricity they use; and all other indirect emissions, from trash to the manufacture of every item bought. (For example, how much electricity went into making your television, and how many miles did a tractor-trailer drive to get it to the store?)
All things considered, the average U.S. household is responsible for 21 tons of carbon dioxide a year, according to the EPA, an amount that would take more than four acres of pine trees to soak up.
Many companies are using the idea of carbon footprints to show consumers just how much carbon dioxide was released in getting one particular item to them. PepsiCo, for example, recently determined that 3.75 pounds of carbon dioxide are emitted for every half-gallon carton of Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Juice it produces. With this information, steps can be made to reduce emissions.
This applies to companies and individuals alike. A family can trim their carbon footprint by trading in the minivan for a more fuel-efficient vehicle, and by making their home more energy efficient to cut back on electricity use. Best of all, these measures not only cut carbon emissions but gasoline and electric bills as well.
As Congress considers legislation to limit carbon dioxide emissions, associated costs will impact everyone. Consumers paying electric bills, and every company making products with electricity generated from fossil fuels, will foot the tab.
Electric cooperatives are asking elected officials to address climate change issues in an affordable and environmentally responsible fashion. We’re ready to provide insight into how various policy proposals will affect consumers, and we’ll urge lawmakers to reach the right answers.
Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; PepsiCo; National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
Phase 1 complete!
MVEA Falcon Operations Center open for business
Memorial Day weekend found many of MVEA’s employees moving their offices into the new MVEA office building in Falcon. The state of the art energy efficient building is a vast improvement over the old metal building that had been remodeled several times and finally outgrown. The new structure is phase 1 of a 3-phase project that is slated to be complete by the end of 2009. This phase was the largest part of the construction and impacted the administration, engineering and member services departments.
The new building incorporates a geothermal heating and cooling system, in addition to smart technology for lighting and thermostat control. Energy efficient natural lighting, LED lighting and t-8 lamps in the fluorescent fixtures– all on motion detectors – have been utilized for the maximum amount of savings.
If passing by the facility, you may have noticed the wind and photovoltaic generating systems out front. These were constructed primarily as a demonstration display for members interested in utilizing this technology for their homes and businesses. An area in the lobby will display how much the two generators are producing. This information will also eventually be available on MVEA’s website for those interested in monitoring the production. The two systems will also be used as an education tool for local schools and organizations and to show how to safely interconnect the systems to MVEA’s system.
We apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced during the construction period. Even though construction is continuing, we are back into the normal swing of things and ready to assist our members with their electrical needs.
MVEA hosts workshop on small wind for residential and agricultural
On May 31 and June 13, MVEA hosted wind workshops for those looking for renewable energy solutions. Bill Midcap, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union’s director of renewable energy; Mona Newton form the Governor’s Energy Office; Ray Singmaster, MVEA and Chris Martin from Headwaters Energy and finance presented an overview of small wind power. Included in the discussions were the physics and geography of wind power, details of turbine operation, site considerations, turbine installation and operation, interconnection issues, financial incentives and rebates and costs and paybacks. In Falcon, the group was able to see how the generator, interconnection and metering worked at the new renewable energy display at the MVEA building. It was an excellent presentation on the realities of wind generation presented by experts in the field.
MVEA hosts workshop on small wind for residential and agricultural
On May 31 and June 13, MVEA hosted wind workshops for those looking for renewable energy solutions. Bill Midcap, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union’s director of renewable energy; Mona Newton form the Governor’s Energy Office; Ray Singmaster, MVEA and Chris Martin from Headwaters Energy and finance presented an overview of small wind power. Included in the discussions were the physics and geography of wind power, details of turbine operation, site considerations, turbine installation and operation, interconnection issues, financial incentives and rebates and costs and paybacks. In Falcon, the group was able to see how the generator, interconnection and metering worked at the new renewable energy display at the MVEA building. It was an excellent presentation on the realities of wind generation presented by experts in the field.
Colorado Championship Ranch Rodeo draws
large crowds
The 8th Annual Colorado Championship Ranch Rodeo was a huge success! Fourteen teams from five states converged on Hugo and the Lincoln County Fairgrounds on June 26 and 27. Teams were competing for the number one spot and the right to travel to Amarillo, TX for the World Championship Ranch Rodeo in November. Competition was tough but the Bradley J3/Veale Ranches from Electra, TX persevered and will be making the trip to Amarillo as winners of CCRR! Scribner Ranch from Cottonwood Falls, KS earned 2nd place while the Rush Creek/JOD Ranches from Colorado took home 3rd place.
Small Wind Rebates
MVEA is pleased to announce that it has been selected by the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) to administer its Small Wind Rebate Program in MVEA’s territory.
The Small Wind Rebate Program was created by the GEO in response to the growing demand for renewable energy initiatives to allow homeowners and businesses to harness Colorado’s abundant wind resources. The program is designed to extend rebates for Small Wind technologies to Colorado residents and businesses throughout the state. The GEO provides matching grants to program partners with the goal of developing local Small Wind rebate programs. By partnering with cities, utilities and non-profit organizations through a matching grant program, the funding for rebates is effectively doubled.
Starting in early 2009, MVEA members that invest in Small Wind in MVEA’s territory may be eligible for rebates as part of the program. By providing matching funds to a $25,000 grant from the GEO, MVEA will have a program total of $50,000 to provide rebates of up to $10,000 per member for the installation of small wind generation. The incentive will be $1/Watt DC from MVEA and $1/Watt DC from GEO, totaling $2/watt. The rebates cannot exceed more than 50 percent of the total cost of the project, or $10,000. The rebates will allow customers to install systems at considerable savings.
MVEA will begin accepting rebate applications on July 1, 2009. The applications will be reviewed and upon approval, MVEA, by random selection, will provide members with Rebate Reservations. All applications must be received by July 16, 2009 to be entered into the random selection. The selection for Rebate Reservations will be made on July 20, 2009. Members will have 90 days from the date of notification to complete the installation process.
To learn more about the program and how to receive a rebate, visit the Governor’s Energy Office at www.colorado.gov/energy and go to “Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Rebates Available” and click on “Wind Rebates.” You can also go to MVEA’s web site at www.mvea.coop for more information. Call either MVEA office at 719-775-2861, 719-495-2283 or 1800-388-9884.
MVEA Awards Scholarships to area students
MVEA is pleased to announce its 2009 scholarship winners. The winners were chosen through a computer-generated lottery system. More than 120 students applied this year. Tri-State Generation & Transmission and Basin Electric Power Association also donated two $1,000 scholarships to be awarded to dependents of MVEA members. Congratulations to our winners and we wish them the very best for their future.
The following students were all awarded $1,000 MVEA Scholarships:
Zach Belsey is a graduate of Liberty High School and son of William and Tami Belsey of Peyton. He plans to attend CSU and major in engineering. Zack participated in football and track while attending high school.
Brittany Bobak is a graduate of Lewis Palmer High School and daughter of Wayne and Debbie Bobak of Monument. She is planning on attending UCCS and major in business and sports management. Brittany played soccor and was the ice hockey manager during high school.
Ryan DeMarco graduated from Lewis Palmer High School and is the son of Michael and Carla DeMarco of Monument. He plans to attend Birmingham Southern College and major in biology. While attending high school, Ryan was a member of the National Honor Society, the Principal’s Student Advisory Committee, swim and dive team and lettered in academics, music and athletics.
Jenessa Hauschildt graduated from Big Sandy School is the daughter of William and Lisa Hauschildt of Ramah. She is attending West Texas A&M University and majoring in Secondary English Education. Jenessa was a member of the student council, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Students Against Destructive Decisions and a class officer while attending Big Sandy.
Neville Haynes is a graduate of Falcon High School and the son of Bryan and Tamela Haynes of Elbert. Neville is planning on attending UCCS and majoring in nursing/sports medicine. He was an AP/Honors student, athletic trainer and lettered in football while attending high school.
Kalie Kirk is a graduate of Lewis Palmer High School and daughter of Thomas and Kathleen Kirk of Monument. She will be attending University in St. Louis and majoring in biomedical engineering/pre-med. Kalie was a member of the National Honor Society and the track and field team, lettered in academics and athletics.
Michael Neel is a graduate of Ellicott High School and son of Scott and Emily Neel of Ellicott. He plans to attend Adams State College and major in pre-law. Michael was a member of the National Honor Society and the U.S. Achievement Academy and was on the Superintendent Honor Roll during high school.
Carly Serratore is a graduate of Pine Creek High School and daughter of Frank and Carol Serratore of Colorado Springs. She is attending the CU Boulder and majoring in environmental science. During high school, Carly was a member of the National Honor Society, the basketball and volleyball teams, Athletic Leadership Council and on the Principal’s Honor Roll for four years.
Christine Tompkins is a graduate of Big Sandy High School and daughter of Bennie and Cindy Tompkins of Ramah. She is attening Emporia State University and majoring in music education and speech communication. While attending high school, Christine was a member of the National Honor Society, Matchwits team, FBLA, basketball, volleyball and track and field teams, debate team, honor band, honor choir, student council and a class officer.
Karlie Zoller is a graduate of The Classical Academy and daughter of Dave and Anne Zoller of Colorado Springs. She is attending the UNC and majoring in nursing. Karlie was a member of the National Honor Society and the school choir while attending high school.
The $1,000 MVEA Vocational/Technical Scholarship winner is India Marten of Falcon High School. She is the daughter of Jeffrey and Maria Marten of Elbert. India is attending Pikes Peak Community College and majoring in psychology. While attending school, India was a member of the ROTC and the color guard commander.
The $1,000 Tri-State Scholarship winner is Nicolette Brown. She is a graduate of Sand Creek High School and daughter of Ralph and Audra Brown of Colorado Springs. Nicolette plans to attend Knox College and major in science. While in high school, she was a member of the cross country and track teams, lettered in academics, was a scholar athlete and a girl scout for 13 years.
The $1,000 Basin Scholarship winner is Amy Kress. Amy is a graduate of Liberty High School and the daughter of John and Dinah Kress of Colorado Springs. She plans to attend CSU in Ft. Collins and major in mathematics/education. She was a member of the National Honor Society, student council, environmental club, track and field team, cross country team and lettered in academics while in high school.
The $1,000 E.A. “Mick” Geesen Memorial Scholarship winner is Ethan DeBauche, a graduate of Falcon High School and son of Terry and Deborah DeBauche of Elbert. Ethan is undecided on his school, but plans to major in political science. He was a member of the student council, track, football and soccer teams and a class officier.
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