| Cris Peterson is the Energy Marketing/Home Energy Rating Systems Coordinator. |
City officials and several area businesses attended the Price city-sponsored energy wise workshop last Wednesday at city hall. Hosted by Nick Tatton, community director, the several keynote speakers outlined important tips and programs available.
Chris Peterson, energy marketing and home energy rating systems coordinator, along with David Wilson, executive director of the Utah Energy Conservation Coalition Energy Rated Homes in Utah pointed out how homes are rated and explained the EPA star homes program.
Their presentations also dealt with commercial, residential and educational buildings. One of the interesting portions of their presentation was which utilities in a home or business consumes the greatest amount of electricity. People were surprised to find out that air conditioners, lights, the refrigerator and clothes dryer topped the list of appliances.
A tip from the presentation reminded Carbon County homeowners that a refrigerator that was manufactured before 1990 uses more energy than any other major appliance in the home. For those looking to be more efficient with their energy use, updating the refrigerator is a great way to start. Energy Star qualified models can cut an electricity bill by $30 to $70 a year, depending on the model.
“While conservation means going without, efficiency means using things wisely,” said Wilson.
Peterson has assisted in the creation and maintenance of regional home energy ratings systems training materials, courses and support materials in accordance with the national accreditation standards and guidelines.
Wilson has been involved in providing statewide residential energy auditor training, Home energy rater training, building up a viable sustainability and resource management program as well as working with the state on residential and commercial energy code compliance and training.
Lisa Yoder discussed the energy savings and payback periods of energy start qualified products and opportunities to partner with Energy Star. She is the program manager for Utah Energy Office.
Sunny Dent rounded off the keynote addresses. Dent is the director of programs for the National Energy Foundation. This is a non-profit education foundation located in Salt Lake City. She has gained extensive experience in Rebuild America – Energy Smart Schools program. She developed the conference model which is a training event designed for school district decision makers, facilities personnel and curriculum leaders and has conducted events for the central region.