DOE Awards More than $354 Million for Energy-Efficiency and Conservation Projects in 22 States
Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced recently that more than $354 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is being awarded to 22 states to support energy-efficiency and conservation activities. Under the Department of Energy's (DOE) Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, these states will implement programs that lower energy use, reduce carbon pollution, and create green jobs locally.

To read more on this story, visit EC&M's Web site.

Commerce Secretary Unveils Plan for Smart Grid Interoperability
Commerce Secretary Gary Locke recently unveiled an accelerated plan for developing standards to transform the U.S. power distribution system into a secure, more efficient, and environmentally friendly Smart Grid and create clean-energy jobs. Produced by the Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the approximately 90-page document identifies about 80 initial standards that will enable the vast number of interconnected devices and systems that will make up the nationwide Smart Grid to communicate and work with each other. These standards will support interoperability of all the various pieces of the system, ranging from large utility companies down to individual homes and electronic devices. The report also lists a set of 14 priority action plans that address the most important gaps in the initial standard set.

To read more on this story, visit EC&M's Web site.

U.S. Department of Energy Releases Revised Draft of Energy Star Integral Lamp Criteria
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently released revised criteria for Energy Star Integral light-emitting diode (LED) lamps. DOE published the first draft of these criteria January 16, and invited stakeholder comments through February 27. DOE received 26 comment letters during the first review and comment period. The second draft was published May 19, with stakeholder comments received through June 26. Comments on the second draft were received from 13 organizations and individuals. The third draft criteria reflect significant input from industry and the energy-efficiency community. Key issues in the most recent draft include: dimming, non-standard lamps, low-voltage MR16s, and reliability testing.

To read more on this story, visit EC&M's Web site.

ADVERTISEMENT




Create Sales Opportunities and Grow Your Business
In today's competitive marketplace, you need a partner who can provide you with the tools and resources to be successful. You need a partner who cares just as much about your success as its own. The Schneider Electric Advantage gives you instant 24/7 access to online marketing tools, business and technical training, and product information.
Register today at http://advantage.schneider-electric.us and enter key code "j540w."

---

Electrical Upgrades in Utah
Grand County, Utah, is accepting bids for electrical upgrades for the Grand County Old Spanish Trail Arena, Moab, Utah. The deadline for bids is 5 p.m. GMT on October 5. For further information, contact Marvin Day, facility supervisor, at (435) 259-7386 or download a pdf of the bid documents from the Grand County Web site.

Cable Installation and Splicing in California
The Department of Water and Power, Los Angeles, is inviting bids for furnishing labor services for installing, removing, and splicing underground distribution system cables. Bids are due 2 p.m. PST on October 13. For more information, contact the Department of Water and Power by e-mail at purchbids@ladwp.com or by phone at (213) 367-2252.

---

ADVERTISEMENT
Stainless Steel Liquid-Tight Connectors
ElecDirect’s line of Stainless Steel Liquid-Tight Conduit Connectors are made of corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel and designed specifically for flexible liquid tight conduit. Ideal for highly corrosive environments, these connectors are extremely durable and UV-resistant. They also include an insulated throat for further cable protection. Starting from only $19.99 -— It’s time to stop replacing broken plastic and rusted steel connectors. www.elecDirect.com -- or call toll free (800) 701-0975 for more information.

---

Web Exclusives
Business Brief
Day & Zimmerman, Philadelphia, has recently been awarded a multi-year contract by PSEG Nuclear, Newark, N.J. Scope of contract includes full-service maintenance and modification work, as well as selected project work at its Salem and Hope Creek Nuclear Stations in Hancocks Bridge, N.J.

For more Business Briefs, visit the EC&M Web site.

Robust T12 Lamp Sales and Impending Ballast Phase-Out Offer Upgrade Opportunity
Despite brisk sales of 4-ft T12 fluorescent lamps, the magnetic ballasts commonly used for the lamps' operation will start becoming part of the past on July 1, 2010, when their continued manufacture for commercial and industrial applications becomes prohibited by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) ballast efficiency regulations.

To read more about the upcoming ballast phase-out, visit the EC&M Web site.

---

ADVERTISEMENT
Lectrus is proud to offer turnkey control systems design and fabrication services within the robust electrical equipment centers purchased by their customers. A team of dedicated control systems experts complement our professional staff of electrical engineers and electricians. Together, they will create and supply control systems design solutions for HVAC, PLC, DCS, SCADA, and UPS equipment. http://www.lectrus.com

---

Eye on Safety
OSHA Cites Hiland Dairy for Alleged Safety Violations
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Hiland Dairy, Wichita, Kan., for alleged violations of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act and has proposed $124,500 in penalties. OSHA’s inspection found 24 alleged serious violations of the OSH Act, including deficiencies in the facility’s lockout/tagout program and electrical hazards. Hiland Dairy has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director in Wichita, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Shows & Events
World Energy Engineering Congress (WEEC)
The World Energy Engineering Congress (WEEC) will take place in Washington, D.C., from November 4-6. Topics for seminars at this year's event include lighting efficiency, green jobs and marketing opportunities, lifecycle costing, and basics of distributed generation. For more information and to register, visit the WEEC Web site.

Greenbuild 2009
Greenbuild International Conference and Expo is scheduled for November 11-13 in Phoenix. Educational sessions include "How the Web Empowers Designers to Build Sustainably," "Green and Affordable? A Look at the Cost and Benefits of Greening Affordable Housing," and "Zero Energy Buildings: Case Studies in Accessible Technologies for a More Sustainable Main Street." For more information and to register, visit the Greenbuild 2009 Web site.