[The Vector] Energy Sense in Virginia
While the Florida utility company Progress Energy has led the conservation charge for its consumers in Florida, in Virginia, a conservation program has been launched by the Virginia State Corporation Commission at the bidding of the State Assembly. The Virginia Energy Sense program was launched in late July 2010, and is geared to help residents and businesses become smarter energy users and reduce electricity use. The tag line used for the program is “Value your power.”
Perhaps as each state, community and/or company tackles energy conservation and education, the message and knowledge will spread. Will a federal energy program and more ‘buy-in’ for renewables follow in Washington?
The Virginia program offers a comprehensive interactive website, with step-by-step videos, budget tips, education on appliance use, and a tool to track energy consumption. Rewards can be earned to use at local retailers, too.
Virginia Energy Sense is the state’s outreach and consumer education program under the State Corporation Commission (SCC) guidance. The Virginia General Assembly directed the SCC to develop and enact such a program. A poll conducted last spring in Virginia found that consumers and businesses of all ages and income levels were very interested in learning more about efficient energy use – and lowering consumption and their bills.
Andy Farmer, Education Resources Manager at the SCC, said, “By providing the tools Virginians need to better understand their electricity consumption, we are confident that every person will do their part in helping the Commonwealth meet its goals of reducing electricity consumption.” (PR Newswire. July 28th, 2010.)
