National Association of Counties * Washington, D.C.            Vol. 32, No. 10 * May 29, 2000

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Energy Management for Georgia Counties

Thirty-eight county officials representing 18 different counties attended a full day seminar on energy management strategies. The seminar focused on how county elected officials, facility managers and budget personnel can save energy while also saving money in their operating and capital improvement budgets. Many of the attendees were just beginning to consider energy efficiency improvements in their county buildings but a few were much further along and served as peer experts during the training.

A resource panel featured DOE officials, a representative from the state government of Georgia, as well as a Georgia Power utility representative, all of whom provided an excellent array of usable resources, particularly DOE’s Energy Star Purchasing Tool Kit. The tool kit contains a step-by-step guide, along with ready-made tools for implementing local energy efficiency activities.

Three local case studies were presented and served as a very useful way of discussing what could be achieved at the local level. Two of the studies (Murfreesboro, N.C. and Dublin, Ga.) focused on savings through lighting upgrades to energy efficient T-8 lamps and electronic ballasts. The third case study (Fulton County, Ga.) detailed how the county used energy performance contracts through a third party lender to acquire new boilers, cooling towers and air conditioning units for the county’s buildings.

Former NACo President and Fulton County (Ga.) Commissioner Michael Hightower elaborated on the operating efficiency and savings that have resulted since the county adopted an energy management plan in 1994. The county is saving $132,000 annually.

The final breakout sessions allowed county officials to work on action plans for their counties. The day concluded with a guided tour of the Southface Energy Facility, which is a working, full-size model building demonstrating the latest cut-edge technology for energy efficiency.

Coweta County (Ga.) Commissioner Jim McDuffey provided a welcome. Commissioner Robert Downing, Calhoun County, Ala., chair of NACo’s energy subcommittee served as the seminar’s moderator.

Sponsored by NACo and the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG), with support from the U.S. DOE and EPA, the seminar presented practical, cost-effective ways to conserve energy resources through HVAC systems and lighting upgrades. Participants gained hands on experience by a detailed examination of the Energy Star Purchasing Tool Kit. There are plans to hold a similar energy management seminar in June in the Midwest.

To obtain an Energy Star Purchasing Tool Kit or for more information on how your county can save money as it becomes more energy efficient, please contact Naomi Friedman, senior program manager at 202/942-4262.

(County Services News was written by Lou Witt, senior program manager.)