OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

VIRGIN ISLANDS ENERGY OFFICE

The Mission of the VIEO is to promote energy efficiency and advocate the use of renewable energy

technology for the public and private sectors, and residents of the Virgin Islands through energy education,

outreach, financial incentives, and technical assistance.

VI Housing Finance Authority – Housing Expo

June 28, 2014

How to Save on Your WAPA Bill

Presented by: Joseph DanielEnergy Operations Coordinator

ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN THE HOME

* It can erode the household budget

* It can compromise a mortgage

* Take responsibility for your own consumption

* By controlling consumption you control cost

* Consider carefully the following strategies, and “make energy efficiency a way of life”

* Water Heater

* Air Conditioner

* Stove

* Washer/Dryer/Dishwasher

* Refrigerator

* Entertainment/Education Equipment

* Electric Iron

* Lighting

* Water Pump

ENERGY STAR promotes the development and sale of high quality energy efficient products that exceeds federal

specification for energy use.

www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=about.ab_index

A voluntary partnership of the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency, manufacturers, retailers, utilities, and state organizations worldwide.

* This guide tells you how your equipment compares with others of the same size in terms of energy use.

* Check the arrow to see how you are doing on the scale.

Incandescent CFL LED

* Phantom loads are insidious energy robbers

* Turn off your power strips to destroy them

WaterSense helps people save water with a product label and tips for saving water around the house. Products carrying the

WaterSense label perform well, help save money, and encourage innovation in manufacturing.

www.epa.gov/watersense/about_us/index.html

* Fix all leaks & drips

* Use water saving showerheads

* Use faucet aerators

* Use low flush toilets

* Wash full loads

* Good sunlight

* Flat or south facing roof

* No shading

* ADVANTAGES: Simpler installation and permitting, simpler maintenance (no moving parts), long lifetime (up to 25 years), and unobtrusive

* By using sunshine to heat or preheat your water, you can cut your water heating bill by more than half

* ADVANTAGE: The average life expectancy of certified solar water heating systems is 20 years, much longer than standard gas or electric storage water heaters

ACT 7075* Solar water heater systems are required for new

construction or major renovations

* Must provide no less than 70% of water heatingcapability

* You can operate without the expense of batteries

* The back-up from WAPA is essentially free

* DOWNSIDE: You have no power when WAPA is down

* Net metering lets you enjoy full power even when your system is not producing

* The building orientation can have an impact on heating, lighting and cooling costs

* Orienting the most populated building spaces toward north and south exposures to maximize daylighting and natural ventilation benefit

* A well designed building maximizes the use of natural lighting without compromising energy efficiency

* Daylighting is the use of natural light, through skylights and windows, to complement or replace interior electric light

* Locate Windows with Daylighting in Mind

* Low-emittance (low-E) Glazing Windows

* Seasonal Window Shading

* Tubular Skylights

* Rather than simply cramming in as many windows and skylights as possible – balance light’s benefits with its side effects: heat gain/loss and glare

* Obtained by having windows in both sides of the room, causing airflow across the space

* Keeps room dry and evaporates moisture

* Designing for cross ventilation in buildings allows for passive cooling and reduces the reliance on air-conditioning

* Results in less material being sent to disposal facilities, which saves landfill space and further reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants

* Common building applications of these materials:

* Building facing material

* Ceiling tiles

* Flooring

* Poured concrete foundations

* Insulation

* Masonry blocks

* Provides shading by blocking sunlight & keeping house cooler

* Ideal when constructed on the west, east or south facing areas of the house

* There are many types to select from, levels are specified by R-value per inch of material

* Slows heat transmission

* Reduces noise and vibration

* Improves a building’s fire resistance

* Impedes air leakage and moisture

* Can add structural strength

* If you super-insulate, need to ventilate

How it works: Low–E Glass – helps reduce the transfer of heatthrough the window, typically used on multi-pane windows withargon gas-fills. In our climate, the low-E coating is applied to theouter layer (east & west facing windows).

* Provides shade to cool your home’s walls, windows & roof

* Plant bushes, shrubs or climbing vines with a trellis to shade your patio or porch area

* Avoid locating plants that require frequent watering close to your home

* Aerate your soil and group plants with similar watering needs together to minimize water usage

* Gives you a measure of energy independence

* It helps to keep the planet green

* More importantly, it keeps the green in your pocket

Let us make Energy Efficiency a way of life!

Contact:Virgin Islands Energy Office4605 Tutu Park Mall, Suite 231St. Thomas, VI 00802Phone: (340) 714-8436 | FAX: (340) 776-1914Website: www.vienergy.org