Highlights:

• The Cuyahoga Falls Electric System (CFES) energy efficiency program is a 2-pronged attack: "cleaning up our own back yard" and educating our customers and our employees about the value of energy efficient programs. The goal is to start small, beginning with programs already in place, demonstrate success, and progress to larger, more ambitious (Council approval for funding) projects.
• Educational efforts on energy efficiency and renewable energy in 2000 included a continued relationship with the Ohio Energy Project (OEP) and local schools. Electric Department personnel were on hand to demonstrate compact fluorescent bulbs and electrical safety at Roberts Middle School's Energy Day in February. A "Make and Take" workshop, entitled "Energizing Students In The New Millennium" was sponsored by CFES this past August 22nd. This OEP event provided teachers in grades 4-8 with a variety of teaching tools proven to be effective in improving student proficiency. Over a dozen teachers from Cuyahoga Falls elementary schools participated in the workshop.
• The City’s light bulb giveaway program that began in 1965 with incandescent bulbs, was shifted in 1990 to compact fluorescents. The City continues to look at efficient lighting options for our customers as technology in this field advances.
• A City Deregulation/Energy Efficiency Committee with a wide range of City personnel helps plan the overall effort of the City and CFES. A new logo and slogan for CFES was initiated in 1998 to encourage internal support. The committee continues to meet quarterly.
• A green power portfolio is being assembled by CFES and includes hydro (7 MW from the Bellville Hydroelectric Dam), 10.6 MW of landfill gas power and potential future solar resources.

Cuyahoga Falls Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Programs:

Existing Program Improvements include finding a more user friendly compact fluorescent light bulb for the City’s long-standing giveaway program, building energy efficiency into the new customer welcome packets and the City’s 6-year old Tree Power program. Demonstration of city buildings as energy efficiency examples has been a major accomplishment.

Energy Efficiency Education includes the CFES display and activities for each October as Public Power Week and Energy Awareness Month coincide with the local Octoberfest events. This year, the Solar Celebration at Roberts Middle School will be the focal point of Public Power Week activities.

Green Power Portfolio: Cuyahoga Falls has committed to a 10.6MW block of landfill gas power through AMP-Ohio that, along with 7MW of Bellville Hydro power, will eventually be part of our green power portfolio. CFES will also continue to be part of the planning for a future Ecology Center to house and promote the City’s environmental programs. In addition, there may be the possibility of having a solar application at the center.

Rebuild America participation by Cuyahoga Falls includes 3 projects in partnership with the US Dept. of Energy: (1) State-Of-The-Art Energy Mangement System for the Municipal Buildings, plus lighting retrofit at City Hall. Estimated annual energy savings were $13,094. Actual savings have been over $19,000 yearly. (2) Street Department Lighting Project to install high output (T8) lights and improve light for workspace. Annual savings of $2,400 (33,323 kWh) are projected with a 2.1 year payback; and (3) Electric Department HVAC Upgrade Project using state-of-the art controls with high efficiency boiler/condensers.