Highlights:

• Oberlin Municipal Light & Power System (OMLPS) is seeking to retain customers, protect the environment and ist economic development in its energy efficiency and renewable energy programs across the 3,000 customer system. Oberlin is a member of the American Public Power ociation’s DEEDs program - Demonstration of Energy Efficiency Development.
• A new Energy Services Division is targeting value-added energy services to large commercial customers. OMLPS has considered a Public Goods Program for long-term financing of energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts based on reserve funding. Installation of 100 Energy Saver Kits in residences was accomplished by OMLP in cooperation with the Oberlin Sustainable Energy Project. Sold for $27.00, the kits can save consumers up to $350 annually.
• Second Refrigerator Rebates were offered by OMLPS several times, although only several customers responded. An Oberlin Dollars program by OMLPS was also offered as $20 cash rebate for a $25 gift certificate for local merchants reimbursed by the Chamber of Commerce.
• After evaluating a landfill gas biom resource itself, OMLPS joined the AMP-Ohio landfill gas and Belleville hydro project to develop a portfolio of green resources.
• Oberlin College’s $7 million Lewis Center for Environmental Studies will be a national showcase for energy efficiency and renewable energy applications when completed by the end of 1999. Among its features are a photovoltaic roof system tied to fuel cell. Its design involved participation of 250 people, including many from the Oberlin community, in 7 public design sessions. OMLPS has connected the building to its grid.
• Planned activities in 2000 include: (1) Purchase of the Energy Cycle Program from the Ohio Energy Project. The Energy Bike is a bicycle-powered generator that allows students to pedal their way to a greater understanding of energy transformations, electricity and energy sources. Among the many valuable public benefits of this program, the energy bike bike demonstrates the relationship, complexity and dilemma of our use of energy and how it affects the environment; and (2) An OMLPS web page will offer energy efficiency and conservation tips as part of a citywide web site being developed by the Oberlin Area Chamber of Commerce. The site will be a valuable information resource for spreading the word to Oberlin customers about the utility's current and planned energy efficiency programs.

Oberlin Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Programs:

Energy Services Division began operation on March 15, with new duties for the Key Accounts and Utility Services Manager. Initial Division services are energy needs essment, energy audits, load profile, power quality monitoring, infrared camera analysis and blower door treatments. Adding value for large customers, the Division expects a new competitive electric retail environment will create demand for a wider menu of energy services.

An energy services folder was created for our customers to explain our energy services program and to use as a guide for the services we offer. An energy services technician will be hired to perform energy services including energy audits, power quality monitoring, infrared scanning, load profile analysis, customer-owned utility inspection, etc.

Energy Saver Kits include a compact fluorescent light bulb, water heater blanket, low flow showerhead and toilet dam. Installed by Oberlin College students as volunteers the kits are used for customers complaining of high bills and are advertised by OMLP.