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U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

    Pennsylvania Reduces Energy Consumption 10 Percent, Saving Taxpayers $1.6 Million

    April 30, 2007

    Pennsylvania has saved the state's taxpayers $1.6 million by conserving energy in its state facilities, Department of General Services (DGS) Secretary James Creedon announced April 26. The savings were accomplished by replacing incandescent lighting with fluorescent bulbs, eliminating nonessential appliances, turning off power when it was not needed, and creating standard office temperature settings.

    State employees were asked to remove nonapproved electrical devices, including personal toasters, popcorn makers, hair dryers, curling irons, space heaters, refrigerators, lamps, clocks, and radios. Employees are also being encouraged to turn off office lights and equipment when they are not in use, especially at the end of the day and on weekends and holidays. Where practical, office temperature settings are now 74 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in winter. DGS continues to replace incandescent lighting with energy efficient fluorescent lighting throughout state buildings.

    Creedon made the announcement with the chairman of Pennsylvania's Public Utilities Commission, Wendell Holland, during the opening of Energy Expo 2007 in Harrisburg. The conference included 55 exhibits showcasing the energy conservation initiatives and conservation measures by state agencies, energy service companies, utilities and transit agencies. Energy Expo 2007 is part of Energy Conservation Week, designated for April 22-28 by Governor Edward Rendell.

    DGS is coordinating with the public utilities commission, which is working to educate consumers. The commission's goal is to adopt recommendations this spring that will allow consumers to decrease energy use through efficiency, demand-side response, and advanced metering programs.

    In 2004, Rendell placed DGS in charge of the energy management and conservation campaign for state-owned facilities. The state's goal is to realize an energy savings of 20 percent by 2011.

    DGS is responsible for the construction of all capital projects, excluding highways and bridges. The department also works to incorporate green building practices into any new or renovation project, and administers the Energy Service Company program, which provides energy efficient rehabilitation of existing facilities.

    For more information, see the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's April 26 article, which includes a link to a video of Creedon's announcement.

    To read more information about renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Pennsylvania, see: