Ellen Perlman was a GOVERNING staff writer and technology columnist.
E-mail: mailbox@governing.comTwitter: @governing
Technology
A New Light On Energy Audits
When California was in the throes of its energy crisis two years ago, state agencies did everything possible to conserve energy immediately. Employees unplugged coffee pots and refrigerators and even worked in the dark with flashlights.
That couldn't go on forever. The state now has a better way to save energy without giving its workers caffeine headaches: a system that monitors via the Internet what's happening with HVAC systems in state buildings, and intelligently adjusts controls. Heating, air- conditioning and ventilation systems were targeted since that's where the biggest energy savings in buildings can be found. "There's only so much you can do changing a 60-watt bulb to 40," says Dirk Mahling, chief technology officer of WebGen Systems, which ifnstalled and maintains the network-based energy management program.
In place at 65 state sites, the system monitors building temperature, the weather forecast, lights and what fans are running, and then makes adjustments accordingly. It might throttle back a heater here, clip a few kilowatts on air conditioning there.
Previously, California had to rely on utility bills, which arrive 45 to 60 days later, to figure out what was going on in buildings. Now energy managers can monitor and fine-tune energy use at any time. "We wanted automated control systems to monitor the building and squeeze out whatever energy savings are possible," says Randy Ferguson, chief energy manager for California's Department of General Services.
Implementation was not a breeze because California had to overcome infrastructure deficiencies in many buildings before the system could be used. The jury is still out on how much the state saves. A report on the two-year pilot is due in October.
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe for updates.
Twitter: @governing
Latest from Technology
- Colorado to Use Telemedicine in Prisons
- The Colorado Department of Corrections and Denver Health Medical Center are launching a telemedicine pilot program in June for incarcerated patients that need consultations specialized areas.
- California Creates Cybersecurity Task Force
- California government officials and private-sector leaders are collaborating on a comprehensive cybersecurity plan for the state -- the California Cybersecurity Task Force. It will be the first state-led collaboration of its kind.
- Washington State Court System Hacking Exposes 160,000 Social Security Numbers
- Officials of Washington State said on Thursday that the Washington State Court System website has been hacked and about a million driver's license numbers and about 160,000 Social Security numbers may have been accessed.
- When Data Drives Innovation
- Many of the top entrants for Innovations Awards demonstrate that technology applied creatively can shift governments from reactive service delivery to prescriptive solutions.
- Boston Bombings Highlight Need for Public Safety Broadband Network
- The wireless crashes that law enforcement experienced in the aftermath of the deadly bombing reinforced the need for a dedicated national public safety broadband network that's now in its planning stage.
Events & Webinars
- GOV - Leadership Forum: Georgia - 2013
- May 29, 2013
- The Countdown to Affordable Health Insurance: Time is Running Out!
- June 18, 2013
- Is your state ready for Marketplace open enrollment in October 2013? In a few short months, millions of uninsured Americans will qualify for affordable healthcare coverage either through Medicaid, CHIP or tax subsidies.
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube
Flickr
RSS
© 2011 e.Republic, Inc. All Rights reserved. |