Energy Efficiency Working Group

In late 2005, LCRA and about a dozen of its wholesale electric customers formed the Energy Efficiency Working Group (EEWG). Its mission is to research, consider, and implement conservation strategies and energy efficiency measures that may be used to the benefit of retail consumers in this area.

It is the goal of the EEWG to work together to develop materials, training, resources, and programs which will be both cost-effective and beneficial to the consumers within the respective service areas of the wholesale customers who elect to participate in these initiatives.

While the focus of the EEWG is primarily related to the conservation and efficient use of electric energy, it is recognized that the conservation of all resources are of great importance. Therefore the EEWG will consider and support such elements as renewable energy and the protection and constructive use of all the area’s natural resources when developing initiatives.

The EEWG meets quarterly and has started the following initiatives:

Customer Training Program
CFL Purchasing Program
Energy Speaker Series and Tours

Meetings and initiatives are open to LCRA's wholesale electric customers. For more information, contact Ti Mougne at 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 7950.

Quarterly Meetings

Customer Training

To date, the EEWG and LCRA have co-hosted two basic and one advanced energy audit training seminars. The course instructor, Doug Garrett, CEM is president of Building Performance & Comfort, Inc. Mr. Garrett's training presentations can be viewed below.

November 2008 (Advanced)
March 2008 (Basic)
February 2007 (Basic)

Course graduates include representatives from the following utilities:

Bandera Electric Cooperative	City of Seguin
Bluebonnet Electric Cooerative	City of Smithville
Bryan Texas Utilities	City of Schulenburg
Cap Rock Energy Corporation	City of Waelder
City of Boerne	City of Yoakum
City of Brady	Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative
City of Flatonia	Hamilton County Electric Cooperative
City of Georgetown	Kerrville Public Utility Board
City of Gonzales	New Braunfels Utilities
City of Lampasas	Pedernales Electric Cooperative
City of Lockhart	San Bernard Electric Cooperative
City of San Marcos

CFL Purchasing Program

LCRA's wholesale electric customers can receive discounted prices on compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) by ordering through LCRA. For more information or to place an order, please contact Ti.Mougne, 800-776-5272, Ext. 7950.

Program's Potential Benefit:

To date, this EEWG initiative has resulted in the distribution of 32,086 CFLs (15 W each). Assuming an electricity rate of $0.10 / kWh, the use of these CFLs would provide Central Texans $1,443,870 in energy bill savings over the bulbs' estimated lifespan of 10,000 hours. Additionally, replacing 60 W incandescent bulbs with these CFLs would prevent 22,556,137 lbs of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere. Savings Calculator

Mercury in CFLs

The US Environmental Protection Agency has prepared a fact sheet to respond to questions/concerns about mercury in energy-efficient lighting that uses compact fluorescent technology. Download the fact sheet.
EnergyStar.gov has published a Frequently Asked Questions for information on compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and mercury. Download the fact sheet.
The Association of Lighting and Mercury Recyclers (ALMR) is a non-profit organization that works to identify, develop, and expand market opportunities for recycling products that contain mercury. Community outreach & educational materials, as well as information on recycling programs, policies, and practices can be found at www.almr.org.

Energy Speakers Series

The EEWG brings energy experts to its quarterly meetings to share their ideas and insights on energy efficiency, conservation, and emerging technologies. Past energy speakers include: