PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the cost of everything from home heating oil, natural gas, propane and electricity on the rise, Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty today pointed to the Stable Flats housing development project as an example of how clean energy technologies can be used practically to control household expenses in an environmentally conscious fashion.
"Unfortunately, more families are going to feel the financial burden of higher energy costs this winter," said McGinty during a visit to the project site in the city's Northern Liberties section. "On average, the typical U.S. household can expect to pay 10 percent more this winter than last year -- and that's assuming normal temperatures. If we have an exceptionally cold winter, we'll be looking at even higher energy bills."
The secretary noted the estimates provided during the U.S. Department of Energy's 2007-08 Winter Fuels Outlook Conference in Washington D.C. last month. Across the country, home heating oil expenditures are expected to jump 22 percent; 16 percent higher for propane; 10 percent for natural gas, and 4 percent more for electricity.
"With rising consumption, crude oil prices nearing $100 per barrel, a gallon of gasoline back above $3, and electricity rates expected to jump by double- and triple-digit figures in a little more than two years, Governor Rendell believes that we need to act now in order to help our citizens avoid this financial burden," said McGinty. "By reducing our dependence on foreign oil and other fossil fuels, encouraging cost-effective conservation and efficiency measures, and equipping our consumers with the tools and information needed to make smarter choices about their energy usage, we can help families and businesses save money. This innovative housing project illustrates how that's possible in a practical and cost-effective manner."
The 70-unit residential community -- more than 30 percent of which will be dedicated to affordable housing -- is being built at typical market rates, but hopes to be the first, multi-family Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, or LEED, certified gold structure in the country.
Once completed, the development will include a 235.4 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system, which will generate 258,940 kW hours per year, that will reduce power plant emissions of carbon dioxide by 54,810 pounds. The units will also include geothermal heating and cooling systems and energy efficient appliances.
The solar installation is being financed by a private developer that will sell the electricity produced to residents at a fixed rate -- an especially important consideration given the price spikes that are expected by 2011 once electricity generation rate caps expire in the PECO service territory.
The Stable Flats project, situated on the site of a former urban horse stable, received a $700,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority on Oct. 15 to help cover the costs of the photovoltaic system installation.
In total last month, PEDA approved state investments of more than $11 million in 24 projects that are designed to attract nearly $122 million in new, private economic growth; create more than 730 permanent jobs and 1,200 temporary positions.
Beyond the economic opportunities created through these projects, Pennsylvania's environment benefits, as well. Combined, the projects will eliminate 2.7 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, reduce emissions of smog-producing pollutants like sulfur dioxide by more than 15,000 tons, and nitrogen oxide by 4,300 tons.
Additionally, some of the projects will help meet the state's electricity needs, generating 3.2 billion kW hours of electricity annually -- enough to power 320,000 homes.
McGinty outlined how Governor Rendell's Energy Independence Strategy will help consumers save $10 billion over 10 years in energy costs. A portion of the plan's $850 million Energy Independence Fund will be used to finance rebates for consumers who buy energy-efficient appliances and solar power systems.
The Governor's plan also would require electric utility companies to provide customers with smart meters and the option of choosing time-of-use programs. These tools help reduce electricity usage, especially at peak rate periods, which will help keep rates low.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, visit http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/, keyword: PEDA. For more information on the Energy Independence Strategy, visit the same Web site and click on the "Fueling Energy Savings" icon.
CONTACT: Deborah Fries
(484) 250-5808
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
