The Raritan Blog

Energy Resource Library - Xcel Energy

James Cerwinski
July 17, 2009

Xcel Energy is a leading electric company with regulated operations in 8 Western and Midwestern states including - Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin.

They have created an energy resource library with information on how commercial companies can reduce energy consumption. One section of this library specifically covers the topic of Managing Energy Costs in Data Centers (formerly found here:

This section provides an overview of Data Center Energy Consumption, quick fixes to reduce energy consumption and longer-term solutions.

I reached out to them to find out if the offer special rebates or incentives to data centers and labs.

Do you know of any such programs?

James Cerwinski

Energy Efficiency Rebate & Incentive Database

James Cerwinski
July 16, 2009

The US Department of Energy funds the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to administrate a Database of State Incentives for Renewable and Efficiency Programs “DSIRE”.

DSIRE is the most comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

In addition to providing details about the many programs the site provides people you can contact which is always helpful.

Energy Efficiency Rebate & Incentive Database

Let me know if you find a good program in your area.

James Cerwinski

Active Power and Apparent Power

James Cerwinski
July 15, 2009

Apparent Power is the Total Power Flowing

When electrical power in an AC system flows to a load (a computer, motor, lighting, cooling, etc.) all of the power is not necessarily absorbed and used to perform useful work – a portion of the power may be reflected back to the power source (power company).

The total power flowing is known as the “apparent power” and is measured as the product of the voltage and current (V * I).. For example, if 208 volts and 5 amps are measured – the apparent power is 1040VA (VA means volt-amps – the measurement unit of apparent power).

Carbon Cap and Trade Bill Passes

James Cerwinski
July 13, 2009

It was a historic moment when the house passed the carbon cap and trade bill on June 26th. This is confirmation of a major shift in US policy on the topic. The following post explains the certain outcome you need to plan for.

There has been much debate on the details on the bill — the good, the bad and how it might be modified when the senate takes up the debate. I will leave that debate to others.

From my perspective, one certain outcome is that the price of electricity will rise. Therefore, you need to prepare to be more energy efficient now.

The following confirms the direction.

• The congressional budget office and the EPA forecast that energy prices will increase due to this legislation.
• Ralph Izzo, the CEO of PSEG Energy, is quoted as “yes ,energy prices will rise”

Key provisions of the bill

1. Mandates that 20% of electrical demand be met with renewable sources by 2020. If you assume utilities are using the lowest cost fuel today - a mandated shift to another source will mean a shift to a higher cost source otherwise you would not have to mandate it. Higher cost fuel sources mean higher prices.
2. Mandates a 17% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and 80% by 2050. This will likely require utilities to both shift fuel sources and purchase new technology to reduce emissions from burning coal. Increased capital expenditures will mean higher prices.
3. Mandates new energy standards for buildings and industry. This could result in unforeseen demand shifts — large demand increases in areas that shift to “plug in cars” and falling demand in other areas. A large change in demand will result in a price change . The law of supply and demand does not always work in the regulated world, often a drop in demand can result in a rate increase since prices are determined by return on equity.

I hope for the best, but plan for the worst. I hope we realize all the promised benefits. But you need to plan for higher electric rates.

Share your energy savings strategies.

James Cerwinski

Energy Rebate Program for NJ Data Centers

James Cerwinski
June 9, 2009

New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program provides energy rebates for custom projects that reduce energy consumption by at least 25,000 kWh per year. The custom project program is for projects beyond standard projects such as upgrading a HVAC. It can cover projects such as server virtualization and deploying a data center energy management system that will turn off systems at scheduled times provided the energy savings is predicable, documented and meets all other program criteria.

The program is funded and governed by the State of NJ and the BPU. The total clean energy program is funded at $90 million for 2009. This program is state wide and not limited to a specific utility.

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