Energy Efficiency Goes Hollywood

Oncor's Service Provider Conference Brings Stars To The Grapevine Palace Arts Center

Energy Service Provider ConferenceOncor, the nation's sixth largest electric distribution and transmission company, rolled out the green carpet in celebration of its first Energy Efficiency Service Provider Conference, held on Oct. 16.

More than 190 local service providers, mostly small-business owners that work across Texas, gathered at the Palace Arts Center to spend the day focused on the latest advances in energy-efficiency technology.

"This event marks a positive milestone for Oncor and our energy efficiency partners," said Mike Stockard, director, energy efficiency. "Oncor needs to continue to provide forums like this so that information and technology can be shared and passed on to residents in the Oncor service area."

The Palace Arts Center, a renovated 1940s movie theater, was the perfect backdrop as the stars of the energy business addressed the importance of energy efficiency. State Representative Vicki Truitt welcomed the group to Grapevine, and Ross Bannister, executive director of the Grapevine Heritage Foundation, shared his experience of building and living in a high-performance home.

Renowned energy-efficiency expert Douglas A. Garrett, owner of Building Performance & Comfort, Inc., served as keynote speaker. Garrett addressed the common environment problems in the home and the importance of using the whole-house principle, which emphasizes that every system of the house from insulation to windows interacts to create a healthy, energy-efficient home.

Oncor also presented program and reporting changes for 2009, which included updates for their low-income weatherization, residential energy efficiency, A/C distributor, small commercial and residential demand response programs. More than 100 businesses across the state participate in these Oncor programs. Through them, service providers are paid incentives to achieve verifiable energy savings for their customers.

Next year Oncor will invest more than $53 million in energy efficiency programs. Oncor will also launch close to $20 million in new programs that are funded through what Oncor is calling Commitment Programs.

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