Saving Electricity in the Pacific Northwest

Improving the Efficiency of Commercial Buildings

Commercial buildings in Washington are the state's fastest growing electricity-consuming sector, fueled by a decade of economic growth. The sector consumes about 36 percent of the entire state's electric energy at a cost of about $1.7 billion annually. Many experts estimate that between 10 and 30 percent of that electric energy is wasted because of inefficient operations, costing rate payers millions annually.

Battelle's Pacific Northwest Division has initiated a multi-year project to help improve electric energy efficiency of commercial buildings throughout the state. Battelle will focus on changing the way heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in large and small commercial buildings are operated, serviced and maintained. Funding for the project comes from the Washington State Attorney General’s Office as a result of a settlement concerning alleged illegal manipulation of electricity prices during the West Coast energy crisis of 2000-2001. A blue-ribbon panel of industry experts and legislators chose Battelle to receive funds made available to programs that benefit Washington residents and businesses.

Battelle will be using innovative methods and technologies for capturing electricity savings that were developed, tested and proven during the West Coast power crisis of 2000-2001. These innovations typically reduce power use of HVAC systems by up to 20 percent and potentially could save Washington rate payers $114 million annually or free up enough resources to power 200,000 homes.

The project focuses on three major tasks to help realize the electric savings in the state:

Large commercial buildings. HVAC systems in selected large commercial buildings will be "tuned" for efficient operation. Companies providing HVAC servicing will be trained to provide the service.
Small commercial buildings. HVAC systems in small buildings typically lack sophisticated controls. This task will deploy a low-cost wireless sensing, control and condition monitoring technology developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory operated by Battelle, in partnership with industry. HVAC service providers will be trained to install and maintain the equipment.
Outreach and training. To ensure the lasting impact of this project on commercial sector electricity consumers in the State of Washington, Battelle will provide outreach to businesses. In addition, Battelle will work with selected trade schools and community colleges to develop curriculum based on the experience gained in the project to create a pipeline of qualified technicians to the field.