Lowe's Recognized for Excellence in Promoting Energy Efficiency

APS isn't the only one being recognized by the EPA and DOE. Lowe's has received the 2007 Excellence in ENERGY STAR Promotion Award for its contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by marketing and promoting energy-efficient products and solutions.

This is the fifth consecutive year the company has been recognized for its efforts in championing energy-efficient products and consumer education. Lowe's will also be recognized by the DOE and EPA at the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on March 21.

Lowe's received the award for its comprehensive fall program promoting products that earn the ENERGY STAR label by meeting EPA and DOE's guidelines for energy efficiency. The month-long program was highlighted by a nationwide "Save Energy, Save Money" education day on Sept. 30, during which Lowe's stores offered free energy-saving tips and demonstrations.

Lowe's continued helping consumers throughout October's National Energy Awareness Month by hosting free weekly "How-To" clinics offering homeowners practical energy efficiency tips. The clinics promoted the use of energy- efficient products and educated consumers on the value of the ENERGY STAR program.

"Over the course of a year, the ENERGY STAR products purchased from Lowe's save customers more than $3.8 million on their energy bills," said Bob Gfeller, Lowe's senior vice president, marketing and advertising. "We're proud to be recognized as an ENERGY STAR partner and remain committed to helping our customers save money and protect the environment."

By choosing ENERGY STAR qualified products, the typical household can save up to 30 percent on its energy bills - more than $600 per year - while improving home comfort and helping the environment. Last year alone, with the help of ENERGY STAR, Americans saved $14 billion on their energy bills and enough peak energy to power 70 power plants. Through those savings they avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 25 million vehicles.

"Partners such as Lowe's are helping to promote energy efficiency in all aspects of our lives," said Bill Wehrum, acting assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "Lowe's excels at educating consumers about the financial and environmental benefits of ENERGY STAR products."

The Excellence in ENERGY STAR Outreach award is given to organizations to recognize their efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution, resulting in significant cost savings. Award winners are selected from more than 9,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

For more information, check out the Lowe's press release.

AT&T Honored as a Top American Corporation for Women Business Enterprises

AT&T Inc. announced today that the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation's leading advocate of women-owned businesses as suppliers to America's corporations, has named AT&T as one of America's Top Corporations for Women's Business Enterprises.

AT&T and BellSouth, acquired by AT&T in late 2006, were selected for this honor after successfully demonstrating that the companies had made a substantive commitment, both qualitatively and quantitatively, to enhance contracting opportunities for women business enterprises (WBEs). WBENC will recognize the company and other corporate leaders that demonstrate best practices for supporting women's business enterprises in the March 16 issue of Fortune Small Business magazine. AT&T and the former BellSouth will also receive the Women's Business Enterprise Award on March 30 at a special awards presentation held in conjunction with WBENC's 2007 Salute to Women's Business Enterprises: The Enterprising Economy in Dallas, Texas.

In recognizing AT&T, Linda Denny, interim president of WBENC, said, "AT&T has 'raised the bar' with respect to implementing and innovating best practices in purchasing from women's business enterprises. We are recognizing AT&T as one of America's Top Corporations for Women's Business Enterprises because the company has made a number of significant contributions that proactively integrate WBEs at all levels within its supply chain. AT&T is also very consistent, year over year, in its ongoing commitment to this important group of vendors."

"We are honored to receive this award from WBENC. Supplier diversity is an integral part of AT&T's business strategy, and we pride ourselves on our world-class WBE initiatives," said Maureen Merkle, president-Procurement, AT&T. "Like AT&T, the former BellSouth has always had a strong commitment to supplier diversity. Now that we are AT&T, we are in an even stronger position to cultivate valuable relationships with women-owned and diverse businesses in the communities we serve."

This is the eighth consecutive year that AT&T has received this honor from WBENC. The company has been included among the Top Corporations since the list's inception. In 2005, AT&T spent $2.4 billion with diverse suppliers, representing 15 percent of its procurement base, including more than $760 million with women-owned businesses. In fostering diversity and inclusion, AT&T has created a better business environment, one that makes the company an employer of choice, a preferred business partner and an important contributor to the community.

For more information, check out the AT&T press release.

NSTAR Unveils Web-based Energy Efficiency Column

In honor of the new Daylight Savings Time, there has been a lot in the news about energy efficiency this week. For instance, NSTAR is launching a new energy advice column on its Web site called Bill's Bright Ideas. Featuring tips and facts from NSTAR's energy expert Bill Stack, the monthly column will highlight the many programs and rebates available to help customers lower their energy use and save money.

"We're always looking for new ways to let our customers know about the savings opportunities available to them," said Penni Conner, NSTAR's Vice President of Customer Care. "Bill's new Bright Ideas column will help us to share his energy-savings expertise with folks at their convenience in the comfort of their homes."

The debut column discusses the energy-saving benefits of lowering home heating temperatures and rebates available for purchasing programmable thermostats. The savings by reducing in-home temperatures by just a few degrees at night make this month's column a must read for anyone interested in taking control of their energy bills.

To read this month's column, click on the Bill's Bright Ideas link in the News section of www.nstar.com. It's a great new way to get up-to-date information about a hot topic that's on everyone's mind.

Number of Identity Theft Victims Has Increased More Than 50 Percent Since 2003

Approximately 15 million Americans were victimized by some sort of identity-theft related fraud in the 12 months ending in mid-2006, according to a survey by Gartner Inc. These statistics represent more than a 50 percent increase since 2003 when the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported 9.9 million American adult identity theft victims.

According to the Gartner survey of 5,000 online U.S. adults in August 2006, the average loss was $3,257 in 2006, up from $1,408 in 2005. At the same time, the percentage of funds consumers managed to recover dropped from 87 percent in 2005 to 61 percent in 2006.

"Hackers are exploiting Internet auctions, nonregulated money transmittal systems, the ability to impersonate lottery and sweepstake contests, and other types of imaginative scams," said Avivah Litan, vice president and distinguished analyst at Gartner. "The thieves have also discovered the weakest links in the U.S. payments systems. Typically, the weak links are found among the five or more million businesses that accept electronic payments from consumers, and the consumers themselves."

Electronic theft of sensitive information is a leading cause of certain types of fraud, including credit card, debit/ATM card and bank account transfer fraud. This is not the case with check forgery and new account fraud, where in-person data theft is the leading cause.

"All sensitive electronic data needs to be protected, but enterprises should be aware that the low hanging fruit for the criminals is electronic card and checking account numbers, as well as user IDs and passwords for online financial accounts," Ms. Litan said.

The average loss on new account fraud more than doubled from $2,678 in 2005 to $5,962 in 2006. Unauthorized charges to credit cards rose nearly fourfold from an average of $734 in 2005 to $2,550 in 2006. This trend reconciles with a trend cited by various U.S. card issuers who reported large increases in counterfeit card fraud in 2006. Similarly, there were large increases in checking account transfer fraud and "other" noncategorized types of fraud (for example, scams exploiting eBay, PayPal and phone companies).

"Oftentimes, consumers have no idea how criminals hijack their accounts and/or identities," Ms. Litan said. "They also typically have no clue if one or more of their personal attributes, such as their social security number, is used to piece together a new fictitious identity in a phenomenon typically referred to as synthetic identity fraud."

Regardless of the method used to steal data to commit new account fraud, the fraud itself can be largely prevented by using identity verification and scoring services.

"Enterprises that store credit card, debit/ATM card and bank account data should expect electronic data breaches and/or hacks, and migrate away from that practice while protecting their systems accordingly until they are able to do so," Ms. Litan said. "Rule-makers debating identity-theft legislation should consider comprehensive financial protection for consumers who lose money to fraud that goes beyond disparate regulations in place today. Service providers should pay for this protection when data or accounts under their custody are breached."

For more information, check out the press release.

Arizona Public Service 2007 Energy Star Partner of the Year

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have named APS an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for outstanding contributions in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by promoting energy-efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to customers. Specifically, APS won for Program Delivery of its Residential Lighting initiative.

"Partners like APS have had an outstanding year in helping consumers help themselves," said Bill Wehurm, acting assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "In addition to leading the way in promoting products that earn the ENERGY STAR, APS also works to educate consumers about the importance of energy efficiency. These efforts are a win for consumers and for the environment."

Tom Hines, APS Residential Lighting Program manager said, "The award supports our vision for a more sustainable future. By helping our customers use smarter technology like CFLs we are able to save energy, improve the environment and shape a better future for us all. Our program is making a difference one bulb at a time."

According to ENERGY STAR, when you use less energy at home, you lessen greenhouse gas emissions in our atmosphere. The EPA estimates that every CFL can prevent more than 450 pounds of emissions from a power plant over the life of the bulb. "The EPA calculation translates into reduced greenhouse gas emissions of 450,000 tons over the life of the CFLs sold in the APS program," said Hines.

Since APS introduced the program in the fall of 2005, almost two million CFLs have been sold at reduced pricing throughout the state. Those sales also mean estimated energy savings of more than 500 million kilowatt-hours&mdashenough energy to power over 40,000 homes for one year and save consumers about $50 million in energy costs over the life of the bulbs.

CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs, generate less heat and last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs.

Hines said APS more than doubled its original 2006 sales target of the bulbs from 600,000 to more than 1.2 million bulbs. The program was approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission and is paid for by all APS customers.

APS will be formally recognized for the program accomplishments at an EPA awards ceremony in Washington D.C. on March 21, 2007.

For more on this award, check out the article APS lights up at EPA awards.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company Reminds Customers That Daylight Saving Time Arrives Early This Year

In an effort to lower the nation's energy consumption, the federal government passed the 2005 Federal Energy Policy Act, which includes advancing Daylight Saving Time, beginning this year, from the first Sunday in April to the second Sunday in March to encourage energy savings. The extra hour of daylight is expected to reduce the use of lights and small appliances, which can account for up to 25 percent of a typical homeowner's power consumption. Using less energy means saving money on utility bills.

So as you "Spring Forward" by turning your clock an hour ahead this Sunday, March 11, at 2:00 a.m., Pacific Gas and Electric Company offers some simple things you can do to conserve energy and lower your bill:

• Turn off unneeded lights, computers and appliances.
• Clean or change your central heating and air conditioning filter monthly.
• Install programmable thermostats on central air conditioners and timers on lamps.
• Seal air leaks around pipes, flues and vents that pass through exterior walls, ceilings or floors.
• Install energy efficient appliances and windows.

For more information, check out the PG&E press release.

Verizon Named a Top American Corporation for Second Consecutive Year

The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) has named Verizon one of the top American corporations for women's business enterprises. The council says that the winners were selected on the basis of their world-class supplier diversity programs, which offer equal access for women's business enterprises in competing for, and winning, corporate contracts for goods and services.

"Verizon is a leader in enriching the value chain by working with innovative and highly competitive women's business enterprises," said WBENC interim President Linda Denny. "By leveling the playing field for women's businesses across their organization, Verizon is rewarded with outstanding products and services that benefit their customers and their shareholders."

Established more than 20 years ago, the Verizon Supplier Diversity Program works to create mutually beneficial business relationships with a diverse body of suppliers, a process that strengthens communities and creates value for shareholders. Verizon's goal is to increase year-over-year spending with companies owned and managed by minorities, women, people with disabilities and Vietnam-era and service-disabled veterans (MWDVBE).

The WBENC also named Verizon one of the top American corporations for women's business enterprises in 2006. Verizon spent $2.5 billion that year with such businesses. The WBENC is the only organization that brings together women business enterprises and corporations to work to improve marketing opportunities for women-owned businesses as vendors and suppliers to the nation's top corporations. Verizon is a sponsor and supporter of the WBENC's advocacy for maximizing the competitive edge of self-employed, entrepreneurial women.

Verizon and the 15 other winners will receive the Women's Business Enterprise Award on March 30 in Dallas.

Verizon is also a charter member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable, a group organized to promote research, education and best practices in supply-chain diversity. The company's approach includes operating a Web site that allows MWDVBE suppliers to participate in an online registration process that matches prospective suppliers' competencies with business needs. Verizon's Second Tier/Prime Supplier Program enhances opportunities for women-owned businesses by continually increasing the number of prime suppliers participating in the program and encouraging the use of women and minority suppliers as subcontractors.

A 2006 benchmarking study commissioned by WBENC and conducted by the Center for Women's Business Research found that women-owned businesses are beating the industry average of keeping and growing corporate contracts.

The results revealed that 40 percent of WBENC's corporate members increased their spending by at least 10 percent over the last three years with women-owned firms, compared with 24 percent of corporate members who increased their spending with suppliers overall.

There are 7.7 million majority-women-owned companies, or those with 51 percent ownership by women, employing 7.1 million people and generating $1.1 trillion in sales, according to the Center for Women's Business Research. Over the past two decades, majority-women-owned firms have continued to grow at around two times the rate of all companies.

For more information, check out the press release Women's Business Enterprise National Council Names Verizon a Top American Corporation for Second Consecutive Year.

Raleigh, North Carolina: Nation's First "LED City"

The City of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Cree Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer of Light Emitting Diode (LED) solid-state lighting components, recently announced a joint, city-wide initiative to test, deploy and promote LED technology focused on a variety of general lighting applications. The "LED City" initiative is designed to create a "living laboratory" to deliver the economic, environmental and usage benefits of LED lighting to the residents of Raleigh. The first project is focused on validating both the cost savings and technology capabilities of LEDs through an installation of LED lighting in the City's Municipal Building parking deck. Both Cree and Raleigh public officials expect the initiative to serve as a model for other cities that are considering implementing energy-efficient infrastructures.

As part of the commitment to creating an "LED City," Raleigh plans to deploy LED lighting, through its living-laboratory initiative, to serve a number of lighting applications, including garage and parking lot lights, street lights, architectural and accent lighting, portable lighting and pedestrian and walkway lighting over the next 18 months.

Cree, the City of Raleigh and Lighting Science Group Corporation of Dallas, Texas, also announced initial results of the first installation of the LED City initiative. LED-based lighting fixtures, provided by Lighting Science Group, were installed by Amtech Lighting Services in the Raleigh Municipal Building parking deck in Dec. 2006. Progress Energy, Raleigh's primary electric utility provider, says the floor equipped with LED lights uses over 40 percent less energy than the standard lighting system. Plus, according to Progress Energy's research, the quality of light in the garage is greatly improved.

"The economic benefits for municipalities to invest in LEDs are clear—they save energy, reduce environmental impact and improve the quality of light. As leaders in one of America's fastest growing cities, it's our civic responsibility to invest in the future and ensure the highest possible quality of life and safety for our citizens in generations to come," stated Charles Meeker, Raleigh mayor. "We believe that the cost savings and benefits of LED lighting are real and achievable today."

"Today's announcement represents a milestone toward large-scale adoption of clean, energy-efficient technologies," commented Kateri Callahan, president of the Washington, D.C.-based Alliance to Save Energy (ASE). "Raleigh's progressive commitment to becoming the first 'LED City' will no doubt serve as a model for other cities seeking to improve energy consumption and reduce negative impacts on the environment. We commend Cree and the City of Raleigh for helping support our mission of achieving a healthier economy, a cleaner environment and greater energy security."

"The City of Raleigh is willing to set the pace, and we invite other municipalities to join us in developing energy-efficient civic centers," said Chuck Swoboda, Cree CEO and chairman. "This leading-edge effort establishes an important driver for LED adoption within the United States."

For more information, check out the EERE Network News.

Yahoo! Launches Personal Finance Site

If you started 2007 with a resolution to handle your finances better, Yahoo! recently launched a new personal finance Web site that might help you stay on track. Yahoo! says that the new site brings together the Internet's most useful tools and information to help consumers manage their personal finances. Yahoo! Personal Finance offers consumers a suite of new financial centers, covering every major area of personal finance, ranging from "Banking & Budgeting" to "Retirement." The site continues the company's media strategy of bringing together the best tools and information around a particular topic from the industry's leading providers, while also expanding advertising inventory in one of the largest advertising categories.

"The goal of Yahoo! Finance has always been to help our users make informed financial decisions, and now we're able to do that across every aspect of their financial lives," said Peggy White, general manager, Yahoo! Finance. "Not all of our users manage an investment portfolio, but we all manage a checkbook. This presents a huge opportunity for Yahoo! Finance to expand beyond our core investing-focused offerings."

Yahoo! Finance has already established itself as the Internet's number one destination for investing tools and information, and aims to expand its audience size and engagement with the addition of a new personal finance home.

For more information, check out the Yahoo! press release or visit the Yahoo! Personal Finance site.

Wind Energy Markets Continue to Boom Globally

According to findings recently released by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), wind energy markets around the world exceeded expectations in 2006, with the sector experiencing yet another record year. The findings, which include wind energy developments in more than 70 countries around the world, show that the year saw the installation of 15,197 megawatts (MW), taking the total installed wind energy capacity to 74,223 MW, up from 59,091 MW in 2005.

Despite constraints facing supply chains for wind turbines, the annual market for wind continued to increase at the rate of 32 percent following the 2005 record year, in which the market grew by 41 percent. This development shows that the global wind energy industry is responding fast to the challenge of manufacturing at the required level, and manages to deliver sustained growth.

In terms of economic value, the wind energy sector has now become firmly installed as one of the important players in the energy markets, with the total value of new generating equipment installed in 2006 reaching $23 billion (U.S.).

The countries with the highest total installed capacity are Germany (20,621 MW), Spain (11,615 MW), the United States (11,603 MW), India (6,270 MW) and Denmark (3,136). Thirteen countries around the world can now be counted among those with over 1000 MW of wind capacity, with France and Canada reaching this threshold in 2006.

In terms of new installed capacity in 2006, the United States continued to lead with 2,454 MW, followed by Germany (2,233 MW), India (1,840 MW), Spain (1,587 MW), China (1,347 MW) and France (810 MW). This development shows that new players such as France and China are gaining ground.

"The tremendous growth in 2006 shows that decision makers are starting to take seriously the benefits that wind energy development can bring. However, we must not forget that wind energy is a new technology that needs robust policy frameworks and political commitment to fulfill its full potential," said Arthouros Zervos, Chairman of GWEC.

Twenty-two percent of the world's new wind capacity was installed in North America, where the annual market increased by a third in 2005, gaining momentum in both the United States and Canada. And for the second year running, the US wind energy industry installed nearly 2,500 MW, making it the country with the most new wind power.

"Strong growth figures in the United States prove that wind is now a mainstream option for new power generation," said Randy Swisher, President of the American Wind Energy Association. "Wind's exponential growth reflects the nation's increasing demand for clean, safe and domestic energy, and continues to attract both private and public sources of capital. New generating capacity worth $4 billion was installed in 2006, billing wind as one of the largest sources of new power generation in the country—second only to natural gas—for the second year in a row."

Read more about these findings in the GWEC press release.