Gov. Easley proclaims October as energy awareness month
Easley encourages citizens to take action to reduce energy consumption

Gov. Mike Easley is urging citizens to be more energy efficient in their homes and at work by following North Carolina's example of taking simple steps that are reducing power consumption in state buildings. He has proclaimed October "Energy Awareness Month" in North Carolina to call attention to the need to conserve.

"North Carolina is leading by example," said Larry Shirley, Director of the State Energy Office of the Department of Administration. "By becoming more aware of how we use energy in public facilities and taking action to become more efficient, the state has significantly cut consumption and saved taxpayer dollars."

One of the state's most successful efforts is the Utility Savings Initiative for State Facilities, which is administered by the State Energy Office. The first program of its kind in the nation, the Utility Savings Initiative aims to reduce energy consumption in state and public university facilities. In the five years since the program started, the state has saved $66 million in utility costs through efficiency measures.

Easley recently signed into law a bill that expands on this successful program and sets goals that will make North Carolina an energy conservation leader in the Southeast and the nation. The new law sets efficiency standards for energy and water use in new building design and construction as well as for older buildings that are being renovated. The goal is to reduce energy use for all state buildings by 20 percent by 2010 and 30 percent by 2015.

The State Energy Office is also sponsoring a free educational workshop series, Reducing Energy Expenses in Public Buildings, Commercial Facilities and Homes, which is being offered in locations throughout the state this fall. A schedule of these events is located at www.energync. net/workshops . Information on no-cost and lowcost energy-saving tips is also available at www. energync.net/efficiency .