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Congratulations to Our Cookin’ with Kilowatts Winners

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Cookin-with-kilowatts-picture.pngAs the Nation’s Greenest Utility, Seattle City Light encourages its customers to save energy and sometimes, we get creative.

This summer, City Light challenged customers to participate in a cooking contest with a spin. The Second Annual Cookin’ with Kilowatts Contest was an interactive competition to prepare the best recipe while substituting the use of an oven or stovetop for a lower-energy electric cooking method. The contest was a way to raise awareness of personal energy usage, and to encourage customers to think of creative energy-saving alternatives to their usual cooking methods.

We received more than 60 submissions. They were judged based on creativity, energy saved and presentation.

Congratulations to our winners. In the adult contest, the top three winners were Matthew R. with Baked Coconut Shrimp with Curried Chutney, Rosemarie K. with Rice Cooker Risotto with Ham & Peas, and Leslie B. with Spanish Brown Rice with Spicy Vegan Sausage. In the kid’s contest, the winner was Ze Hua D. with Congee.  All recipes were prepared using low energy appliances such as toaster ovens, rice cookers, crockpots, and microwaves. Contest winners were awarded prizes ranging from $100 to $250 gift cards.

Out of all the submissions received, Seattle City Light will be creating a Cookin’ with Kilowatts Cookbook featuring the top recipes, including instructions for these low-energy cooking methods.

Cookin’ with Kilowatts Recipe Contest Accepting Submissions

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Image of contest cupcake logoSeattle City Light is launching its Second Annual Cookin’ with Kilowatts contest, which aims to raise residential customer awareness of energy consumption and its environmental impact.

Kids and adults are invited to send in their recipe submissions to SCL_Recipes@seattle.gov. Every contestant who submits a recipe using a more energy-efficient method of cooking will receive a thank you gift, including a pot holder and chef’s hat. Contest submissions are accepted from July 1 – October 3, 2014.

City Light is asking customers to submit their most creative, tastiest recipes using an alternative cooking method that uses less electricity than a stovetop or oven. As you see in the chart below, a microwave uses less energy than the oven.

APPLIANCE TEMPERATURE TIME ENERGY COST*
Electric oven 350 F 1 hour 2.0 kWh 19 ¢
Toaster oven 425 F 50 minutes .95 kWh 9 ¢
Crockpot 200 F 7 hours .7 kWh 7 ¢
Microwave oven High setting 15 minutes .36 kWh 3 ¢

Table from Consumer Guide to how Energy Savings
*Assumes 9.5 cents/KWh

Our Cookin’ with Kilowatts contest challenges adults and children in our community to think about how they can reduce their personal energy use, and thereby contribute to a healthier environment. More information can be found on the Cookin’ with Kilowatts website.

There are two categories for this year’s Cookin’ with Kilowatts contest: an Adults Contest open to adults as well as students in grade 9 and above, and a Kids Contest open to children in grades K-8. Each will have a first, second and third place winner with prizes, including $100, $150 and $250 gift cards for adults, and $75, $100 and $150 Disney gift cards for children.

The winners will be chosen from a panel of judges at a celebratory event to be held in October 2014. Each submission will be judged based on creativity, energy saved and presentation.

There is no entry fee, and all Seattle City Light customers are encouraged to apply. Bonus points are awarded to those who send photos of themselves with their dish and chef hat to SCL_Recipes@Seattle.gov.

For more information about the Cookin’ with Kilowatts contest, including contest rules and how to apply, please visit www.seattle.gov/light/recipe. The 2013 contest cookbook can also be downloaded from the Cookin’ with Kilowatts website.

Seattle City Light is the 10th largest public electric utility in the United States. It has some of the lowest cost customer rates of any urban utility, providing reliable, renewable and environmentally responsible power to about 750,000 Seattle area residents. City Light has been greenhouse gas neutral since 2005, the first electric utility in the nation to achieve that distinction.

City Light Recognizes inHaus Development as an Energy Efficiency Superstar

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Seattle City Light will recognize inHaus Development and its Solo Lofts team as energy efficiency superstars at tonight’s game between the Mariners and the Red Sox.

inHaus is currently developing Solo Lofts, a 20 unit boutique condominium building now selling in Ballard. This all-electric, Built Green, 4-star project incorporates energy saving technology inside and out.

“We’re actively trying to do things better rather than slapping something on the wall and calling it green,” inHaus co-owner Dave deBruyn said.

Among the energy saving features are extra insulation, fiberglass windows, ENERGY STAR appliances, on-demand hot water and WaterSense® fixtures. The building is expected to use 18 to 19 percent less electricity than a similar building that was built to meet building code requirements. The building will also be wired so solar panels could be installed at a later date.

Since the inception of inHaus in 2010, energy efficient design has been an inherent part of its operations. deBruyn said certified energy efficient homes in Seattle and Portland have sold at 10 to 20 percent more than standard homes, which is good for inHaus, the environment, and especially for the people who buy the homes..

Seattle City Light is recognizing inHaus as energy efficiency superstars and for doing their part to keep conservation a top priority for you and the city of Seattle because the less we use the more we all save. Find out how you can be an energy efficiency superstar and lower your bill at your home or business by visiting seattle.gov/WePower.

Seattle City Light Names Craig Smith Conservation Resources Director

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Photo of Craig Smith

Conservation Resources Director Craig Smith

Craig Smith has been hired as the next conservation resources director for Seattle City Light, General Manager and CEO Jorge Carrasco announced today.

“I am happy to welcome Craig Smith to Seattle City Light,” General Manager and CEO Jorge Carrasco said. “His experience, leadership and connection to the Pacific Northwest will help us enhance our reputation as the Nation’s Greenest Utility by continuing to help our customers increase their energy efficiency and reduce their electricity bills.”

Smith, who lives in Seattle, is a seasoned utility executive, who is recognized as a leader in energy conservation.

He most recently served as CEO for Richard Heath and Associates in Fresno, Calif., providing program management and consulting services for governments and utilities. The organization oversaw low-income weatherization programs that reached more than 350,000 homes. He also served as vice chair of the board for the California Energy Efficiency Industry Council.

Prior to that, Smith spent 12 years at Snohomish County PUD in various roles, including assistant general manager overseeing a variety of areas, including energy efficiency. During his time at Snohomish PUD, the utility doubled its energy efficiency savings to about 1 percent of its customer load. He also chaired the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance board and raised $200 million to provide five years of funding for the organization.

Smith held leadership roles in other utilities, including Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). At TVA, Smith led the development of an energy efficiency component for the organization’s first integrated resource plan and was responsible for load management programs that reduced energy demand by 1,800 megawatts.

Smith is scheduled to start work at City Light April 1.

Seattle City Light is the 10th largest public electric utility in the United States. It has some of the lowest cost customer rates of any urban utility, providing reliable, renewable and environmentally responsible power to nearly 1 million Seattle area residents. City Light has been greenhouse gas neutral since 2005, the first electric utility in the nation to achieve that distinction.

Alliance to Save Energy, City Light’s Carrasco Applaud Reintroduction of Energy Efficiency Legislation

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The Alliance to Save Energy applauds Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio.) for their continued leadership in advancing energy efficiency with the reintroduction of their Energy Savings & Industrial Competitiveness Act. Incorporating 10 previously proposed amendments, this new bill creates an even more robust energy efficiency package to increase U.S. energy productivity, enhance energy security, reduce emissions, and promote economic growth.

Alliance President Kateri Callahan notes “the reintroduction of this common-sense legislation reaffirms that energy efficiency is a bipartisan, cost-effective way to address our nation’s energy challenges. I’m thrilled to see Sens. Shaheen and Portman defying Washington gridlock and ensuring that energy efficiency leaps once again to the forefront of the national energy debate.”

The strengthened package will bring the benefits of energy efficiency to all sectors of our economy—from government facilities and schools to families and businesses both big and small. An earlier version of the bill  was estimated to save Americans $13.7 billion annually, create 164,000 jobs, and avoid 80.2 million metric tons of CO2 per year by 2030. But this new bill will go far beyond that, saving, as a package $16 billion annually, creating more than 190,000 jobs, and cutting carbon dioxide by the equivalent of taking 22 million cars off the road.

“I commended Sens. Shaheen and Portman for once again bringing real, bipartisan solutions to Senate leadership, and I applaud the Energy and Natural Resources Committee for making energy efficiency a priority in this year’s legislative agenda,” said Alliance Board Industry Co-Chair Jorge Carrasco, the general manager and CEO of Seattle City Light.

Photo of City Light General Manager and CEO Jorge Carrasco

City Light General Manager and CEO Jorge Carrasco

 

Callahan calls on Senate leadership to move quickly to bring this legislation to the floor for a vote. “Both parties agree that advancing energy efficiency brings substantial economic and security benefits to the nation. We look forward to working with Congress to pass this important legislation and to make 2014 America’s most energy-efficient year yet,” she said.  

For further information read the Alliance’s Blog here.

The Alliance to Save Energy is a coalition of prominent business, government, environmental and consumer leaders who promote the efficient and clean use of energy worldwide to benefit consumers, the environment, economy and national security.

City Light’s Jorge Carrasco Elected to Lead Alliance Board as New Co-Chair

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Photo of City Light General Manager and CEO Jorge Carrasco

City Light General Manager and CEO Jorge Carrasco

The Alliance to Save Energy’s Board of Directors has elected Seattle City Light General Manager and CEO Jorge Carrasco as its new Co-Chair, replacing outgoing National Grid U.S. President Tom King. Carrasco has served on the Board since 2010 and was a pivotal member of the Alliance Commission on National Energy Efficiency Policy, which developed the Energy 2030 goal and plan to double U.S. energy productivity by 2030.

“I have been honored to serve as a trustee for the Alliance over the past few years and have seen up close what this organization can achieve for our energy economy,” Carrasco said. “I’m looking forward to having an even greater influence by leading this esteemed Board as Co-Chair.”

A longtime advocate for energy productivity, Carrasco joined Seattle City Light in 2004, helping lead the publicly owned utility to achieve some of the lowest electricity rates in the nation while being greenhouse gas neutral since 2005.

Alliance President Kateri Callahan is enthusiastic about Carrasco’s selection.

“Jorge has made energy efficiency a priority throughout his tenure at City Light and is committed to advancing energy efficiency not just in Seattle, but around the country,” Callahan said. “While we will miss the leadership of Tom King, Jorge has proven over his career to be an exemplary champion for energy productivity. He is the perfect choice to lead us into the future and advance the Energy 2030 goal on a national level.”

In addition to Carrasco, The Alliance Board also elected three Board members to new positions.

Former Johnson Controls Vice President and General Manager Iain Campbell is the new First Vice-Chair. Campbell, who led the Global Energy and Workplace Solutions businesses, is a frequent speaker and panelist on energy efficiency in the built environment, and has testified to the U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee on energy & environment on climate legislation.

“I am excited to be elected by my Board members to this important position,” Campbell said. “Energy efficiency is our nation’s best strategy for reducing waste, creating jobs, and saving American businesses and families money, and the Alliance is at the perfect crossroads to push this strategy forward.”

Leading utility executive William Von Hoene will be the Board’s Second Vice-Chair. Currently serving as the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Exelon Corporation, Von Hoene has worked at Exelon for more than 12 years in a variety of positions. Currently he is responsible for strategy, corporate development, government and regulatory affairs, communications and advocacy, legal and investments. Exelon operates the largest and most efficient nuclear fleet in the U.S. and has successfully implemented Exelon 2020; a plan to reduce, offset or displace over 15 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually by 2020.

“At Exelon, we know the powerful impact that saving energy can have on our business and on our economy,” Von Hoene said. “The Alliance is indispensable in this regard. I am very pleased to be part of its efforts.”

The Treasurer position will now be held by Carolyn Green, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at EnerGreen Capital Management, LLC, a private equity firm focused on energy and the environment. Green brings more than 30 years of experience to her position, including as president of the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power Board of Commissioners

“Making our energy as efficient and productive as possible is critical for American industries to stay competitive,” Green said. “Working with the Alliance, I’ve seen how we can make a real impact across our economy and I’ll look to build on this success in my new position.”

Callahan is excited about the potential for the newly elected representatives to lead the Alliance in implementing the Energy 2030 goal embraced by President Obama and Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz.

“I’m looking forward to working with Jorge and our new leaders in the coming years. Their guidance will be essential to the Alliance’s efforts to drive America towards a more energy productive future.”

The Alliance to Save Energy is a coalition of prominent business, government, environmental, and consumer leaders who promote the efficient and clean use of energy worldwide to benefit consumers, the environment, the economy, and national security.

Free Cookin’ with Kilowatts Cookbook Available Online

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Image of contest cupcake logoWe asked you to share your creative cooking talents with tasty recipes prepared in ways that use less energy and, wow, did you deliver.

More than 100 people submitted recipes for our Cookin’ with Kilowatts contest, making the judges’ task of picking a winner difficult.

Now, just in time for the holidays, we’ve compiled an online cookbook, featuring 24 of these wonderful dishes, including the prize winning recipes:

  • Lauren Rhoades’s first place 0.6 Kilowatt Crockpot Coq Au Vin
  • Patrice Bloch’s second place salmon in banana leaf with quinoa and dahl
  • And Elizabeth McKee’s third place Crock Pot Indian cornish game hens.

You’ll even get to see General Manager and CEO Jorge Carrasco’s microwave rice casserole and City Councilmember Mike O’Brien’s electric skillet pineapple upside down cake.

 Bon apetit!

 

 

New Bright Lights at Paramount Mean Big Savings for Historic Theater

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Photo of chandelier.

This chandelier is one of the many energy efficient lighting upgrades installed at the historic Paramount Theater.

The Paramount Theater opened its Broadway season last night under new bright lights that will reduce the historic theater’s energy consumption enough to save $43,000 each year.

The $438,000 project replaced about 4,800 lights at the Paramount, including its massive chandeliers, with energy efficient LEDs, compact fluorescent lamps and T-8 tube lighting. Seattle City Light supported the project with $136,000 in energy efficiency incentives.

“When you consider the number of bulbs in this theatre and what it takes to simply keep them all in good working order, this project is just good dollars and sense,” Seattle Theater Group Executive Director Josh LaBelle said. “Part of being a good steward of these historic venues, also means being a good environmental citizen, and this lighting project helps us accomplish such in great measure.”

Photo of Josh LaBelle and Lori Moen at the Paramount Theater.

Seattle Theater Group Executive Director Josh LaBelle discusses the energy efficiency upgrades at the Paramount Theater with City Light’s Lori Moen.

This is the second lighting upgrade City Light has helped the Paramount complete. In 2009, utility incentives supported a retrofit of the Paramount’s signature neon sign. In both projects, the upgrades were made while preserving the historical character of the theater.

“The Paramount Theater demonstrates how energy efficient lighting can meet the needs of the most demanding professionals and audience members, while lowering operating costs,” Conservation Resources Director Glenn Atwood said. “We are excited to partner with the Paramount in another act in our long-running conservation program, in which helping our customers use electricity more efficiently provides the first-choice energy resource for the future.”

City Light offers numerous incentives for businesses and homeowners to increase their energy efficiency. Learn more about them here.

Photo of Josh LaBelle and Dan Petitt.

STG Executive Director Josh LaBelle discusses the energy efficient lighting upgrades with Dan Petitt, owner of Seahurst Electric, which installed the lighting.

Seattle City Light is the 10th largest public electric utility in the United States. It has some of the lowest cost customer rates of any urban utility, providing reliable, renewable and environmentally responsible power to nearly 1 million Seattle area residents. City Light has been greenhouse gas neutral since 2005, the first electric utility in the nation to achieve that distinction.

Lauren Rhoades of Seattle Wins ‘Cookin’ with Kilowatts’ Title

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Photo of judges sampling one of the dishes.

South Seattle Community College culinary instructors judge the finalists in Seattle City Light’s Cookin’ with Kilowatts contest.

Lauren Rhoades of Seattle won the top prize in Seattle City Light’s Cookin’ with Kilowatts contest Wednesday with her recipe for 0.6 Kilowatt Coq Au Vin.

In a cook-off at South Seattle Community College, culinary students prepared dishes following the recipes of three finalists. A panel of judges then determined first, second and third place.

“It was hard to pick a winner, since the top three dishes were all delicious,” said SSCC Chef Instructor Robert Scribner, who served as one of the judges. “I was so impressed with the winning 0.6 kilowatt Crockpot Coq Au Vin that I’m going to buy a Crock Pot.”

Photo of the winning dish.

The winning dish.

With her victory, Rhoades took home a $250 gift card from PCC Natural Markets. Second place and a $150 gift certificate went to Patrice Bloch of Tukwila with her recipe for Salmon Steamed in Banana Leaf with Quinoa and Dahl. Elizabeth McKee of Seattle took third and a $100 PCC gift card for her Crock Pot Indian Cornish Game Hens recipe.

Bloch said she was inspired by the contest to take one of her favorite recipes and cook it in a more energy efficient method: the microwave.

“I have a banana tree in my backyard and bought some salmon and experimented with a way to make an awesome new dish using energy efficient method,” she said. “The contest has inspired me to continue with my creativity and use energy-efficient methods of cooking. Learning to cook with a microwave versus just reheating things.”

More than 100 City Light customers submitted recipes with an energy saving twist. Each recipe used a method of cooking that requires less electricity than an electric stovetop or oven where the dishes would typically be cooked.

Even City Councilmember Mike O’Brien and City Light General Manager and CEO Jorge Carrasco joined in with a personal challenge pitting Carrasco’s microwave rice casserole against O’Brien’s electric skillet pineapple upside down cake.

“The creativity and cooking skills Lauren Rhoades and the other contest participants displayed were impressive,” Carrasco said. “I congratulate them all for demonstrating how each of us can prepare delicious food while reducing our electricity consumption and saving money.”

City Light plans to release an online cookbook later this year with Cookin’ with Kilowatts recipes so customers can enjoy delicious meals while reducing their electricity bills.

Seattle City Light is the 10th largest public electric utility in the United States. It has some of the lowest cost customer rates of any urban utility, providing reliable, renewable and environmentally responsible power to nearly 1 million Seattle area residents. City Light has been greenhouse gas neutral since 2005, the first electric utility in the nation to achieve that distinction.

City Light a Key Reason Seattle Among Best US Cities for Energy Efficiency

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Photo of home energy audit.

Home energy audits help customers identify the most effective measures for reducing their home energy use.

Seattle City Light’s extensive work to help its customers use less electricity is one of the key reasons Seattle ranked among the best cities in the United States for energy efficiency, according a study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

The Washington, D.C.-based research group ranked cities based on local government operations, community-wide initiatives, building policies, utility policies and public benefits programs, and transportation policies.

Seattle ranked fifth nationally, with a score of 65.25 out of 100.

City Light has been supporting energy efficiency and conservation for more than 35 years. We consider it our first resource of choice to meet growing energy needs. By helping our customers use less of our product, we lower their bills and reduce the pressure to acquire additional electricity resources on the market or build a new power plant.

City Light’s energy conservation work in 2012 alone will save customers more than $91 million over the life span of the installed measures.

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Get discounts on energy efficient light bulbs and fixtures where you see this logo.

People are noticing the difference City Light is making for our customers. Read the KPLU coverage on the ACEEE report here.