By Dan Carazo

With 2011 counting down its last days I find myself wondering what the New Year will bring us in Energy Efficiency. One thing that’s clear is that U.S. federal government energy policy is alarmingly uncertain thanks to the current political scene in Washington, DC.

Unfortunately, like in so many other areas of American life, our U.S. energy policy has become a political football with support for federal funding, energy legislation and policy making falling sharply along partisan party lines. This political reality is not good for the folks involved with the many energy-related technologies, including manufacturers, electrical distributors and contractors located in every state of the Union.

As expressed previously in this column, it does not matter one bit where you or I may fall on the political spectrum regarding our viewpoints on social issues, taxation policy, or the role of federal government in education or healthcare. However, when it comes to Congressional support – or a lack there of – for energy efficiency and renewable energy, our industry has a lot at stake.

For many involved with electrical construction Green Electrical has provided a bright spot during the worst downturn in American construction in recent memory. Yet, despite the strong increases seen in energy-efficient lighting upgrades, explosive growth in lighting and building controls and energy management systems, and record-breaking sales in solar energy installations, 2012 remains economically uncertain – thanks to the political uncertainty in Washington. 

This is unfortunate. Increased energy efficiency in America’s homes, buildings and factories is not a Democratic Party issue. And it’s not a Republican Party issue. Just as our nation’s increased reliance on clean renewable energy is not a Democratic or Republican issue. These are national issues. And they are economic issues within our industry and the construction trades that affect millions of jobs and workers.

So as the clock runs down on 2011, the men and women who make up the electrical industry, as well as the construction professionals who install our products, have a great deal at stake whether federal laws and funding will continue to help America’s energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors continue to prosper in 2012 and beyond.

A recent article by Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, points out a very specific federal policy that ends with the New Year (see below). Continuation of the Treasury Department’s 1603 Program would be a critical win for the renewable and efficient energy sector and the workers engaged in the related industries.

I urge you to support the continued growth of Green Electrical by contacting your elected representatives at both the state and federal levels to urge their commitment to renewed funding and pro-efficiency and renewable policies. Here are Mr. Resch’s comments:

Job-Creating Program Should Be Extended

By Rhone Resch, President & CEO, Solar Energy Industries Association

As we approach the end of the year, Congress is going to have to make some tough decisions about which policies are most important to our country’s future. In this difficult economy, lawmakers’ top priority should be to continue proven policies that create jobs and give Americans the most bang for their buck. One such policy, the Treasury Department’s 1603 Program, is set to expire on December 31, and Congress should act now to extend it.

Energy fuels America’s economic growth. The 1603 program has helped the solar industry – and about a dozen other energy industries – power our economy and enhance our energy security.

The best way to turn the economy around is to get more Americans working again. The 1603 program has done just that. Since it became law in mid-2009, the program has spurred almost $23 billion in private sector investment for more than 22,000 completed clean energy projects, supporting tens of thousands of jobs located in every state.

A one-year extension of the 1603 program would support an additional 37,000...

As we approach the end of the year, Congress is going to have to make some tough decisions about which policies are most important to our country’s future. In this difficult economy, lawmakers’ top priority should be to continue proven policies that create jobs and give Americans the most bang for their buck. One such policy, the Treasury Department’s 1603 Program, is set to expire on December 31, and Congress should act now to extend it.

Energy fuels America’s economic growth. The 1603 program has helped the solar industry – and about a dozen other energy industries – power our economy and enhance our energy security.

The best way to turn the economy around is to get more Americans working again. The 1603 program has done just that. Since it became law in mid-2009, the program has spurred almost $23 billion in private sector investment for more than 22,000 completed clean energy projects, supporting tens of thousands of jobs located in every state.

A one-year extension of the 1603 program would support an additional 37,000 American jobs in the solar industry alone, according to an analysis by EuPD Research. And since solar is only one of about a dozen energy technologies eligible for the 1603 program, many more jobs are at stake across other energy sectors. At a time when unemployment is above 8 percent, forfeiting tens of thousands of American jobs is simply unacceptable.

There has been speculation that the 1603 program might be extended early next year. That might work for expiring research and development provisions, but expiration of the 1603 program will have a severe impact immediately. Make no mistake – if 1603 is not extended by the end of this month, projects are going to be cancelled, businesses are going to cut new investments, and jobs are going to be lost.

It’s important to note that these are mostly blue collar jobs and relatively small projects that benefit small businesses. In fact, about nine out of every 10 solar awards from the 1603 program (89 percent) are less than $500,000. And the average size of a solar project award is about $65,000.

The public recognizes the importance of programs like 1603. The vast majority of Americans – 82 percent – support federal incentives for solar, according to recent polling. And support is strong across the political spectrum, with 71 percent of Republicans backing incentives for solar.

With only days left in the legislative session, Congress has a clear choice: stand with the American people and extend the 1603 program to help get the economy moving again, or do nothing and surrender tens of thousands of American jobs. The clock is ticking.  

(Article is posted at http://energy.nationaljournal.com/2011/12/spending-showdown-whats-at-sta.php#2132509 ).

On that note, I wish you and yours a very happy and blessed New Year!