U.S. Department of Energy Blog

EERE Network News EERE's newsletter, the EERE Network News, covers national and international energy efficiency and renewable energy news and events, as well as new EERE Web sites and energy facts. New DOE Report Analyzes a Path to Reaching 20% Wind Power by 2030 Wind power could provide 20% of U.S. electricity needs by 2030, according to a new DOE report. The report, titled "20 Percent Wind Energy by 2030," identifies the steps toreach the 20% goal, highlights difficulties that need to be addressed, and discusses the environmental impacts. DOE Chalks Up 500 Energy Saving Assessments at Major Industries DOE announced on May 9th that its Save Energy Now program had completed its 500th Energy Saving Assessment. Since 2006, the program's teams have identified energy savings opportunities that could yield an average annual savings of about $1.7 million per plant. Ohio Requires 25% Renewable or Advanced Energy by 2025 A new Ohio law requires the state's utilities to draw on renewable or "advanced" energy for 25% of their electricity supply by 2025, with renewable energy meeting at least half of that requirement. The new law also requires utilities to establish energy efficiency and demand reduction programs. Long Island Utility Calls for 50 Megawatts of Solar Power The Long Island Power Authority is offering to buy solar electricity from developers under long-term contracts. The New York utility is offering to buy power from up to 50 megawatts of solar photovoltaic systems, making the project the largest block of solar energy in the state. New Jersey Utility Offers $105 Million in Solar Loans New Jersey's Public Service Electric and Gas Company is now offering loans to cover roughly half the cost of solar photovoltaic systems installed in its service territory. The $105 million in loans will be enough to finance 30 megawatts of solar power. Record Oil Prices Spur More Increases in Projected Energy Costs Crude oil prices reached $120 per barrel in April, and DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA) now believes that oil prices will average $110 per barrel for the year as a whole. The EIA expects gasoline prices to reach a peak of $3.73 per gallon in June, while diesel fuel prices will be even higher.