Mike Parker, A.O. Smith, and Dick Lord, Carrier Penni McLean Connor and Charlie Olsson, NSTAR

Ending the conference on day two, several industry partners spoke about their perceptions and experiences.

Michael Parker, vice president of marketing, A.O. Smith Water Heaters, was enthusiastic about the state of energy efficiency. He stated that an ENERGY STAR label for water heaters, which he said was “long overdue,” will help their industry produce energy savings for their customers. He also mentioned that in the Gas Committee breakout sessions, participants talked strictly about gas water heaters, but they also think it is critical to address electric water heaters in order to see further savings.

Klaus Lange, chair of the Standard Performance and Evaluation Corporation (SPEC) Power and Performance Committee, and also employed by Hewlett-Packard Corporation, spoke positively on his experience with data centers. His organization is developing a test methodology for servers.

Thomas Patzner, LV transformer marketing manager at Square D/Schneider Electric—one of the three largest manufacturers of low-voltage distribution transformers—appreciated the opportunity to share his thoughts on an enhanced voluntary specification. He commented that ENERGY STAR used to have a label for more efficient distribution transformers, which was phased out with the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This act set new minimum efficiency standards for transformers that met the voluntary specification established by NEMA and supported by CEE and ENERGY STAR. Part of the reason he wanted to come to the CEE meeting was because of member interest in revising the CEE voluntary specification.

Patzner spoke of the constraints manufacturers face when trying to produce new energy efficient equipment. He mentioned, specifically, the worldwide shortage of high-grade steel necessary to manufacture low voltage, dry type distribution transformers that would exceed current efficiency requirements. He encouraged consideration of the entire supply chain when recommending new equipment specifications.

Penni McLean Connor, chair of the CEE Board of Directors and vice president of customer care for NSTAR Electric and Gas, delivered closing remarks on day two of the conference. For her, there were several aha! moments—including hearing the challenges that industry faces along with the challenges faced by program administrators. She exclaimed how nice it was to “see people face-to-face, to put a face with that name you’ve been hearing.” It was also good to hear about new technologies, indicating new directions and new possibilities.

“Overall, there are dollars to spend, and those dollar amounts are increasing for good reason,” she added. “For each dollar spent on efficiency, there is $4.06 in benefit. McLean