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Energy and Air Quality
Energy efficiency and renewable energy measures have many benefits for air quality and pollution prevention. Energy efficiency measures reduce the demand for electricity from conventional sources (like coal) while renewable energy provides energy from cleaner sources (like wind). Energy efficiency measures save money, reduce dependence on foreign sources of fuel, increase electricity grid reliability, enhance national energy security, and reduce air emissions from electric generating power plants.
Renewable energy provides us the electricity we need with a reduced environmental impact, increases our energy independence and puts power within our reach…sometimes literally on our very home or workplaces. Together, energy efficiency and renewable energy help prevent pollution, which is good, because in North Texas the peak demand for electricity frequently occurs simultaneously with periods of poor air quality.
Did you know...
The City of Dallas purchases 40 percent of its energy from renewable wind sources. This purchase results in a reduction of approximately 335 million kWh of electricity from fossil-fuel based energy and that results in annual emissions reductions equivalent to 545 lbs of NOx (source: Energy and Emissions Tool Kit, The Energy Systems Laboratory, Texas A and M) and 225,000 tons of carbon dioxide (source: CDM report: City of Dallas Greenhouse Gas Reductions).
As the region prepares for tougher ozone standards (between 60 and 70 ppb) additional emissions reductions will be needed. These will include energy efficiency initiatives and the City’s 40 percent renewable purchase. Buying renewable energy is a way for the City to show the state and federal government how we are addressing the ozone problem. In the summer of 2010, the Dallas City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a new three-year contract to continue buying 40 percent of our electricity from wind.
Visit PowerToChoose.org to view all of the electricity providers that offer renewable energy and compare rates and contract terms. To find out how you can become more energy efficient at home, visit the Tips & Tools page, and check out information from the U.S. Department of Energy.
