This has certainly been an unusual winter for most of the country. Warmer temperatures and minimal snowfall totals have many hoping for an early spring. February on the east coast has been like a roller coaster ride, with temperatures plunging one day, then warm enough the next to skip the coat.

In my home, I've spent the month trying to predict the ups and downs of the weather by adjusting my heater constantly. [More]

So, what does the little indicator light on your cell phone, a street light, an exit sign, and the common household light bulb have in common? If your answer is that light emitting diode (LED) technology can power all these things, then you're pretty bright.

LEDs are a form of solid state lighting. Once the new kid on the block, LEDs have emerged as one of today's most energy-efficient and rapidly growing technologies. There are a wide variety of LED products available in the market, with the technology found in automobiles, computers, televisions, recessed downlights in the kitchen, flashlights, and holiday lights. LEDs are different than other types of lighting in that they last longer, are more durable, and save more energy and money. They also emit almost no heat. By comparison, inefficient incandescent lighting gives off 90% of their energy as heat. [More]

This week, Eric shared with us a plethora of education-centered competitions, challenges, and other programs sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. These programs are all designed to get students and graduates of all ages interested in, and prepared for, a career in clean energy. For example, engineering students can take part in Industrial Assessment Centers to conduct energy assessments in a broad range of manufacturing facilities. PhD recipients can apply for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Postdoctoral Research Awards to conduct applied research at universities, national laboratories, and other research facilities. Science and engineering undergraduates can participate in Wind for Schools, which helps students gain not only practical knowledge in wind turbine technologies, but also get hands-on experience installing turbines. There are so many ways to get involved and get in-depth exposure to clean energy careers! Have you ever participated in a competition or ot... [More]

On Friday, February 17, 2012, the State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program closed officially in all U.S. states and territories. Although the program had already closed in most states by this time, there were 11 states and territories that closed last Friday.

The appliance rebate program has been a huge success across the country, and we've been getting results periodically. As of December 31, 2011, a total of 1.7 million consumer rebates, valued at $258 million, have been paid to consumers. The annual energy savings resulting from the purchase of the rebated products is estimated at 1.7 trillion Btu. To learn more, download the results fact sheet for the appliance rebate program. [More]

To stay a top competitor in today’s global economy, we need to make sure that students who aspire to be the next generation of America’s scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs can get the hands-on experience and training they need to lead our industries and businesses.

The Energy Department takes an active role in cultivating the leaders of tomorrow in the field of clean energy. This role has probably never been more important as more and more people understand the need to expand our use of renewable energy and energy efficiency to tackle the challenges we face as a global community.

The Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy supports a number of workforce development and training programs that you might have heard of already, and others that might be new to you. Here’s a list of a few of the ones I’ve been following recently: [More]

For many of us, particularly those living east of the Mississippi river, President’s Day weekend is not just a time to honor the birthday of our country’s founding father, it’s also the final escape from dreadfully cold and snowy days. However, those of us with pestering consumerist habits to feed always ensure our return to the metropolis by Monday, as the day is quickly taking on a new reputation: Second best shopping day of the year, after Black Friday.

By now you’re asking, “What does any of this have to do with energy savings?” Well, we’ve talked before about Black Friday savings on ENERGY STAR® appliances, and given tips for finding the best deals on energy efficient products that will also save you in overall energy costs. Now that the runner up of best shopping days in the year is upon us, I’d like to remind you about the benefit of purchasing ENERGY STAR products, especially if they are on sale! [More]