Construction Begins on Edmond's First E4 Home
E4 Home Gives Homebuyers New Option for Energy Cost Savings
Increasing energy use and escalating costs have far-reaching effects. Homeowners with rising energy bills seek ways to save. Energy providers and distributors seek ways to keep costs down while making sure the capacity is there to meet peak demands. Energy regulators, providers and consumers seek ways to meet energy needs with the least impact on the environment.
Edmond Electric, Edmond's municipal electric utility, has a solution that benefits new homebuyers and the environment. It's called the E4 Home, short for Edmond Electric Energy Efficient Home. The E4 Home not only meets, but exceeds, the Energy Star Certification requirements for energy efficiency. The home costs less to operate and maintain, which saves homeowners significant energy costs over the life of the home.
"The E4 Home demonstrates to builders and buyers that energy-efficient home construction is affordable," said Charlie Burgett, Director of Edmond Electric. "An energy-efficient home is comfortable and sustainable, provides benefits for the environment and most importantly for homebuyers, saves significant energy costs. The money saved on energy costs can pay back the difference in construction costs in a few years. After that, the savings provide positive cash flow for the homeowner."
To launch this new initiative, Edmond Electric partnered with Red Rock Builders, an Edmond homebuilder known for implementing innovative energy saving features in their homes. Bryan and Katie Turner, co-owners of Red Rock Builders, together have over 50 years of construction experience. Their commitment to efficiency and energy savings made them the perfect builder for constructing Edmond's first E4 Home.
Edmond Electric and Red Rock Builders broke ground on the home today to mark the beginning of construction. The E4 Home is located in the Cottages at Stone Bridge, south of 33rd and Boulevard.
Energy saving features of the home include foam insulation on the underside of the roof, geothermal heat and air conditioning systems with a de-superheater, improved windows and rain sensors as well as lighting that minimizes energy use. The design and construction process integrates all of the systems in the home so that they work together to provide maximum efficiency.
Why would an electric utility encourage the construction of energy-efficient homes? Due to their efficiencies, E4 Homes will help balance the demand on the electric system so the peak demand doesn't far exceed the normal demand. When demand goes down, it reduces the need for increasing capacity. That translates to big savings because Edmond Electric and its energy provider, Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA), can save millions of dollars that would be invested in additional power generating facilities and the infrastructure for distributing the power. The savings will help Edmond Electric maintain its competitive rates, which are the lowest in the metro area.
Edmond Electric has been recognized nationally for its wind power program. The E4 Home is another example of environmental leadership. The effort to reduce peak demand means fewer power plants. Most energy for homes comes from plants that burn fossil fuels. Less energy used means less air pollution and fewer impacts on the environment.
When construction is completed, tours of the home will be provided for those interested in learning more about significantly reducing their energy costs.
Issued: September 10, 2008
