District Energy - 2007 Fourth Quarter

important that industry participants, particularly constituents of the conference committee members, put aside personal preferences and cheer for the industry overall.

It’s Time to Come Together

Now that we are in the playoffs and the energy bill is in play, rather than focus on individual stats or batting averages, now is the time for the IDEA community to emerge as a team and advocate for these legislative provisions. Why?

1. Because there are enormous quantities of energy currently wasted that could be recycled for heating and cooling through district energy systems, and district energy systems are a key infrastructure investment to tap local energy sources.

2. By harvesting recycled heat or using more renewable sources, district energy systems can contribute greatly to national goals such as increasing fuel flexibility, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and increasing power grid reliability.

3. District energy investments are capital-intensive, and many public entities will need investment support from these policies to stimulate broader market penetration.

4. Ultimately, it is likely the U.S. will develop a carbon policy that will reward fuel efficiency. District energy systems can position communities to capture greater economic benefits from a cap-and-trade market for carbon. In the final analysis, positive policies

During this playoff season, it is
very important that you step up
to the plate for the industry.

for the industry stimulate investment and growth, and growing the market for district energy serves the interests of the whole IDEA community.

So, during this playoff season, whether you, your company or your institution see a direct benefit of an ITC or the revolving fund, if you are located in the congressional district of a key energy committee member, it is very important that you step up to the plate for the industry. We need every constituent to think and act as a member of the industry team when called to bat. You might be asked to contact your legislators to seek their support for the revolving fund legislation, even

though it isn’t a clear winner for you or your organization. Given the lineup of conferees, you might be the best person to make the call in support of the CHP ITC.

In making the call to your senator or representative, it might feel like you are hitting a sacrifice fly or laying down a bunt for the team. We won’t ask anyone to break the rules, take steroids or get hit by a fastball to get on base, but advancing to the next round may demand commitment to winning as a team. Although you might have made an out, if the run crosses the plate, we will all benefit from the score. Just like the Red Sox, you can’t take it for granted when you might make it back to the World Series.