Bethesda Lutheran Church Receives Smart Energy Rebate

Bethesda Lutheran Church Receives
Smart Energy Rebate

AMES, Iowa – Bethesda Lutheran Church is the recipient of a $70,560 Smart Energy rebate from Ames Electric Services and is the newest member of Mayor Ann Campbell’s “Green Team.” The church received a rebate check and recognition on Wednesday for its energy-saving installation of a geothermal system.

Located at 1517 Northwestern Ave., Bethesda Lutheran Church’s new geothermal system is estimated to save 120,000 kilowatt hours of energy per year and reduce electric demand by 62 kilowatts. This will save the customer approximately $12,480 annually. Estimated future avoided cost for City of Ames Electric Services is estimated to be $85,000. The new geothermal system will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 98 tons annually. This energy-efficient installation qualified Bethesda Lutheran for a rebate of $70,560.

The Smart Energy Rebate offers Ames Electric Services customers an incentive to explore energy-efficient changes. The rebate pays a portion of the cost of improving efficiency, and recipients more quickly realize a return on their investment.

“Bethesda Lutheran Church has set a new standard of energy and environmental stewardship with the installation of a high-efficiency geothermal heating and cooling system. The church’s choice of a geothermal system will not only save energy and reduce

-more-

Smart Energy, P. 2

the demand for electricity, but will improve the overall comfort for those utilizing the facility,” said Steve Wilson, Electric Services Coordinator for the City of Ames. “By keeping demand for electricity low, especially during times of peak usage, we reduce our need to produce or purchase additional electricity. Bethesda Lutheran Church has joined Ames Electric Services in partnering to protect and promote a more sustainable Ames.”

Mayor Campbell praised Bethesda’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. She presented the church with the “Mayor’s Green Team Award” for its progress. In 2007, Campbell joined mayors from across the country in signing the U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement, and the Ames City Council has made it a goal to reduce the carbon footprint on City buildings, vehicles, and streetlights by 15 percent by 2014. The Mayor’s Green Team Award honors business and industrial electric customers who initiate energy-saving improvements through the Smart Energy program.

Smart Energy is Ames Electric Services’ demand-side management program, which provides educational opportunities, incentives and rebates to help residential and commercial customers decrease their energy consumption. Reducing electricity use results in lower bills, improved electric system reliability, lower rates, and helps support a cleaner environment.

# # #