8 more Clean Energy Acronyms to know in 2022

1. ASHP – Air source heat pump

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an air-source heat pump can provide efficient heating and cooling for your home. When properly installed, an air-source heat pump can deliver up to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes. This is possible because a heat pump transfers heat rather than converting it from a fuel like combustion heating systems.

2. ARR – Applicable Retail Rate

Applicable Retail Rate means the usual customary retail rate charged by an operator to individual retail customers. In the energy world, this refers to the price per kilowatt hour for energy.

3. COU – Consumer owned utility

A consumer owned utility is one where the ratepayers own the utility rather than corporate shareholders. Electric co-ops in Minnesota supply approximately 22.9% of the state’s power and serve over 1.7 million consumers according to the Minnesota Rural Electric Association.

4. EFS – Efficient fuel switching

Fuel switching replaces inefficient fuels with cleaner and economical alternatives, such as substituting coal or kerosene for natural gas. Complimented by modern equipment upgrades, fuel switching is a simple approach to reducing energy consumption and costs for end-users, while also curbing carbon emissions.

5. EIA – Energy Information Administration

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating energy information to promote sound policymaking, efficient markets, and public understanding of energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment.

6. HVAC – Heating, ventilation & air conditioning

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning is the use of various technologies to control the temperature, humidity, and purity of the air in an enclosed space. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. Improving, installing and maintaining efficient HVAC systems is a large part of the energy efficiency jobs in the state.

7. SEER – Seasonal energy efficiency ratio

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is the ratio of the total heat removed from the conditioned space during the annual cooling season divided by the total electrical energy consumed by the air conditioner during the same season. The higher the unit’s SEER rating the more energy efficient it is.

8. WAP – Weatherization Assistance Program

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety. The program supports 8,500 jobs and provides weatherization services to approximately 35,000 homes every year using DOE funds.

Through weatherization improvements and upgrades, these households save on average $372 or more every year according to a national evaluation of the program. Since the program began in 1976, WAP has helped improve the lives of more than 7 million families through weatherization services.