This is part of the process that they must go through in order to raise the rates. Notification of all customers, holding public hearings (Manteo, September 1 at 7 p.m. at the Courthouse) to receive the testimony of public witness. I believe the translation of this is we will sit and listen to you for an hour or two if it will mean more money for us.

The main reason for the request for increase are changes in the cost of fuel.

To see the full letter click here Dominion Rate Increase Notification.

This will not be the last rate increase. Do something to increase your energy efficiency… whether increasing insulation, changing that leaky window, using more efficient appliances and making it a practice to conserve energy. Installing a renewable energy solution is a good long term investment against rising energy costs. Its time we all change our habits, so we won’t be using our money to fill Dominion’s Piggy bank.

you can visit this Windspire at the Botanical Gardens adjacent to Capitol Hill.

It goes on to suggest that our culture is partially to blame… for example, scrimping or being frugal is not culturally celebrated. As the nation with the fourth largest land mass at our disposal, we have not been predisposed to being conservationists with natural resources. Having said that, I think those of us that live here on the Outer and Inner Banks are far more aware of how our actions effect our environment.

I don’t necessary agree with all the opinions, but it is an interesting article to read and consider. Find it here at:

Why Green Has Such a Tough Time in America

But what’s really great is to see solar panels with an ocean backdrop. It just makes sense.

Solar pool heaters for the Outer Banks rental home market that you will be able to get more rentals… renters who book homes in the late spring and early fall often rent solely because they will have access to a heated pool. For most homes, booking one to two additional weeks pays for the entire cost of the system.

Our professional, turnkey installation is quick and easy. We are a long standing, local company who understand true customer service.

This solution has a great price point and it just makes sense… Call us at Waldt Renewables 252.491.2204 or email us for a quote!

Say hello to another wind turbine addition to the Outer Banks. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l03cBDCmhEM.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park just installed a Bergey 10kW Wind turbine behind the visitor center. She’s a beauty.

Waldt Construction worked with the local Bergey dealer, Jay Hart, to install this turbine. Stop by the park to check it out!

Starting today, June 1, you have a second chance at participating in the Energy Star Program… the list of products eligible for the rebate has grown to include Energy Star-rated central air conditioning systems, gas furnaces, air-source and ground-source heat pumps, and water heaters (gas storage, gas tankless, solar with electric backup and solar with gas backup). Also, as in the first phase of rebates, consumers can purchase Energy Star-rated refrigerators, freezers, clothes washing machines and dishwashers. Consumers must be replacing an old appliance to claim the rebate.

Let Waldt Renewables prepare your turn key solar hot water solution estimate today. Contact us at 252.491.2204 or renewables@waldt.com.

Funding is limited (of course) so move on this quickly. And for more information visit:

www.ncappliancerebate.com

(this makes solar hot water even more appealing!!!)

“This concept is really about making homes energy independent. In lots of instances there are homes that install renewable energy solutions with the idea of generating enough energy to offset their utility demand. But without deploying simple energy efficiency measures to cut the energy demand, renewable energy solutions, like solar or wind cannot be sized appropriately.”

“However, after an intense energy efficiency upgrade that significantly reduces energy consumption, it is possible to lower total energy demand and actually power the house or business with renewable energy solutions,” states Bridge.

At Waldt Construction and Renewables, we’ve had this concept on our radar for a while. Renewable energy solutions are often second following an “energy audit” and some minor repairs that may often cause energy consumption to drop by 20% or more. This makes sizing your solar or wind turbine solution really offer you a chance at energy independence from the utility company.

Waldt wants to work in partnership with you to make your renewable energy solution a success. Using clear and honest communication we will help you find the best options to be energy efficient and then energy maximum benefits from your renewable energy solutions. And the great news is… all of this is available for combined state and federal tax credits of up to 65%.

Call us today at 252.491.2204 or email us.

One interesting find from Bridge is a solar hot water pretreatment system and tankless hot water assist system. It replaces standard high energy use electric hot water heaters. Using the sun’s energy to keep the water hot most of the time and using the tankless assist for short term high demand times. Bridge’s comment: ” Great idea that has a great rate of return… ”

Keep in mind that solar hot water technology is eligible for all of the unprecendented State and Federal tax credits… up to 65% of the total INSTALLED costs. Renewable energy solar solutions like this one can really make financial sense for the average homeowner.

Waldt Construction and Renewables will be happy to provide a turn key quote for you to take advantage of this type of solar solution.

We have planted a butterfly garden under the Windspire!

Waldt Renewables, a division of Waldt Construction, is pleased to announce the installation of a Windspire ™ vertical axis wind turbine at its corporate offices located 8754 Caratoke Highway in Harbinger. The public is invited to attend a “launch” of the turbine on Friday, May 7, 2010 at 11 a.m.

The 2600 kWh anticipated annual energy production from this wind turbine will offset energy demand at the building at a potential cost savings of $234.00 annually. It will also allow Waldt to take commercial tax credits up to 65% from the state and federal government. 

“Waldt Construction has installed this wind turbine as a visible symbol of our commitment to renewable energy. We want to be on the cutting edge of the new economy for northeastern North Carolina,” states Bridge McDowell, Waldt Construction’s President. “By establishing Waldt Renewables as a line of business to serve renewable energy customers in the residential, commercial and institutional markets, we intend to grow as an educational resource and as a business.”

The Windspire is a 30 foot, vertical wind turbine whose blades are arranged as a cylinder around a central pole. This design allows the Windspire to maximize lower and turbulent wind for energy creation.  Its holistic design incorporates an inverter so that the energy harvested is converted within to AC power within the unit, lowering equipment and ongoing maintenance costs. Data from the inverter about energy production is sent via wifi so that system owners can see benefits. Similar to solar systems, generating wind energy is scalable with the installation of several turbines together, creating a wind garden effect. And, especially valuable in this high wind environment, the Windspire can be tipped down and secured rather rapidly before a high wind event.

“The Windspire vertical axis wind turbine is the best of all worlds for residential and commercial customers, because of its robust and unique design,” continues Mr. McDowell. “This fits a perfect niche and is acceptable under most small wind ordinances.”

Its so quiet underneath...

Waldt is the regional dealer for the Windspire wind turbine. Waldt Renewables is ready to provide the latest and most efficient alternative energy options for residential, commercial or institutional projects. For more information, call Claiborne at 252.491.2204 or email renewables@waldt.com.