Community Energy Plan

On November 20, 2012, Arlington made public its draft Comprehensive Plan Energy element, aka, the Draft Community Energy Plan (CEP), the accompanying Draft CEP Implementation Framework, and the CEP Community Engagement Plan.  In May 2013, second draft versions of the CEP and CEP Implementation Framework were released.  The documents will be brought to the County Board for action in June 2013.  Please email us any questions or comments on either the CEP or CEIF documents to energyplan@arlingtonva.us.  Comments received to date, with staff responses, can be found here.

Background

On January 1, 2010, the County Board announced that Arlington would expand its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by developing a Community Energy Plan (CEP).

The Community Energy Plan project will establish energy goals and strategies for the entire County. This project will ultimately result in an energy plan that addresses the places where we use energy in our community – in homes, shops, offices, public buildings and other institutions – and offer strategies to:

• Enhance Arlington’s economic competitiveness
• Ensure reliable and affordable energy supplies
• Demonstrate the County’s long-term commitment to environmental responsibility

Why should you care about Arlington’s Energy Future?

• Investments in energy efficiency are good business! The County’s AIRE investments are paid back, on average, in 5 years, with net savings each year thereafter.  Each dollar the County invests in energy efficiency projects returns about 20 cents per year in reduced operating costs.
• Development of locally generated energy (such as renewables) ensures consistent energy delivery that is more reliable and affordable.
• To protect the health and economic well-being of current and future generations, we must reduce our energy use and emissions of heat-trapping gases by using the technology, know-how, and practical solutions already at our disposal.

Arlington is creating this plan to maintain overall competitiveness in the world by responding to explosive and unprecedented growth in energy demand by reducing energy waste and costs, and by increasing the quality, flexibility and reliability of energy supplies.  Arlington’s energy use by sector includes:

• Residential 23%
• Non-Residential Buildings 53%
• Transportation 21%
• Other 3%

This transformative plan will have an impact on the energy you use where you live, work and play.  All residents, visitors, investors and employers will benefit from Arlington’s commitment to a competitive energy structure.

Let us know what you think!  Send a message to energyplan@arlingtonva.us.