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Sierra Club Energy Forum Albert Nunez, Takoma Park, MD: Here in Takoma Park, Maryland we are exploring the feasibility of municipalizing our local power-distribution system as a vehicle to reduce our total greenhouse gas emissions. Once we have control over our electrical system we will be able to initiate demand-side management programs citywide and also negotiate and enter into green energy purchasing programs for the city's residential and commercial customers. We are also hoping to be able to actually offer long-term low-interest financing for energy efficiency upgrades using municipal bonds. Other programs being explored include using the municipal water system as a thermal transport conduit for deploying water source heat-pump technologies. The existing water distribution system is thus fulfilling a dual function: The local water authority makes money by selling the water BTU carrying capacity and then selling the same water for potable use. The only difference is that at the time of the second sale the water is a little bit warmer or cooler that it would be otherwise. Choose another topic Energy Forum main | Make your own energy movie | More in Sierra magazine Up to Top