One of the Obama administrations top priorities is energy.  Beyond the priority of energy is the administration’s focus on conservation and green energy.  When you are able to conserve energy in a less costly and polluting way than doing nothing, simple logic and thriftyness would cry out to do so.  Fortunately the US governement offers tax credits and as part of the recent recovery act, federal grants to retrofit schools, goverment building and homes of the poorest to do just that. 

In Allegheny county PA, home to Pittsburgh, the county expects to spend an $8.1 million federal grant on energy effienciency and getting that information out to the citizenry.  A recent project at the Allegheny county jail spent $950,000 to replace 805 lights with new LED fixtures.  LEDs, which can last over 20 years use as little as of 1/10 the power of incandescent bulbs.  The county expects to save about $180,000 on electric fees each year, paying the project back in 6 years, roughly a 12% return on investment.

How many county jails, hospitals, offices, etc. can make these switches, eventually every single one.  Until pricing comes down, by about 75%, homeowners and landlords won’t be able to afford to make the move.