With energy rates rising,

With energy rates rising,

what are my alternatives?

By Monica Worth

Special to the Rappahannock New*

Allegheny Power recently announced its intention to raise rates 16 percent this year, with additional increases expected over the next three years. Dominion Power seeks to claim more private land and increase the size of its towers to move power throughout a multi-state area. The price at the pump continues to rise, along with the cost to heat and cool a home. It’s no wonder people throughout the region are asking: what are the alternatives?

Enter The 2007 Piedmont Alternative Energy Expo this coming Saturday, June 2, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at the Fhuquier County Fairgrounds in Warrenton. Experts will be cm hand to help those in Rappahannock County and surrounding areas find the answers that work best for their particular homes and businesses.

Featured technologies for this year’s Expo includeenergy-efficient appliances, as well as heating and cooling options «nrh ^ geothermal systems, high velocity duct systems, tankless water heaters, radiant systems, and alternative fuel boilers. Other innovations highlight solar, wind, and biofuels solutions. Across many of the featured technologies is an emphasis on green building; energy conservation, and sustainability

New exhibitors indude companies offering water and air purification systems; conservation-minded tools for responsible forest management; timber frame construction, furniture, cabinetry and design using environmentally-friendly materials; a variety of alternative fuel systems; alternative buildings; and alternative energy consulting services.

Lining up to return for a second year are vendors who specialize inheating and cooling systems; solar and zero energy homes; green oak timber frame construction; straw bale construction; living earth roofs and healthful environmental control systems; biofuels^mall-scale power plants fueled with biomass, animal manure, wood wastes, and trash; a subsoil brick mannfgrHrrmg and construction system; and solar design and installation services, among others.

Visitors to the inaugural Expo, in 2006, particularly enjoyed the chance to talk to experts about their individual needs and applications. Those considering changes in their household or office, but still learning the ropes, will find help from several non-profit organizations offering information on energy use strategies.

“Alternative energy isn’t necessarily about ‘going off the grid,’ ” says Paul Fanner, President of the Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection, which initiated the popular event last year. “It’s about solving pieces of the everyday energy puzzle with products and systems that grow more convenient and consumerfriendly with each passing year. That said, we also offer a range of options that can contribute to zero dependence cm electric power utilities."

The 2007 Piedmont Alternative Energy Expo is sponsored by the Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection (RLEP), the Riptide Fund of the Boston Foundation, Bartlett Tree Experts, The Gay Street Inn, AmeriGas, Perry Environmental Consulting, Inc., Real Estate III, Jeff Smith, Paul R. Fanner, and Alexia Morrison. RLEP is a 35-year old membership organization dedicated to preserving the natural resources and rural rhamMor Qf Rappahannock County, Virginia.

For more information and directions to the Expo, visit www.rlep.org.Expo hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children and students.