GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SOURCES: ENERGY

LOCAL:

Cooperative Extension Service (Cooperative Extension Service Centers are located in each county and at the Cherokee Reservation): Most county Cooperative Extension Service Centers have staff who provide technical assistance on energy conservation and can refer you to other resources. Many counties distribute publications on conserving energy and building for efficiency.

STATE:

N.C. Department of Commerce - Energy Division (Dobbs Bldg., 430 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh 27603-5900; 800/662-7131 or 919/733-2230): Houses data on energy consumption, demand, and conservation. Conducts seminars and workshops; administers federal energy programs related to conservation and renewable resources, and distributes a variety of publications. Makes policy recommendations to the state legislature.

Publishes an annual report with data and explanatory text (most information is not broken down by county). Individual programs described inside can be contacted for further information. Annually publishes North Carolina State Energy Policy, a com pilation of policy recommendations made to the state legislature. Distributes several instructional booklets including: Car Care Manual: A Reference Guide to Car Maintenance and Energy Efficiency on North Carolina Highways; Home Energy Conserv ation Recommendations for Existing Homes; Moisture and Home Energy Conservation; and Using the Earth to Heat and Cool Homes. Publication list available.

N.C. Office of State Planning - State Data Center (116 W. Jones St., Raleigh 27603-8003; 919/733-4131): Published Statistical Abstract of North Carolina Counties (1991), a collection of tables and figures, many of which are broken down by c ounty. The book includes a small "Energy and Utilities" section with data on types of heating equipment and fuel used in housing units. Available in many libraries. The data (current and historical) is now available on LINC (Log Into North Carolina), a n online database operated by the State Data Center.

Utilities Commission (P.O. Box 29510, Raleigh 27626-0510; 919/733-7680): Regulates utilities including electric and natural gas utilities. Makes policy suggestions to the General Assembly. Provides some information by phone and mail on N.C. ener gy use, policies, and regulations. Annually publishes North Carolina Utilities Commission's Report: Statistical and Analytical Data, with statewide data; and North Carolina Public Utility Laws and Regulations, which details current laws an d regulations.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA SYSTEM:

N.C. A and T University Center for Energy Research and Training and Garrett House Residential Test Facility (The Center: McNair Hall, N.C. A and T University, Greensboro 27411; 910/334-7500. The House: c/o Dr. Carolyn S. Turner, Housing Research , Moore Research Facility, N.C. A and T University, Greensboro 27411; 910/334-7692): The Center conducts energy training and research on architecture and housing, energy and waste storage, fuels and combustion, power, and thermal energy and fluids. Holds seminars and workshops. Operates a library and has online access to the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Database. Serves students, researchers, and the community.

Garrett House is used for instruction and research on energy conservation techniq ues, heating and cooling equipment performance, thermal comfort, user interaction with systems, and solar applications for existing structures.

N.C. State University Solar House and Center (Box 7401, Raleigh 27695-7401. The House: 800/33-NC SUN or 919/515-3799. The Center: 919/515-3480): A solar house on campus grounds sponsored by the N.C. Energy Division and NCSU. Provides technica l assistance and publications on utilizing solar energy, including fact sheets and assorted solar home designs. The Solar Design Assistance program provides free advice on options for utilizing solar energy and conservation techniques in new or existing designs. Offers tours, lectures, and workshops. Houses a database of architects, contractors, and dealers who specialize in solar projects. The reference library contains books, reports, and periodicals on solar and renewable energy; and the media cent er contains videotapes, many of which can be loaned out to schools. Publication and videotape lists are available.

Western Carolina University Center for Improving Mountain Living (Bird Bldg., Cullowhee 28723; 704/227-7492): Provides research, technical assistance, and education to western N.C. on energy use and other topics.



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