2. Overview
➲ What is a ZED?
It is a place where residents and
businesses aim to produce as much energy
as they use.
➲ A Zero Energy District can be:
1. A specific geographic area.
2. A virtual “district” in which anyone can
participate.

3. Long-term goal
➲ To make Asheville energy-independent
To keep more money in your pocket
➲ AMAZED aims to educate people about
affordable energy solutions, to
encourage you to take action today,
and to make bigger steps tomorrow.

4. The Present Situation
➲ Today Asheville derives most of its
electricity from the coal-fired power plant at
Lake Julian.
➲ This requires train-loads of coal blasted
from mountaintops in Kentucky.
➲ It pours pollution into our air.
➲ It sends your dollars to
Duke Energy/Progress and Peabody Coal.

5. Progress so far ...
➲ The City of Asheville has been reducing
City energy use by 4% per year since 2007!
➲ Asheville residents have cut their water use
significantly in recent years!
➲ Asheville residents are recycling
champions!
➲ Ashevillians have the highest per capita
ownership of hybrid cars in NC!
➲ Are we ready to take the next step?

6. Potential Alternatives
➲ Teach AMAZED participants 3 simple things
they can do today to save money.
➲ Create short classes to teach AMAZED
participants the next three steps, and
encourage them to share those ideas.
➲ Create a competition between
neighborhoods: who can save the most
energy?
➲ Help establish funding streams for more
ambitious retrofit and solar projects.

7. Has it worked elsewhere? Yes!
➲ Fort Collins, Colorado established FortZED
in 2011.
➲ More than 7,000 customers participate—
residential and commercial.
➲ Reduced peak demand by 20-30%.
➲ Expanding to include thermal energy and
transportation .
➲ New Belgium Brewery produces over half
the electricity it uses during peak solar
hours.

8. Learn More: May 30, 4-6 p.m.
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Ctr.

9. Preliminary Participants
Asheville Green Opportunities
Asheville Independent Restaurant Assoc.
Blue Ridge Sustainability Institute
EarthFare
EvolveEnergy
New Belgium Brewing
Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign
Smith Mill Creek Permaculture School
WNC Green Building Council

10. Three things you can do today.
➲ Unplug your microwave, stereo, TV and
other appliances when they aren't in use.
“Vampire” loads cost you $10-$30 per year.
➲ Never leave a TV or radio on when you
aren't home (or watching/listening). An
average TV costs you 20¢ per hour.
➲ Always do laundry with cold water – you'll
save 40¢ per load.
➲ BONUS: Join the Duke EnergyWise
Program save $75 per year!

11. Let's Go!