About Us

I guess I should call this "About Me" since this is a solo project for now.

My name is Rick Allen and I've been involved in the energy field for quite some time now. I'm a "Certified Energy Specialist" and a "RCS" (Residential Conservation Service) certified  energy auditor for the state of Michigan. I currently work for a company that specializes in commercial and industrial energy efficient lighting upgrades and also administer a website that sells proven energy saving technology ( LED, compact fluorescent lighting etc. ) to the residential market.

Born and raised in Michigan, USA, in a small town just north of Detroit.

In my youth, I witnessed first hand the devastating effect on the Michigan economy due to the Oil embargo of 1973 - 1974. Gas prices increased over 400% and shortages and long lines at the gas pumps were on the evening news nightly.

It quickly became evident to me that we couldn't just take for granted that energy would always be cheep and available.

College courses in the subject of energy were nearly non-existent at the time, but The Michigan State University co-operative extension office in my area did put together a six week "Energy Specialist" program aimed at providing grass roots education through trained "Energy Specialists".  I completed the course which included doing an extra 100 hours of community service aimed at educating the public.

I also attended the local community college that had an associates program in Alternative Energy which was moderately useful, considering that the subject was so new there was very little to teach.

I began reading as many books on the subject as I could and picked up a lot of info a long the way.  Information that has brought me to my current work and allowed me to work as a sub contracted energy auditor for nearly every utility in the state of Michigan.  Over the years I'd done a lot of building modeling of residential, commercial and industrial facilities. And seen little accomplished by the way.

I guess what I'm trying to get across is this; I've been on both sides of the fence.  Worn the earth shoes, tie-dye and jeans as well as the dress shoes, suit and tie. I can see the benefit of both centralized and de-centralized energy. Low tech and high tech all have a place in the final solution.

With that in mind I've attempted to design a site that is a rather large tent.

Energy really does affect us all and it will take all of us to effect a solution.