For August, I'll be reporting on energy and what we've done at Telecomworx to trim our energy consumption and improve our energy efficiency.

For August, I'll be reporting on energy and what we've done at Telecomworx to trim our energy consumption and improve our energy efficiency.First, I'll address some of the skeptics' concerns that we're selling snake oil, and I'll affirm what the experts have already proven about Power Factor Correction. Then, I'll head to the easiest thing for anyone to do and that is change a light bulb. You may discover me at the next VoiceCon panhandling for renewable funds to pay for future renewable energy (RE) projects, because the light bulbs we are using cost 80 bucks apiece. Then, I'm going to discuss Building Your Own Power Plant, and immediately afterwards I'll dive into Preparing For Alternative Energy (AE) if you haven't already.

The last half of 2007, I spent a great deal of time investigating further what I am now reporting on and with a budget snafu along the way. The first half of 2008, we've been hard at work constructing our new offices and implementing what I'm reporting on above.

What you won't find, other than what I've previously written about, are solutions to reduce your closet or IT/telecom power consumption. Sub-Watt IP phones are being manufactured and sold in China, just not here in the U.S.A. The Chinese manufacturers are also offering IP telephones with a single NIC, not two, as I've harped about for years. How much power does an IP phone with just one NIC require vs two NICs? I don't know. The point is that IPT is developing slowly (comparatively) with GREEN energy solutions. Later in the year, I will also report on some technology changes and advancements used or planned for use to help IT knock down the energy loads.

We've taken a holistic roadmap towards energy. Much larger companies are already in motion and have completed their initial adoption of alternative energy/renewable energy (AE/RE). We have more than halved our utility consumption from 2001 to present and did it faster than we expected. The journey wasn't easy, it wasn't cheap and it wasn't short. In fact if anything, it's ongoing and seemingly a never-ending puzzle. My ventures are comparatively miniscule to those in large enterprises like Costco. While they (Costco) already knew their sales/earnings were dropping, they forged ahead anyway with the AE/RE project. One of the key reasons cited for their earnings drop is increased energy prices. In spite of this, Costco did not increase their prices. Energy today has a heightened awareness and this means all resources within a company must collaborate to green their companies in a holistic manner. I don't believe the solution is in the closet or the data center. Instead, the practice of efficiency and conservation in all areas will have a bigger and more immediate impact.

In what probably sounds like a repeating song: efficiency and conservation, they should be your first choice efforts before you take on building your own power plant. All over the U.S.A., people are talking about the rising costs of fuel and food, and anything which is related to fuel, and that just about includes everything. People are feeling more than just a pinch. Market forces and pressures such as what we all are feeling, with energy often the catalyst for change. Witness firsthand the airlines in their struggle to earn a buck.

I also believe that an opportunity to exploit AE/RE has never been greater than now. OPEC's cartel of eight have positioned themselves to not invest and increase oil production since, as they've noted: Americans are using less oil instead focusing on conservation and efficiency. My buddy Eric has told me this whole area of energy is political and boy is it ever. Maybe by now, you've seen and heard T. Boone Pickens on television and his vision for keeping American wealth within America. Basic economics agrees with him while the folks on Capitol Hill may not; but still the same old themes continue to emerge: Why do we need to do these things when we will never run out of oil; I don't care what energy costs are, I'll still drive my Hummer or SUV; We can tap the coast and Alaska for oil; More research is needed; and many other arguments. To those I say, times have changed. Pickens testified at a Homeland Security Senate meeting and argues that his plan will reduce oil imports by one-third in 10 years. There are other arguments in and around energy but more than ever, people are discussing energy and coming to grips with making changes.

Environmentalism and movements to preserve, protect and conserve are stronger than what we've ever seen before. Technology surrounding AE/RE is rapid and investments are high, as are the stakes being made in this exciting field. Make no mistake, money is being used to fuel the surge of the "green" movement, and money is being made on behalf of those selling "green" products and services.

Still, even after considering all this, it comes down to a basic premise. The businesses' business, is the business of making money. Money is still the primary language that we all need to engage and understand to get things done. For those wanting to keep the fires lit and the lights on, the challenges are great and whether my found solutions or those of others may or may not fit the same for you, still remain to be discovered. We all have a common goal and that is to keep our wares up and running around the clock with minimal disruption. The juice or energy resources we use and how we use them will dictate our future success and sustainability. Keeping the doors open will mean keeping our gear up, packets flowing and cool enough to keep in businesses in motion. The trick with energy is cost and then there's that exertion known as the energy straightjacket.

Beyond conservation and efficiency is a new realm of being your power company, at least in part. Just like in IPT, there is no one best solution in energy. In the months and years ahead it will be interesting to witness the relevancy and impact of telecommunications for businesses and consumers alike. Opportunity? More than I can imagine, at least that's what I see, and I remain optimistic that my company won't be running in the dark and still hopefully, manage to operate in the black.