About CHP

About USCHPA

Combined heat and power (CHP) technologies produce both electricity and steam from a single fuel at a facility located near the consumer. These efficient systems recover heat that normally would be wasted in an electricity generator, and save the fuel that would otherwise be used to produce heat or steam in a separate unit.  Currently supplying twelve percent (12%) of U.S. generating capacity, CHP systems can reach efficiencies above eighty percent (80%). 

There is approximately 82 GW of CHP installed in the U.S.  Industry estimates indicate the technical potential for additional CHP at existing sites in the U.S. is approximately 130 GW, plus an additional 10 GW of waste heat recovery CHP.  This represents heat and power generating capacity that is readily available, provided policies are established to support further CHP deployment.

Key benefits of CHP:
- reduced fossil fuel use
- reduced emissions of regulated air pollutants and greenhouse gases
- increased grid security and power reliability
- reduced grid congestion and transmission and distribution losses

USCHPA’s mission is to increase deployment of combined heat and power systems in the U.S. in the industrial, commercial/institutional and residential sectors.  Operating under the principle that “all CHP is good”, USCHPA provides superior advocacy, networking, education, and market information to companies in the business of CHP and works to develop sound clean energy policy and marketplace solutions that support investment in combined heat and power.

USCHPA documents the benefits of combined heat and power to the public and to decision-makers.  We sponsor conferences and workshops and prepare reports to educate the public about CHP. What is more, we create opportunities for our members to network with each other, and with key government officials, to promote greater understanding of the benefits of CHP and to ensure a strong foundation for the industry.

RESOURCES...

April/May 2012

February/March 2012

USCHPA Comments re Massachusetts Senate Bill 2214; Rep. DeLeo; Reps. Keenan and Dempsey - May 2012 

USCHPA Chairman's Testimony OH SB 315 - April 2012

USCHPA Intervention: Energy Spectrum Complaint / NYISO - April 2012

USCHPA Legislative Summaries / Positions - April 2012

USCHPA Comments re Federal Facility GHG Reporting - April 2012

USCHPA comments on TX Permit By Rule - April 2012

Natural Gas Industry FY 2013 Appropriations Request - House and Senate - April 2012

USCHPA Motion to Intervene -  Solar Industry SGIP Petition to FERC - March 2012 

CHP Industry 2013 DOE Funding Request - March 2012 

USCHPA et al Comments Re Army Energy Procurement - March 2012 

EE Coalition Support Letter for the Bass Matheson Bill - March 2012

Letter to Sen. Bingaman in Support of CES and Official USCHPA Press Release - March 2012 

USCHPA Boiler MACT Comments:  Major Sources / Area Sources  - February 2012 

USCHPA Letter to Rep. Bass in support of "Smart Energy Act"  H.R. 4017 - February 2012 

USCHPA Calls for Advancement of Rep. Bass' bill (Press Release) - February 2012 

USCHPA Comments Re:  Information Collection Request from EPA's GPP and CHPP - February 2012