Energy Division

A Division of the Kansas Corporation Commission, funded through the federal State Energy Program (SEP).

Useful Links

Listed below are links to external web sites hosting information on energy-related topics and issues. The links, organized by topic in alphabetical order, serve as a starting point for learning more, but are not intended to be an inclusive listing.

Biodiesel, Ethanol, & Alternative Fuels

NREL – Biomass Basics

NREL's web site has a range of information on biofuels and other alternative energy sources.

Biodiesel Fact Sheets

Fact sheets developed by the National Biodiesel Board, the national trade association representing the biodiesel industry.

Department of Energy–Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center

The Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC, formerly known as the Alternative Fuels Data Center) provides a wide range of information and resources to enable the use of alternative fuels (as defined by the Energy Policy Act of 1992). The site provides specific information about these alternative fuels: biodiesel, electricity, ethanol, hydrogen, natural gas, and propane, in addition to other petroleum reduction options such as advanced vehicles, fuel blends, idle reduction, and fuel economy.

Electricity

Department of Energy, Electric Power

This Department of Energy (DOE) web page provides links to a wealth of information on electric power—from traditional and alternative sources— and gives an overview of the multiple initiatives at DOE related to emissions reductions, transmission, reliability, and new technologies.

Information for Kids

Basic information on electricity, provided by the Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration, including an energy calculator.

Energy Conservation and Efficiency

Energy Star

A good resource for homeowners and businesses looking for more information about making energy efficient choices and building improvements. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to help U.S. citizens save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.

Building Technologies Program

Contains a wealth of information about new building technologies and practices and resources for designing, building, and operating commercial and residential buildings. Also includes links to Appliance & Commercial Equipment Standards.

Information for Kids

Basic information about energy conservation and efficiency and recycling, provided by the Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration.

Energy Savings Calculator

This web-based calculator, provided by the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, helps consumers identify ways to save energy in their homes.

ENERGYSAVERS.GOV

The site includes energy saving facts and tips based on the different seasons, including both quick, cost-effective, energy-saving solutions, as well as long-term strategies, to save on cooling/heating.

Environmental

EPA Information for Students

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides information for high school students on air quality, waste, water, conservation, ecosystems, health & safety, as well as links to additional resources.

CBO Environmental Publications

The Congressional Budget Office has numerous publications, white papers on environmental topics, ranging from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to effects of gasoline prices on driving behavior.

Fossil Fuels

Department of Energy, Fossil Fuels

This Department of Energy (DOE) web page provides links to a wealth of information on coal, oil, and natural gas—and provides links to DOE's Office of Fossil Energy and initiatives to develop clean fuels.

Information for Kids

Basic information on petroleum, natural gas, propane, coal, and uranium, provided by the Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration.

Government – Additional Resources

EERE – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

This office within the U.S. Department of Energy sponsors various initiatives to build awareness about energy efficiency and renewable energy topics.

NREL – National Renewable Energy Laboratory

NREL is a branch of the U.S. Department of Energy, whose mission is to develop renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices, advance related science and engineering, and transfer knowledge and technology.

EIA – Energy Information Administration

The EIA provides policy-neutral data, forecasts, and analyses on energy. Site includes Energy Basics 101 and overviews of energy topics for the general public.

Recovery.Gov

Overview of the programs and projects stemming from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Solar Energy

NREL – Solar Energy Basics

NREL's web site has a range of information on solar and other alternative energy sources.

Department of Energy, Solar Energy

This Department of Energy (DOE) web page provides a quick overview of solar energy and links to DOE's programs and initiatives.

Information for Kids – Solar

Basic information on energy from the sun, provided by the Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration. Includes information on photovoltaic and solar thermal.

Tax Incentives

Tax Incentives for Commercial Buildings

This Department of Energy web site has information about the tax deductions available for improving the energy efficiency of commercial buildings, as well as links to qualified software available for calculating these savings.

Consumer Energy Tax Incentives

Additional information from the Department of Energy about tax credits included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Tax Breaks for Businesses, Utilities, and Governments

Additional information from the Department of Energy about tax credits included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The Tax Incentives Assistant Project (TIAP)

The Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP), sponsored by a coalition of public interest nonprofit groups, government agencies, and other organizations in the energy efficiency field, is designed to give consumers and businesses information they need to make use of the federal income tax incentives for energy efficient products and technologies passed by Congress as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and subsequently amended several times.

State & Federal Incentives & Laws (Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles)

The Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center maintains a database of state and federal laws and incentives related to alternative fuels and vehicles, air quality, fuel efficiency, and other transportation-related topics. State-level information is updated annually after each state's legislative session ends. Click here for information on recent federal actions.

Transportation

Public Transit

Click on the links below to access information about local transit systems.

Public Transportation

This Kansas Department of Transportation site provides information on public transportation programs funded by the Federal Transit Administration and the State of Kansas.

Kansas Bicycle Guide

This Kansas Department of Transportation site provides a wide range of biking information, including city biking maps.

Rail and Freight Transportation

This Kansas Department of Transportation site provides information on Kansas railroads, including passenger rail.

Wind Energy

AWEA–American Wind Energy Association

This national trade association represents wind power project developers, equipment suppliers, services providers, parts manufacturers, utilities, researchers, and others involved in the wind industry - one of the world's fastest growing energy industries. In addition, AWEA represents hundreds of wind energy advocates from around the world. Their website provides information on new and existing wind energy projects, wind energy companies, technology development, and policy issues, as well as wind energy fact sheets.