GEO - Voice of the Geothermal Heat Pump Industry - Voice of the Geothermal Heat Pump Industry

GEO 2011 – The Year in Review

GEO marked 2011 with great successes as we expanded our presence in Washington, DC and beyond. Achievements include targeted legislative victories, publications in numerous publications, and GEO exhibits at a variety of conferences and trade shows.

Read more...

GeoExchange Directory

Directory of our member GeoExchange contractors, manufacturers , drilling contractors, ground loop installers, engineers, designers, distributors, architects, builders, utilities, training, financing, software and suppliers.

Find A Professional In Your Area

GEO Wins DOE Strategic Plan for GHPs and Increased Funding for EIA

In the waning session before the December holidays, Congress passed an Omnibus Appropriations Bill, HR 2055, which includes two important milestones achieved by GEO staff and its legislative action team. First is language added by House Energy and Water Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), Ranking Member Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-IN), and Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) that directs the U.S. Department of Energy to "develop a strategic plan to develop innovative geothermal heat pump technologies." The amendment directs DOE to report back to Congress on their progress within 180 days of enactment. Including all applicable responsibilities, the language specifies:

• Promotion of geothermal heat pump use in both residential and commercial applications;

• Advice to the DOE Assistant Secretary on policy matters that affect consumers and manufacturers of geothermal heat pumps; and,

• Receipt, analysis, collection and dissemination of publicly available data and information.

Second is Fiscal Year 2012 funding for the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), which was increased by ~$10 million over last year's budget. Presumably the money will enable the agency to resume its work on building efficiency and geothermal heat pump data collection, including ongoing analysis efforts. "With the DOE strategic plan amendment and improved EIA funding, GEO has made a significant impact for the industry," said President and CEO Doug Dougherty. "We extend our thanks to the growing number of champions for geothermal heat pumps in the House and the Senate."

President's Message - Why GEO Matters

The following editorial was taken from GEO President and CEO Doug Dougherty's Keynote Address on October 6, at the IGSHPA 2011 Technical Conference & Expo.

The Geothermal Exchange Organization matters because it represents the companies that are the backbone of the geothermal heat pump (GHP) industry in the United States. GEO is the political voice in the hallowed halls of Washington, DC for all of the individuals who work for those companies. Yes, we are advocates, but GEO is— and strives to be—much more than that.

GEO and the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) have complementary missions as associations. GEO is legally chartered as a trade association that can lobby public officials, while IGSHPA is designated an educational association. There is a natural partnership there that I know will grow stronger as we go forward together.

Read more...