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January 2007 | Home · Event Calendar · Getting Here · Contact Us | ||||
Upcoming EventsA/C Program Training for HVAC Contractors Tubular Skylighting Measurement & Evaluation Workshop View a complete calendar of upcoming events. News BitsCalifornia electricity customers could collect $1.4 billion or more in refunds or credits following a Federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision contending that energy prices were based on rigged market rates during the state’s energy crisis in 2001. The court ruled that federal regulators must review and consider cutting the cost of billions of dollars in power contracts between the state and utilities. In its decision, the appellate court said that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission relied on an incorrect legal standard when complaints were filed about the energy contracts. In 2003, federal regulators said they could not revise power contracts based on market prices at the time the deals were made. The European Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is warning that climate change is threatening Europe’s skiing trade in the Alps. This year was the warmest November on record delaying snow and skiing for several weeks. Tourism and skiing are key contributors to the economy of France, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Germany. The OECD analysis is the first regional study of the ski areas in the Alps. It warns that climate change is a serious risk to the reliability of snow in the Alpine ski areas, and consequently to the economies dependent on winter tourism. The Alps are sensitive to climate change. Recent warming has been roughly 3 times the global average. Ski operators are adapting to shorter winter seasons. Artificial snow may be cost effective for ski operators but consumes a lot of water and energy and affects the landscape and ecology. In the future, snow-making costs will increase considerably as temperatures warm. Making snow will no longer be a viable option if temperatures increase above a certain threshold. For more information go to www.oecd.org/env/cc/alps.
Tech TipThe HVAC Compressor is the primary driver of the refrigeration cycle in air conditioners and heat pumps, and is available in dynamic (e.g. centrifugal or axial) or positive displacement (e.g. reciprocating, screw and scroll) configurations. A typical vapor-compression cycle has four mechanical components that circulate refrigerant in a closed loop: a compressor, condenser, metering device, and evaporator. The function of the compressor is to compress the refrigerant from a low-pressure vapor to high-pressure vapor as part of the refrigeration cycle. This is designed to remove heat from where it is not wanted (e.g., inside the building in warmer periods) to the outside, which is analogous to the refrigerator in your home. For heat pumps which cool as well as heat, the refrigeration cycle can be reversed to extract heat from the outside air (there’s thermal energy even in cold air) and pump it inside via the compressor to warm the space. The efficiency of a compressor is usually expressed as a coefficient of performance (COP) which looks at its capacity vs. input power, and comprises a large part of the overall HVAC unit’s efficiency which is usually expressed as SEER, EER, HSPF, IPLV, COP, kW per ton, etc. The manufacturer usually selects the most efficient compressor appropriate for the size (in BTU/hr) and refrigeration duty of the unit. However, in some cases the specifier can request alternate compressor options that are more efficient than the standard offering. The first method of achieving energy savings from compressors in an HVAC system is to optimize capacity control vs. what the actual space loads are. The ability for the system to operate at part-load conditions (which occur most of the time) via staging multiple compressors in one unit, and through the use of variable speed motor drives on larger units minimizes motor input power. Variable speed drives are best because they can operate in direct proportion to the loads and take advantage of the affinity law which states that the horsepower of the motor varies with the cube of the motor speed (e.g. at 50% speed the motor requires just 12.5% of the full speed horsepower rating). Larger systems such as chillers modulate capacity and refrigerant gas flow through the use of unloaders or valve-operated cylinders, inlet guide vanes, and in some cases hot-gas bypass—however, this last option reduces capacity without reducing energy consumption and is not recommended. The second method is to choose the most efficient drive motor possible, taking advantage of the fact that operating costs of the motor greatly outweigh the motor’s cost over time.
Quotables““We do what makes sense. We want to be on the leading edge, but I don’t want to be on the bloody edge. So we really look at what things are going to reduce energy consumption, have reasonable paybacks, or provide a greener environment for patients and caregivers.” —Susan Lipka,
Speak OutEnergy Connection is a monthly publication of the San Diego Regional Energy Office. We welcome your feedback and would like to hear from you. To submit comments, questions or suggestions, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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A Note from 
2006 SANDEE Awards
No Compromise SUV Saves Green - Ford Gets it Right| Inside the San Diego Energy Resource Center |
Featured Display
Featured Instrument
Featured Book
Featured PeriodicalGovernment Technology is published monthly by Government Technology and targets state and local government. It has a host of resources about government technology and practices and features articles and stories on homeland security, internet trends, and emerging technologies. Featured DVD
NOTE: Books, periodicals and DVDs can also be checked out free of charge. Please call toll-free: 1-866-SDENERGY for more information. - TOP - |
Name: Hotel Bathroom Smart Fixture
Name: HOBO U9-001 State Data Logger
The Solar Economy, written by Hermann Scheer and published by Earthscan, lays out the blueprints for solar as an alternative to fossil fuels, showing how the political, economic and technological challenges can be met using indigenous, renewable and universally available resources, and the enormous opportunities and benefits that will flow from doing so. Scheer writes that substituting renewable resources for fossil resources will take a new industrial revolution to avert the worst of the damage and establish a new international order.
Name: Chicago: Edens Lost & Found
| Energy Policies, Regulations & Legislative Updates |
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On December 14, the CPUC Commissioners voted to approve President Peevey’s Proposed Decision conforming the CPUC’s California Solar Initiative to Senate Bill 1 ( SB 1). Specifically, this decision addresses the requirements of SB 1 and modifies the CPUC’s earlier CSI decisions to clarify the maximum project size that can receive incentives, phase in performance-based incentives more quickly, and establish time-of-use tariff and interim energy efficiency requirements. In addition, the CPUC modifies earlier CSI decisions to clarify that it will no longer collect revenues from natural gas ratepayers to fund CSI. The CPUC’s CSI budget allocations and megawatt ( MW) goals are also modified in this decision to match the CSI budget specified in SB 1. Finally, this decision specifies that solar technologies other than photovoltaic ( PV) may receive incentives through CSI, but only if they displace electric usage. It also authorizes a $3 million budget for SDREO’s Solar Water Heating Pilot. On December 6, President Peevey released his Proposed Decision to resolve the subsidy and measurement issues raised in Decision 05-05-011 and Rulemaking 06-03-004 for renewable Distributed Generation facilities. The Proposed Decision concludes that owners of solar and other renewable DG facilities will own 100 percent of the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) produced by their facilities. The CPUC wil vote on this proposed decision on January 11. On January 1, the CSI EPBB calculation tool was posted to www.csi-epbb.com. A final reference location for the CSI Expected Performance Based Buydown ( EPBB—the method in which smaller installations will be incentivized) calculation tool was selected. The reference location is in San Jose, California, at zip code 95135, and was optimally designed to maximize annual output. New Solar Homes Partnership On December 15, the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (established as part of the NSHP) met to discuss and comment on recommendations for affordable housing program design. At this meeting, members and participants exchanged ideas on recommendations drafted by the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee’s program design subcommittee. Note: Administration of the NSHP incentives changed on January 1. Please visit the NSHP website for updated information on where to apply. Sunrise Powerlink Transmission Project (A.06-08-010) Long-Term Procurement Plan (LTPP—R.06-02-013) Per the ALJ’s November 17 ruling, additional energy auction proposals were due December 12. An energy auction workshop was held on December 18, and another will be held on January 10; post-workshop comments on energy auction proposals are due January 26, and replies are due February 7. Direct Access: On December 6, nearly 200 businesses, energy services and public-sector representatives filed a petition to have the CPUC institute a rulemaking and investigation into how the Direct Access (DA) market can be reopened in California. The petitioners contend that the CPUC suspended DA in September 2001 as a temporary measure to help California weather the 2000-2001 electricity crisis. They maintain that the crisis is now well behind us and the purposes for which DA was suspended have either been served, addressed through other means, or are no longer pertinent. CPUC President Peevey is supportive of this measure. Legislative AB 6 (Houston) was introduced on December 4. The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 ( AB 32 in the 2005-2006 legislative session) requires the State Air Resources Board to adopt a statewide greenhouse gas emissions limit equivalent to the statewide greenhouse gas emissions levels in 1990 to be achieved by 2020. The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 authorizes the state board to adopt market-based compliance mechanisms. Rather than authorizing, AB 6 would require the state board to adopt market-based compliance mechanisms. AB 35 (Ruskin) was introduced on December 4. It would enact the Sustainable Building Act of 2007 and require the California Integrated Waste Management Board, by July 1, 2009, to adopt regulations for sustainable building standards for the construction or renovation of state buildings. Sustainable building practices utilize energy, water, and materials efficiently throughout the building's life cycle. This substantially reduces the costs and environmental impacts associated with long-term building operations without compromising building performance or the needs of future generations. AB 89 (Garcia) was introduced on December 14. It would require the Secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing, by January 1, 2010, to prepare and provide to the legislature a study on the infrastructure development along the border between California and Mexico and any need for alternative financing mechanisms suited to the challenges of the border region. The population along the Mexican border is expected to double by the year 2020. This growth will lead to escalating infrastructure deficits for border communities, including, but not limited to: highway, airport and port facilities, railway, and environmental, water, and energy needs. AJR 3 (Dymally) was introduced on December 4. The primary federal program assisting low income families with their energy costs is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides support both for family utility bill payments and increased energy efficiency through home weatherization programs. Expenditure for LIHEAP is authorized in the amount of $5.1 billion in the federal budget, of which only $2.2 billion has been appropriated by the Congress for the 2007-08 fiscal year. AJR 3 would call on the President and Congress to increase the federal budget authorization for LIHEAP to $7 billion for the 2007-08 fiscal year and appropriate that entire amount for distribution to the states.
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Global Warming: You can Change the Forecast (cont.)
There is clear and convincing scientific evidence that these fossil fuel emissions are creating a rise in global temperatures, polluting our air, melting glaciers, threatening key habitat, affecting our water supply and eroding our overall quality of life. Think about it: The more carbon-emitting fossil fuels we burn, the more pollutants we generate. Is this what we want for ourselves and our children’s future?
Together, we can turn the tide of this disturbing trend. To help, the San Diego Foundation, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the San Diego Regional Energy Office have launched Climate Smart, a public-private initiative designed to deepen community awareness about adverse climate change effects while working with government, businesses and individuals to identify how they can help slow the effects of global warming.
At the individual level, there are many ways to be a part of the solution. Read on for 10 simple steps you can take to help slow global warming in your community. Then, if you would, resolve this New Year to add an additional two steps to this list: 1) Act on what you read, and 2) Tell a friend.
By adopting more efficient energy habits, you can help eliminate our dependence on oil and gas, reduce carbon emissions, preserve the integrity of California’s vast environmental resources, create more predictable energy bills and reduce our overall energy costs.
California is home to one in every eight Americans, but our collective power is only as substantial as that of its individuals. Working together, we can make a difference.
10 Simple Steps to Help Slow Global Warming
Greenhouse gas emissions and the effects of climate change are worldwide problems that cannot be solved by government alone. We must all work together on this issue.
While government, business, and technology can help forge the path to a clean energy future, individuals must also act. Personal choices can make a significant difference. If all San Diegans took the steps below, we could reduce our carbon dioxide emissions by nearly nine million tons!
- Turn off unnecessary lights and unplug unused electronic devices. You can save hundreds of pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year.
- Buy energy efficient light bulbs. Replace 3 frequently used light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs and save 300 lbs. of CO2 per year.
- Drive less. Cars account for over 40 percent of our region’s greenhouse gas emissions. Leaving your car at home just two days a week will reduce your CO2 emissions by 1,590 lbs. per year. If you must drive, check your car’s tire pressure and air filter monthly. Properly inflated tires save gas and 250 lbs. of CO2 per year, and a clean air filter can reduce your CO2 output by 800 lbs. per year.
- Conserve water. Because transporting and treating water comprises about 10 percent of California’s energy annually, using water more efficiently also means using less energy. You can save hundreds of pounds of CO2 just by using water wisely.
- Plant more shade trees. Over its lifetime, a typical tree in our region absorbs 780 lbs. of CO2.
- Recycle paper, glass and metal. By recycling half the waste you generate at home and using recycled products, you can keep 2,400 lbs. of CO2 out of the atmosphere each year.
- Use energy from renewable sources. This month SDREO has launched the California Solar Initiative ( CSI) rebate program, with tens of millions of dollars available annually for rebates to consumers who install solar-power or wind-power sources.
- Wash your clothes in cold water. About 90 percent of the energy used to wash your clothes is used to heat the water! There are new detergents specially designed for cold water washing. So, revisit your laundry aisle and switch to Cold Wash/Cold Rinse. You will keep 500 lbs. of CO2 out of the atmosphere each year.
- Line-dry your clothes. There is no shortage of sunshine in San Diego, and you won’t generate any CO2!
- Encourage your friends and local, state and federal government representatives to take the steps necessary to curb global warming.
Sources: San Diego Regional Energy Office www.sdreo.org; City of San Diego Climate Protection Action Plan, July 2005; Flex Your Power www.fypower.org; www.climatecrisis.net; www.fightglobalwarming.com.
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SANDEE Awards (cont.)
Award Categories
- Outstanding Organizational Achievement
- Outstanding Individual Achievement
- Special Achievement in Energy by a Medium to Large Business
- Special Achievement in Energy by a Small Business
- Special Achievement in Energy by a Nonprofit
- Special Achievement in Transportation
- Special Achievement in Energy by a Homeowner
- Special Achievement in Energy by a Government or Institutional Agency
A committee of energy experts will review them for positive effects, innovation and leadership. The awards ceremony will be held in late February.
For more information or to obtain an award application, visit the SANDEE Awards section of the SDREO website. For questions about nominations or the application process, please contact Ashley Watkins at SDREO at 858-244-1177 or by e-mail at
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No Compromise SUV (cont.)
- “Full” hybrid via computer-optimized control system that operates on the 70 kW (94 hp) electric traction motor only—fed by a 39 kW (330 volt) NiMH battery, or the fuel-efficient 133 hp Atkinson cycle in-line 2.3L four-cylinder gas engine only, or a combination of the two with a combined maximum 155 hp—yet is seamless between these modes. “Partial” hybrids offer electric motor assist only while the engine runs, and cannot run solely off the electric motor like full hybrids.
- Simple yet effective electric charging vs. discharging gauge that primarily changes during acceleration and braking.
- High torque of the electric motor offers acceleration comparable to the V6 model, yet achieves this performance with an economical four-cylinder.
- Computer-controlled continuously-variable transmission (CVT) serving both the engine and the motor is extremely smooth and efficient since it has no discreet gear ratios like a typical automatic transmission where upshifts and downshifts are noticeable.
- Improved braking abilities through four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes that gain assistance from the hybrid's regenerative braking.
- Not only rated as the most fuel-efficient SUV on the road—but among the safest, in large part due to the side-air bag option.
- Meets Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) requirements by achieving Super Low Ultra Emissions Vehicle II (SULEV II) and zero evaporative emissions standards.
- An American auto manufacturer and the vehicle is made in the U.S.A. (Missouri).
- Is about $3,375 more than comparable non-hybrid Escape FWD XLT 2.3L with automatic transmission. With a combined average MPG of 33.5 vs. 24 from the non-hybrid model, and assuming 12,000 miles a year of driving (U.S. average)—this would pay itself back in 2.2 years with a $2.50 per gallon unleaded fuel price and the $2,600 federal tax credit (9.5 years w/o the tax credit).
- In addition, this hybrid requires half the service intervals of conventional vehicles, needing only 3.6 service trips vs. 7.2 over a 3-year period when driven 12,000 miles per year.
- A standard warranty of 8 YR./100,000 miles for the hybrid system (which includes the battery).
- Starting with these 2007 model Escape Hybrids, Ford funds clean energy (typically wind or biomass energy projects) to completely offset the greenhouse gas emissions created from its vehicle assembly process. Thus, this vehicle was built net “carbon-neutral.”
- Further, new and refurbished Ford plants around the world are using less energy, conserving more water, and producing less waste. Since 2000, Ford’s facilities worldwide have reduced carbon emissions by more than 15 percent.
- Finally, for every mile driven, the Escape Hybrid emits 30 percent less carbon dioxide than its non-hybrid counterpart (or 2,778 lbs. per year less when driven 12,000 miles per year). This is based on the ratio of 19.56 lbs/CO2 per gallon of unleaded gasoline per the US DOE. Using a TerraPass “Cross-Towner” emissions option (equivalent to reducing 8,000 lbs. per year of CO2) at just $39.95 a year will completely offset the 7,004 lbs. per year of CO2 produced from this hybrid if driven the average 12,000 miles per year by investing in about 33 percent wind, 33 percent biomass, and 33 percent industrial energy efficiency projects.
The 2008 model is similar with the same drivetrain, but also will offer a recycled cloth seat fabric option. The Mercury Mariner Hybrid is a slightly more luxurious version of the Ford Escape Hybrid. My wife and I are pleased with the overall value and performance of this vehicle with its low environmental impact and recommend it to others.
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Copyright 2007 San Diego Regional Energy Office
