Irene M. Stillings CCSE Executive Director

From the Director's Desk:
Connecting People, Creating Community

CCSE began 13 years ago as the San Diego Regional Energy Office long before eco-awareness fully made its way into the mainstream. At that time, CCSE was formed by local citizens to meet a community need to protect the environment, and that need still exists. Now, as we move into these exciting times, where city, state and national government is beginning to prioritize energy conservation and renewable energy, and citizens are eager to embrace new, sustainable ways of living, we are working harder than ever to connect with the community. As a trusted San Diego environmental non-profit, CCSE is at the crest of the renewable energy and sustainability wave, ready to help all sectors of our community rise with the changing tide toward greener shores.

We are experiencing a thirst for knowledge about all things green throughout the local community, from the steady participation at our workshops and public events to an increase in traffic to our website. With so much emphasis on ‘going green,’ the public needs to be aware and better informed about the most authentic and reliable products and strategies to achieve their goals. As more companies jump on the bandwagon, there is more ‘green washing,’ or marketing of products and services as green that are not truly sustainable. Recognizing the need to deepen consumer knowledge, CCSE provides informative workshops and highlights companies and organizations, who are working towards sustainability, with our five annual events: SANDEE awards, the Green Expo, Street Smart, Sustainability Fair and Solar Energy Week.

In addition to extending outreach to the community via our annual events, CCSE is connecting more with our unique, passionate and involved community. In upcoming newsletters and other communications, we will give you a voice by highlighting your testimonials, personal success stories and green tips. By sharing your stories, we hope to inspire others to engage with our programs, services and events to improve their lives the way you have improved yours. As a conduit for sharing information and connecting people with each other, we hope to further our ability to help YOU, your children and your grandchildren enjoy a clean environment rich in abundant natural resources. We look forward to hearing from you. Send submissions to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Join us at Rebuild Central’s the Green Expo San Diego Event to Get the Facts on Green Building!

San Diego fire survivors and homeowners are looking forward to straight answers to green building questions at Rebuild Central’s upcoming Green Expo San Diego. Join us for this unique event geared for fire survivors and consumers looking to rebuild or remodel sustainably. The Green Expo San Diego will feature visual displays and an exciting live blow torch demonstration of fire proof building materials. Valuable informational workshops including: “Green Building 101,” “How to Plan, Budget and Design Your Green Home” and “Solar for Homeowners” are additional highlights on offer at the Green Expo.

“ CCSE’s green building workshops helped me make informed decisions about solar,” said fire survivor, Ellen Norton. “They ‘de-mystified’ solar, making it sound reasonable for regular people...it’s education you can trust from environmentally minded people not selling the product.”

The Green Expo also offers support for the 2007 fire survivors, many of whom are still in the process of rebuilding their homes and lives. In fact, the majority of fire survivors from the October 2007 wildfires have yet to start the rebuilding process. A panel discussion with fire survivors sharing their green building experiences is scheduled offering a unique forum to answer questions from fire survivors who have yet to rebuild. “Building green, energy-efficient and fire-resistant is very important to me, and I’m happy to open my home up, share my journey and share why,” said upcoming the Green Expo panelist and fire survivor Ken Baker.

The Rebuild Central Program believes it’s very important to get this information to the fire survivors. Rebuild Central does this through its community outreach with events like the Green Expo in San Diego. “Our hope is to arm homeowners with information that will help them navigate through the green building maze”, said Rebuild Central Program Manager Lauri Walker.

“It’ all about helping people to understand that we can all include various degrees of green building measures, which will produce a more energy efficient, sustainable and healthy home.”

Join us at the Green Expo San Diego from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, April 4th at CCSE. The free public event provides both the informational workshops and a vendor fair. Click here to register for Green Expo in San Diego.

Energy Advisory Service is Here to Help

CCSE is proud to announce the launch of our new and exciting Energy Advisory Service ( EAS). Today’s landscape of utility tariffs, incentive programs, tax credits and emerging technologies can be confusing and intimidating. As a company experienced in navigating the process of identifying areas for change and presenting forward thinking solutions, CCSE is now offering our services to help customers implement energy efficiency and clean energy strategies. Our staff includes a variety of accredited engineers, scientists and technical specialists, whose passion for sustainability has brought them to CCSE.

In addition to technical expertise, EAS includes the services of our Policy team who actively engages with California lawmakers to understand the current statutes, as well as potential changes driving through the legislature. Finally, our policy team routinely engages with state policymakers to help drive positive changes through our existing portfolio of incentive programs. It is important to note that we doggedly adhere to a strict code of independent, unbiased analysis. We do not make recommendations about which manufacturer or contractor to use. Our past clientele includes organizations such as: the Padre Dam Municipal Water District, the San Diego Convention Center, the City of San Diego, the Santee School District and municipal utility Roseville Electric to name a few. We present the technical and operational merits of a variety of opportunities in an easily digestible format, so our clients can make confident decisions about their sustainable energy future. Contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to learn more and to schedule a consultation.

Sunlight Shines on the Padre Dam

CCSE provided the Padre Dam Municipal Water District a feasibility analysis, which evaluated the economic impact of installing a one megawatt photovoltaic system. Padre Dam used the information we provided as leverage during their solar project development and bid phase. CCSE examined the load behind their multiple meter site and proposed distinct system sizes for each meter that optimized their potential for utility savings. A critical component of our analysis for Padre Dam included the determination of how to value each kWh produced by the proposed systems. This price per Kilowatt-hour value can then be compared against the price per Kilowatt-hour proposed by the installation company under a power purchase agreement ( PPA). A PPA is the typical financing arrangement for tax-exempt agencies that cannot directly take advantage of the federal tax credits associated with solar. Through our Energy Advisory Service, CCSE developed a thoughtful examination of Padre Dam’s interest in photovoltaics. The information we provided Padre Dam empowered them to make a confident decision to move forward with their project.

During the first complete year of operation, the system is estimated to produce more than 1.48 million kilowatt hours ( kWh) of clean solar energy and more than 27 million kWh over 20 years, enough energy to power more than 2,500 homes for one year. Over the next 20 years of production, the zero-emissions system will offset more than an estimated 28.2 million lbs. of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels that would have been emitted from the production of electricity to run the operation.

Federal Stimulus Package: Assistance for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Cities

Energy-related issues are a cornerstone of the newly-enacted “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009” stimulus package. The signed bill allocates funding for cities to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects within their jurisdictions. It also authorizes funds for weatherization, transportation energy, transmission, green jobs and other energy programs in an effort to stimulate green infrastructure and a green economy. Combined with direct funding for their activities, the Department of Energy’s ( DOE) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) division will receive a total of $16.8 billion to implement energy saving rebates, grants, programs and research projects.
California cities will benefit from the $3.2 billion allocated to fund the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants ( EECBG), which were signed into law in 2007, but have not received funding to date. Of this amount, the 10 most populous California municipalities will apply for funds with the DOE and the remaining smaller cities will apply through the California Energy Commission ( CEC) for their share. Funded programs will include development of energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies, energy audits and incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements, as well as building code improvements and education programs. The DOE will oversee this process through the EERE.

In addition, the stimulus bill will provide $5 billion in funding for low-income weatherization programs. Measures eligible for funding include building envelope, heating and cooling system, electrical system, appliance and other energy efficiency improvements. The income eligibility cap will also be raised to allow for more widespread implementation of weatherization projects.

The act also stipulates that $3.1 billion of EERE funds will go toward the State Energy Program for additional grants not matched with state funds, but the act applies to states that intend to adopt strict building energy codes and provide utility incentives for energy efficiency measures. An additional $500 million is allocated to the Department of Labor to train for green jobs to staff these projects.

The bill also addresses improvements to California’s aging transmission systems. It allocates $4.5 billion toward worker training and a transmission resource needs assessment associated with a “smart grid” program. It directs $2 billion toward grants for the manufacturing of advanced battery systems and components within the United States, as well as the development of supporting software for transportation energy. Another $300 million will support an Alternative Fueled Vehicles Pilot Grant Program, and $300 million will support rebates for energy efficient appliances, while also supporting the DOE's efforts under the Energy Star Program.

Energy Policies, Regulations & Legislative Updates

A Summary of Recent California Public Utilities Commission regulatory activity, and what it means to the average consumer, business and/or public agency: Energy Efficiency (R.06-04-010) What’s this? This is the forum for initiating the next planning cycle for 2009-2011 energy efficiency ( EE) program plans, funding levels and related issues. What’s new? On February 2, the Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA) and The Utility Reform Network (TURN) filed an Application for Rehearing of Decision (D.) 08-12-059 contending, among other things, that D.08-12-059’s award of incentives results in rates that are not just and reasonable, and that the decision fails to provide a rational basis for its award of $82.2 million in incentives. On February 17, Southern California Edison ( SCE), Southern California Gas (SoCalGas) and San Diego Gas & Electric ( SDG&E) filed their joint Response to DRA and TURN’s Application for Rehearing of D.08-12-059, and Pacific Gas and Electric ( PG&E) filed their own Response as well. SCE, SoCalGas and SDG&E contend that, among other things, D.08-12-059 complies with Public Utilities Code Section 451 and provides a rational basis for its award of incentives. PG&E contends, among other things, that the incentive payments are both just and reasonable to ratepayers in that they reward the utilities for their energy efficiency performance and protect ratepayers from overpayment. California Solar Initiative, Self-Generation Incentive Program and Other Distributed Generation Issues (R.08-03-008) What’s this? This rulemaking continues the work of R.06-03-004, developing and refining policies, rules and programs for the California Solar Initiative ( CSI) and the Self-Generation Incentive Program ( SGIP) and considering policies for the development of cost-effective, clean and reliable distributed generation ( DG). What’s new? CSI:On February 3, an ALJ Ruling was issued, setting a revised deadline for the CSI Program Administrators (PAs) to jointly draft changes to the CSI Program Handbook to implement all requirements in Chapters 3 through 6 of the revised California Energy Commission Guidelines for California’s Solar Electric Incentive Program Pursuant to SB 1. The CSI PAs are to submit the draft changes by Advice Letter no later than March 2. On February 24, the Proposed Decision Modifying D.07-11-045 regarding Low Income Single Family Solar Incentive Program within the California Solar Initiative was issued. If signed, the Proposed Decision would grant the petition to modify D.07-11-045 filed by PG&E to allow PG&E, SCE and SDG&E to request cost recovery through an advice letter process for costs incurred to support the Single Family Affordable Solar Housing ( SASH) Program. In addition, the Proposed Decision would deny the petition to modify D.07-11-045 filed by the Department of Community Services and Development to allow third-party ownership of solar energy systems installed under the SASH Program. Opening comments regarding the Proposed Decision are due by March 16, and reply comments are due by March 23. SGIP:On February 3, an ALJ Ruling was issued approving the Self-Generation Incentive Program Measurement and Evaluation Report Plan for 2009 through 2011. The Plan was approved as filed by the SGIP Program Administrators (PAs) on December 4, as long as it is modified to include a Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Report in accordance with upcoming Commission orders. The SGIP PAs were also directed to follow any guidance in the forthcoming Commission decision on a cost-benefit methodology for DG regarding market transformation analysis. On February 9, Utility Savings & Refund, LLC, submitted their Protest to CCSE Advice Letter 5 / PG&E Advice Letter 3406-E / SCE Advice Letter 2311-E / SoCalGas Advice Letter 3950, which proposed amendments to the SGIP Handbook to, among other things, revise the program to allow advanced energy storage (AES) systems coupled with eligible self generation technologies to receive incentives. Utility Savings recommended that the technical parameters for AES systems be more completely defined in the SGIP Handbook. The SGIP PAs replied to the Protest on February 18, agreeing to include in the SGIP Handbook the requirement that an AES system be able “to handle hundreds of partial discharge cycles each day” to be eligible for the program and stating their willingness to work with the Energy Division and others to resolve any remaining issues or questions. DG:On February 3, an ALJ Ruling was issued, allowing comment on a preliminary revised proposed decision on a cost-benefit methodology for DG. The Ruling seeks comments from parties on substantive changes to the original proposed decision on this topic, first released in September 2005 in Rulemaking (R.) 04-03-017. Opening comments were due February 25, and reply comments are due March 9. On February 18, Energy Division staff issued a Data Request seeking information from interested stakeholders to assist in their analysis of policy and program options that could further encourage the deployment of AES applications, particularly with respect to increasing the use of renewable energy in California. Stakeholders may provide responses to this data request no later than March 4. Sunrise Powerlink Transmission Project (A.06-08-010) What’s this? San Diego Gas & Electric ( SDG&E) seeks authority from the CPUC to construct a 500 kV transmission line in conjunction with several 230 kV transmission lines, expected to run 150 miles between the Imperial Valley to San Diego. What’s new? On February 9, Responses to the Applications for Rehearing of D. 08-12-058, which granted SDG&E’s application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to construct the Sunrise Powerlink project (Sunrise) using the Final Environmentally Superior Southern Route, were filed by SDG&E and the California Independent System Operator Corporation (ISO). In its Response to the Applications for Rehearing, SDG&E contends, among other things, that the decision properly applies the objectives of Sunrise, that Sunrise’s contribution to achieving 33% Renewable Portfolio Standard ( RPS) compliance is a proper basis for the decision, and that the decision and the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) fully comply with the California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA). In its Response to the Applications for Rehearing, ISO contends, among other things, that the scope of the decision necessarily includes consideration of issues beyond the environmental issues addressed in the Final EIR/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and that the parties had ample opportunity to assess the need for Sunrise assuming a goal of 33% renewable procurement by 2020. For a complete list of energy-related State and Federal legislation, please visit our Web site at www.energycenter.org.