Irene M. Stillings CCSE Executive Director on an Electric Vectrix Motorcycle

From the Director's Desk:
Surging Forward into Spring

March is going to be another exciting month at CCSE. We’re cruising forward into spring with some innovative ideas on how to expand our community outreach. Recent marketing and public relations efforts are breathing new life into our mission and increasing public awareness of our programs.

Last month, news media gathered at El Cajon’s fire station 22 to cover the launch of the station’s new solar water heating system. In addition, at CCSE’s Energy Resource Center, KUSI’s Rod Luck enthusiastically presented a live broadcast promoting our incentive programs, workshops, lending library and free trees.

Adding to the excitement, the Fueling Alternatives Program launched with a big leap forward in February. This program funded through the California Air Resources Board provides cash rebates for purchasing vehicles like the electric Vectrix Motorcycle and Compressed Natural Gas ( CNG) cars. CCSE is proud to be selected as the sole administrator of this statewide program. The recent barrage of phone calls validates public interest in the Fueling Alternatives Program.

Last week’s 4th annual San Diego Excellence in Energy (SANDEE) Awards attracted 300 guests. As the originator of these premier environmental awards for San Diego, CCSE was proud to honor this year’s outstanding community leaders for their efforts in energy savings. Together the award winners prevented more than 10 million pounds of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere.

Lt. Governor John Garamendi and Irene M. Stillings touring the Energy Resource Center

Continuing our binational mission, CCSE welcomed an international contingent to the ERC. A group of 17 British nationals visited us to share ideas with local energy partners. Lt. Governor John Garamendi spoke at the event and the CA Public Utilities Commission Executive Director, Paul Clanon gave the keynote presentation.

Stay tuned as CCSE springs forward with new plans. The recently added climate change program is an example of how we bring objective information to the concerned public. In addition, the ERC has been expanded to include books for children, young adults and teachers. CCSE has a new empowered marketing team with innovative ideas on expanding outreach. The marketing team is anxiously awaiting the launch of a new CCSE branding slogan. Stay tuned to find out more.

Premier Energy Awards Event Honors Winners

CCSE would like to recognize and thank the participants of this year’s San Diego Excellence in Energy Awards. The following award winners were honored on Wednesday, March 5th, at the San Diego Wine and Culinary Center. The University of California, San Diego won Outstanding Organizational Achievement for its green programs. UCSD’s green transportation program leads by example offering a free bus program and van and carpool options. In addition, the Green Campus Program gets resident students competing on energy savings in the dorms. These efforts have saved more than a million pounds of carbon emissions from the atmosphere. The seven other SANDEE Award winners recognized for energy savings include:

• Outstanding Individual Achievement - Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Manis, United States Marine Corps
• Special Achievement in Energy by a Medium to Large Business - Hunter Industries
• Special Achievement in Energy by a Small Business - Black Mountain Ranch, LLC
• Special Achievement in Energy by a Government or Institutional Agency - County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation
• Special Achievement in Energy by a Nonprofit - Community Housing Works
• Special Achievement in Transportation - New Leaf Biofuel
• Special Achievement in Energy by a Homeowner - Norby Residence

Check out our Web site for more info on the winners and to learn how you can win a coveted SANDEE Award.

South Bay Shade Tree Program Ends March

There are still about 500 free trees available to South Bay residents through the end of March. Through the South Bay Shade Tree Program, South Bay residents still have time to apply for up to 10 free, full-sized, 15-gallon trees in more than 20 varieties. We know Imperial Beach needs trees, so tell all your home owner friends to come to a workshop and take home a landscape of trees. These nursery quality shade trees provide twenty percent energy savings, improve air quality, increase property values and reduce storm run-off. Shade trees help beautify and maintain the communities of National City, Chula Vista and Imperial Beach. We want your trees to thrive… the program requires participation in a one day workshop to learn proper tree care and maintenance. For those living outside of South Bay, free trees are available until December 2008.

CCSE on KUSI – More than Just 15 Minutes of Fame

Dianne Jacob and Irene M. Stillings being interviewed by Rod Luck

February was a dynamic month at CCSE. The Energy Resource Center provided the backdrop for an exciting live TV spot on KUSI hosted by local TV personality Rod Luck. After the live spot aired, the phone rang off the hook. Luck highlighted the free services that CCSE welcomes the public to enjoy.

In the seven minutes of airtime Executive Director, Irene Stillings, Director of Engineering, Robert Gilleskie, Cool Communities Shade Trees Program Manager, Adrienne McCrumb and San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob discussed the ERC, the solar water heating rebate program, rebuild central and the free shade trees program. See the clips below, which are also posted on YouTube. And, stay tuned for the next segment by Luck on KUSI.

Rod Luck Segment 1 and Rod Luck Segment 2

San Miguel Fire District Turns Up The Heat with Solar Donation

San Miguel Fire District Chief Augie Ghio

On February 20, CCSE and San Miguel Fire District grabbed the spotlight in a media event publicizing El Cajon, Station 22’s “going solar”. Chief Augie Ghio opened the event touting the benefits of the Solar Water Heating Pilot Program ( SWHPP). Ghio thanked the community collaborators who helped the station install a donated solar water heating system. Chief Ghio said, “This is a win-win situation. San Miguel gets a chance to go green, and we save taxpayers thousands of dollars. We’re honored to be part of a program that will help make all of San Diego green.” Solar Depot and Performance Solar attended the event accepting awards for their generous donations to Station 22.

The SWHPP offers up to $1,500 and a 30% federal tax credit available to homeowners in the San Diego region through the end of 2008. San Miguel Fire District encourages area residents and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, save money, and act fast to receive thousands of dollars in cash incentives, federal tax credits and lower monthly energy bills as a part of the SWHPP.

Deer Park Buddhist Monastery Flips a Switch for Solar

At 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, February 10th, the Buddhist Monks of Deer Park Monastery began the meditation walk from their prayer hall to the site of their new solar installation. The community joined them in a reverent ceremony, which culminated in the flip of a switch to ‘power up’ their new solar system.

According to 32 year old Deer Park Monastery Monk, Brother Stream, the launch of the new solar installation was a compliment to other steps they have taken “to make the world a more beautiful place.” Residing in the north hills above Escondido, the Monastery installed a big enough solar system to supply 100 percent of their electricity needs. Bob Noble, chairman of the Board of Directors of the California Center for Sustainable Energy in San Diego, said the initiative would generate enough electricity to power 15 North County homes, while keeping "many hundreds of tons" of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. The cost of the solar installation was offset by a rebate of $180,000 administered through CCSE’s California Solar Initiative.

The solar panels are another step in a series of environmental efforts the monks have undertaken. The monks own three used bio-diesel Mercedes cars they vow not to drive on Tuesdays, except in emergencies. They also compost all their organic foods and are looking to replace alien vegetation surrounding the monastery with water saving native vegetation.

What’s Your Carbon Footprint?

Clay Hinkle of CH2M Hill

In case you didn’t know, CCSE has been holding Carbon Management Workshops. These free seminars, hosted by the San Diego Energy Resource Center, are aimed at minimizing your carbon footprint and mitigating the impacts of climate change. A total of three in the series, the free workshops gave local businesses sound economic strategies for reducing carbon emissions and preparing financially for looming climate change legislation. The workshop helped participants set and prioritize attainable goals and create timetables for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

CCSE’s Director of Engineering, Bob Gilleskie P.E., said, “This free workshop is designed to spread the message that ‘going green’ is beneficial for all energy users, from a small family to a large public agency. Our specialists will work in collaboration with all energy consumers to develop tailored plans-of-action, thereby setting attainable objectives and timelines.”

In addition to the “Carbon Management Series,” CCSE offers green programs such as the California Solar Initiative, the Solar Water Heating Pilot Program and the Cool Communities Shade Tree Program.

Think Green on St. Patrick’s Day

Don’t just wear something green; be green! Why not remember the earth on St. Patty’s Day. Here are a few simple tips to celebrate in a sustainable way:

• Wear green – Clothing made from organic cotton is made from a plant not an energy source.
• Travel green -Take public transportation to your St. Patty’s Day party and whenever possible.
• Drink green - If you celebrate with a beer, drink local, organic beer. It tastes better anyway.
• Eat green – Cooking local, organic food is always the best choice.
• Green your world™ – Celebrate anytime by planting a flower or a tree that will absorb CO2 from our atmosphere.
• Celebrate green - If you have a party, be sure to use reusable dishware instead of sending paper plates to the dump.
• Decorate green- To prepare for your party, set the atmosphere with energy efficient green LED lights.
• Give green - Give a green thumb as a party favor: Hand out herb seeds with instructions printed on recycled paper.

KPBS Members Tackle Climate Change

On Wednesday, February 27, climate change experts presented “What Can YOU Do To Make A Difference?" This special address to KPBS Producers' Club members gave attendees a global warming status check and tools for reducing their carbon footprints. More than 50 participants learned strategies for mitigating and reducing climate change.

The KPBS Producer’s Club members were in alignment with the mission and open to future collaboration in community outreach and education. “The fact that the group was so welcoming of the message bodes well for a positive relationship between CCSE and KPBS, said Marketing Communications Manager, Kim Sykes. Sykes continued, “With our increasing emphasis on community outreach, working with KPBS will be invaluable for spreading this important message. It is exciting to find community partners who make you feel like you’re preaching to the choir.”

And There’s More…New Editions to the ERC Lending Library

The Energy Resource Center lending library is expanding its horizons offering an even wider appeal. There is new reading material for children, young adults and educators, and that’s only the beginning. We have much more on order and will have a suggestion box soon to get your feedback. We are expanding the depth of materials for young adults and are offering materials for teachers to educate students on climate change and green topics. The ERC lending library includes everything from Shel Silverstein’s, “The Giving Tree" to a hard copy of “An Inconvenient Truth.” These books, and more, are available for check out:

For Children:

• The Giving Tree
• The Water hole
• The Lorax
• The Earth and I3

For Educators:

• Teaching About Climate Change
• Teaching Green
• The Middle Years

For Young Adults:

• Flush, Wind
• An Inconvenient Truth
• The Down to Earth Guide to Global Warming
• Green Power and Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet.

Inside the San Diego Energy Resource Center Lending Library

The Energy Resource Center ( ERC) has a vast array of books, periodicals, DVD's and tools to assist businesses and home owners with energy efficiency products, services and practices. Books, periodicals and DVD's can be checked out free of charge. Please call toll-free: 1-866-SDENERGY for more information. For a look at tools and resources available in the lending library, click here. ERC Featured Display Name: Electronically Commutated Motor Description: The Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM) is a brushless DC motor with a built-in AC/ DC rectifier, so it can be powered by AC. DC motors are significantly more energy efficient that AC motors, and brushless DC motors have none of the disadvantages of DC motors such as brush wear, noise, and short life. Systems Addressed: HVAC ERC Featured Instrument Name: Tel-Tru Borozin Powder “Smoke” Gun Description: Emits dense white clouds of very fine powder “smoke” with each squeeze of the rubber bulb handle. A precision machined valve regulates the amount of powder emitted and closes the barrel entirely when not in use. Required equipment: Detector Specifications: Recommended for applications where the slight acidity of the T-T smoke is undesirable. Very useful for locating leaks in small pressure vessels. For example, when the "smoke" is emitted near a suspected window seal leak inside an automobile - with the fan turned on to create a positive pressure - escaping air will leave a slight tell-tale powder streak on the outside pointing to the leak. Availability: Loaned free of charge for up to 3 business days. Remember: Safety first! ERC Featured Book Name: Electrical Control Systems for Heating and Air Conditioning Author: Clyde N. Herrick and Kieron Connolly Description: The control of heating and air conditioning systems is in an evolution from mechanical to electrical to electronic and finally to computerized control. The environmental control technician will be required to service systems that cover the gamut of this evolution. The purpose of this book is to provide the environmental control professional with an understanding of the operation of electronic components and systems that are utilized in the control functions. The text provides the reader with the theory of operation of electronic components and systems with emphasis on correctly testing and troubleshooting. The latest state-of-the-art control systems are utilized for implementation of operational theory and application. NOTE: Books, periodicals and videos can also be checked out free of charge at CCSE. Please call Toll Free: 1-866-SDENERGY for more information. To find prior editions of "Inside the San Diego Energy Resource Center Lending Library" information, including DVD reviews, click here.

Energy Policies, Regulations & Legislative Updates

A Summary of Recent California Public Utilities Commission regulatory activity, and what it mean to 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 8, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison Company ( SCE), San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) jointly submitted a single, statewide Preliminary Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan (PEESP), which has been posted to the California Energy Efficiency Web site (www.californiaenergyefficiency.com). Stakeholder comments regarding the content of the PEESP are due no later than April 15. In addition, meetings were held in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco during the month of February to discuss the PEESP. A final strategic plan is to be filed jointly by the utilities no later than May 15. California Solar Initiative (R.06-03-004) What’s this? This proceeding will develop rules and procedures for the California Solar Initiative ( CSI), designed to give $2.16 billion in incentives over 10 years to install solar photovoltaics to help offset peak demand. What’s new? California Public Utilities Commission ( CPUC) staff has updated the CSI Program Handbook to incorporate changes mandated by Decision 08-01-030, issued February 1. This decision removed the independence requirement for providers of CSI performance monitoring and reporting services ( PMRS) and replaced it with a protocol-based approach to ensure data accuracy and integrity for payment of performance-based incentives ( PBI). The update has been posted with the CSI Program Handbook on the CPUC's California Solar Initiative Program web site, as well as the Go Solar California web site Self-Generation Incentive Program (R.06-03-004) What’s this? This will develop rules and procedures for the Self-Generation Incentive Program ( SGIP), designed to give incentives for the installation of certain renewable and clean generation technologies, excluding solar technologies, which are funded through the CSI. What’s new? On February 8, FuelCell Energy amended its Petition for Modification of Decision (D.) 04-12-045 by providing additional information regarding its request to increase the Self-Generation Incentive Program ( SGIP) incentive cap from the current cap of 1 megawatt ( MW) to 3 MW. At its February 14 meeting, the CPUC held discussion and ruling on its proposed decision denying FuelCell Energy’s petition, and the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) released a ruling requesting comment on the amended petition. Comments on the amended petition were due no later than February 22, and commenting parties were requested to address whether the SGIP incentive cap should be increased from 1 MW to 3 MW for all renewable technologies or just for renewable fuel cells. This matter is slated to appear on the consent agenda of the March 13 CPUC meeting. Sunrise Powerlink Transmission Project (A.06-08-010) What’s this? SDG&E seeks authority from the CPUC to construct a 500-kilovolt ( 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 25, the CPUC held an All-Party Meeting at the San Diego County Administration Center, providing all parties the opportunity to meet with Commissioner Dian M. Grueneich to present their issues regarding the proceeding. In addition, Public Participation Hearings were held February 25-27, providing the public an opportunity to make oral comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report / Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Land Use Plan Amendment for the Proposed Sunrise Powerlink Project and submit written comments. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap (R.06-04-009) What’s this? Initiated out of Assembly Bill ( AB) 32, this will design and implement a greenhouse gas ( GHG) cap for the regulated electric utilities, including consideration of a GHG performance standard. What’s new? On February 19, PG&E hosted a conference for interested parties to discuss how best to define “renewable energy credits” (RECs) in anticipation of the approval of a tradable RECs program by the CPUC as part of its Renewable Portfolio Standard ( RPS) program. The goal of the conference was to facilitate discussion among interested parties pertaining to the definition of RECs and possibly achieve a consensus definition. For a complete list of energy-related State and Federal legislation, please visit our Web site at www.energycenter.org.