 | |||||
| March 2007 | Home · Event Calendar · Getting Here · Contact Us | ||||
Upcoming EventsRetro-Commissioning Smart Energy Controls for Water Heating View a complete calendar of upcoming events. News BitsSDREO Board of Directors and Staff News Congratulations to SDREO Board of Directors Chairman John Moot. At the SANDEE Awards, he was presented with an award for his leadership on energy issues in the San Diego region. Congratulations to SDREO Policy and Planning team members Jennifer Porter and Sephra Ninow. Jennifer has been promoted to Policy and Outreach Manager, and Sephra has been promoted to Policy Analyst. Flex Your Power is looking for a few good energy efficient and conservation “star performers.” Applications for the 5th Annual Flex Your Power Awards are being accepted now through March 15, 2007. Award categories include: Energy Efficiency; Education and Leadership; Innovative Products and/or Services; and Demand Response/Conservation. For more information, click here. Renowned NASA Scientist James Hansen called for the U.S. to stop building coal-fired power plants despite the 159 scheduled to be built in the next decade. 159 coal-fired power plants would generate power for about 96 million homes. He is also calling for older generators that do not capture and bury carbon dioxide to be destroyed. Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas causing global warming. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, coal provides about half of the electricity in the U.S. Hansen said that Congress and citizens must cut coal usage and that increased efficiency can make up for the cutbacks in coal. Tech TipDemand Response (DR) is a strategy within the practice of energy management that focuses on limiting or deferring electrical demand during peak periods when electricity is most scarce and expensive. Advantages include: SDG&E is offering an additional 5 percent incentive to encourage participation and enrollment in both Energy Efficiency and Demand Response programs in anticipation of Summer 2007. Energy efficiency and demand response projects receive the “kicker” incentive when contracts are signed by June 30, 2007, and installed by December 31, 2007. Contact SDG&E for more details. Quotables“When new systems are installed on a project, it is critical that the operations staff be properly trained on how to operate and maintain them. Without proper training, technology will be doomed to fail. Systems that involve technology such as Web-enabled automation systems, enterprise management systems, and work-order tracking systems may also require coordination and training for the IT staff as well.” — Paul Ehrlich, President & Founder Building Intelligence Group 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 .
| | ||||
| Inside the San Diego Energy Resource Center |
Featured Display
Featured Instrument
Featured Book
Featured PeriodicalEnergy & Power Management, a monthly publication by BNP Media, serves the commercial, industrial and institutional markets and highlights feature articles, professional columns, calendar of events and innovative products. 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: CFL Display
Name: 
| Energy Policies, Regulations & Legislative Updates |
|
California Solar Initiative (CSI) and Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) R.06-03-004) On February 15, Commissioner Peevey and Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Duda issued their Ruling Approving SDREO’s Solar Water Heating Pilot Program with modifications. SDREO was directed to begin operation of the pilot program no later than July 1, and must submit a revised pilot program description incorporating the modifications discussed in the Ruling within 30 days. On February 26, a workshop to review a staff-proposed Research, Development, and Demonstration Plan for the CSI was held. The workshop was held to allow interested parties and industry experts to respond to key questions in the staff proposal and suggest possible refinements. Informal written and verbal comments on the staff draft paper may be submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission ( CPUC) by March 9. New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) Sunrise Powerlink Transmission Project (A.06-08-010) During the week of February 5 through February 9, the CPUC and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) conducted a second set of public scoping meetings on alternatives to the project or project location that could feasibly attain all or most of the basic project objectives and avoid or lessen any of the significant environmental impacts of the proposed project. Comments regarding the topics and alternatives that should be included in the joint Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) were to be received or postmarked no later than February 24. A second scoping report will be prepared in March, summarizing all of the comments received, including the oral comments made at the scoping meetings. The report will be posted on the project web site. On February 16, CAISO filed a motion to extend the date by which it will file Part II of its Initial Testimony. Taking into account additional information provided by SDG&E in its January 26 Supplemental Testimony filing and the February 2 workshop, CAISO requested a brief extension until March 1 to make certain modifications to its base case, rerun the scenarios contained in the January 26 testimony, and prepare an errata highlighting the changes in the results of the prior studies. Long-Term Procurement Plan (LTPP) (R.06-02-013) Direct Access (R.06-12-002) Legislative Big Year for Energy Legislation Anticipated in Sacramento and Washington Legislation is starting to heat up at the State and Federal levels. With the increased public awareness of energy issues, legislators are taking notice and offering an unprecedented number of legislative remedies. A current list can be found on our Legislative & Regulatory web page. The California legislature’s deadline for the introduction of new bills was February 23, 2007. The SDREO policy staff is currently analyzing all measures that deal with energy and quality-of-life issues resulting from energy related issues. Just in this term alone, California lawmakers have introduced almost 80 energy-related measures ranging from climate change, to renewable and alternative energy, to transportation. We anticipate an active year for legislation on energy issues. At the federal level, the House passed H.R. 798, which would install solar panels at federal buildings. Rep. Jim Oberstar (D – MN), authored the bill to create a solar energy system at the Energy Department building with the hope that the project could serve as a model for all federal buildings. Specifically, Oberstar's bill directs the General Service Administration to spend $30 million to install solar panels on the south wall of the Energy Department headquarters in Washington. The measure is now pending action in the Senate. To follow this bill click here. - TOP - |
And the 2006 SANDEE Award Winners are:
Outstanding Organizational Achievement – Johnson & Johnson Research and Development
Johnson & Johnson received top honors for their overall commitment to environmental stewardship. J&J’s research and development facility in La Jolla has made outstanding achievements in energy and CO2 reduction through the installation of a 203 kW AC photovoltaic system and a 2.2 MW cogeneration system, purchasing carbon offsets, implementing energy efficiency measures to make the site carbon neutral and LEED certified. Through these measures, J&J has saved approximately 15,327,000 kWh and $950,000 annually. J&J clearly lives up to their company credo, which states, “We must maintain in good order the property we are privileged to use, protecting the environment and natural resources.”
Outstanding Individual Achievement – Dr. Rob Wilder
“Living clean is easy and fun!” So says Dr. Rob Wilder, who applies this mantra to both his personal and professional life. At home, Dr. Wilder has installed photovoltaics, Solar Water Heating and Solar Pool Heating technologies. In addition Dr. Wilder has begun work on a pneumatic hybrid electric vehicle ( PHEV) that will run completely by solar power. At work, Dr. Wilder is responsible for starting the first clean energy stock indexes. Both WilderHill Clean Energy Index (symbol: ECO) and WilderHill New Energy Global Innovation (symbol: NEX) have been well received by Wall Street. Dr. Wilder still finds time to get out into the community and promote the importance of sustainability. You can find him being interviewed for the Discovery Channel or teaching a course at UCSD.
Special Achievement in Energy by a Medium to Large Business – Pfizer, Inc., La Jolla Laboratories
Consistent with their corporate mission of improving the health and wellness of people worldwide, Pfizer Inc. considers effective management of natural and workplace environment to be one of their highest priorities. To achieve these goals, Pfizer has instituted the Energy Efficiency Initiative (EEI). The EEI consists of a group of projects focused on managing and reducing energy consumption at the La Jolla campus including chiller optimization, installation of a 240 kW photovoltaic system, a “Lights Out Campaign,” and the “Slash Your SASH Program.” These activities allowed Pfizer, Inc., to reduce their electricity use by 16 percent and natural gas use by 35 percent—saving an estimated $1,605,154.
Special Achievement in Energy by a Small Business – Sun Harbor Marina
Sun Harbor Marina is the first LEED certified marina in the world. All the building exceed California’s Energy Efficiency Standards, some by more than 41 percent. Sun Harbor had building commissioning done to ensure that all equipment was installed and working correctly. Concern over the environment led the owner, Mary Lou LoPreste, to rebuilding the old marina using sustainable environmental practices. To conserve natural resources, bamboo flooring, compressed sorghum cabinets, and insulation made from recycled blue jeans were used. Other innovative measures include advanced lighting controls, high performance glass, automatic drip irrigation and low flow faucets, show heads and toilets.
Special Achievement in Energy by a Government or Institution – State of California, Department of General Services (San Ysidro DMV)
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in San Ysidro recently opened its state-of-the-art, 14,656 square-foot building and is seeking LEED Gold Certification. By incorporating energy efficiency and energy conservation, the estimated annual energy savings will be 34 percent greater than required by California Energy Efficiency Standards. This project demonstrates innovative HVAC technologies, under floor air distribution system and thermal displacement ventilation. In addition, the DMV has 5.4 kW photovoltaic system, energy efficient fluorescent and high-pressure sodium lights, and 50 percent of the building’s construction waste was recycled.
Special Achievement in Transportation – University of California San Diego
In 2006, UC San Diego implemented its “Sustainable Fleet Management Plan” with the goals of reducing green house gas emissions, saving energy and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. In keeping with these goals, the University purchased 225 electric or “zero emission vehicles” ( ZEV) and 32 hybrid vehicles for its fleet. The University also converted to a blend of ultra low sulfur bio diesel for its diesel fleet eliminating more than 70 metric tons of CO2 emissions and reducing sulfur emissions by 97 percent. This project has successfully reduced green house and toxic gas emissions, reduced maintenance costs and led to removal of gas burning vehicles on campus.
Special Achievement in Energy by a Nonprofit – Zoological Society of San Diego
The Wild Animal Park is home to the Arnold & Mabel Beckman Center for Conservation Research and Science. The Beckman Center was designed as an animal and plant conservation research center and as a facility that puts energy conservation first. The Center uses a combination of day lighting strategies, high efficiency equipment, systems controls and a well-insulated building envelope. The project also includes a 32 kW photovoltaic array on an adjacent hillside. The resulting savings are 338,824 kWh, 5,230 therms and $42,495 annually.
Special Achievement in Energy by a Homeowner – Ingrid Coffin
To Ingrid Coffin, living green means embracing products and lifestyles that do not deplete natural resources. At her home, the aptly named “Blue Sky Ranch,” she practices sustainable behaviors that make living green a high priority. Among her efforts are the installation of five photovoltaic systems totaling 26 kW, organic gardening, composting and recycling. In rebuilding after the Cedar Fire, Ingrid literally recycled an entire house.
Runners-up
Other organizations and individuals who were recognized included:
- San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina for their retro commissioning (RCx) project which resulted in annual electricity savings of 1,470,615 kWh, gas savings of 8,830,500,000 BTU and cost savings of $272,000 annually.
- Black Mountain Ranch, L.L.C. for the development of the Del Sur Community and The Ranch House. The Ranch House serves as a model for homes that integrate environmental conservation and sustainable design. The Ranch House has also been submitted as a candidate for LEED Platinum.
- City of San Diego for energy efficiency upgrades and installation of photovoltaics at municipal facilities such as the 1 MW photovoltaic system at the Alvarado Water Treatment Plant.
- RideLink (A SANDAG Program), for their work assisting people in finding alternatives to driving alone. RideLink has enabled the operation of 552 vanpools supporting 4,761 commuters and saving 544,052 gallons of fuel per month.
Judging
All submissions were evaluated by the following local energy and planning experts:
- Scott Anders – Administrative Director, Energy Policy Initiatives Center, University of San Diego School of Law.
- Robert J. Gilleskie, P.E., C.E.M. – Senior Energy Engineer DMJM Harris
- Stephen Kapp, C.E.M., LEED-AP – Technology Resources Manager, San Diego Regional Energy Office
- Richard Caputo, B.M.E., M.S.M.E. – President, San Diego Renewable Energy Society
- Christopher Weixelman, P.E. LEED-AP – Senior Mechanical Engineer Project Manager, Randall Lamb
The awards presentation was held at the San Diego Wine and Culinary Center in downtown San Diego. The San Diego Business Journal was the official media sponsor of the 3rd Annual SANDEE Awards. For more information on the SANDEE Awards or saving energy, visit www.sdenergy.org.
- TOP -
6° Energy Efficiency Challenge (cont.)
“By adjusting our daily routines in even the simplest of ways – like reducing our driving speeds, for instance – we can save energy, contribute to a cleaner environment and save money. Did you know that for every 5 miles per hour we drive over 60 mph, we lose fuel efficiency to the tune of 20 cents a gallon? That adds up fast!” says SDREO Executive Director Irene Stillings.
The 6° Energy Efficiency Challenge consists of 1) a quick, 6-question energy quiz, 2) tips on how you can save energy in your home, office or vehicle, 3) the 6° energy efficiency pledge and 4) opportunities to win discounts on your favorite energy-efficiency products.
To take the quiz and how you can make a difference, log on to www.sixdegreechallenge.org. It’s a five minute investment that can reap meaningful rewards for years to come.
- TOP -
Program Spotlight: TEC (cont.)
To be considered for TEC eligibility, projects that can deliver at least 500,000 kWh of annual energy savings are required. Some projects can be combined to meet this minimum energy savings requirement. Also, all energy efficiency measures must be retrofits or replacements of existing operating equipment. New construction, fuel-switching installations and cogeneration projects do not qualify.
Since its inception in 2006, TEC has paid out more than $4.2 million in incentives to achieve an estimated savings of 28,000,000 kWh, 3,300 kW and 326,000 Therms of natural gas annually. For the next two years of the program, $4.9 million is available.
Current financial incentives are: 100 percent of the cost of the measure(s); or
up to $0.12 per kWh for lighting; up to $0.18 per kWh for HVAC and Refrigeration; up to $0.80 per Therm for gas; and up to $0.15 per kWh for other measures. These incentives apply only during 2007. Amounts are subject to change and are subject to funding availability.
For more information, call toll-free at 1-866-SDENERGY, send an email to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
, or go to the TEC web page. We'll ask a few questions about your project or facilities, discuss options, and if appropriate, schedule a free technical energy audit.
- TOP -
Copyright 2007 San Diego Regional Energy Office
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
