Upcoming Events Shading Solutions for Energy Efficiency & Comfort
Date: 7/19/2005
Time: 11:30am to 1:00pm Hartman Terminal Regulated Air Volume (TRAV)
Date: 7/26/2005
Time: 9:00am to 12:00pm View a complete calendar of upcoming events. News Bits Kyocera Opens Its Solar Grove
On June 24, Kyocera held a public dedication for its newly-opened Solar Grove -- an array of 25 "solar trees" that converts a 186-vehicle parking lot into a 235 kW solar electric generating system. The system, located in San Diego, will generate 421,000 kWh per year, equivalent to the electrical needs of 68 typical homes. The California Public Utilities Commission's Self-Generation Incentive Program will cover about 36 percent of the system's purchase and installation costs. View Kyocera's press release for more information. Reducing Energy Usage and Costs to Chiller Plants
On July 20, SDREO's Senior Energy Engineer, Ben Erpelding, will be presenting at this year's ACEEE Industrial Summer Study in the The Thayer Hotel, West Point, New York. His talk will be on "Small Oil-Less Centrifugal Compressors: Bringing Energy Efficiency and Reduced Costs to Chiller Plants." Visit the conference web site for more information. SDREO Staff News
New Hire! SDREO welcomes Gary Holm as the team's Director of Programs. Gary served for 24 years in the U.S. Navy and most recently served as the Engineering Manager for a pharmaceutical-biotech firm. He has a BS in Business Management and is a Certified Plant Maintenance Manager through the Association of Facilities Engineering. Now Hiring! SDREO is now accepting applications for two Technical Program Managers, one Non-Technical Program Manager and one part-time Energy Engineer Intern. Visit the SDREO HR page for application procedures. Tech Tip Food service equipment and operation savings can be significant in restaurants and hospitality facilities. Fortunately there are a number of procurement, maintenance and operational measures that can be taken to minimize energy costs. Refrigeration
-- Perform scheduled maintenance on units, especially keeping evaporator coils clean and free of ice build-up. -- Adjust door latches, replace worn door gaskets, install autoclosers, and add strip curtains to walk-in doors. -- Use night covers on both vertical and horizontal display cases. -- Disconnect anti-condensate heaters. -- Keep refrigerators full (water containers work well). Food Service Equipment
-- Consider replacing some or all electric cooking equipment with comparably sized gas-fired equipment. -- Purchase insulated cooking equipment whenever possible (e.g., fryers, ovens, coffee machines), and investigate the following Energy Star appliances: Fryers, Hot Food Holding Cabinets, Solid-Door Refrigerators and Freezers, and Steam Cookers. -- Preheat cooking equipment no longer and at no higher setting than the manufacturer's recommendation. -- Use cooking equipment to capacity. Fully loaded equipment utilizes energy more efficiently. -- Turn off unused and backup equipment during low production periods. -- Filter fryer oil at least once a day to extend the oil life. -- Don't overload fryer baskets beyond the recommended capacity. Overloading also increases cook time. -- Where applicable, replace broilers with grooved or smooth griddles to significantly reduce the associated energy consumption. -- Make sure oven doors fit tightly and gaskets are in good condition. Quotables “If our vehicles in the future will be safer and more intelligent, they will also be cleaner. In fact, our goal at Ford is to eliminate the motor vehicle from the environmental debate. The way to do that is to design them to have no impact on the environment. They emit no pollution, no greenhouse gases, consume little fuel (and what they consume is made from renewable sources), producing them creates no wastes -- and at the end of life, they are completely recyclable. The gasoline-powered internal combustion engine is not going away any time soon. But for the first time, there are potential alternatives, such as hybrid-electric and fuel cell vehicles, hydrogen internal combustion engines and advanced clean diesel. No single global technology solution has yet emerged. We are indeed at a crossroads. It’s up to us to go in the right direction” -- Gerhard Schmidt, VP of Research & Advanced Engineering, Ford Motor Company Speak Out Energy 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
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. 
| A Week Dedicated to Solar Energy  To increase solar energy awareness and help educate the public about its practical applications and benefits, the San Diego Regional Energy Office ( SDREO) is holding San Diego's first-ever Solar Energy Week on Sept. 25 to Oct. 1.
“Solar power is fast becoming mainstream," observes SDREO Executive Director Irene M. Stillings. "Even the big home improvement centers and discount warehouses are starting to sell residential systems that turn sunlight into electricity and can zero out your electric bill. Solar Energy Week brings it all into focus and will be the largest such event ever held in the San Diego region.” read more>> GHG Emission Reduction Targets for California Climate change not only tops this week's G8 summit agenda in Scotland, but also that of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's. He called for a reduction of greenhouse gas ( GHG) emissions in California to 2000 levels by 2010, to 1990 levels by 2020, and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 at last month’s United Nations World Environment Conference in San Francisco. The Governor signed Executive Order S-3-05, which establishes these GHG targets and charges the California Environmental Protection Agency secretary with the coordination of the oversight of efforts to achieve them. read more>> Program Spotlight: 20/20 Peak Day Program SDG&E's 20/20 Peak Day Program encourages businesses to shift energy use to off-peak times and use energy more efficiently. From May 1 to Sept. 30, when a peak energy day is called, participating businesses that can use an average of 20% less electricity during the on-peak hours of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. will receive a one-time 20% credit on their bill. read more>> | Inside the San Diego Energy Resource Center |  Featured Display
Name: San Diego Energy Infrastructure Poster
Description: Informative map of the San Diego region showing power plants (planned and existing), gas pipelines, LNG plants, compressor stations and transmission lines.
System Addressed: Gas and Electric
Illustrates: How the San Diego Region gets its power Featured Instrument  Name: Sonin Multi-Measure Combo PRO
Description: The SONIN Combo Pro sends out narrow beams of sound waves that "bounce" off solid objects back to the hand-held receiver. Custom electronics and a microprocessor then convert elapsed time into a distance measurement and display it on the LCD. The Laser Targeting Range Finder adds a visible laser to assist the user in locating their target area.
Examples of Use: Can be used by anyone who wants fast, easy, accurate distance measurements, such as site analysis, zone sizing take-offs or remodel projects.
Availability: Loaned free of charge for up to 10 business days. Remember: safety first!
Featured Book 2004 Blue Book: Building and Construction for Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego Counties is published by Contractor’s Register, Inc. and is the standard reference book for the building and construction industry. The book features a comprehensive classification system of construction categories, an alphabetical list of commercial construction professionals and suppliers, more than 3,300 references for easy searches, and an environmental engineering and consulting section. Featured Periodical Electricity Today is published eight times a year by The Canadian Electricity Forum for the North American electrical industry. It features industry news, the latest on transmission and distribution, safety, and a products and services showcase. Featured Video Name: Energy for Children Video Series
Description: A five-volume set for kids grades K-4, Energy for Children talks about the five forms of energy: heat, mechanical, chemical, electromagnetic, and nuclear energy. Dynamic graphics and colorful visuals help explain scientific concepts like potential and kinetic energy, renewable and non-renewable resources, work, conduction, convection and radiation.
Length: 23 minutes each NOTE: Books, periodicals and videos can also be checked out free of charge. Please call toll-free: 1-866-SDENERGY for more information. - TOP - | | Energy Policies, Regulations & Legislative Updates | |  CPUC regulatory activity includes:
Critical Peak Pricing (A.05-01-017): In a Dec. 8, 2004 Ruling within Rulemaking R.02-06-001, the CPUC required the California investor-owned utilities (IOUs) to submit an application presenting a 2005 default critical peak pricing structure for commercial and industrial customers on Jan. 20, 2005. The CPUC seeks to create rates to address peak situations, which drive up resource needs but only account for a relatively small number of hours in the year. In response to the utility applications, the CPUC issued decision D.05-04-053, which did not adopt a default critical peak pricing structure for summer 2005, but did affirm the CPUC’s desire to see a critical peak pricing structure adopted in 2006. D.05-04-053 required the IOUs to file default CPP rates for 2006 on August 1, 2005. **To solicit input from energy stakeholders, SDG&E will be holding a workshop on July 12, 2005 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the San Diego Marriott - Mission Valley, which is located at 8757 Rio San Diego Drive, San Diego, CA 92108.** CPUC/ CEC Joint Staff Report on Solar (R.04-03-017): On June 14, 2005, the CPUC issued an Assigned Commissioner and Administrative Law Judge’s Ruling Seeking Comment on the [joint CPUC/ CEC] Staff Solar Report. The CPUC and CEC staff report presents an analysis of key issues related to implementing what the staff is calling the California Solar Initiative ( CSI). In summary, the report proposes to consolidate existing and anticipated residential and commercial solar incentives into one program by June 2006. Eligible technologies would include photovoltaics and concentrated solar power up to 1 MW, and solar water heaters. The report proposes that initially, PG&E, SCE, and SoCal Gas, and SDREO would administer the CSI. The program would be funded through 2016 using gas and electric distribution rates. Tariff and metering requirements would be coordinated with the CPUC’s demand response and distributed generation proceedings. The Ruling solicits comments on the joint staff report. Opening comments now must be filed no later than July 7, 2005. Reply comments must be filed no later than July 21, 2005. SDG&E Rate Design Window (R.05-02-019): SDG&E filed its Rate Design Window (RDW) application on Feb. 18, 2005. This filing seeks authority to change current rate designs effective Jan. 1, 2006. The Commission released a Scoping Memo (doc) for the proceeding on April 27, 2005. Hearings will be held in San Diego on July 18-22 at State Office Building, 1350 Front Street, Room B-107. Energy Efficiency Programs 2006-2008 (A.05-05-003): On June 1, 2005, SDG&E filed its application for energy efficiency programs for years 2006-2008. SDG&E’s application is available on their web site. Opening comments on the applications and the PRG assessments were due on June 30, 2005, with reply comments due on July 15, 2005. State Legislative Activity: There are a number of bills making their way through the CA Assembly that are important to the San Diego region, including:
AB 380 - Resource Adequacy (Sponsor: Nunez)
AB 974 - Transmission Siting (Sponsor: Nunez)
AB 1362 - Renewable Portfolio Standard (Sponsor: Levine)
AB 1547 - Solar Peak Procurement Act (Sponsor: Levine)
AB 1576 - Repowering Power Plants (Sponsor: Nunez)
AB 1585 - Renewable Portfolio Standard (Sponsor: Blakeslee)
AB 1704 - Electricity Market Structure (Sponsor: Richman)
AB 1723 - Integrated Energy Policy Report (Sponsor: La Malfa)
SB 1 - Million Solar Roofs Initiative (Sponsor: Murray)
SB 107 - Renewable Portfolio Standard (Sponsor: Simitian)
SB 426 - LNG Impacts (Sponsor: Simitian)
SB 441 - Advanced Metering (Sponsor: Soto)
SB 641 - Direct Access: Core/Non-Core (Sponsor: Campbell)
SB 816 - Net Metering (Sponsor: Kehoe)
SB 1017 - Solar Energy Tax Credit and Exemption (Sponsor: Campell)
SB 1037 - Energy Efficiency (Sponsor: Kehoe)
SB 1059 - Transmission Corridors (Sponsor: Escutia) Legislative Update: Two bills that advance the deadline for achieving a 20 percent renewable portfolio standard ( RPS) from 2017 to 2010 are likely to merge. SB107 and AB1362 both call for the more aggressive target. Earlier versions of both bills also contained language on renewable energy credit ( REC) ownership, but that contentious issue has been removed to ensure passage of the expedited RPS target. The "Energy Action Plan" adopted by the CPUC, the CEC and the California Power Authority pledges that the agencies will accelerate RPS implementation to meet the 20% goal by 2010, instead of 2017. The Governor has endorsed accelerating the RPS to 20 percent by 2010 and proposed an additional goal of 33 percent by 2020. An additional RPS bill (AB1585) calls for a study to assess the feasibility of meeting the 33% by 2020 goal. National News: The Senate passed with amendments the comprehensive energy bill on June 28, 2005 in an 85-12 vote. The bill now moves to a House-Senate conference committee. The House and Senate have differing versions of the bill which must be reconciled after Congress returns from its July 4th recess on July 11. In conference, the committee members will work to compromise on conflicting bill passages. Energy policy has been debated every year since President Bush released his national energy policy in May 2001. To view the Senate and House bills, visit the federal legislative search engine THOMAS and enter the search for "HR 6". - TOP - | Solar Energy Week (cont.) The week is already gaining support from local businesses, such as QUALCOMM, SDG&E and Kyocera Solar, Inc. The cities of San Diego and Chula Vista, along with the County of San Diego, will also be making formal proclamations in September declaring Sept. 25 to Oct. 1 as Solar Energy Week. Other cities throughout the county are scheduled to issue similar proclamations. While studies show enormous solar energy potential for San Diego County due to its geographic location and weather, there are still substantial barriers to widespread adoption including costs, regulations and lack of awareness. According to Stillings, “Solar Energy Week is an important step for our community to address these issues and start to solve some very real problems. Bringing businesses, residents and policy makers together will have a positive impact on the future of solar in San Diego.” Solar Energy Week will feature a full schedule of events: SDREO’s Sixth Annual San Diego Solar Homes Tour; a guided bus tour of commercial solar installations; technical workshops and seminars; and a solar conference featuring topics on solar basics, legislative and policy issues, trends in technology, economics and applications. Visit the Solar Energy Week web site for the most up-to-date schedule. For sponsorship and workshop opportunities, please contact SDREO's Education and Events Manager Ashley Watkins by
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or by calling 858-244-4495. - TOP - GHG Emission Reductions (cont.) The governor said California is vulnerable to: - the impacts of climate change through the reduction in the quality and supply of water from the Sierra snow pack;
- the exacerbation of California's air quality problems;
- the adverse impact on human health by increasing heat stress and related deaths, incidence of infectious disease, and risk of asthma, respiratory and other health problems;
- the rise in sea level along the 1,100 miles of coastline; and
- the detrimental impacts to agriculture due to increased temperatures, diminished water supply and changes in the abundance and distribution of pests.
The CalEPA secretary will coordinate development and implementation of strategies to achieve the GHG reduction targets in conjunction with the secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, the secretary of the Department of Food and Agriculture, the secretary of the Resources Agency, the chairperson of the Air Resources Board, the chairperson of the Energy Commission and the president of the Public Utilities Commission. The work of the agencies will build on the efforts underway at the Air Resources Board, the Energy Commission and the Public Utilities Commission. - TOP - Program Spotlight: 20/20 Peak Day Program (cont.) A peak energy day is when both the forecasted temperature for the next day is expected to reach or exceed 84 degrees at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station and the current day's electric system load locally reaches 3,620 megawatts. The California Independent System Operator can also declare a peak day on extreme conditions. A maximum of 15 peak energy days could be called during the season and participating business will be notified one day in advance. A 20/20 program is also available for residential customers that have a year of energy bill history. Residential 20/20 runs from July 1 to Oct. 1. While enrollment is required for businesses, no enrollment is necessary for residential customers. For more information and enrollment procedures, call 1-800-411-7343 or visit SDG&E's web site. - TOP - |
