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Energy Connection Newsletter - July 2011

Energy Connections Newsletter

From the Director's Desk
Board of Directors Helps in Many Ways

Sometimes serving on a nonprofit board of directors can be a difficult and thankless task, so I want to recognize and thank our incredible board of directors for their ongoing support of CCSE. This board has been instrumental in helping us carry out our mission of promoting the adoption of clean, efficient, renewable and sustainable energy and plays a key role in shaping our strategic direction. They are invaluable advisors, great partners and enduring friends of CCSE.

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1st Solar-Thermal Commercial Rebate
Mission Heights Condominiums Unveils Clean Energy System

CCSE presented a $72,523 check as the first multifamily solar water heating system rebate awarded in San Diego County from the California Solar Initiative ( CSI) Solar Thermal Program on Thursday, July 14, to the homeowners association of Mission Heights Condominiums in Mission Valley. A "switching on" and CSI rebate check presentation ceremony was held, activating the system that supplies hot water to 116 residences at an annual energy cost savings of nearly $11,000. City of San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders was among those speaking at the event.

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Energy Upgrades in Chula Vista
Block party kicks off Community Savings Initiative

Residents in the Rancho Del Rey community of Chula Vista will learn about an exclusive new program that provides special discounts and promotions to complete home energy upgrades through the statewide Energy Upgrade California program at a kick-off block party set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 16. The event is sponsored by CCSE as part of the Energy Upgrade California™ Community Savings Initiative, a model project with the goal of bringing together neighbors to enjoy the benefits of energy efficiency upgrades in Rancho Del Rey homes at a lower cost.

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Press Conference

Mayor Jerry Sanders spoke to the news media at CCSE June 28 announcing the "Summer of Energy Independence" in San Diego and encouraging residents to take at least one step during the next few months to conserve energy. Also speaking were Robert Weisenmiller, chairman of the California Energy Commission, and Irene Stillings, CCSE executive director. CCSE collaborated with the city in designing and implementing the program.

 


First Rebate

Kole Handy (left) and Jose Rodriguez (right), owners of Lifestyle Transportation, received a $5,000 check from Heather Shepard (center), CCSE's manager for the San Diego Airport Vehicle Rebate Program. This is the first incentive given under the program that helps offset the cost of purchasing lower emission, alternative fuel taxis, shuttles and door-to-door vans that provide airport services.

 


Fighting Fires with Solar Safety
Solar PV systems give firefighters special challenges

SANDEE Awards


With the spread of rooftop solar energy nationwide, there is growing concern about the safety of firefighters when facing a fire in a structure equipped with a photovoltaic ( PV) system. They may be unfamiliar with how a PV system works, what equipment is involved and how to shut it down. While PV panels themselves are not considered a fire hazard, they can only be safely dealt with if the fire service understands the particular hazards they do present, according to Fire Captain Matthew Paiss, a fifteen-year member of the San Jose Fire Department.

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Local Control with Microgrids
SDG&E demonstration project in Borrego Springs

SANDEE Awards


In San Diego, electricity meters have become smarter, with two-way communications and real-time monitoring, but the grid that supplies our power needs to be smarter too. That's the purpose of the smart grid, a sort of Internet for electricity, with controls, computers and equipment working together to respond to quickly changing energy demands. But within the smart grid, there will be even greater need for intricate, local controls – at the microgrid level – a complex challenge for energy managers.

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Inside the ERC


Energy Resource Library now has its complete catalog of books, DVDs and tools online with advanced hold for items you want to check out. Simply search by subject, author, title, manufacturer, name or type, and if what you want is available, you can put a hold on it until you come by CCSE to complete the check-out process. Go to the library website.

Display
Lite-Deck

Lite-Deck® is a solid concrete alternative for conventional floor and deck applications in residential homes, commercial buildings and safety structures. Energy efficient and sustainable, Lite-Deck® makes structural, elevated concrete slabs easy to construct and safe.
Click here to learn more.

 

 

Tool
Fluke FLU1587 Hybrid Insulation Tester and Multimeter

Two powerful tools in one, the Insulation Tester and Multimeter combine a digital insulation tester with a full-featured, true RMS digital multimeter in a single, compact, handheld unit providing maximum versatility for both troubleshooting and preventative maintenance.
Click here to learn more.

 

 

Book
Bottled & Sold: The Story Behind Our Obsession with Bottled Water

Tap water is safe almost everywhere in the U.S., so why does someone buy a bottle of water every second of every day? And where do the thousands of plastic bottles discarded daily end up? This books calls for a new era in water management.
Click here to learn more.

 

 

DVD
"Unlimited: Renewable Energy in the 21st Century"

This 26-minute documentary features a group of children calling for adults to take action and address global warming. It also includes global warming and energy experts talking about various promising technologies such as solar, wind and tidal power; transportation; and the issues of food and energy consumption.
Click here to learn more.

 


Policy and Planning

Energy Efficiency
This rulemaking continues the work of R.06-04-010 and serves as the forum for the California Public Utility Commission's continued implementation of the California Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan as well as the forum for initiating the next planning cycle for 2013-2015 energy efficiency program plans, funding levels and related issues. Read updates.
Energy Efficiency Risk/Reward Incentive Mechanism (RRIM)
This rulemaking will address the California Public Utility Commission's policies related to an energy efficiency risk/reward incentive mechanism (RRIM), which offers the four major California energy utilities, i.e., 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), incentives to achieve or surpass CPUC-adopted energy efficiency goals and to extend California's commitment to making energy efficiency the highest energy resource priority. Read updates.
California Solar Initiative,
Self-Generation Incentive Program and Other Distributed Generation Issues

This rulemaking continues the work of R.08-03-008, 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). Read updates.


Event Calendar

Did you know CCSE offers free, ongoing workshops on energy efficiency, solar energy, green building, transportation and climate change? Register now! Click on the links below or call (866) SDENERGY.

The Importance of Energy Efficiency for Climate Action Plans
Date: Tuesday, Jul 19, 2011

Hands on Phantom Power Workshop
Date: Wednesday, Jul 20, 2011

Solar Water Heating Basics for Homeowners
Date: Thursday, Jul 21, 2011

Energy Upgrade California for Homeowners
Date: Thursday, Jul 21, 2011

International Living Building
Date: Tuesday, Jul 26, 2011

Solar Water Heating Contractor and Self-Installer Training
Date: Wednesday, Jul 27, 2011

Join the CCSE Elite Volunteer Corp
Date: Wednesday, Jul 27, 2011

Skip's Tips - Advanced Solar Thermal Workshop
Date: Wednesday, Jul 27, 2011

Solar for Homeowners 1 - Getting Started
Date: Thursday, Jul 28, 2011

San Diego CalSEIA Meeting
Date: Thursday, Jul 28, 2011

 


Special Notice

CCSE Needs YOU
CCSE is looking for individuals interested in being part of our elite volunteer team. Our programs, including Energy Upgrade California, the California Solar Initiative and Transportation Programs, need of more public ambassadors who will help us carry the message of sustainability to events throughout communities in San Diego County. Next orientation will be held July 27 CCSE from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Register here.

 

Join author and award-winning filmmaker Josh Tickell (From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank: The Complete Guide to Using Vegetable Oil as an Alternative Fuel) as he addresses common misconceptions about biofuels and makes an inspiring case for transportation managers to convert vehicle fleets to renewable fuels during "Biodiesel and Flex Fuel for Fleets – Just the Facts." Thursday, August 11, 4 – 6 p.m., Pearson Fuels, 4067 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. Register here.

 

Mitchell Joachim, an innovative architect and leader in ecological design, will speak on "Ecology + City + Mobility," a discussion of humanitarian ideas for future communities with smart, interconnected systems that integrate urban designs and transportation needs. Tuesday, August 9, 6 – 8 p.m., location to be announced. Register here.

 


Other Events

Local government officials and public agency administrators can learn about free services, incentives and other funding opportunities for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at "Show Me the Money! How to Quickly Put ARRA Dollars and Other Energy Project Financing Resources to Work," a workshop at CCSE from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 21. The workshop is cosponsored by CCSE and the Energy Technology Assistance Program. To register, contact Heidi Hauenstein at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (510) 482 – 4420, ext. 219.


Employee Spotlight

Manny Garcia
Program Accountant

Manny Garcia handles accounting activities for CCSE's distributed generation and rebate activities, including California Solar Initiative ( CSI) programs and the Self-Generation Incentive Program. This involves processing rebates, which for the CSI program alone, is more than 2,600 projects a year and more than $29 million in incentives.

Garcia has nearly 20 years experience in nonprofit and corporate accounting, consulting, taxation and finance department management. Prior to working for CCSE, Garcia was the controller for La Jolla Playhouse, and he has worked for Access Industrial, Inc. and Fiscal Assistance and Support.

He has a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Baja California and is currently pursuing a master's degree in accountancy at the University of Phoenix.


Monthly Tip

Summer Cooking

Cooking can be a major source of heat within a home. On hot days, avoid using the oven; cook on the stovetop, or better yet, use only a microwave oven. For stovetop or oven cooking, use the spot ventilation of your oven hood to help remove the heat from the house (this will suck some hot outside air into your home, so don't overdo it). Outdoor grilling is a great way to avoid cooking indoors and of course, going out to eat or ordering take-out work as well.


CCSE Is Hiring

Current green job openings:

Marketing Coordinator

Senior Marketing Manager

Program Assistant Retrofit Program

 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Green Job Seekers
In addition to viewing available green jobs, you can now post your resume to CCSE's online Green Career Network. Whether you are looking to find a job or fill one, we have the resources you need.


Notable Quotable

“We have to encourage the future we want rather than trying to prevent the future we fear.”

- Bill Joy, founder, Sun Microsystems


Stand for Less

Help us STAND FOR LESS. So that everyone can enjoy life more.

Please take a few minutes today and join us at www.standforless.com.


Contact Us

Energy Connection is a monthly e-newsletter of the California Center for Sustainable Energy.

We value your feedback. To submit comments, questions or suggestions, please click here.

 

CCSE Calendar

Green Workshops & Events
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Notable & Quotable

We have to encourage the future we want rather than trying to prevent the future we fear.

- Bill Joy, founder, Sun Microsystems