 Events Calendar
Did you know CCSE offers free, ongoing workshops on energy efficiency, solar energy, green building, transportation and climate change? To register, click on the links below, or call 858.244.1177. Solar Water Heating Systems Workshop
Date: Friday, September 14, 2007
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Understanding Residential Title 24
Date: Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Big Energy Savings with Big Fan Technologies
Date: Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Lunch & Learn Family Solar Energy Day
Date: Sunday, October 21, 2007
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m
Location: San Dieguito County Park Commercial Solar Tour
Date: Tuesday, October 23rd
Time: Tour 1: 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Tour 2: 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Solar Energy Conference
Date: Thursday, October 25th
Time: Check-in starts at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Conference Sessions and Exhibits), 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Solar powered wine tasting and cocktail party)
Location: Mission Valley Marriott Solar Home Tour
Date: Saturday, October 27th
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Various homes throughout San Diego County. Understanding How to Build Straw Bale Buildings
Date: 10/30/2007
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.  Employee Spotlight
 Annie Henderson, Solar Water Heating Pilot Program Manager
In 2006, the California Public Utilities Commission selected the California Center for Sustainable Energy ( CCSE) as the only non-profit in the state to administer San Diego's share of the bellwether California Solar Initiative ( CSI). CSI provides for over $200 million in rebates and related financial incentives for San Diego homeowners and commercial, industrial, and agricultural property-owners who go solar. The objective is to reduce reliance on traditional electrical power plants by stimulating the use of clean, renewable, solar-powered technologies that generate electricity, or photovoltaics ( PV). One of the three programs funded by CPUC and administered by CCSE under the California Solar Initiative is the Solar Water Heating Pilot Program, which provides financial incentives to residential, commercial, and industrial electricity customers of SDG&E who install qualifying solar water heating systems. Residential systems can receive up to $1,500 and commercial and industrial systems are eligible for up to $75,000. Annie Henderson was recently selected to head up the exciting new Solar Water Heating Pilot Program. Annie brings over six years experience in project management, feasibility studies, financial analysis, and sales and marketing in the renewable energy industry. "The purpose of the Solar Water Heating Pilot Program is to provide data to the CPUC on the performance, technology, market potential, and customer acceptance of solar water heaters, as well as to provide cost-cutting incentives to homeowners and businesses,” said CCSE Director of Operations Andrew McAllister. “Annie's diverse background is exceptionally valuable to a program that is being developed from the ground up. She is working hard to thoroughly incorporate the feedback of all stakeholders in developing a strong program with statewide potential." "All eyes are on San Diego for this program,” said Annie. “The development of a statewide program is contingent on the data and feedback from the Solar Water Heating Pilot Program, and presents a huge potential to save carbon emissions and avoid fuel consumption. Building a strong Pilot Program here in San Diego will result in environmental and cost savings for all of California." Most recently, Annie served as Business Manager for Occidental Power Solar and Cogeneration where she performed multiple functions for the company from accounting to business development. Prior to that, she worked as a Research Assistant for Abrivo Corporation, analyzing wind power potential for wind turbines, and performing product feasibility and assessment of wind turbine technology in developing areas. Annie has a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Geology from the University of Pennsylvania.  Notable & Quotable
"So WATT! An Illuminating Look at Energy"
Opens September 15th, 2007 Energy is all around us! Did you know there are many ways to convert energy into electricity that is used for everything from lighting our homes to powering computers and appliances? Explore some of the ways we generate electricity as well as learn more about the unique way that the Fleet Science Center is on the cutting edge of electric production. Produced by the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, this "illuminating" exhibition allows you to be a solar engineer as well as learn about conservation efforts you can try at home!
Fast Energy Facts • Energy Star and LEED are the two most recognized and promising systems of achieving green
• Energy Star is the government-funded program that focuses on energy efficiency
• In 2006 Americans saved $12 billion and also helped decrease greenhouse emissions by implementing Energy Star guidelines
• LEED provides ratings designed to lessen a building's environmental impact and conserve natural resources
• The LEED rating system is the nationally recognized standard for green building. Categories are platinum, gold, silver, and certified.
• To save energy when your computer is on but not in use, use the following procedure to turn on the Power saving mode for your monitor: • Click or hit the "Start" (windows logo) icon or key. • Click on "Control Panel" • Double click on "Display" OR "Appearance and Themes" • Go to "Screen Save"r and click "Power" by the energy star logo.  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 Hosts 3rd Annual Solar Energy Week Conference On Thursday, October 25, the California Center for Sustainable Energy will host the San Diego Solar Conference from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (check-in starts at 8:00 a.m.) at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley, 8757 Rio San Diego Drive. The conference is an all-day event where executives, environmentalists and homeowners can explore the ever-changing landscape of solar legislation, trends, technologies and economics with top industry and government experts.
The conference will focus on three tracks: Technology, Markets & Finance and Policy & Planning. There will be over 30 solar companies exhibiting. High profile speakers include: Paul Clanon, Executive Director of the California Public Utilities Commission and Bradley D. Collins, Executive Director of the American Solar Energy Society. Admission to the event is free if you pre-register, but will be $30 if you register the day of the event. So please pre-register at www.energycenter.org. CCSE Awards Avocado Farm $3.5 Million in Solar Rebates Farm ACW in Fallbrook, owned by Dr. William Arterberry, has been awarded almost $3.5 million in rebates from the California Center for Sustainable Energy Self-Generation Incentive Program. The $8 million, one- megawatt, photovoltaic energy installation at Farm ACW went online the first week of May with two acres of solar panels collecting sunlight on a five-acre plot of the farm. Arteberry’s usual electric bill is about $55,000 a month. That dropped to $23,000 a month after the first solar system was started, and he expects it will decrease to about $17,000 in the summer sun. "This scope and scale of this project is noteworthy for a variety of reasons," said CCSE Self-Generation Incentive Program ( SGIP) Manager Jon Bonk-Vasko. "It rates as one of the largest photovoltaic installations in the U.S. It is also the second largest incentive amount and the second largest PV system in capacity the SGIP has paid out for the entire SDG&E service territory. It truly demonstrates the power potential of solar today -- and the economic benefits people can realize for initiating these renewable energy systems. I can say that this is one of the world's largest agricultural PV projects and its completion will play a significant role in moving California closer to a sustainable energy future." CCSE’s Self-Generation Incentive Program ( SGIP) provides businesses and public agencies with between $25 and $40 million in annual, targeted rebates to promote the installation of clean, renewable, on-site power generation systems, including wind turbines, fuel cells, microturbines, and turbines and engines that utilize renewable fuel. Since 2001, the SGIP has provided incentives for more than 15 megawatts of installed generation capacity (about the equivalent of 8,250 homes), reducing consumer dependence on the local utility grid (and the fossil fuels that power them).
Innovative Use of Solar Cools Hot Dogs While the Bounds Kennel in El Cajon is keeping its canine guests cool and comfortable, they are also saving thousands of dollars in energy costs each year, not to mention the generous incentive they received from the California Solar Initiative, administered by CCSE in San Diego Gas & Electric territory. The 22 kW system is expected to generate 38,000 kWh annually and save Bounds Kennel an anticipated $10,000 each year in energy bills. In addition, Bounds Kennel will receive an incentive of $55,767.58 from the California Solar Initiative toward the $145,000 system cost. That’s a savings of almost 40%! The system was installed by James Pinon of Alternative Energy Technologies. Inside the San Diego Energy Resource Center Lending Library | | The Energy Resource Center ( ERC) has a vast array of books, periodicals, DVDs and tools to assist businesses and home owners with energy efficiency products, services and practices. Books, periodicals and DVDs 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: High Efficiency Package Unit
Description: 4-ton packaged unit equipped to handle the heating and cooling of small commercial or residential buildings.
Systems Addressed: Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning
System Description:
• 16 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating ( SEER) • 80 AFUE • Insulated Cabinet • Variable Speed Blower Fan • Two Stages of Compressors • Extra Large Coil Surface • No Fan Belts The High Efficiency Package Unit is an Energy Star product that is currently the industry’s most efficient unit. This package unit uses gas for heating, rather than electricity, to save money and electrical energy.
ERC Featured Instrument  Name: The Watt Stopper IT-200 InteliTimer Pro
Description: Monitors Light & Occupancy
Required equipment: The Watt Stopper IT-200 InteliTimer Pro
Examples of Use:
• Determines energy savings potential from occupancy sensor use. Adjustable light pipe observes lighting level. • Logs when a space is occupied/vacant and when lighting is on/off • IT-ProSoft Software provides single-step data retrieval, storage, analysis and printing. Availability: Loaned free of charge for up to 10 business days.
Remember: Safety first!
ERC Featured Book  This updated version of the U.S Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED-NC Reference Guide V2.2 contains extensive background information and detailed guidance for meeting the requirements of LEED for New Construction. The guide includes not only information on fulfilling the requirements of the rating system, but also case studies, calculation methods, and other resources.
ERC Featured Periodical  Maintenance Solutions Magazine is the only magazine written exclusively for engineering & maintenance executives at commercial and institutional facilities. Each issue reaches key decision makers at schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, medical centers, nursing homes, government buildings, commercial office buildings, retail chains and hotel chains. Maintenance Solutions readers enjoy valuable editorial coverage aimed at helping them do their job better. Topics include: “green” (environmental) issues, grounds care, technology, product reviews, and industry trends.
ERC Featured Video/DVD  Name: The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil
Description: When Cuba lost access to Soviet oil in the early 1990s, the country faced an immediate crisis – feeding the population – and an ongoing challenge: how to create a new low-energy society. This film tells the story of the Cuban people’s hardship, ingenuity, and triumph over sudden adversity – through cooperation, conservation, and community.
Length: 95 minutes
Produced by The Community Solution
Directed by Faith Morgan
NOTE: Books, Periodicals and Videos can also be checked out free of charge. 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) [link to proceeding] The proposed decision on 2009-2011 portfolio planning and energy efficiency program strategies is now expected to be issued on or about September 10, rather than September 4, for inclusion on the California Public Utility Commission’s ( CPUC's) October 18, rather than October 4, meeting agenda. Opening comments will be due 20 days after the date of issuance.
California Solar Initiative ( CSI) (R.06-03-004) [link to proceeding] On August 7, Commissioner Michael R. Peevey’s Proposed Decision establishing a Research, Development, Demonstration and Deployment (RDD&D) Plan for the CSI was issued for comment. The Proposed Decision is on the agenda for discussion and a vote on at the September 6 CPUC meeting. On August 22, the California Energy Commission ( CEC) held a workshop to receive comments on its Staff Report, titled “Eligibility Criteria and Conditions for Incentives for Solar Energy Systems” (http://www.energy.ca.gov/sb1/meetings/index.html). Senate Bill ( SB) 1 requires the CEC to establish eligibility criteria, conditions for incentives, and equipment rating standards for all ratepayer-funded solar energy system programs in California, including the CSI. The release of the Staff Report and the August 22 workshop are the first steps in the CEC process. Per the CPUC’s August 23 Decision, Building Integrated Photovoltaic ( BIPV) systems are now included with other PV systems that receive incentive payments based on expected, rather than actual installed, performance. Now, only those solar technologies not listed on the eligible equipment list of the CEC are excluded.
Self-Generation Incentive Program ( SGIP) (R.04-03-017) [link to proceeding] On July 25, FuelCell Energy filed a Petition for Modification to increase the SGIP incentive cap from 1 MW to 3 MW. Responses to the Petition were due August 24.
Sunrise Powerlink Transmission Project (A.06-08-010) [link to proceeding] On August 13, a Ruling was issued setting a new schedule for the completion of Phase 1. Previously, Phase 1 evidentiary hearings were suspended after San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) identified errors made in estimating the economic benefits of the project. These hearings resume September 4, and will continue on various dates throughout the month of September. Phase 1 Opening Briefs will then be due November 2, and Reply Briefs will be due November 20.
Legislative activity includes: The Assembly was on break during the month of August.
For a complete list of energy-related State and Federal legislation, please visit our website at www.energycenter.org. | |
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