|
PACE Assessment Protection Act of 2011 Bill Introduced in House of Representatives  A bi-partisan group of federal legislators announced the PACE Assessment Protection Act of 2011 in July that, if passed, will stimulate job creation and reinstate a low-interest financing program that allows property homeowners to finance energy-efficient improvements to their property. PACE programs have been adopted in 27 states thus far, including in California in 2008. PACE ran into roadblocks in the summer of 2010 when the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) expressed concern over PACE loans having a priority lien on a property, and the FHFA therefore imposed conditions on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that effectively eliminated PACE loans as a viable option.
The proposed bill would prevent residential and commercial mortgage lending entities from adopting policies that interfere with established PACE laws. For more information, please visit, www.pacenow.org. 2010 San Gabriel Valley Energy Efficiency Awards On Tuesday, December 7th, the Partnership honored the San Gabriel Valley’s outstanding commitment to energy efficiency, and individual awards were presented to the cities of Pomona, San Gabriel, South Pasadena, and West Covina. - Energy Savings Impact Award for a Large City - City of West Covina
The City of West Covina completed retrofit projects totaling 158,119 kilowatt-hours savings this year. Projects included traffic signal upgrades and window film installation.
- Energy Savings Impact Award for a Small City - City of South Pasadena
The City of South Pasadena saved 152,118 kilowatt-hours by replacing incandescent traffic signals with LED signals.
- Green Leadership Award - City of Pomona
The City of Pomona has shown outstanding commitment to improving the environment across all sectors, including energy efficiency, with the development of an interdepartmental “Green Team,” the development of a city “Green Plan” and completion of a greenhouse gas emissions inventory.
- Ingenuity Award - City of San Gabriel
The City of San Gabriel has replaced illuminated street signs with reflective signs. This innovative project saves the city 77,325 kilowatt-hours each year and serves as a model to other cities to undertake similar creative efforts.
Click here to read the San Gabriel Valley Tribune article about the awards event. Below, representatives of the recognized cities accept their awards.  
City of South Pasadena City of West Covina City of San Gabriel City of Pomona Energy Upgrade California Program Coming Soon Energy Upgrade California is a public-purpose program that promotes energy-efficiency retrofits of existing single family homes. The program provides incentives to homeowners who complete qualifying energy-saving home upgrade projects. The program offers a variety of upgrade and participation options that qualify for various rebates, tax credits, special financing and other incentives. Upgrade packages vary and range from basic weatherization and insulation to more comprehensive replacement of air conditioning and water heating systems. Visit www.energyupgradecalifornia.com for more iinformation.
California Appliance Rebate Program to be Extended The California Energy Commission (CEC) will extend its “Cash for Appliances” program, which was originally scheduled to close on May 23rd, until funds are exhausted. According to a report from the CEC in May, the agency has received more than 29,000 applications valued at $5.8 million in rebates. $25 million is still available and will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Eligible energy efficient appliances and rebate amounts available are: - Room air conditioners – up to $50
Consumers are eligible for a rebate when they (1) purchase a qualified highly energy efficient appliance, (2) properly recycle their old appliance, and (3) submit a complete application package within 120 days of the appliance purchase. More information, including a tracker that is updated daily on the remaining amount of funds available can be found at: www.cash4appliances.org. San Gabriel Valley Cities Receive Enhanced Rebates for Energy Efficiency Projects!  The San Gabriel Valley Energy Wise Partnership Energy Leader Model is a tiered system whereby cities can receive enhanced rebates from Southern California Edison (SCE) for eligible energy efficiency projects for energy savings achievements and responsibility. By participating in the SGVEWP, cities automatically qualify as a "Valued Level Partner" whereby they can access SCE's core program incentive rebate for energy savings measures undertaken in city facilities. As cities demonstrate additional energy savings and commitments, they can qualify for enhanced rebates at the silver, gold and platinum levels.
Currently, the following cities have qualified for the advanced levels, thanks to their commitment to saving energy: - Alhambra - Silver Level
- Arcadia - Silver Level
- Claremont - Silver Level
- Duarte - Silver Level
- El Monte - Silver Level
- Glendora - Silver Level
- Monrovia - Silver Level
- Pomona - Silver Level
- San Gabriel - Silver Level
- South Pasadena - Silver Level
- West Covina - Platinum Level
San Gabriel Valley Cities Save 1.4 million kWh in Municipal Facilities in 2009! The San Gabriel Valley Energy Wise Partnership has assisted the cities in the San Gabriel Valley in achieving 1.4 million kWh in energy savings by installing energy efficient equipment in municipal facilities during 2009. The Partnership also provided approximately $225,000 in enhanced rebates to those cities that achieved savings through their energy efficiency upgrades. More savings are to come in 2010! 2009 San Gabriel Valley Energy Efficiency Awards On Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 the Partnership honored the San Gabriel Valley’s outstanding commitment to energy efficiency, and individual awards were presented to the cities of Alhambra, Claremont, El Monte, and San Marino. - Energy Savings Impact Award for a Large City - City of Alhambra
In recent years, Alhambra has completed various retrofit projects including lighting and equipment upgrades that have totaled 974,611 kWh in savings.
- Energy Savings Impact Award for a Small City - City of San Marino
San Marino has completed equipment retrofit projects totaling 481,101 kWh, including the City’s replacement of incandescent street lights with CFLs and low voltage transformers.
- Green Leadership Award - City of Claremont
Claremont has shown outstanding commitment to improving the environment across all sectors, including energy efficiency, particularly through its efforts related to the Sustainable Claremont Initiative.
- Ingenuity Award - City of El Monte
El Monte was the first city to replace illuminated street signs with reflective signs, and installed two Smart Pump Control Systems in community pools at zero net cost. These innovative projects have been a model in our region, and have encouraged other cities to undertake similar efforts.
Click here to read the San Gabriel Valley Tribune article about the awards event. Below, representatives of the recognized cities accept their awards.   City of Alhambra City of Claremont  
City of El Monte City of San Marino CPUC Establishes Energy Efficiency Programs for 2010-2012 On September 24th, the California Public Utilities Commission approved a $3.1 billion energy efficiency portfolio of programs submitted by the four major energy utilities in the State. This decision supports the State's adopted Long-Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan, and estimates approximately 7,700 gigawatt kilowatt hours in energy savings and avoidance of 3 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions. As part of this decision, funding for the San Gabriel Valley Energy Wise Partnership was authorized for the 2010-2012 cycle making available enhanced rebate incentives for installing energy efficiency measures in municipal facilities, technical assistance, and various training and educational opportunities available to cities and their constituents. Click here to read the CPUC's press release. Solar Panels Becoming More Affordable for California Residents The LA Times published this article describing how a bright spot in this economic recession is the increased affordability of solar panels for homeowners. Click here to learn more about SCE's Homeowner Solar Information Sessions. City of Monrovia Selected for Green Leadership Award
The City of Monrovia was recently chosen as a recipient of the County of Los Angeles Green Leadership Award 2009. The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments nominated the city for its Environmental Accords and subsequent implementation of a wide range of environment ally-beneficial practices that have enhanced both the environment and quality of life for its residents.
The San Gabriel Valley Energy Wise Partnership assisted city staff in achieving many of their energy-related objectives under the Environmental Accords. Monrovia is a model that shows what small and medium-sized cities can do to make a difference in their communities. Click here to read the press release. SGVEWP congratulates Monrovia for its hard work and pioneering efforts. Thank you for making the San Gabriel Valley shine! |
Stimulus Package Includes More than $30 Billion for Green Energy On Tuesday, February 17th, President Obama signed the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009. While the allocations in this $789 billion stimulus plan covered a wide range of issues, it is clear that energy efficiency is important both as a near and long-term strategy.
Here is a breakdown of energy efficiency dollars geared towards local governments:
- State Energy Programs - $3.1 billion
- Energy Efficiency Block Grants - $3.2 billion
- Home Weatherization - $5 billion
While details regarding allocation are still being finalized, it is anticipated that funds will be available to local governments to implement project upgrades and retrofits. We will keep you posted on all the latest developments! Green Innovation Index  Next 10 recently published its "Green Innovation Index" report which analyzes the role of green innovation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening the economy. Data from this report shows that California's 35 years of investments have yielded impressive returns through energy efficiency:
- California’s energy productivity is 68 percent higher than that of the rest of the country. Measured as the ratio of energy consumed (inputs) to GDP (economic output), growth in energy productivity equates to more dollars of GDP generated per unit of energy consumed.
- Californians, per capita, pay lower utility bills and spend billions less of their state economy as a whole on electricity than the rest of the country, due to energy efficiency innovation.
- The average monthly residential electricity bill in California is less than half of the average monthly bill in Texas, representing a total savings for Californians of nearly $25 billion in 2007. As a fraction of the state economy, Texas’ overall electricity bill is almost double California’s bill.
- Over 1.5 million jobs have been created as a result of energy efficiency policies forged by California over the last 35 years, generating $45 billion in payroll.
You can view the full report on the Next 10 website. President Obama Appoints Secretary of Energy
President Obama selected 1997 Nobel Laureate in Physics, Steven Chu, to serve as Secretary of Energy. He was unanimously confirmed to the position on January 20th. Prior to serving as Secretary, Mr. Chu was the director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. It is anticipated that Mr. Chu's background, will enable him to turn the Department of Energy's attention to climate change issues.
Visit the Department of Energy website to learn more about Secretary Chu and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
"If I were emperor, I would put the pedal to the floor on energy efficiency and conservation."
— Steven Chu, on the importance of attending to the nation's future energy needs, Reuters, May 9th, 2007 Mayor Mary Ann Lutz and City Manager Scott Ochoa accept the City's award from Supervisors Antonovich and Knabe.
|
