Regional ReportsWest

California Energy Solutions

The 20 Percent Solution website (savepower.lbl.gov), developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, is designed to help California residents reduce energy use by 20% or more. The site identifies efficiency measures according to the region of California they live in, the size of their house or apartment, and whether or not they have air conditioning. It provides no-cost, low-cost, and more expensive measures.

Visitors to the website can also get information on California’s 20/20 Rebate Program. The program offers a 20% rebate on electricity bills from June through September for customers of Pacific Gas and Electric, San Diego Gas and Electric, and Southern California Edison who use at least 20% less electricity than they consumed in each of the four comparable months during 2000. The rebate program is open to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) recently increased its rebates for renewable energy systems from $3 to $4.50 a watt, or up to 50% off an eligible renewable system’s purchase price, whichever is lower. The rebates apply to solar photovoltaic, small wind (10 kW or less), fuel cells using renewable fuels, and solar thermal electric generation systems. All types of electricity customers are eligible.

California Governor Gray Davis announced that the state is meeting his goal for reducing electricity use. Compared to a year ago, Californians cut their total electricity use by 11% in May, and cut their electricity demand during peak periods by 10%.

Publication date: 06/25/2001

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Greg Mazurkiewicz is Web Editor. He can be contacted at 248-244-6459 or gregmazurkiewicz@achrnews.com. Greg handles the day-to-day operations of The NEWS' website, www.achrnews.com, including the Extra Edition page, which offers additional online-exclusive articles. He has 40 years of experience as a writer and editor. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and a master's degree in Business Management.