Rethinking Funding Cycles  

 

In a move hailed as a great positive development for the state's energy efficiency sector, the California Public Utilities Commission is considering moving to a "Rolling Portfolios" funding approach for programs such as The Energy Network.

 

Currently, energy efficiency programs are evaluated and funded in separate cycles of three years or less. A rolling portfolio would mean programs that are proven effective would continue to be funded and evaluated on an on-going, rolling basis without the disruptions, customer inconvenience and higher administrative costs associated with the current start-stop cycles.

This is welcome news for The Energy Network, which has been helping residents, businesses and public agencies in Southern California achieve big energy savings. The program was funded originally on a two-year cycle, from January 2013 through December 2014, but it is likely to be funded through 2015 and beyond now that the CPUC is moving toward a rolling portfolio.

"A rolling portfolio will give our program and other effective initiatives more stability going forward. Not only will we be able to plan better for the long-haul and really deliver the most cost effective energy savings, but the contractors, homeowners, businesses, and public agencies that participate in our programs will have the security of knowing they will not be up against funding cycle deadlines," said Howard Choy, General Manager of the LA County Office of Sustainability, which administers The Energy Network.

For Southern Californians participating in The Energy Network's various residential, commercial and public programs, the Commission's latest action is a welcome sign that the programs are gaining ground, and are viewed as long-term strategies to reach the state's energy efficiency goals. It also means that now is the time to explore The Energy Network's offerings by visiting www.theenergynetwork.com.

The CPUC's decision on the rolling portfolio will take place in phases. A preliminary decision is expected in 2014. Other details will be reviewed and discussed through 2015 with an anticipated January 2016 start date for full implementation.

Moving
Water More Efficiently 

 

The conveyance, treatment, storage and distribution of water represent nearly a fifth of California's energy consumption, yet water related agencies historically have been underserved when it comes to energy efficiency programs.

 

The Energy Network is changing that. Four water-related agencies have already enrolled in the program and will bring significant energy savings.

 

"We have an opportunity to achieve energy savings that we otherwise would not have been able to do with our own resources," said Ryan Gross, General Manager of Running Springs Water District. "We are taking advantage now rather than continuing to defer energy efficiency projects."

 

The Energy Network is assisting Running Springs with a wide range of projects, from upgrading its headquarters building to mechanical retrofits at its wastewater treatment plant. The projects will improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. In total, Running Springs Water District is expected to realize about 400,000 kWh and 2,000 therms in annual savings.

 

The other three water-related agencies enrolled in The Energy Network are Western Municipal Water District, Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority, and Eastern Municipal Water District.

 

For these and other water-related agencies in Southern California, energy efficiency is more relevant than ever. The recent shuttering of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station means supply will be constrained. Meanwhile, more stringent air quality regulations likely will limit many agencies' ability to use stationary engines as backup power generators in the event of power outages.  

 

With aggressive energy management programs, water utilities can reduce their annual electricity costs by as much as 40 percent. Through the Water Energy Nexus pilot program, The Energy Network also is exploring the confluence of water and energy conservation efforts. 
Cool Savings

 

According to a recent analysis of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) projects in The Energy Network service region, a little over half had appropriate permits.

That puts Southern California ahead of California Public Utilities Commission's goal of 50 percent HVAC permit compliance by 2015, but there is much work left to reach the goal of 100 percent compliance by 2020. Unpermitted HVAC systems sap revenue from permitting agencies and leave homeowners at risk of expensive repairs.

 

Enter The Energy Network's Cool Comfort Financing, which provides low-interest financing (as low as 2 percent) to residential customers as an incentive to properly install energy efficient heating and cooling systems while requiring contractors to meet local permitting requirements.

 

A collaborative program with investor owned utilities, the program is on track with contractor recruitment goals and has approved more than $230,000 in project loans to date. A social media campaign will follow soon. To learn more click here. 

 

 

 


About The  
Energy Network 

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The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) created The Energy Network to serve public agencies and their constituencies throughout Southern California.

  

The Energy Network's mission is to harness the collective action of public agencies and their constituents and to help them save energy by providing needed resources and technical expertise. The pilot phase is funded through the end of 2014.

This Program is administered by the County of Los Angeles and funded by California utility ratepayers under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.