Energy Efficiency
and Cleaner Air

When the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced recently that it aimed to decrease carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by 30 percent by 2030, the news was striking for a couple of reasons; its ambitious timeline and for underscoring the relationship between energy and precious resources like clean air. Increasing energy efficiency helps reduce energy demand and saves resources.

The Energy Network has made that connection from the get go. The Water/Energy Nexus pilot, for example, ties energy efficiency to water conservation efforts. And recently, just as the EPA was making its landmark announcement, The Energy Network staff was already reaching out to regional air districts (Air Pollution Control Districts and Air Quality Management Districts) to help locate large furnaces and other gas burning equipment in The Energy Network region.

Knowing that large stationary fuel burning equipment must be registered with regional air districts because of emissions, The Energy Network has sought the data first from the Ventura County APCD and the South Coast AQMD. The data contains types of equipment, their BTU per hour ratings, which gives a sense of fuel consumption, their location and the agencies that own them. The equipment identified just for Ventura County government operations are rated to burn up to 73.8 MMBTU/hr. In total, The Energy Network was able to locate about 50 pieces of equipment that could offer potential energy savings. The data offers a valuable starting point to look for energy savings.

Ensuring that gas burning equipment are running at peak performance not only saves energy, but decreases emissions at the source and decreases overall demand for fuel. It is the kind of broad-based approach that makes The Energy Network an innovator in the field.

Quick Progress   

More than two thirds of applications for Cool Comfort Financing have been funded to date. The low-interest financing tool offered by The Energy Network helps make high efficiency air conditioners more affordable to homeowners.

With summer temperatures rising, the number of homeowners participating has jumped as well. To date, the program has received 92 applications with more than 62 applications funded. Homeowners can find a Cool Comfort Financing contractor using the program's interactive map, and submit their financing application online via Matadors Community Credit Union.

The Energy Network also has kicked off a contractor recruitment effort this summer. The team hosted a webinar on July 9 after a postal mail and email outreach effort, introducing new contractors to the resource.

Interested contractors can learn more on the website, or watch the webinar for a comprehensive overview.

The Energy Network continues to offer collateral to interested cities and community organizations. Cities interested in providing this resource at their permit desks should contact the program at (877) 785-2237 or LAHelpDesk@EnergyUpgradeCA.org.