State officials announced on January 31st that 29 water agencies serving 25 million people across California can expect "zero" water deliveries from the State Water Project this summer because of the worsening drought.

 

Although that delivery projection could change, it is the first time a "zero allocation" forecast has been made in the 54-year history of the State Water Project, which is operated by the California Department of Water Resources and typically delivers Sierra snowmelt to cities and farms throughout the state.

• Take advantage of our helpful conservation tips 
  Save energy and money at home this winter--and all year round--with our hot tips and programs. 
  For homeowners | For businesses
• Stay safe this winter 
  Help keep your gas appliances operating safely and efficiently by having them inspected every year by SoCalGas or a licensed, qualified professional.
• Use interactive tools to find Ways to Save 
  Get personalized energy analysis, along with customized recommendations on ways to save. 
  For homeowners | For businesses
• Request and install a complimentary Energy Efficiency Starter Kit 
  Get a low-flow showerhead and three faucet aerators to help you save water and energy costs. Look for SBESC's table at your next community event and ask for one.
• See if you qualify for the CARE 20% discount 
  If you don't qualify, but know SoCalGas customers who might, please let them know!
• See if you qualify for no-cost energy-saving home improvements 
  If you don't qualify for our Energy Savings Assistance Program, but know SoCalGas customers who might, please let them know!
• Manage your gas bill online through My Account 
  You can view your usage history, sign up for the Level Pay Plan, request payment arrangements and more.

As part of the Energy Department's commitment to helping families across the United States save money by saving energy, the Department announced on January 9, 2014, its first major software update to the Home Energy Scoring Tool, developed by the Department's Building Technologies Office and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL).

 

The Home Energy Score allows homebuyers to compare homes on an "apples to apples" basis and provides recommendations for energy efficiency improvements. In addition, homeowners and homebuyers receive a cost-saving estimate of how these improvements could reduce utility bills and improve a home's score. This provides homebuyers with the opportunity to undertake energy investments when improvements are most likely to take place-at time of purchase or within the first year of owning a home.

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National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) commends the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for issuing new efficiency standards for external power supplies - those black boxes that connect many of our electronic and other household devices to wall outlets - which will save Americans $300 million annually in the form of reduced electricity bills and avoid the need for a large (500 MW) power plant, reducing the toxic air pollution that impacts our health and the carbon pollution that destabilizes our climate. It is a great step forward to meeting President Obama's climate action plan goal of 3 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions reductions from appliance efficiency standards by 2030.

What kind of electric/hybrid vehicle qualifies for toll-free travel on ExpressLanes starting Feb. 24? Those with Green and White stickers. Get all the details via the announcement on ExpressLanes' website.  

On January 17th, California Governor  Jerry Brown declared a drought emergency in California as the State faces the least amount of rainfall in its 163-year history. No mandatory water restrictions are being proposed for West Basin's service area.  West Basin has adequate imported and recycled water supplies for the coming year due to past investments in recycling and conservation.  West Basin's Water Reliability 2020 program is backed by similar investments in storage and infrastructure by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. However, West Basin strongly encourage everyone to be water efficient during this time of drought.

 

For more information about West Basin' water efficiency programs and tips on reducing your water use, click here. Also, see if you qualify for these current water conservation programs:

• Weather Based Irrigation Controller Exchange
• Rainwater Rescue: FREE Rain Barrel Program 

 

The City of Torrance is Encouraging its Residents to View Southern California Association of Governments' Draft Public Participation Plan: Now Through March 7, 20014 | 5 PM

 

Rep. Henry Waxman to retire from Congress

 

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The City of Hawthorne is replacing grass lawns and other water-guzzling plants with native ones, applying an ocean friendly landscape approach to save water. There will be a hands-on workshop on Tuesday, February 25th, which is open to the public, addressing how to plant native species, install drip irrigation systems and other techniques to conserve outdoor water use. 

Register Here