What's the goal?
The goal is to reduce Palm Desert’s energy use by 30% by 2011. The 30% energy savings has three parts – 30% reduction in electricity use, 30% reduction in natural gas use, and 30% reduction in the City’s peak electricity demand.
Who are the partners?
The City of Palm Desert, Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company and The Energy Coalition.
How did the project get started?
During the fall 2005 Aspen Accord the Mayor and City Manager of Palm Desert joined with senior officers from Southern California Edison, The Gas Company, The Energy Coalition, and CPUC to sign The Estonia Protocol, establishing the City-wide target to create energy savings of 30%. This agreement was the culmination of discussions about the bold steps that needed to be taken in California to illustrate the power of energy efficiency, demand response, and renewable energy projects. The goal is to make a real difference in local energy use.
How does the partnership work?
Collaboration. This project is unique because it brings together two utilities, the Palm Desert City government and citizens and The Energy Coalition to collaborate on daily implementation as well as a five-year strategy. Palm Desert has created a new Office of Energy Management to work hand in hand with residents and utility staff. The project also has three committees guiding it though implementation, marketing, customer service, tracking energy savings, community education, budgeting, and meeting regulatory requirements.
What are the benefits?
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An innovative model that utilities can use to further their commitment to the state energy action plan can be imitated and expanded upon throughout the state is being built.
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The utilities and city are utilizing innovative strategies and stretching the boundaries of traditional relationships, responsibilities, and energy saving programs.
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The City of Palm Desert will reduce its need for utility provided electricity and natural gas by 30%. That means lower utility bills for residents and savings that will continue for years beyond the project.
How does this fit into the California State Energy Action Plan?
The project’s core is to meet State Plan goals on a local level. The State Plan places energy efficiency, demand response, renewable and distributed generation at the top of the loading order to provide the preferred means to meet California’s growing energy needs. This project provides unprecedented levels of investment into efficiency, demand response and renewable projects to tap the great potential that exists to create energy savings.
For more information on the Palm Desert Energy Partnership visit the project's website www.settosave.com or contact us at (949) 701-4646 or info@energycoalition.org