For every $1 spent, weatherization measures, such as insulation and sealing, return an average of $2.72 in energy and other benefits, according to combined data from 2008.

(Source: The Weatherization Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center, a program of the National Association for State Community Services Programs)

A new interactive map from the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) allows users to explore the electric productivity of each state and assess statewide opportunities for improvement. RMI’s accompanying report explains that if the laggard states catch up, nationwide energy use could be cut by 30%.

• Use the interactive map

President Obama signs the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, with ample allocations for energy efficiency and other green energy projects. See story below. (Photo: Flickr)

Southern California Edison (SCE), already the nation’s leading purchaser of renewable energy, has signed on with BrightSource Energy to adopt 1.3 gigawatts (GW) of clean solar thermal power, enough to serve nearly 845,000 homes. The agreement calls for a series of seven projects, the first of which could be operating by 2013 and would produce 286,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity per year. The full 1.3 GW of projects will produce 3.7 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy and avoid more than two million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually – the equivalent of removing more than 335,000 cars from the road.

The projects are currently awaiting approval from the California Public Utilities Commission. As we mentioned in a recent post, SCE currently has about a 16% renewable energy mix, with 1% coming from solar and no programs that allow their customers to buy more renewable energy. In 2007 SCE purchased more than 80% of the solar energy produced in the United States, and it currently has sufficient contracts in place that, when delivering, will meet 20% or more of its customers’ energy needs with renewable energy.

SCE also recently signed two wind-energy contracts and has launched an expanded standard contract program available to all renewable technologies of 20 MW or less. The program will help smaller generators contribute power to the grid.

• Related: “PG&E to Buy 800 MW of Solar From Two Massive PV Farms,” (e-Newswire, 8/20/08)
• Related: “California Utilities: Varied Approaches to Climate Change”
  (e-Newswire, 3/5/09)

The foodservice equipment center allows customers to test drive energy-efficient equipment (Image: Southern California Gas Co.)

While California businesses collectively spend more than $15 billion per year on heating, cooling, lighting and other energy uses, much of these costs are easily avoidable. Fortunately, California’s utilities provide a variety of programs to help customers cut costs and save energy.

The Energy Resource Center, operated by Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company), has experienced tremendous success with its energy-efficiency education and training programs, with 2008 marking its most popular year yet. The Downey-based facility offers seminars and equipment demonstrations which are currently helping thousands of business customers learn how energy efficiency reduces costs and helps the environment. In the past year, topics included industrial waste heat management, boiler system efficiency, foodservice appliances, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and energy-efficiency software for new and existing business processes.

The facility also houses a foodservice equipment center, which features one of the largest collections of commercial cooking equipment in the country. Restaurant and other foodservice customers are invited to test drive the equipment, helping customers to make better purchase decisions while learning the benefits of energy-efficient equipment.

The Gas Company also provides information about money and energy-saving rebate and incentives programs, and plans to hold its Fourth Annual Energy-Efficiency Expo May 19 at the Energy Resource Center.

Explore training classes offered by your local utility. Most classes are no-cost:

2009 Spring Energy Efficiency Classes from Pacific Gas & Electric

2009 Calendar of Events from San Diego Gas & Electric

2009 Energy Center’s Class Schedule from Southern California Edison

• View the Flex Your Power event list
• Find rebates, incentives, and services in your area to start saving money

February 24, San Diego