Energy Efficiency Programs
Alternative
energy technology alone cannot provide enough energy to allow people to consume
it at current levels. To be practical, alternative energy technology should be
supplemented by energy conservation (using and wasting less) and efficiency
(getting more done with the same unit of energy). Energy efficiency and
renewable energy technology have been called the “twin pillars” of sustainable
energy policy (Prindle et al. 2007). A number of incentive programs exist in
California to encourage and assist businesses, consumers and communities with
offsetting costs of developing, purchasing and installing efficient energy
systems (http://www.energy.ca.gov/efficiency/). Examples include the California
Energy Commission’s Emerging Renewables Program (ERP) and California Solar
Initiative (CSI). These and other programs take the form of tax credits, rebates
and low-interest loans; they are usually restricted to grid-connected systems.
Eligible alternative energy technologies include an array of efficiency
improvements, solar equipment, small wind turbines (50kw or less) and solid
fuel biomass. California also has created a number of energy efficiency
building standards (see California Energy Commission compliance manuals at http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/2005standards/index.html).
Energy efficiency is considered essential to slowing energy demand growth so that rising clean energy supplies can make adequate cuts in fossil fuel use. If energy use grows too fast, renewable energy development will chase a receding target (Prindle et al. 2007). In addition to phasing in the various renewable energy systems, everyday techniques to achieve energy efficiency include: replacement of incandescent with compact fluorescent light bulbs; upgrading to high efficiency appliances; installing efficient hot water heaters; taking advantage of passive solar heating and cooling; maintaining appliances and other equipment; and insulating attics, doors and windows (see the US Department of Energy list at http://www.energysavers.gov/). For example, it may be important to consider a combination of systems to maximize efficiency: on balance it might be best to heat water and cook with propane. Although a fossil fuel, propane GHG emissions and water consumption during refinery are relatively minimal (Jones 2008), saving alternative energy sources like biomass to generate electricity.
Assembly Bill 811 allows local government financing districts to offer energy efficiency project loans to eligible property owners through property tax lien financing. The assessment district approach adds a new and powerful option to the energy efficiency and clean energy finance landscape. Sonoma County’s Energy Independence Program is California’s first county wide energy efficiency financing district, authorized by AB 811. Currently, Humboldt County is developing a similar AB 811 program.
See “Building Standards,” “Water Conservation and Recycling,” and “Micro-cogeneration.”
Citations:
Jones, W.D. 2008. How much water does it take to make electricity? IEEE Spectrum Report. http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/apr08/6182
Prindle, B., M. Aldredge, M. Eckhardt, and A. Frederick. 2007. The Twin Pillars of Sustainable Energy: Synergies between Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technology and Policy. American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. 51 pages.
