Energy Efficiency Yields Economic Benefits for Local Communities
The Challenge: Electricity usage and rates are on the rise across California.1
The Opportunity: Communities can invest in energy efficiency improvements to offset future costs. Energy cost savings allow for those funds to be spent on other priorities, which can result in more investment in the local economy.2
Cost impact of residential electricity usage statewide:
$14 Billion3,4
Implementing cost-effective efficiency improvements can save owners of existing homes
25-35% on their energy costs over the next 15 years.5
Strategically placed shade trees block the sun’s rays, minimizing heat transfer to building interiors, reducing the need for air conditioning and saving money on summertime cooling bills.8
Please see the reverse for a list of references. This program is funded by California utility customers and administered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Southern California Edison and Southern Gas Company under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.
For a homeowner paying $100 per month in energy costs, that’s at least
$25/Month Saved!
Energy Star®-certified CFL or LED bulbs can save
$40 - $135 over their lifetime compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.7
Cost impact of commercial buildings electricity usage statewide:
Commercial office buildings comprise
$14 Billion3,4
of California’s total electricity consumption.6
37%
Based on the U.S. average, energy efficiency improvements could cut that usage by
80%6
City
Street Lights Replaced with LEDs
Annual Energy Savings9
Ceres
2,200
$108,500
Burlingame
767
$57,500
Kerman
718
$26,364
Yountville
110
$21,060
Carpinteria
199
$11,600
REFERENCES: 1. Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Service Territory Energy Use Summary 2005 – 2012. 2. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Fact Sheet: “Energy Efficiency Policies for Local Governments”, 2012. 3. The California Energy Commission, California Energy Consumption Database: Electricity Consumption by Entity (residential and commercial energy consumption for all utility types in 2012) . 4. U.S. Energy Information Administration, Average Retail Price of Electricity to Ultimate Customers by EndUse Sector, by State, February 2014 and 2013 (cents per Kilowatt hour). 5. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Fact Sheet: “America’s Abundant, Untapped Energy Efficiency Resource”, 2011. 6. Next Ten, “Untapped Potential of Commercial Buildings Energy Use and Emissions”, 2010. 7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Cooling Summertime Temperatures: Strategies to Reduce Urban Heat Islands”, 2003. 8. Energy Upgrade California, “Energy Savings Tips for Lighting”, www.energyupgradeca.org, 2014. 9. California Energy Commission, www.energy.ca.gov • News Release, November 2, 2011: “Energy Commission Approves Nearly $2 Million For Lighting Improvements in 4 Cities” • News Release, December 8, 2011: “Wine country localities benefit from improved lighting and other upgrades” • News Release, January 19, 2012: “Carpinteria switches to LED street lighting to cut energy costs”, www. energy.ca.gov