SANDAG's Energy Working Group (EWG), in cooperation with San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and the San Diego Regional Energy Office (SDREO), has announced the creation of an Energy Efficiency Program to help local governments reduce energy use, save on their utility bills, and promote conservation. 

The City of Carlsbad has been selected as the pilot jurisdiction and will receive free technical and policy support. Components of the pilot include developing a comprehensive energy management plan and facilitating energy-saving projects. These projects generally pay for themselves in three to five years.

“The ultimate goal is to save local agencies money on their utility bills and take full advantage of the energy efficiency programs that are available,” said Henry Abarbanel, Del Mar City Councilmember and co-chair of the EWG. “While Carlsbad is the pilot city, we hope to expand this valuable assistance countywide in the future.”

This program should help jurisdictions that traditionally have not done significant energy management complete energy projects, reduce their costs, and operate successfully. The pilot will assess energy needs, conduct energy audits of city facilities, assist in developing projects, and identify appropriate rebate and financing programs. The criteria for being selected as a pilot city included: no full-time energy manager; minimal participation in energy efficiency programs; available funds or willingness to finance energy projects; and staff capacity to manage projects.

SANDAG formed the EWG to coordinate the implementation of the 2003 Regional Energy Strategy.  One activity is their participation in developing the region’s energy efficiency program portfolio for 2006-2008.  The EWG is conducting this pilot in an effort to identify new program delivery mechanisms for regional energy-saving programs.  The EWG hopes the pilot will serve as a model for other similar jurisdictions in the region. 

Project Manager:
Rob Rundle
619-699-6949