State Water Resources Control Board Chair Says Climate Change Impacting Water Policy
The chair of the State Water Resources Control Board says climate change is presenting new challenges to water management.
One-third of California’s water storage is typically contained in winter snow pack. With drought conditions and warmer temperatures, that snow does not fall in adequate amounts or falls as rain and cannot all be stored for the spring runoff, Felicia Marcus said at a recent visit to the California Energy Commission.
“Losing our snowpack is a Mack truck coming at us that is going to make the squabbles around water we have today seem like a picnic,” she said.
That’s all the more reason she said to find ways to work together and seek solutions that puts water to the highest beneficial and multiple uses possible. Marcus points to rice farmers flooding fields at times when waterfowl migrate through the Central Valley or some farmers having water delivered later than normal so the water can also serve as the cold water needed for salmon returning to rivers to spawn.
“One of the biggest challenges we have is the way we talk about water,” she said.
Marcus said the adversarial dialogue that places farmers against urban dwellers, the north state versus the south, and environmentalists against developers is a repeat of the conversation that has gone on for decades. Californians need to step outside the historical discourse and seek compromises that benefit all.
The State Water Board implements water rights, regulates water quality, manages the drinking water regulatory program, and has a financial assistance program that provides loans and grants. During the current drought, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. granted the State Water Board authority to set emergency conservation measures for urban Californians.
The State Water Board reported that monthly water conservation for September 2016 was 18 percent, up from the month before, but below the savings of a year ago. As California enters what could be a sixth year of drought, the State Water Board leader Marcus stressed the need for continued conservation.
The call for cooperation only intensifies with climate change impacts including the expectations of sea levels rising, water contamination persisting, a growing population, and infrastructure challenges, Marcus said.
Meeting State Energy Mandates May Call for Transmission Expansion to Access Renewables, Report Says
Meeting California’s renewable energy and greenhouse gas emission goals?
That may necessitate expansion of the state’s electricity transmission infrastructure and increasing access to new renewable power sources, both within and outside the state.
That was one of the assessments offered in a multi-agency state report, released last week, called the preliminary Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative (RETI) 2.0 report.
Transmission development and new renewable energy sources could help the state meet the mandates set by Senate Bill 350, which calls for generating half of California’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030, and Senate Bill 32, which requires California to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, the report said.
“California is leading the world as we work to meet our clean energy goals,” said Energy Commission Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller. “We are pursuing an integrated strategy, and looking ahead at least 15 years to make sure we’re doing the right things now to develop the options we’ll need then. The RETI 2.0 process is helping the state’s energy agencies, utilities, renewable industry, and residents narrow down our focus on where we might need new transmission.”
The RETI 2.0 report seeks to identify areas where utility-scale renewable energy can be accessed and where opportunities exist to develop electricity transmission.
Doing so will require taking advantage of California’s abundant renewable resources. The report said utility solar photovoltaic is cost competitive across much of California. Wind energy is already a major part of California’s portfolio, and evolving wind turbine technology could allow the sourcing of wind energy at a broader array of sites. California is also home to several geothermal energy areas, with valuable energy qualities.
Tapping renewable energy in some of the state’s most renewable-rich areas such as the San Joaquin Valley, Imperial Valley, and the desert is feasible due to extensive planning efforts by local officials and stakeholders, the report found, but may require new transmission.
The RETI 2.0 effort is a statewide initiative sponsored by the California Natural Resources Agency, the Energy Commission, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the California Independent System Operator (California ISO) and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
The report includes the work of three significant foundational reports. One of those is the RETI 2.0 Western States Outreach Project Report, authored by interests outside the state of California. That report found that greater cooperation among partners in the West would open additional opportunities to increasing access to renewable energy.
Access to low-cost renewable supplies and renewable markets outside California can add to the diversity of renewable power resources while also opening up markets for excess in-state power generation. This would serve to reduce consumers’ costs, the draft RETI 2.0 report said.
Development of the preliminary RETI 2.0 report involved extensive, public discussions with stakeholders at more than a dozen workshops over a 13-month period.
Release of the report to the public today begins a public
comment period extending until January 10. The final RETI 2.0 report is
expected to be finalized by the end of January 2017.
Energy Commission Adopts First-in-the-Nation Energy Efficiency Standards for Computers and Monitors
The California Energy Commission adopted energy efficiency standards for computers and monitors with support from industry, environmentalists, consumer groups and utilities. These are the first mandatory standards in the nation that could save consumers an estimated $373 million annually.
For more information please see the frequently asked questions on the proposed computer and monitor standards.
Below are quotations of support for a broad array of stakeholders:
Andrew McAllister, commissioner, California Energy Commission
“It’s common sense that electronic equipment ought to consume a minimal amount of energy when it is not being used. Improved efficiency unlocks millions in utility bill savings for consumers and lightens the load on our electricity system. California’s standards for computers and monitors are estimated to save enough energy to power about 350,000 average California homes for one year. The state, environmentalists, industry and consumer advocates were able to come together to find common ground and create a win-win policy.”
Mark Cooper, research director, Consumer Federation of America
“California’s steady leadership on energy efficiency is crucial, especially at this moment of political change on the national level. Energy efficiency is central to U.S. global economic leadership. It is good for consumers, good for the economy and good for the environment. California’s leadership represents American Federalism at its best. The state has led the way on other efficiency policies and we expect it will have an even greater influence on computers. Silicon Valley is the heart of digital revolution, and we expect California to drive both U.S. and global computer development.”
Pierre Delforge, director of high-tech sector energy efficiency, Natural Resources Defense Council
“These groundbreaking computer and monitor standards represent a significant energy efficiency milestone that will have a national and global impact. The standards also show it’s possible to set efficiency standards for electronic products in a way that produces significant environmental benefits while meeting industry’s business needs. It’s truly a demonstration that the tech industry and efficiency advocates can work together to fight climate change.”
Rick Goss, senior vice president for environment and sustainability, Information Technology Industry Council
"By collaborating, we've established an ambitious and achievable standard reducing computer idle power by 50% over the next five years while still enabling the tech industry’s innovation that is driving our economy. Technology companies never shy away from solving big problems, and our customers expect us to provide innovative and reliable products that not only enhance their lives, but that also are good for the environment.”
Judy Glazer, global head of sustainability and product compliance, HP
"HP is committed to developing solutions that perform efficiently and effectively throughout their entire life cycle. This new Energy Commission regulation creates a clear timeline for innovation across the industry that will dramatically reduce desktop PC and display energy consumption. HP has a long history of working with California government and businesses to help the state achieve its goals for energy efficiency and appreciates the collaborative approach between the CEC and industry to develop this final regulation."
Andrea Deveau, vice president of state policy and politics, TechNet
“This effort represents an extensive and dedicated process where industry and regulators have worked together to get it right. The standards developed and now adopted are of the most aggressive in the country and will take California and it’s flourishing innovation economy to the next level of efficiency.”
Susan Moore, vice president for public affairs, AMD Corporate
"AMD recognizes the considerable and important work of the California Energy Commission in understanding the opportunities and energy needs of future compute and graphics technologies. Like the Commission, we value a sustainable environment. In fact, AMD is ahead of the projected trend line to achieve our ‘25x20 goal’ to increase the energy efficiency of our mobile processors 25 times by the year 2020, starting from a 2014 baseline. We will strive to meet the State’s expectations as we continue to enable new platform technologies and increase product energy efficiency to benefit our customers and planet."
Shannon Baker-Bransetter, energy and environment counsel, Consumers Union
“The new standards are expected to save Californians more than $370 million on their power bills every year. When we consider the size of California’s population, we anticipate manufacturers developing and selling more efficient computers, monitors and displays nationwide. That will help people save even more energy and money.”
Anand Srivatsa, general manager, Desktop Platform Group, Intel Corporation
“Intel has a proven track record of delivering breakthrough innovations in computing while improving energy efficiency. We would like to extend our thanks to the Energy Commission for multi-year collaboration on the new energy efficiency standard. It is a testament of our strong commitment on PC energy efficiency, working with the Commission and the PC ecosystem. This standard will have a positive global impact on the energy efficiency of desktop, All-in-One and mini PCs by delivering a 50% reduction in idle power over the next 5 years.”
Richard Holober, executive director, Consumer Federation of California
“These new computer efficiency standards give manufacturers clear goals and a level playing field. We look forward to seeing new generations of innovative, efficient and affordable computers hit the market.”
Ned Finkle, vice president of external affairs, NVIDIA
“Improving energy efficiency is a key objective for NVIDIA, and these new standards for computers and monitors are an important step forward for the entire industry.”
Joseph Ridout, consumer services manager, Consumer Action
“As the world continues to go digital, families, businesses, schools and institutions have come to rely ever more heavily on computers even as their power consumption has skyrocketed. California’s pioneering new energy efficiency standards will give consumers the efficient, innovative computers they deserve.”
Kirsten James, director, California policy, Ceres
“California's new energy efficiency standards will help small and large businesses save energy and money while boosting their bottom line. Given the state's size and economic influence, efficiency improvements designed to meet the new standards will likely have a ripple effect throughout the industry, saving businesses energy and money far beyond the state's borders. We applaud California’s leadership once again in spurring technological innovation and a fresh wave of energy efficiency technologies.”
Stephanie Chen, energy and telecommunications policy director, The Greenlining Institute
“By cutting desktop computer energy use in half, the Energy Commission’s new energy efficiency rules will help deliver the efficient computer technologies that all Americans deserve. For lower-income families – who tend to pay a higher percentage of their incomes for utilities—those savings are especially important. Affordable access to information and communications technology is vital for everyone who wants to participate fully in today’s economy. The new standards are a step in the right direction.”
Steve Frisch, president, Sierra Business Council
“Most of our members are small business owners. They like knowing that the next generations of computers and monitors will use much less energy, because that will help them cut operating costs. And they won’t need to spend a lot of time on research in order to access those savings, because all computers will have to meet the new standards. Businesses will see the benefits in lower power bills – and stronger bottom lines. “
Anna Ferrera, executive director, School Energy Coalition
“The new Energy Commission standards seek to ensure that future generations of computers will use much less energy as they help students stay current with technology. This is important as schools are also seeking to save money on their utility bills. These bill savings may then go to other school priorities like supporting classroom learning and closing the achievement gap.”
Eddie Moreno, policy advocate, Sierra Club California
"These standards, four years in the making, will be the first of their kind in the entire world and they will likely set the bar for federal regulations. This is classic California, trail blazing in the world of energy efficiency"
Energy Commission Adopts Study to Increase Renewable Energy Use in Low-Income Neighborhoods
The California Energy Commission adopted a study today aimed at helping people and businesses in low-income areas invest in, adopt or take advantage of clean energy technologies.
The study stems from a directive in the landmark climate legislation Senate Bill 350. The legislation established new energy efficiency and renewable electricity targets by 2030. It also directed the Energy Commission and California Air Resources Board to examine and publish a report on barriers that keep energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies beyond the reach of residents, businesses and communities in many low-income or disadvantaged areas and to provide recommendations on how to overcome these barriers.
“California has always been a leader on energy efficiency and renewable energy,” said Energy Commissioner Janea A. Scott. “As the state continues its work towards a clean energy economy, it remains important to ensure that low income Californians are part of this transition. This study, which was completed in collaboration with our environmental justice partners, should help us begin to thoughtfully address and dismantle the barriers identified.”
Energy Commission Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller said, “New financing options and greater support for workforce development are some of the recommendations from this study. If implemented, the recommendations could help all communities participate in clean energy advances.”
In conducting the study, the Energy Commission held workshops and met with the public, community-based organizations and other stakeholders at seven meetings around the state from Los Angeles to Ukiah and Oakland to Riverside. The goal at each gathering was to identify barriers hindering low-income and disadvantaged communities from accessing energy efficiency and renewable generation.
“Residents repeatedly said they are interested in clean energy,” said Energy Commissioner David Hochschild, “but they face obstacles that appear insurmountable without help.”
Some of the barriers mentioned included limited disposable income, difficulty in securing financing, low home ownership rates, the age and condition of structures, lack of awareness about energy programs and incomplete or unavailable data, and policy issues.
“The first step in overcoming barriers is identifying them,” said Energy Commissioner Andrew McAllister. “This study gives us a roadmap to move forward.”
Commissioner Karen Douglas said, “The study transforms words to action by recommending regional one-stop shops to help building owners, tenants, and small businesses in low income and disadvantaged communities install clean energy and water upgrades.”
The study provides additional suggested solutions and recommendations such as reducing the cost of solar access to low income customers and communities and making energy efficiency and onsite renewable energy tax credits a high priority for low-income affordable housing rehabilitation projects.
Coal-Fired Power In Steady Decline In California Since 2005
A pattern of closing coal-fired power plants has been the trend in California since 2005.
That pattern continues with almost all of the state’s coal-fired energy imported from other states. The coal-fired energy imports are also on the way out, with the last import in California slated for 2025.
Coal-fired electricity began declining in California when the 1,636 megawatts (MW) Mohave Generating Station closed in 2005. The impetus was concern over how coal-fired power plants contributed greenhouse gas emissions to the environment.
At the time, the Mohave plant was one of the dirtiest in the Western United States, emitting up to 40,000 tons of sulfur dioxide yearly.
From 2006 through July 2016, a total of 3,463 MW of capacity from imported and in-state coal-fired plants has been removed from California’s resource portfolio, according to the California Energy Commission’s latest tracking progress report.
Phasing out coal is a result of California’s Emission Performance Standard (EPS) for California serving utilities. That standard was mandated by Senate Bill 1368 and applies to baseload generation either owned by, or under long term contract to a utility.
The EPS was crucial to the decisions from Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric and the California Department of Water Resources to end their affiliations with coal-fired generation in 2014.
By the end of 2015, coal-fired electricity generation plants represented less than 6 percent of the energy used to serve California, with only a fraction coming from out of state power plants, the report found.
This happened even during the intense drought between 2011 and 2015 when hydroelectric generation was low and power was needed from other sources.
California Coal Imports: 2005, 2015 and 2026
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||
2006 Imports
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3,789 MW
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7 Plants Operational
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2015 Imports
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2,716 MW
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4 Plants Operational
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2026 Imports (estimated)
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0
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End of out of state affiliations
expected in 2025
|
California’s reduced dependence on coal is in stark contrast to other states where coal remains a predominant energy generator. Of the 48 states that use coal for electricity generation, 15 obtained at least half of their electricity from coal generation.
Currently only one plant – the 30-year-old Intermountain Power Project (IPP) plant in Delta, Utah, imports power directly into a California power balancing area. Three others import coal-fired energy into California via the West’s bulk transmission system.
The IPP, which supplies coal-fired power to Los Angeles and five other cities in the state, will switch to natural gas generation in 2025.
In October, the Energy Commission accepted Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s compliance request to replace its contract at the IPP to take advantage of the switch from coal to natural gas. The divestiture from coal at LADWP comes two years earlier than expected.
Energy Commission Workshop Updates Progress on Vehicle-Grid Integration
The California Energy Commission will host its third annual Vehicle-Grid Integration (VGI) Roadmap workshop on Dec. 12 in Sacramento to update stakeholders and the public on vehicle-grid integration research activities, the progress of demonstration projects and to solicit feedback on ideas for future research.
Vehicle-grid integration is a process where plug-in electric vehicles are used as distributed energy resources to help manage loads on the electric grid. California has set a goal to have 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles on California roads by 2025. Many of those are expected to be electric vehicles.
Distributed generation resources are relatively small-scale electrical or energy storage system connected to the grid to provide energy services. These resources help increase the stability and reliability of the electric grid and lower ratepayer costs by helping to balance load fluctuations during periods of heavy demand.
Normally, utilities accomplish this by ramping large generators up and down, sometimes on a minute-to-minute basis. However, electric vehicles can generate or store electricity when parked, so they can be used to provide readily available energy to the electric grid.
But the process is not as simple as plugging the vehicle into a socket or charger, flipping a switch and reversing the flow of electricity. New regulatory policies, standards and business practices will have to be established. Tools like smart communication and control systems and must be developed. Potential market costs and benefits will need to be assessed. Demonstration projects such as the one funded by the Department of the Defense and the Energy Commission at Los Angeles Air Force Base will have be evaluated to help ensure a smooth path toward VGI implementation.
The workshop is sponsored by the Energy Commission, California Independent System Operator, California Public Utilities Commission, California Air Resources Board and other state and associated agencies.
Details on the workshop and instructions for how to participate remotely can be found in the workshop notice.
The Navy shows 'green' power embrace in local exercise
By Dennis V. McGinn and Robert Weisenmiller
Strength in numbers is a time-tested military maxim. It is also a reason the Department of the Navy is partnering with the California Energy Commission to help transition the service away from fossil fuels.
The partnership and the Department of the Navy's commitment to integrate renewable energy technologies in all facets of operations will be showcased this week during the 1st Marine Division's annual Steel Knight exercise at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms. Steel Knight is a live-fire crisis and contingency response exercise that tests and refines the Division's warfighting and command and control capabilities. At least one-third of the division - about 7,000 Marines and Sailors - is deployed to the Middle East and the Pacific at any given time.
During a segment of the exercise, Marines will demonstrate how they're using energy efficient technology, procedures, and renewable energy to improve combat capability and extend their operational reach. This includes solar panels that power mobile artillery, fuel efficient tactical vehicles and command-and-control systems that enable commanders to reduce the number of vulnerable replenishment convoys.
The combat integration of these technologies may be unfamiliar to many civilians, but the overall application is not. The Commission's steadfast pursuit of clean energy innovations and applications has helped make renewable and alternative energy a regular part of life in homes and communities, on roads and highways, and for business and industry throughout the state. And with the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Commission and the Department of the Navy, the Energy Commission will help bring renewable and alternative energy projects to the daily operations of the 14 Navy and Marine Corps installations in California, supporting the Department's goals which includes having 50 percent of their installations be net-zero energy by 2020.
In fact, work has already begun. Over the past few years, the Commission has helped facilitate the installation of solar-based microgrid systems at Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, Camp Pendleton and Twentynine Palms, and is currently demonstrating a waterless, energy saving process at Naval Base Ventura County that cleans and decontaminates battle gear worn by the Seabees. Just last month, the Energy Commission worked with the Department of the Navy on a commercial lease agreement that will bring more than 200 electric vehicles to installations in the state.
For the Department of the Navy, transforming energy use is about increasing mission capability and operational flexibility. For the Energy Commission, it's about reducing energy costs and the impacts of energy use on the environment while ensuring a safe, resilient and reliable energy supply. There is a lot of common ground in those two missions, and by developing partnerships and working together where our goals intersect, we prove once again, that there is strength in numbers.
Dennis V. McGinn is assistant secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment. Robert Weisenmiller is chair of the California Energy Commission.
This commentary was originally published in The Desert Sun on December 7, 2016.
$26 Million Energy Commission Grant Opportunity Seeks Solar-Plus-Energy Solutions
The California Energy Commission will award up to $26 million in grants for advanced technologies and solutions that support the increased viability, capability, adoption or grid integration of distributed solar resources.
The grants will be awarded through the Energy Commission’s Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) program, which funds innovative projects that bring clean energy ideas to market and that benefit the ratepayers of the three largest electric investor-owned utilities in the state. The deadline to submit applications is Jan. 20.
Distributed solar resources are relatively small scale photovoltaic (PV) systems routinely used to power homes, businesses and communities across the state. Most are individual systems connected to the grid, but require support from backup power since sunlight is not always available. This intermittency creates problems for the electrical grid and makes integrating distributed solar resources more difficult. As more PV systems come on line, the risk of oversupply during the day increases, necessitating a larger ramp up from other generation resources to satisfy electrical demand during the evening.
Studies, however, show that energy storage, smart inverters and advanced forecasting and modeling techniques can greatly enhance the grid integration and operational value of distributed solar resources. They can also reduce the need for utilities to install costly system upgrades and can increase system reliability and help reduce costs to consumers.
The Commission’s solicitation calls for pilot demonstrations of advanced solar-plus-storage technologies, enhanced modeling tools to maximize solar-plus-storage benefits, advanced smart inverter capabilities that help reduce the adverse impacts of high amounts of PV on the grid, forecasting tools the California Independent System Operator can integrate into its planning efforts, and energy storage technologies that prevent the uncontrolled mid-day export of large amounts of solar PV generation to the grid and reduce the evening net load peak.
Details of the solicitation are available on the Energy Commission’s web page.
A pre-application workshop is 10 a.m., Dec. 7 in Sacramento. For details and instructions for participating remotely through WebEx, view the solicitation notice.
Deadline for $4 Million Off-Road Natural Gas Vehicle Funding Opportunity Extended
The California Energy Commission has extended the application deadline for a $4 million grant funding solicitation for the research and development of natural gas engines for medium and heavy-duty off-road vehicles (ORVs) supporting the agricultural, construction, industrial, port and cargo market sectors.
Applications are now due on Monday, Dec.19. Details are available on the Energy Commission’s website.
The solicitation aims to greatly reduce transportation emissions in California’s most severely polluted regions – the San Joaquin Valley and the South Coast air basins. ORVs are the second largest source of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in those areas. On-road heavy-duty vehicles are the largest.
The funding opportunity, which encourages demonstrations in those two locations, covers ORVs commonly employed for heavy hauling like those used for waste transport, mining and semi-tractor trailer applications and for items like yard tractors and cranes found at ports and cargo handling areas.
The Energy Commission has previously supported the research and development of advanced natural gas engine technologies but primarily targeted on-road, heavy-duty vehicles.
A recording of a Nov. 4 pre-application workshop is available for review. There is also a LinkedIn page to connect participants with other interested parties for this solicitation.
The Energy Commission is committed to increasing diversity in the energy sector and encourages women, minority, disabled veteran and LGBT businesses to engage in and benefit from its many programs.
Applications are now due on Monday, Dec.19. Details are available on the Energy Commission’s website.
The solicitation aims to greatly reduce transportation emissions in California’s most severely polluted regions – the San Joaquin Valley and the South Coast air basins. ORVs are the second largest source of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in those areas. On-road heavy-duty vehicles are the largest.
The funding opportunity, which encourages demonstrations in those two locations, covers ORVs commonly employed for heavy hauling like those used for waste transport, mining and semi-tractor trailer applications and for items like yard tractors and cranes found at ports and cargo handling areas.
The Energy Commission has previously supported the research and development of advanced natural gas engine technologies but primarily targeted on-road, heavy-duty vehicles.
A recording of a Nov. 4 pre-application workshop is available for review. There is also a LinkedIn page to connect participants with other interested parties for this solicitation.
The Energy Commission is committed to increasing diversity in the energy sector and encourages women, minority, disabled veteran and LGBT businesses to engage in and benefit from its many programs.
It Takes a Village to Make a Bus, and That’s a Very Good Thing
Earlier this year, the city of Gardena took five of its old, fossil fuel-driven buses off the street, sent them 60 miles away and waited. A few months later and almost like magic, the first of the buses rolled back into town looking brand new and quietly gliding along on a clean energy all-electric power train.
The “magic” was done by workers at the Complete Coach Works (CCW) assembly plant in Riverside. There, the buses were overhauled all the way down to the chassis level. The gasoline-hybrid engines, transmission and associated parts were gutted and replaced with a battery-powered zero-emission propulsion system, new upgraded interiors were installed, and the exteriors were revamped with a modern look and design.
The work was done by CCW’s diverse workforce. The plant takes pride in employing people from various ethnicities and backgrounds. Of its 334 employees, 65 percent are minorities.
“A vast majority of our employees came here with little or no formal training within the transportation industry,” said CCW Sales Manager Ryne Shetterly. “But we have a series of excellent training programs that provided the skills they needed for the workforce we needed.”
Gardena’s bus overhaul is being made possible by a $2.7 million grant from the California Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program. The program invests up to $100 million annually for technology to reduce California’s reliance on fossil fuels, curtail greenhouse gas emissions and meet clean air standards.
Gardena’s GTrans public transportation agency is conducting the pilot program to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of converting a few buses before committing its 57-vehicle fleet of gasoline-hybrid buses to run on a variety of alternative fuel sources.
Gardena is an ethnically mixed city with about 62,000 residents, and all of the newly refurbished busses will operate on routes serving economically disadvantaged communities, said GTrans Director Ernie Crespo.
The “magic” was done by workers at the Complete Coach Works (CCW) assembly plant in Riverside. There, the buses were overhauled all the way down to the chassis level. The gasoline-hybrid engines, transmission and associated parts were gutted and replaced with a battery-powered zero-emission propulsion system, new upgraded interiors were installed, and the exteriors were revamped with a modern look and design.
The work was done by CCW’s diverse workforce. The plant takes pride in employing people from various ethnicities and backgrounds. Of its 334 employees, 65 percent are minorities.
“A vast majority of our employees came here with little or no formal training within the transportation industry,” said CCW Sales Manager Ryne Shetterly. “But we have a series of excellent training programs that provided the skills they needed for the workforce we needed.”
Gardena’s bus overhaul is being made possible by a $2.7 million grant from the California Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program. The program invests up to $100 million annually for technology to reduce California’s reliance on fossil fuels, curtail greenhouse gas emissions and meet clean air standards.
Gardena’s GTrans public transportation agency is conducting the pilot program to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of converting a few buses before committing its 57-vehicle fleet of gasoline-hybrid buses to run on a variety of alternative fuel sources.
Gardena is an ethnically mixed city with about 62,000 residents, and all of the newly refurbished busses will operate on routes serving economically disadvantaged communities, said GTrans Director Ernie Crespo.
Symposium Highlights EPIC Grant to Bring ZNE to Low-Income Housing Project
The California Energy Commission holds its 2016 EPIC Symposium Dec. 1 and invites you to learn about innovative energy projects including one that aims to turn an existing low-income housing unit into the nation’s first-ever zero net energy (ZNE) retrofit.
Each year, the Energy Commission awards more than $120 million in grants through the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) program for innovative projects that bring clean energy ideas to market and that benefit the ratepayers of the three largest electric investor-owned utilities in the state.
Many of those grants support projects designed to improve communities such as a $3 million award to San Jose-based Prospect Silicon Valley earlier this year to demonstrate the nation’s first ZNE retrofit of existing low-income mixed-use housing.
Low-income multi-family housing was selected because it represents a substantial opportunity for energy conservation and consumer savings. But it can also present special challenges including significant labor and capital costs, building conditions and occupant behavior.
Prospect Silicon Valley’s demonstration will be in a building in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District. Cost-effective windows, advanced LED lighting and heating, ventilation and air conditioning and systems that provide high performance at a reasonable cost and require minimal adjustment for occupants will be installed. Several design firms and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory are collaborating on the project.
For more about this and other projects, attend the 2016 EPIC Symposium Dec. 1 in Sacramento or participate online by registering at the EPIC Eventbrite page. The event is free and open to the public.
Each year, the Energy Commission awards more than $120 million in grants through the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) program for innovative projects that bring clean energy ideas to market and that benefit the ratepayers of the three largest electric investor-owned utilities in the state.
Many of those grants support projects designed to improve communities such as a $3 million award to San Jose-based Prospect Silicon Valley earlier this year to demonstrate the nation’s first ZNE retrofit of existing low-income mixed-use housing.
Low-income multi-family housing was selected because it represents a substantial opportunity for energy conservation and consumer savings. But it can also present special challenges including significant labor and capital costs, building conditions and occupant behavior.
Prospect Silicon Valley’s demonstration will be in a building in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District. Cost-effective windows, advanced LED lighting and heating, ventilation and air conditioning and systems that provide high performance at a reasonable cost and require minimal adjustment for occupants will be installed. Several design firms and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory are collaborating on the project.
For more about this and other projects, attend the 2016 EPIC Symposium Dec. 1 in Sacramento or participate online by registering at the EPIC Eventbrite page. The event is free and open to the public.