Workforce, Education, and Training (WE&T) is not something that is new to Energy Efficiency. Whether they are put out by utility companies in CA or by the CPUC, workforce programs are an imperative portion of the EE industry. Per the CPUC’s Energy Efficiency Report from May 2018, the WE&T Program is not only integral to the California Long-Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan but also aims to support energy savings targets put out by Investor Owned Utilities across California. Historically speaking, “the CPUC first provided guidance to the IOUs regarding Workforce Education and Training activities in the 2010-2012 program cycle.” This Strategic Plan explained that “by 2020, California’s workforce is trained and fully engaged to provide the human capital necessary to achieve California’s economic energy efficiency and demand-side management potential.”
Read MoreAs we have seen, there are many inequalities that exist within this industry however the one that often gains the most traction is the gender gap. As mentioned in a previous post, 24% of our sector is employed by women which is less than a quarter of roughly 2.2 million employees. Writing as a female who is relatively “new” to this industry, those numbers were still shocking. After some intense investigating (thanks Google), I discovered that there are countless collaboratives and initiatives that are promoting gender equality in Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency.
Read MoreDigging deep into work force trends, issues, or outliers can be described as a daunting task by some. I strongly suggest that uncovering the foundational expectations or standards in our industry, can only aid in our ability to positively change our sector. Let’s start this conversation with demographics or characteristics of the Energy Efficiency sector of the entire industry.
Read MoreThe Energy Industry is a large beacon of opportunity for people looking to enter the American work force. From the variety of fields that exist to the life changing work being done to help our planet, this industry is paving the way for positive change. The United States Department of Energy conducted a study that took a deep dive into the energy industry and reported that over 6 million people are employed by this industry. They then provide a breakdown of this number by state. Within California, there were a total of 427,614 Traditional Energy workers employed within the Energy Sector. You can find the specific breakdown here. Furthermore, California had an additional 301,348 jobs in Energy Efficiency alone! Combine the two and there are almost 3 quarters of 1 million people in CA employed by our industry. Pretty awesome right?
Read MoreWhen was the last time you discussed variable frequency drives (VFDs)?
VFDs can save tremendous amounts of energy and they are useful in many different applications. First, VFDs have many different names. While there may be some slight functional differences between them, for the most part, they do the same thing. Below are some common names for VFDs:
· Variable-frequency drive (VFD)
· Adjustable-frequency drive (AFD)
· Variable-voltage/variable-frequency (VVVF) drive
· Variable speed drive
Read MoreWish that you could somehow shift most of your cooling energy load to off-peak hours?
Time-of-use rate changes are coming soon and the hottest part of the day (4 pm – 6 pm) will become the most expensive time to use your air conditioner.
It may be time to consider an ice storage air conditioner.
Read MoreDeciding to buy or lease an electric vehicle (EV) is a big decision. Not only are EVs a pricey investment, but also charging stations are less ubiquitous than gas stations.
The good news is that there are plenty of rebates, resources and new charging stations for San Joaquin Valley residents than ever before.
Read MoreThis week, I would like to continue a conversation I began in my last post. As I stated before, according to Southern California Edison, lighting can account for as much as 39% of your electricity load.
SO… it makes sense to be IN CONTROL of your lighting and utilizing lighting controls is the best way to accomplish that.
Read MoreEaster is right around the corner and if your family makes an activity out of egg dyeing, you’re probably starting to think about your color palate.
Most artificial dyes you buy at the store are perfectly safe, containing food-grade dyes. However, if you, like me, prefer to know exactly what is going on your eggs, you can make your own beautiful dyes using fruits, vegetables and spices.
Read MoreElectricity is more expensive when more of us are using it. This is called peak time and it exists between 4 PM and 9 PM.
When we come home from work or school, we turn on the heat or AC, make a snack or dinner, and Netflix and chill. This all takes a lot of energy and when we are all doing it at the same time, we make our energy systems work extra hard and pay for it, too.
Read MoreThis is no April Fools!
According to the California Energy Efficiency Standards Code, Title 24, Part 6, LED lights are now the standard. Scouts Honor!
For most, this means drastic reductions to available rebates and incentives from your utility provider for the purchase and installation of LED lighting.
Read MoreA few weeks ago, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) released the Green New Deal Resolution.
Many responses hailed this resolution for being the kind of bold policy we need to see. Others said this was not only unattainable policy pushing us towards a utopian and renewable future within only 10 years, but was not detailed enough to get us anywhere.
Read MoreIn this week’s Fund-It Fast Chat* SJVCEO dove into revolving loan fund… I mean revolving energy fund and what that even means.
Think of it this way when you set aside funds/savings you automatically have a coffer of funds on hand to designate specifically for energy projects. So, let’s break it down:
Read MoreI am sure you are all aware of the California’s push toward 100% renewable energy. A BIG part of this initiative is building electrification. Building electrification means, converting from using natural gas appliances to appliances that use electricity. There are many cost-effective ways to do this. An excellent solution that can replace your current gas furnace and save you BIG BUCKS is:
Read MoreUsing household ingredients like distilled vinegar and baking soda to your advantage makes for a sparkly clean and environmentally friendly and safe home!
Read MoreEnergy efficiency technology has come a very long way in recent years. Ever heard of window glass that can adjust the amount of sunlight entering a room?
This is a real thing and groundbreaking technology! Electrochromic glass, also known as smart glass or electronically switchable glass allows a building occupant to control the amount of sunlight and heat that enters a room with the flick of a switch.
Read MoreLOS ANGELES, February 14, 2019 – Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) and biogas producer Calgren Dairy Fuels (Calgren) today announced that renewable natural gas produced at Calgren’s dairy digester facility in Pixley, California is being injected into SoCalGas pipelines. The project marks the first time that carbon-
negative renewable natural gas produced from cow manure has been injected directly into SoCalGas’ natural gas system. In August 2018, SoCalGas began receiving renewable natural gas into its system from CR&R, Inc.’s anaerobic digestion facility in Perris, California. The renewable natural gas from that digestion facility is already being used to fuel about 400 waste hauling trucks. Renewable natural gas is a carbon-negative fuel produced from waste and agriculture that can be used in trucks and buses, to generate electricity, fuel heating systems in homes and businesses, and for cooking.
“Developing renewable natural gas is a smart and cost-effective solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation and building sectors,” said Sharon Tomkins SoCalGas vice president for customer solutions and strategy. “Replacing just 16 to 20 percent of our traditional natural gas with renewable natural gas would reduce emissions equal to electrifying 100 percent of buildings in the state, but it would be two to three times more cost-effective. Moreover, the renewable natural gas solution does not require expensive appliance change outs or costly new mandates.”
Read MoreAn article from the New England Journal of Medicine calls on the health sector to take on climate change and share the connections between climate disasters and long-term health impacts.
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In this week’s Fund-It Fast Chat* SJVCEO dove into on-bill financing and how your pocketbook can benefit from the program.
Our team here at SJVCEO is guilty of playing the acronym game with many of the programs and financing opportunities that are open to customers. One such example is OBF…meaning on-bill financing. This funding mechanism is one that is very easy to understand and one we hope our customers ask to understand.
Read MoreIn honor of our great Nation’s rich history we are taking a moment to recognize African American History Month.
Here are some notable African American people that have contributed much to improve our daily lives:
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