7/1/2009 - City, SCE partnership provides energy efficiency plans

The City of Redlands Quality of Life Department along with Southern California Edison conducted an energy audit of all city facilities last week to determine areas where energy efficiency and energy conservation can be achieved.

The free audit was part of a recent Energy Leader Partnership formed between the City and Edison in March.

Potential future projects include low-cost items such as replacing the ballasts and lighting at the Civic Center, replacement of HVAC systems, and other improvements that can be identified throughout City facilities.

The partnership with Edison provides help to identify projects. The City can then make plans how to implement the recommendations.  For each energy efficiency or energy conservation improvement made to municipal facilities, the City can also earn incentive dollars based on Edison standards for energy savings.  This is yet another motivating factor behind the City’s push to become “greener.”

The City’s Energy Leader Partnership with Southern California Edison also provides benefits to the larger community including free expertise and assistance that SCE is more than willing to share.

The City’s Redevelopment Agency has already begun implementation of the North Redlands Revitalization Program providing exterior improvements and structural upgrades to low- to moderate-income families within the NRRP target neighborhoods.  By partnering with Southern California Edison, the City has found ways to augment the program through SCE’s Energy Management Assistance Program.

The Energy Management Assistance Program can leverage RDA’s efforts by providing interior improvements to the residences that increase energy efficiency or conservation (i.e., energy star appliances).  This contributes to a well-rounded program and exceeds the progress that the City would have been able to make alone.

As part of their partnership, the City and SCE are continuing to develop outreach programs to both residential and commercial customers to provide further energy savings and efficiency ideas throughout the community. As part of their education efforts, a Mobile Education Unit with energy efficiency and conservation demonstrations will be at many community events.

For more information about the City of Redlands Energy Leader Partnership with Southern California Edison, contact Danielle Garcia in the Quality of Life Department at (909) 798-7655.