Energy Upgrade California
New statewide ad campaign aimed at helping California “Stay Golden”
- Change standard light bulbs to energy efficient LED bulbs. Check
- Turn off lights when not in use. Check
- Purchase Energy Star appliances. Check
Commission Andrew McAllister helps to kick off the Energy Upgrade California campaign in front of the State Capitol. |
Energy Commissioner Andrew McAllister with the state bear. |
The campaign features the bear on the California flag who stars in television and radio ads. The effort includes a diverse advertising campaign, a comprehensive website, retail education, community-based outreach and education, digital activation, and social media.
Commissioner McAllister noted additional actions California is taking to cut energy and water use. One such measure calls for having all new residential buildings be zero-net energy (consume as much energy as they produce) by 2020 and all new commercial buildings to be zero-net energy by 2030.
Regarding Energy Upgrade California he said that, “the important thing is to do something. Energy Upgrade California is here to help us take part in shaping the future.”
Energy Commissioner Andrew McAllister |
For more information, visit www.energyupgradeca.org.
With the Flip of a Switch, Genesis Solar Energy Goes Live
Genesis Solar Energy Center Dedication Ceremony |
Genesis is capable of generating 250 megawatts of solar power, enough electricity to meet the energy needs of 88,000 California homes. This facility further solidifies California’s leadership in solar energy. The Energy Information Administration reported last week that U.S. capacity is up more than 400 percent since 2010. California leads the way. Its solar capacity is more than 38 percent of the nation’s capacity.
Genesis Solar Trough |
The project is located in Riverside County, approximately 25 miles west of the city of Blythe.
California Adds 250 MW of Renewable Energy
the First Quarter of 2014
DTE Energy added 45 MW of biomass |
An estimated 250 megawatts (MW) of new wholesale and self-generation renewable energy came online in the first quarter of 2014, bringing California’s total Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) operating capacity to 17,650 MW.
Projects adding capacity include the Genesis Solar Energy Center in Riverside County and the DTE Energy biomass facility at the Port of Stockton.
Genesis Solar added 125 MW of solar |
The state is expected to have another 2,800 MW of renewable energy projects (those that have permits and utility Power Purchase Agreements) online by the end of this year.
Energy Commission staff estimate that in 2012 California served about 22 percent of retail electricity sales with renewable energy sources.
The RPS requires utilities to increase the amount of renewable electricity in their power mix to 33 percent by 2020.