get Set to Save - City of Palm Desert

S PE CIA L
EN ERGY
SEC TIO N
2012 Offers Last Chance to
a publication
of the
City of Palm Desert
ur energy bills
“Ofrom
SCE are
20% to 25% of what
they used to be and
we have removed over
300,000 pounds of
carbon dioxide from
the atmosphere.
The sooner you sign up,
the sooner you’ll start
saving money,
you’ll add to the value
of your home,
and help the
environment.
>
”
Palm Desert resident
Scott Kiner on his family’s
participation in the City’s
energy programs
get Set to Save
Five years ago, the City of Palm Desert set an ambitious goal of
reducing the community’s energy consumption by 30 percent.
To accomplish this goal, the City formed a partnership with
Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company and
the Energy Coalition, to establish the energy program known as
Set to Save. Since its inception, the Set to Save program, funded by
Palm Desert and California utility ratepayers, has provided energy
conservation education, conducted more than 9,000 in-home
energy surveys, installed scores of energy-efficient pool pumps,
and replaced dozens of old inefficient air conditioning systems.
Since the program’s start in 2007, Set to Save has achieved overall electricity savings of more than 106 million kilowatt hours,
roughly the same amount of electricity used to power 9,000 California
homes for a year. Set to Save’s energy savings to date represent a
reduction of more than 72,400 metric tons of greenhouse gas, the
equivalent of removing nearly 14,200 vehicles from our roads.
As the Set to Save program enters its final year, Palm Desert
continues to make great strides towards achieving our energy
reduction goals. We would like to thank our residents and businesses
for their continued support of the City’s Set to Save energy
conservation program and goals. We encourage all residents and
businesses owners to take advantage of the free in-home energy
surveys, even if you have already
had one, as well as existing energy
rebates and incentives that will only
be offered through December 2012.
As your City Manager, I commend
you for your conservation efforts and
look forward to your continued
support. You can join the Set to Save
team and start saving energy and
money today by calling the Office of
Energy Management at 760-837-0287.
More information is also available
at www.SetToSave.com.
City Manager John M. Wohlmuth
Palm Desert Energy Partnership:
City Helps Residents
and Businesses Achieve
Energy Independence
Smart Palm Desert residents and businesses can
avoid soaring energy costs while taking
advantage of a unique opportunity to save
energy, the environment, and money through
the City’s Energy Independence Program.
To date, the City has set aside up to $15 million
for Energy Independence loans. Without a credit
check and with no money down, homeowners
and business owners can get a loan to spend on
energy upgrades including new super efficient air
conditioning and heating systems, variable speed
pool pumps, even new solar power systems. With
more than 350 days of sunshine annually, Palm
Desert is the perfect place to employ solar power
as your energy solution.
Loans are offered at competitive interest
rates. Borrowers repay them over time as part of
their property taxes. The best part is that these
loan payments are typically less than the savings
that participants realize on their monthly
utility bills.
Loans are secured with a lien on the
property. If the owner sells, the upgrades stay
with the building and the loan balance can be
transferred to the buyer. The best part about this
program’s green energy is that you get to keep
more green in your wallet.
Applying for this groundbreaking program is
quick and easy. Simply call and make an appointment. There is no standing in line. Applications
are available at the Office of Energy Management.
Palm Desert Office of Energy Management
73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 200-A
Phone: 760-837-0287
Visit online: www.cityofpalmdesert.org
and click on “Set to Save Energy Partnership”
Every day, more people are turning to the sun as a
Category
Central Air Conditioners
Quality Maintenance
Program
Preventative Maintenance
System Optimization
Quality Installation Program
Split Central Air Conditioner
Packaged Central Air Conditioner
Split Heat Pump
Packaged Heat Pump
Room Air Conditioners
Whole House Fan
Evaporative Coolers
reliable energy source – and so can you.
The tens of thousands of Californians who have
already decided to “go solar” know that powering
their home or business with solar energy is easy, and
the rebates available through the California Solar
Initiative (CSI) program make it even easier.
The CSI program offers rebates to home and
1-year contract
$50
business owners who install solar generating systems
Repairs that improve an HVAC system’s energy
$100 that offset their own electricity usage, while the CSI
Thermal program offers rebates to customers who
efficiency and optimize performance are eligible
install solar water heating systems.
The CSI incentives, when combined with the
LEVELSEEREER
HSPF
Rebate Federal Investment Tax Credit, can help reduce the cost
Tier 1
14.5
12
–
$1,000
of a solar generating system by as much as 40%.
Tier 2
16
13
–
$1,250
Need more reasons to “go solar”? Here are just a few:
Tier 3
18
13
–
$2,000
California receives an abundant supply of energy from the sun, a renewable source of power.
Tier 1
14
11
–
$1,000
Solar
energy puts the power to supply your
Tier 2
14
12
–
$1,250
electricity needs directly in your hands.
Harnessing the power of the sun can help lower
Tier 1
14.5
12
8.2
$1,000
your electric bill.
Tier 2
15
12.5
8.5
$1,250
You can reduce your operating costs and increase
your property’s value.
Tier 1
14
11
8
$1,000
Solar
energy improves air quality by generating
Tier 2
14
12
8
$1,250
clean, green electricity free from harmful emissions,
and it helps ease demand on the power grid.
ENERGY STAR® qualified A/C unit
$50 per unit
So how can you get started with solar?
Must have existing central air conditioner $50 per unit
1. Complete a free energy efficiency audit
Making your home or business as energy efficient
or heat pump system
as possible before you go solar is an essential first
step to turning sunshine into savings.
Qualified, ducted evaporative cooler
$300 per unit
2. Select the right solar installer
Qualified licensed contractors are your key to
Cannot apply for both awning and window
$20 per linear
getting the most productive solar energy system
film rebates for the same windows.
foot of window
for your home or business.
3. Submit an application
Mounted to the exterior of the clear single or dual
$1.50 per
To reserve your solar incentive, your solar installer paned window assemblies. Made of various woven
square foot
typically completes the CSI Application and
materials or perforated metal and have a SHCG
returns it to SCE.
or .35 or less, or block at least 80% of the sun's rays.
4. Installing & inspecting your new system
Once your contractor installs your system, your
city or county and SCE may inspect it and ensure
ENERGY STAR ® qualified model
$50 per unit
it’s interconnected to the grid.
5. Collect your incentive
Must be in working (i.e. cooling) condition
Free pick up
Once your new solar system passes inspection,
Must be between 10 and 32 cubic feet.
service. $50 for
your contractor typically submits the incentive
Must be picked up from valid SCE customer address. refrigerator or
claim form and SCE will pay the rebate.
freezer.
Requirements
Rebate
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Variable-speed pool pumps to replace single-speed pumps. Call anytime, 877-811-8700. Spas, boosters, or fountains do not qualify.
Information: www.SetToSave.com or 760-837-0287
$875 total installed
cost includes
instant rebate
It’s up to all of us to leave a legacy of clean energy
for future generations . . . together we can make a
difference. For more information about the California
Solar Initiative and how to “go solar,” visit us online at
www.sce.com/gosolar.
Set to Save
ENERGY SAVING TIPS
General Tips:
SUMMER Tips:
Lighting:
■ Switch to CFLs — Replace
lights and lamps with energyefficient ENERGY STAR®
qualified compact fluorescent
(CFL) bulbs, which last up to 10 times
longer and use up to 75% less electricity
■ Turn off lights when you leave a room,
or when they are not in use
■ Install timers, motion sensors, or photocells to ensure exterior lights turn off at the
appropriate time
Set Comfortable Temperatures -– Set your
air conditioning thermostat to 78°, a
comfortable temperature for most people.
Set at 85° or turn off when away. Keeping
your A/C at a constant temperature could
cut your energy costs by as much as 30%
Clean Filters — Clean or replace your air
conditioner's filter regularly to help it run
more effectively
Refrigerators:
■ Unplug and recycle your e xtra
refrigerator or freezer – get a $50 rebate*
■ ENERGY STAR® — Save up to 50% on
refrigerator costs by replacing your old
refrigerator with a new energy efficient
model*
Replace Air Conditioner/Evaporative Cooler
– Save energy with a new energy efficient air
conditioner or evaporative cooler*
Faucet Aerators & Showerheads:
■ Lower your gas and water bills by
installing low-flow faucet aerators and
showerheads
Regular Maintenance – Keep your air
conditioner running more efficiently with
regular tune-ups*
Insulate and Seal Your Home to Lower
Energy Bills (Cooling and Heating)
Save up to 25% on cooling and heating
costs by installing or upgrading insulation.
Have air ducts tested for leaks and then
sealed to save additional energy costs.
Caulking and weather stripping drafty
doors and windows will also reduce your
energy bills and improve room comfort.
Rebates of $1,000 or more are available*
*See Set to Save Rebates & Incentives on opposite page.
It is a great investment. Ask your CPA to do the math, don’t trust me.
“The
cost of electricity rises at 7% a year…. What are you waiting for?
Help the economy, help the planet, and send fewer dollars
to fund oil exporting nations who don’t like us.
>
”
Palm Desert resident Harold LaBonte on his family’s participation
in the City’s energy programs
Cool Your Home
with Affordable
Solar
Window Screens!
Solar Screens offer a simple, low-cost energy saving
solution to cool your home by:
> Blocking 80-90% of the sun’s heat
> Reducing the load on your air conditioner
> Making your rooms more comfortable
> Keeping your windows and views intact
Save even more with the Set to Save $1.50/sq. ft.
rebate (details on opposite page). Start enjoying your
windows today without the heat and glare!
New Pool Pumps
Offer Splashy Savings
Did you know that pool pumps are one of the
largest consumers of your home’s total energy?
Today, residents in Palm Desert are taking advantage
of the Palm Desert Energy Partnership’s energyefficient pool pump program: The One-Stop-Shop
Pool Pump Program. More than 25 percent of
Palm Desert pool owners are doing their part and
have already upgraded their pool pumps, saving
significant energy costs. As a bonus, they, as well as
their neighbors, are enjoying the significantly quieter
pool pumps. The Program is aimed at reducing your
pool’s energy usage by up to 50 percent by replacing
your old pool pump with an energy efficient, quieter,
variable-speed pool pump. The total installed price,
including the instant rebate for the new pump, is
only $875.
Why should I replace my pool pump?
The Palm Desert Energy Partnership – a partnership of
The City of Palm Desert, Southern California Edison,
Southern California Gas Company and the Energy
Coalition – created the Set To Save program in 2007
to help the City of Palm Desert achieve its goal of a
30 percent reduction in overall energy use by the end
of this year. This is crucial as every resident’s
energy saving contribution helps contribute to this
goal. So besides saving energy, saving money, having
a quieter pool experience and helping
t h e environment, you can join other pools owners
in helping to meet Palm Desert’s target.
Who is Eligible?
The program is open to Palm Desert residents who
currently have single speed pool pumps and are
Southern California Edison customers. Pool pumps
for spas do not qualify. The Partnership’s energy
efficiency programs are funded by California utility
customers and administered by Southern California
Edison under the auspices of the California Public
Utilities Commission (while funding lasts).
OK! I’m in. How do I sign up?
Just call anytime, 24/7, and the customer service
center will able to answer any questions about the
program and arrange the installation. Local
contractors familiar with replacing the pumps and
details of the program are ready to accommodate
your schedule. Homeowners can make just one call
to purchase equipment, schedule an installation, and
receive an instant Southern California Edison rebate
by calling toll-free 877-811-8700.
Special
The City of Palm Desert invites all Palm Desert businesses to take advantage of deeply discounted energy savings
Programs
for Palm
Desert
Businesses,
Too!
Introducing the Commercial Energy
Solutions Program
Set to
Save
programs offered by Southern California Edison through the Palm Desert Partnership program. This is the final year for
these special offers, so now is the time to contact your SCE account representative and/or Set to Save representative to
sign-up for the programs that best fit your business needs.
We realize financing and upfront costs will be a driving factor when undertaking energy improvements, but once
you participate, your energy bill will clearly show that saving energy = substantial savings on monthly operating costs.
Now for a limited time the Partnership has developed an incentive program to reduce virtually all of your upfront costs
and help you start saving on your monthly energy usage.
The Commercial Energy Solutions Program is a co-pay program
seeking a small financial commitment from you. Your
business, in turn, reaps substantial and sustainable benefits.
Your investment is only 10% of the actual total project cost
– a 90% discount. This program removes 90% of the upfront
cost burden while simplifying the upgrade process. That means
an investment of one tenth of the project cost to help make
your company more efficient while supporting your
operational bottom line for years to come.
Which businesses qualify?
■ All Palm Desert businesses with SCE accounts totaling
100 kW demand or more per month.
■ If monthly energy usage is under 100 kW demand, please
contact a Set to Save representative at 760-837-0287 for
more information including similar special programs offering
free equipment and installation.
What energy equipment qualifies?
■ Comprehensive lighting upgrades
■ HVAC fan controls
■ Vending machine refrigeration controls
■ Occupancy sensors, solar film and neon
open sign replacements
How much will it cost my business?
Customers meeting program requirements only pay 10% of
total project cost.
How do I participate? The program team will guide you
through a simple process from sign-up to project completion:
Step 1: Contact the SCE approved contractor FESS Energy, Inc.
at 626-308-3000 to sign-up for an energy assessment/
consultation appointment.
Step 2: Meet with an Energy Consultant for an on-site energy
assessment
Step 3: Review and approve proposal of recommended
energy upgrades with co-pay cost estimates – Reserve your
discounted pricing.
Step 4: Fund co-pay amount
Step 5: Schedule installation and start saving
Act now while funding is available. This offer will not be
available next year and current funds are available on a first
come, first served basis. By participating this fiscal year, you will
be able to enjoy immediate energy and costs savings for years
to come.
We hope you spread the word to other local businesses
about this terrific option. As business community leaders, you
will be taking the initiative to help Palm Desert meet its
City-wide energy reduction goal of 30% and helping your
bottom line as well. Thank you in advance for contributing to
the success of our community.
Free In-Home Surveys
Available For a Limited Time
Whether you own your home or rent, all Palm Desert
residents who live in a single family home, townhouse,
condominium, or mobile home are eligible for a free
in-home energy survey – even if you have already had one.
All eligible residents can take advantage of this
valuable free offer for a new, more comprehensive
in-home energy survey, including residents who have
previously had a survey. These updated surveys
are possible thanks to a new Energy Upgrade California
Program that offers complete energy system
rebates of up to $4000, even if you have
already participated in previous Set To Save
programs.
In-home surveys include a new infrared
temperature survey near doors and windows
to check for air leaks and a quick inspection
of insulation and accessible ductwork to
identify potential improvements. Act now
and don’t miss your chance to learn about
new rebates and ways to help reduce your
utility bills. A customized report of your total energy usage
will be provided after the home survey. Find out where
your energy is going and what appliances are costing
you money.
Call toll free to schedule your free survey and an
energy efficiency service technician will visit your home,
conduct a computer-generated home energy survey and
prepare a work plan at no cost with low cost improvements. The technician will also provide energy education,
explain recommended energy conservation
measures, provide a list of certified
contractors, and help residents identify tax
credits, utility rebates and other available
efficiency incentives such as the innovative
Palm Desert Energy Independence
Program, which can provide affordable
loans for qualified projects through the City.
To schedule your free energy survey,
call Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to
5 p.m. toll free 855-878-6209.
Must be a Palm Desert resident
to qualify. Installation must
occur by December 31, 2012 and
completed rebate applications
forms with required documentation must be postmarked by
January 31, 2013. Incomplete
or late applications cannot be
processed. California customers
who choose to participate in
this program are not obligated to
purchase any additional services
offered by the contractor. Other
terms and conditions may apply.
Program and rebates are subject
to change or termination without
notice. Program and partnership
are funded by California utility
customers and administered by
Southern California Edison
under the auspices of the
California Public Utilities
Commission. © 2012 Palm Desert
Energy Partnership. Trademarks
belong to their respective owners.
All rights reserved.