Statewide LG EE Best Practices: Weekly Update

1. Opportunity to influence EE program design: The new EE Coordinating Committee, authorized by CPUC Decision 15-10-028, held its second set of meetings earlier this week, laying out a timeline for this year’s stakeholder review of Program Administrator (PA) business plans by sector, and hearing presentations from the PAs on residential and commercial sector plans. (For those new to the term “Program Administrator”, these are California’s investor-owned utilities and other organizations such as SoCalREN and MCE entrusted with funding for energy efficiency programming.)  Meetings to review PA plans for the public sector will be held the week of March 14th (exact date tbd). These meetings are a great opportunity to provide feedback as local governments on the utility/REN/other energy efficiency program development and structure. If you would like more information on these meetings, or to see past meeting documents, please email me or contact meeting co-chair Lara Ettenson at NRDC directly (lettenson@nrdc.org).

 2. ACEEE released some interesting stories this week. The first is a response to Bill Gates’s interview in The Atlantic, in which he again shares that we need innovation, not just insulation. While new technology developments are absolutely critical, ACEEE points out that energy efficiency has provided foundational benefits on its own, and will continue to be an interdependent (and often more cost-effective) partner with renewable developments. Read the ACEEE story in full here.

 3. ACEEE also released a paper focusing on the role of energy efficiency in achieving the goals of U.S. Clean Power Plan. The paper is available here on ACEEE’s website.

 4. LGC’s CivicSpark is holding a webinar on March 9th from 9:30-10:30AM that might be of interest to those of you working on community-focused energy programming. The presentation by Dr. Kat Donnelly, the CEO and Founder of Empower Efficiency, is on Social Media Marketing specifically targeted at community-scale energy and environment outreach programs. To learn more, click here.

 5. Developments in automated demand response (ADR) technology: Smart home energy automator OhmConnect announces breakthrough methods for enabling smart home devices (including wifi thermostats, smart plugs, home automation systems, and EV chargers) to generate recurring revenue streams by intelligently controlling device charging when electricity is less costly.  To learn more, click here for the press release.

 6. The U.S. Department of Energy has released the annual Better Buildings Alliance Winter 2016 Progress Update, full of resources for local governments and building professionals alike. Prominently featured are plug load management strategies, demand controlled ventilation (DCV) and use tips for Energy Management Systems (EMS). 

 Plug load in particular is getting a lot of attention as the fastest growing building electricity consumer – for more plug load management background and resources, click here.

7. The Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) is soliciting firms to conduct a Study to explore the potential for a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Program in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The RFP is available on WRCOG’s website and is open until 3/17.

 8. Applications are open for POCACITO in Germany: the Ecologic Institute invites you to apply to take a trip to Germany as part of the upcoming 2016 POCACITO in Germany program (June 18th-24th) to explore first hand how German cities are transitioning to become post-carbon cities. Participation from cities and regional governments is particularly encouraged.  Learn more on the POCACITO website, here.

 9. Job announcement: the Port of San Diego has several open energy and sustainability focused jobs, including a Program Manager, Energy & Sustainability, and a Senior Environmental Specialist. Learn more here.

 10. Job announcement: The SF Department of Environment is hiring for a Climate Program Manager! The new Climate Program Manager will lead the development of a strategic vision for the integration of Climate and Systems programming (Green Building, EcoDistricts) within the Department of Environment. Click here for more information.

As always, you can keep track of relevant events by connecting to the EE Events Calendar, and find more resources on the EECoordinator website. 

That is all for this week!

How to Save More Energy At Home

There are many ways to conserve energy, resulting in a lower utility bill and a happier Mother Earth. At Modernize, we are thrilled to see more homeowners use more energy efficient appliances, building materials, and tools to help conserve energy. Here’s a round-up of the best energy saving options that you can implement in your home.

Water
One of the easiest things that you can start doing today to save energy is to turn off the faucet in the kitchen and bathroom when you are not actively using the water. Whether you are brushing your teeth or measuring out cups of water for a recipe, the time in between the task will add up to substantial savings.

Set a timer for your shower. My greatest eco-sin is my love for a long, hot shower. As the mom of a little one, the shower becomes a great escape from answering all of the questions that an inquisitive toddler can throw at me. Still, I know I can let too much time slip away as precious hot water spirals down the drain. I have started setting a timer, just like I do when my kid takes a bath. For both of us, the ding of the timer means bath time is over.

Installing a low-flow showerhead is a great alternative for those who just cannot sacrifice the long shower, although using a low-flow showerhead in addition to limiting your shower time is the ideal conservation goal.

Energy Star Appliances
When it is time to purchase new appliances, look for those labeled with the Energy Star logo. These appliances use considerably less energy than the ones they are replacing. You will be pleased with your utility bills when you notice how much you’ve saved. Additionally, you may save even more money on the appliances if you research rebates for the energy-efficient models. Be sure to keep the temperature in your refrigerator between 20 and 42 degrees for maximum savings.

Windows
It’s a costly investment, but new windows are a huge energy saver. Look for U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) numbers when shopping for new windows. The U-factor measures the window’s rate of heat loss. When looking at the U-factor you want a lower number. The lower the number the better the insulating properties. SHGC measure a window’s ability to block heat from the sun.  With SHGC the ratings are between 0 to 1 and the lower the number the heat that is transmitted. Depending on your region, one may have more importance than the other. If new windows are not in your budget anytime soon, take a weekend to add weather stripping and window films to increase energy efficiency for the time being.Many utilities within California offer energy saving assistance programs that help weatherize your home. If you are interested you can click the links provided to see if you are eligible. PG&E, SCE, SCG

Simple Tips
Keep your heat as low as you can stand it in the winter and as high as you can handle in the spring. This is much easier for me to do in the winter when I can wear layers and get cozy under blankets. In the summertime, my best bet is to leave my house so I can turn the air conditioner temperature up and take advantage of air conditioned stores in public places like the library or a shopping mall. The latter is not recommended for saving money.

Unplug everything when not in use. Make this task easier by using power strips so you only have to unplug one outlet for several devices. Charge all of your phones, tablets, and other rechargeable items at the same time, so you can unplug the power strip for the remainder of the day.  It may seem like a hassle to unplug things like your coffee maker or hair styling tools, but if you’re serious about saving energy and money, these small tasks will add up quickly.

5 More Easy Energy Savers

-   Replace standard bulbs with CFLs that can be recycled when they burn out.
-   Use home-automation products to control lighting and other electronics.
-   Decorate your home with a combination of sheer drapes to allow the sun in during winter months, or blackout curtains in the summer to keep your home from overheating from the sun.
-   Raise the thermostat and cool your room at a lower cost with ceiling fans.
-   Wash full loads in laundry machines and dishwashers. 

* Note: This article was written by Stephanie Sylvester from Modernize.com *

Statewide LG EE Best Practices: Weekly Update

Here are your WEEkly Updates:

1. The CEC will be holding the first Empower California workshop on February 26th at 9am to kick off AB 865, also known as the EmPower California Act, which will boost job creation and business opportunities for minorities, women, LGBT and disabled veteran-owned businesses in the energy industry. Implementation will include establishing an outreach plan to increase participation of diverse business enterprises in Energy Commission funding opportunities and creating a Diversity Task Force. For more information on attending or participating by WebEx, click here.

2. The latest Annual Report is out from the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN). The report builds on the best practice findings from their Permit Resource Opportunity Program, and features case studies including stakeholder engagement for energy code development in Santa Clara, and support offered on reach codes in Marin County, as well as best practices learned from the City of Berkley’s adoption of its new Building Energy Services Ordinance, “BESO” (replacing its prior residential and commercial energy conservation ordinances). Click here to read the report.

3. New DSM technology: Interested in new technologies to optimize demand side management (DSM)? Opower and SDG&E's Supervisor of Residential Programs will discuss the latest energy efficiency and demand response opportunities and reporting tools available through Opower's new Agile EE in a March 10th webinar. Click here to learn more and/or register.

4. Carrying out Evaluation, Measurement and Verification (EM&V) efficiently can be a challenge. A new EM&V report from the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) explores how IT developments are enhancing EM&V options. Click here to read more.

5. An article on parking garage HVAC energy efficiency provides some interesting findings on opportunities for energy savings through fan controls, featuring four California properties as an example. Read more at Energy Manager Today's website.

6. The CEC is holding a public workshop on March 8th to present a draft of the Natural Gas Vehicle Research Roadmap. This roadmap details the strategic research, development, demonstration, and deployment needed to enhance the viability of the natural gas vehicle market in California. For more information, click here.

7. Registration is open for the Navigating the American Carbon World conference, May 4th-6th in San Diego. Click here to review the program or register.

8. Heavy truck standards moving forward: Those of us with heavy-duty sanitation, parks, or other municipal fleet, or managing public transit fleets may be interested to hear that Phase II of the federal heavy-duty vehicle fuel efficiency standards has been proposed by US DOT and US EPA, and is expected to be adopted this summer. Read more on this and take a look at some helpful graphics at ACEEE’s website, or take a look at the proposed rule in the Federal Register, here. Per ACEEE, the Phase 2 standards would reduce fuel consumption by new heavy-duty vehicles an additional 24%.

9. For some news on energy efficiency efforts across the Pacific, here's a story describing China's new energy efficiency and demand response planning and programs, spurred on by extreme air pollution.

10. Job announcement: Empower Efficiency is hiring for two positions:a Commercial Behavioral Energy Assessor, and a Behavioral Campaign Manager/Facilitator. Both positions can be found on their website.

As always, you can keep track of relevant events by connecting to the EE Events Calendar. 

That is all for this week!

Statewide LG EE Best Practices: Weekly Update

Here are your WEEkly Updates:

1. Save the Date! The 7th Annual Statewide Energy Efficiency Forum will take place June 15th-16th, 2016 in Riverside, CA. Planning for the topics and structure of the Forum is underway - you are invited to help shape the Forum by taking a few minutes to complete this survey. If you are new to the Forum, information on past Forums is available here.

2. The new EE Coordinating Committee will be holding its second set of planning meetings at SDG&E’s Energy Innovation Center 2/22-2/23 with webinar access for remote attendees. The first public meeting was held on 1/15 and discussed steps in launching a stakeholder engagement process to vet the Program Administrator EE business plans forthcoming under CPUC proceedings. For more information on participation, please look for updates on http://eecoordinator.info or contact Lara Ettenson at NRDC (lettenson@nrdc.org).

3. On Wednesday Feb. 10th, the CEC adopted the final 2015 Integrated Energy Policy Report. This report not only provides a 10-year forecast of electricity consumption and peak demand and natural gas demand throughout California, but also provides energy plant and infrastructure updates, and discusses building efficiency, appliance efficiency and decarbonization toward the 40% GHG reduction by 2030 goal. The full report is available here.

In the same meeting, more than $2 million was awarded to the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) for development of a behavior-learning smart thermostat that operates without broadband technology for easier adoption by senior and low-income residences. $1.5 million was also awarded to UC Berkeley for development of advanced smart-charging software to support the increasing number of electric vehicles. Learn more in the CEC’s release.

4. A short article, EPA Undeterred by Supreme Court's Delay of Clean Power Plan, covers this week's status on the Federal Clean Power Plan, and the U.S. EPA's response. 

5. PG&E has launched a new Community Solar Program that will enable customers to choose getting either 50% or 100% of their electricity from solar. Read an overview from Greentech Media, here.

6. Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Title 24 Energy Code In-Person and Web Trainings. Looking for training resources on California’s current 2013 energy code? Looking ahead to educate yourself on the coming 2016 code? Numerous in-person and web-based trainings will be held around the state by Energy Code Ace are going on now and continue throughout the winter/spring. Visit Energy Code Ace's trainings webpage for more information. 

(For reference, the Energy Code Ace Web site is developed and provided by the California Statewide Codes & Standards Program, which offers free energy code training, tools and resources for those who need to understand and meet the requirements of Title 24, Part 6 and Title 20.)

7. The Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR) has completed a draft list of plans and initiatives adopted by California jurisdictions to address climate change. Any changes to the list received by 2/19/16 will be incorporated.

8. The CEC’s Blueprint newsletter for Nov 2015-Feb 2016 is now available on the CEC's website. Highlights include a change in HERS providers, a new computer compliance software system, funding for workforce training through the EPIC program, guidance on radiant barriers, and more.

9. Interested in Energy Performance Contracting? Learn from the City of Dover, NH about their contract for energy efficiency and electrical and mechanical system improvements, through which they are saving approx. $350,000 annually.

10. The tremendous value of using energy data to uncover efficiency opportunities is discussed in Efficiency is a Resource, Data is the Fuel. Energy data developments by the White House, and by PG&E, are highlighted.

11. A legislative California's Clean Economy hearing on Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings was held yesterday at 1pm. Speakers discussed how far EE has come in California buildings, but also some opportunities for improvement: which translate to opportunities for energy and financial savings. Key areas were: smart plug load management, LEDs and lighting controls, retro-commissioning, and building EE in low-income communities. The program will be archived and available for on- demand-viewing and/or download at calchannel.com

12. Navigant's new Smart Energy, Smart Cities report describes how cities are leading key energy transitions, including energy efficiency projects, smart meters, and partnering with utilities on smart grid developments. Read a summary of the report here.

13. Value of the RPS: a new report estimates that Renewable Portfolio Standard implementation nationwide to-date has produced $2.2B in greenhouse gas reduction benefits.

14. Job announcement: UC Davis is seeking a Sr. Director of Development for Energy Programs. Learn more in the job announcement, posted on SJVCEO's website.

15. And, finally, a note from your Statewide Coordinator: an overhaul of the information available at http://eecoordinator.info is underway! New developments include addition of the EE Events Calendar, addition of past WEEkly Updates and more news in the EE News tab, a Tag Cloud for searching for information by key word, and featured news and videos. More information is also coming to the Legislative/Proceedings and Resources pages. Best practices being implemented by local governments (Climate Action Plans, EE community programs, municipal projects, etc.) are also being added, and will be searchable via the "Local Governments in Action" tag.

And that's all for this week!

Be Eco-Friendly this Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day gives us an excuse to spoil our loved ones more than usual. It’s become such a big holiday that last year spending on gifts climbed to nearly $20 billion. Most is spent on candy, flowers and jewelry, most of which is not produced or harvested sustainably.

If you participate in this holiday, read on! There are several ways in which you can minimize waste and exercise eco-friendly shopping habits. 

Cards and sweet notes are the first thing we exchange on Valentine’s Day and we exchange roughly a billion cards each year. That is a lot of paper; so make sure you recycle the envelopes and any cards you choose not to cherish forever. When you buy your own valentines, be on the lookout for cards made from recycled paper. You can order valentines on recycled paper from a variety of stores. Even better, you can make your own using items and scraps around your house. It’s fun, free, personal, and wastes a little less!

Chocolate gifts are second to none on Valentine’s Day. We spend well over a billion dollars on chocolates and candies alone. Chocolate production continues to climb year after year, and with it comes increasing levels of deforestation and herbicide resistance. Deforestation causes destruction of wildlife habitats, reduction in plant diversity and soil erosion. Excessive use of herbicides is detrimental to both the land and the pesticide sprayers’ health. There are many solutions farmers can implement such as planting under natural tree-cover, which provides necessary shade and oxygen replenishment. We, as consumers, can also help the cause and make a pledge to only buy fair trade, organically produced chocolate. Some of my favorites are Theo Chocolate and Green & Blacks. Do you have any favorite eco-friendly chocolate companies?

The cut flowers most of us have access to in this country have been grown in harsh conditions and transported quite a distance. Although picking up a bouquet at the super market is quick and easy, doing this encourages the growing conditions, labor conditions and excessive transportation of the South American flower operations outlined in my blog post linked above. Buying seasonal flowers and finding organic or sustainable florists will support the local economy, decrease transportation emissions and much more. Join me in following these tips this Valentine’s Day!

If you plan on purchasing other items this Valentine’s Day, consider these shopping tips, look for organic spas and beauty shops, and buy ethical jewelry. Are you getting a gift for your pet? Get a toy made from recycled materials!

How else will you be eco-friendly this Valentine’s Day?​

Statewide LG EE Best Practices: Weekly Update

Here are your wEEkly updates:

1. The State and Local Energy Efficiency Action (SEE) Network has a two-part webinar series coming up Thursday, Feb. 11th and Thursday, Feb. 18th to help us all make the most of energy efficiency financing programs. California's own Deana Carrillo from the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority will be presenting case studies in the second part of the series. If you can't make the webinars, reports of the material are available online.

2. A Business Meeting to Consider Adoption of California's Final 2015 Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR) will be held at the CEC on February 10th. Meeting information, other agenda items, and ways to participate are found on the CEC's website here.

3. For those interested in distributed energy resources, registration is open for the California’s DER Future conference in San Francisco March 16th-17th. To review the agenda, click here.

4. The California Energy Commission is holding scoping workshops to explore ways to reduce emissions in off-road vehicle fleets, including natural gas vehicle solutions. The workshops will be held Feb. 19th in Long Beach, Feb. 22nd in Fresno, and can also be attended online.

5. In case you missed it: pilots deploying thousands of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are in the works in Southern California! SDG&E's Electric Vehicle Grid-Integration pilot project received approval from the CPUC last week. SCE's Charge Ready Program plans were approved earlier in January.

6. Get recognized as an EE leader: Do you know an outstanding energy leader, or want to highlight an outstanding energy or climate action plan or project? You have until February 22nd to submit nominations to AEE's Regional Awards Program. To read more about the Regional Awards Program and to view categories, visit www.aeecenter.org/regionalawards. To submit your Regional Award Nomination, visit  https://aeeawards.wufoo.com/forms/aee-regional-award-nomination/.

7. The HERO Program has now been adopted by 370 communities in California, within 37 counties, and has funded more than $1 billion in efficiency upgrades since December 2011! Learn more here.

8. EE opportunities for schools: Get the word out to Local Educational Agency (LEA) colleagues that pilot projects and no-cost training workshops are available throughout California through the Prop 39 Zero Net Energy Schools Pilot Program. Review training dates and register at www.energydesignresources.com/zneworkshops.

9. Potential REAP Program webinar: SPURR, a California joint powers authority, has offered to provide a webinar on how to participate in the Renewable Energy Aggregated Procurement (REAP) Program. Please email me (jdecker@lgc.org) if interested.

10. JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is hiring a new Manager for their Energy Division!  Visit https://jobs.bart.gov and search for Manager of Management Analysis (Energy Division Manager) for more information. 

11. Check out the Calendar of Energy-Related Events for more.

As a reminder, please share events with statewideenergycoordinator@lgc.org so that they can be added to the calendar.

And that's all for this week!

Creating A 'Net-Positive' Super Bowl

The countdown to Super Bowl 50 is officially on with less than two weeks to go until the big game between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers. Many will not have the privilege of attending the big event and will be throwing parties at home...as usual. Either way I am here to help you to a green sustainable Super Bowl 50.

Large events such as the Super Bowl bring in a lot of money and visitors to the city of the event, which this year is San Francisco. The host city gains an economic boost with the swaths of people and countless parties that are to be had. But with all of the festivities there are a lot of inevitable consequences that tag along. The one item that will be top of mind is car and airplane emissions from those traveling into the bay area. Fans will be commuting from the Denver area and as far east as the Carolina's.  Then from there it is a long laundry list of items such as: waste, water, energy and food. All of these items play a significant role in the communities in which the game is being played in.  

With this year's Super Bowl being the 50th the host committee is aiming to make this year's game stand out for more than what is happening on the field. The committee is framing this year's game around the phrase, 'net-positive'. For the many that may not know what that phrase means the committee has taken steps to define what it is for the purpose of the game. People attending the game or watching from home are being asked to contribute in which ever categories they can in what the committee has coined, Play Your Part. 

Play your part has four main pillars it stands upon. 

1. Reducing impact on climate change (lower emissions)
   • Use mass transit
   • Ride your bike
     
2. Using and recycling of items properly
   • Use reusable bags and water bottles #BringYourOwn
     
3. Have fans personally embrace sustainability
   • Fans to use the Play Your Part Program
     
4. Leaving the Bay Area better than before
   • Donating to environmentally focused Bay Area non-profits

To participate in the Play Your Part campaign you do not have to be attending the big game, but you do have to be from the State of California. The hopes of this campaign is to bring the environmental issues of large events to top of mind of attendees and followers. If you would like to participate and make this years game 'net-positive' log on and let the committee know how you are going to make a difference. Once you are done you learn that you are now rewarded 50 good coins. With those 50 coins you can make a donation to one of the four non-profits that were selected by the committee. But you must hurry! You only have until before the game begins to participate. 

So those that are not able to be in the vibrant city for the game we haven't forgotten about you. The four pillars that are laid out can still be acted upon while throwing a Super Bowl party at your place. We built a 'net-positive' list for your celebration at your home.

1. Reducing impact on climate change

For those of you who will be enjoying the game from the comforts of your home or a friends home there is still room to cut down on emissions. Try carpooling with friends that are going the same way or to the same celebration. Or if you are close enough to the party you can even just bike there. 

2. Using and recycling of items properly

At many of the Super Bowl parties that I have attended in the past there have been paper plates and red cups galore. This year try to steer clear of those items even though they make for an easier clean up. Try out reusable stainless steel or glass containers to bring over your items if its a potluck type of event. Then for plates try out bamboo items from  Bamboo Studio's and for cups go for glass if you can. And if you are one of those that ops for water try bringing your own reusable water bottle. (ppsstt...if you do and snap a picture make sure you use the hashtag #BringYourOwn)

Then once cleanup begins remember you have separate bins for a reason. Make sure you recycle those items that can be recycled. If you are unsure what items your city recycles check out this website, Earth911.com, that will let you know what items are ok or not. 

3. Have fans personally embrace sustainability

What Has SJVCEO Been Up to In January

As the SJVCEO team rings in the New Year our team is already making leaps and bounds. As we continue to make leaps and bounds our city and county partners reap the rewards. Many of our partners have moved up tier levels in the Edison Energy Leader Partnership (ELP) model and or have their first ever energy action plans. We here at SJVCEO call those large feats. In this months update you may also notice a new addition of our High Desert Regional (HDR) partnership updates. SJVCEO has been working with the greater high desert region since October, but we are just now digging in and have some exciting updates.

For the VIEW Partnership our team and partners have stayed very busy. Over the course of the last month our team has been able to get one of our partners, the City of Farmersville, to gold level within the Edison ELP model. We have also been working with the County of Kings on getting together an energy action plan and community outreach item completed to move up to the high ranking standards of gold. With the focus of the partnership being on energy savings we continue to work hand in hand with our partners on equipment upgrades. During the month of January our team worked with the City of Hanford to process rebates for their new plug load occupancy sensors. If you are not familiar with what plug load occupancy sensors are they are devices that turn off auxiliary devices in a cubicle, like monitors, cell phone chargers, and heaters when nobody is occupying the cubicle. The energy saved was about 10 California homes’ worth! 

As mentioned the new addition of the HDR Partnership has brought with it a lot of exciting work. Our team is working with the City of Adelanto, the Town of Apple Valley, the City of Barstow, the City of Hesperia and the City of Victorville. Many reading this post might not be familiar with the areas, but they are hidden gems within the California high desert. Our team has jumped right in and started work on energy action plans for all of the partners. With all of the work that our team is doing combined with the energy work of the partners there will be a lot of upward movement in the SCE ELP here very soon.

As for the METU program the savings just keep coming in. Our project analyst who is tasked with working with cities in the area has done a great job racking up the savings. His newest endeavor is working with the City of Kerman. To date he has benchmarked their accounts and will start diving into the data to see where the city has potential savings. 

We hope that you stay tuned for next months update, since we are sure that there will be much more exciting news to report!

Statewide LG EE Best Practices: Weekly Update

Here are your wEEkly updates:

1. ARB Request for Participation in Public Work Groups
   ARB is developing the Fiscal Year 2016-17 Funding Plan for the Low Carbon Transportation Investments and the Air Quality Investment Program. 18 public work groups will be used to discuss topics such as funding allocations, project and technology types, emission reduction targets, and overall goals for the category. If you would
   
2. CEC Request for Information Due February 10th
   The purpose of this Request for Information is to determine areas of readiness and planning activities for potential funding. Responses received, as well as staff research and public comments from the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program Investment Plan Advisory Committee workshops, will guide the development of the next solicitation that will utilize the Regional Alternative Fuel Readiness and Planning funding allocation.
   
3. New Podcast: Infinite Earth Radio
   Skeo, in association with LGC, launched a new weekly podcast committed to spreading ideas that lift up and revitalize marginalized neighborhoods and build great 21st century communities. Each week, Infinite Earth Radio features interviews with visionary civic leaders who are transforming the future so that you can hear about the latest sustainability initiatives and tools to bring these ideas to your community.
   
4. FHA Reduces Multifamily Housing Insurance Rates to Support Energy Efficiency
   The Federal Housing Administration announced a new plan to reduce multifamily insurance rates in order to encourage capital financing of affordable and energy-efficient apartments. The rate reduction will take effect on April 1, 2016, and will directly impact FHA's Multifamily Housing Programs and properties housing low- and moderate-income families and/or developments installing energy-efficient systems or buildings within federal energy guidelines.
   
5. Maintaining EV Charging Stations Uses Relatively Little Energy
   Today, there is roughly one public charger for every 10 EVs. In order to accelerate EV adoption, we need to reduce "range anxiety" by installing more charging stations. The good news is that the cost of EV charging has been found to be so nominal that it's insignificant when looking at commercial buildings' peak grid times.
   
6. New SEEC Website
   Today, a new and improved website will be launched for the Statewide Energy Efficiency Collaborative! The new site will continue to be your portal to the myriad of resources produced or collected by SEEC partners with a streamlined interface to keep you better informed of relevant news, events, and new resources.
   
7. Calendar of Energy-Related Events
   Please forward events to statewideenergycoordinator@lgc.org.
   

And that is all for this week!