Watts Current - June 2016 Issue
SUMMER HEAT COULD BRING ROLLING BLACKOUTS

The future operation of the Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility still remains uncertain, as experts continue to evaluate safety and operational impacts. Pasadena, along with a number of other utilities in the Los Angeles region, relies on natural gas to help generate local power supply. Pasadena's energy portfolio currently consists of a diverse mix of resources including renewables such as solar, wind and hydro. However, it is important to recognize the reality that depending on weather conditions and the community's ability to conserve energy, anticipated cutbacks on natural gas supplies could lead to rolling blackouts this summer. 
 
Public safety of our customers remains as PWP's top priority and we are doing what we can to prevent power outages. PWP urges the community to do its part to conserve and be prepared: 
  • Register your cell phone to receive a call when power is restored during outages
  • Participate in one of PWP's energy saving programs to greatly reduce your energy use 
  • If you or a loved one relies on a plug-in medical device, contact PWP's Customer Service team to inform us of your device, and have a back-up generator ready and tested 

Energy conservation throughout the community will be essential to reduce the possibility of rolling blackouts. To learn more, visit PWPweb.com/rollingblackouts.
START SAVING - ALL RESIDENTIAL REBATES INCREASED
 
With the summer heat kicking into high gear, PWP wants to make sure you do your part to conserve energy and save money. Starting July 1 to Oct. 31, PWP will be offering double the rebate on our residential energy program. Whether you are planning on purchasing a refrigerator, installing a skylight or replacing your pool pump, you can now get great savings just for being energy efficient. For more information, click here.
 
COMMERCIAL LED REBATES DOUBLED
PWP commercial customers can now get double the rebate for qualifying LEDs. Plus, for this promotion only, PWP has increased the rebate cap of up to 75% of the total project cost.

The LED incentives are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to availability. The complete application must be submitted by September 30, 2016. Eligible projects must be completed and installed by October 31, 2016.  To learn more, click here.
SOLAR INCENTIVE RATES TO DECREASE 
 
PWP is committed to embracing renewable energy, including customer-owned  solar. Since 2008, PWP has offered incentives for the installation of solar electric systems through the Pasadena Solar Initiative (PSI) Program. Approximately 860 solar installations have been completed to date, resulting in enough energy to power approximately 2,200 average residential Pasadena homes each year. Beginning August 1, 2016, incentive rates will be reduced by one-third for all participants, including residential, commercial, non-profit/government, and income-qualified customers.  To learn more , click here.

STATE SETS NEW CONSERVATION FRAMEWORK
  
In response to California's ongoing drought and water supply challenges, Governor Brown issued an Executive Order in May, which resulted in the establishment of a new water use efficiency framework for California. This new regulation also sunsets the mandatory water conservation targets set by the state for each urban water supplier. Under the new water efficiency framework, urban water suppliers, like PWP, are required to conduct a Reliability Stress Test that ensure at least a three year supply of water to their customers under drought conditions. To complete the test, urban water suppliers must calculate the drinking water demand for the next three years, estimate its yearly potable water supply, and calculate how much water will need to be imported from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, a wholesale water agency. Results of the Reliability Stress Test are then used by each agency to create a new local water conservation standard. To view PWP's Reliability Stress Test supply analyses, click here.

To view previous issues of Watts Current, click here. 
To view the electronic version of our Business newsletter - The Conduit, click here.

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