CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION
                       NEWS RELEASE


For Immediate Release: January 26, 1995
More Information Contact: Rob Schlichting - (916) 654-5159



NAPA COUNTY SAVES POWER, EARNS ENERGY COMMISSION AWARD


Napa County will be presented an award for "Outstanding Energy 
Achievement in Local Government" at the County Board of 
Supervisors meeting Tuesday, January 31, in Napa.

The framed resolution from the California Energy Commission 
"recognizes and commends the Chairman, Board of Supervisors and 
staff of Napa County for their significant contribution to the 
State of California's environmental quality, economic growth and 
energy security."

"Napa has shown a strong commitment to reduce energy in its 
county-owned facilities," acknowledged Commissioner Jananne 
Sharpless of the Energy Commission.  "Since 1993, the County has 
worked with the Commission to identify ways to cut energy waste." 

Through the Commission's Energy Partnership Program, Napa County 
conducted a detailed survey of its energy use in a number of its 
buildings.  As a result, lighting fixtures were upgraded or 
replaced at the county's Hall of Justice, Library, Courthouse, 
Juvenile Hall, Health Services, Social Services and Administration
buildings.  Motion sensors were installed in many conference rooms
and rest rooms to turn off lights when the rooms were unoccupied. 
In addition, outdated and inefficient lights on the exterior of 
the buildings and in adjacent parking lots were replaced.

"Thanks to new technology, we were able to actually improve the 
quality of light in and around our buildings," said William 
Bickell, Napa County's Director of Public Works.  "As a result, we
now have a more comfortable, productive work environment, even as 
we reduce our energy use."

Bickell estimated that the improvements would cut the county's 
annual energy bill by almost $53,000 per year.  "That's a 10 
percent reduction in our electrical use," he said.

The lighting improvement project cost Napa County nearly $325,000.
Pacific Gas and Electric, the local utility, provided the county 
with approximately $57,000 in energy rebates; the rest of the 
money came from the county's operating budget.  "From the energy 
savings alone, we should recoup our investment in well under five 
years," Bickell said.  "After that, the savings will continue, 
year after year.  We even save on maintenance costs, since the new
bulbs don't have to be changed as often."



"Napa County has certainly earned this award from the Energy 
Commission," Sharpless said.  It offers an excellent example of 
the benefits of energy efficiency."

Scott Matthews, the Commission's Deputy Director for Energy 
Efficiency, and Bradley Meister, Project Manager, will join in 
making the presentation of the resolution on behalf of the 
Commission.


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For more information, contact:

William Bickell, 
Napa County Director of Public Works, (707) 253-4351

Rob Schlichting, 
California Energy Commission, (916) 654-5159


End of file


File name: 95-01-26_Napa_Co._Earns_Awar