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                     NEWS RELEASE FROM THE

                  CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION


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For immediate release: Thursday March 23, 1995


                  LOS GATOS SAVES POWER, 
               EARNS ENERGY COMMISSION AWARD


Because of recent lighting projects that will save the town over 
$38,000 a year on its electric bill, Los Gatos will be presented 
an award for "Outstanding Energy Achievement in Local Government" 
at the bimonthly Town Council meeting Monday evening, March 20.

The resolution to be presented by the California Energy Commission
commends Los Gatos for "reducing energy use, saving revenue for 
public services, and setting an example for all businesses and 
residents in the community." 

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

One of the town's largest projects was to replace outdated 
lighting in its Civic Center -- a two-story building with its 
main floor located below ground level.  The building, which by 
design must rely heavily on artificial light, houses the Library, 
Police Department, town council chamber and the departments of 
Administration, Planning, and Building and Engineering.  

On both floors, old fluorescent lamps were replaced with 
energy-efficient bulbs and solid-state ballasts.  Inside and 
outside the building, existing 60-watt and 75-watt incandescent 
lamps were changed to compact fluorescents that use only 13 watts 
each.  Exterior floodlights that use 50 watts were converted to 
13-watt compact fluorescent fixtures. "Some of our energy savings 
were remarkable, and the brightness and quality of light in 
locations like the library was markedly improved," explained 
Susan Kautzer, the manager of the project.   

Similar lighting replacements were completed at the town's 
Neighborhood Center; the Recreation Center; two buildings in the 
Corporation Yard; the Forbes Mill Museum, which houses the 
historical society; and the Tait Museum, home to nature 
displays and a small learning center.  Even the downtown 
parking garage, built in 1993, was retrofitted with more 
efficient lamps.  Motion sensors were installed at many locations 
to turn off lights when rooms were unoccupied. 

The $140,000 project was funded by a $63,000 grant, which need 
not be repaid, and a $76,000 loan, both from the Energy 
Commission.  

"From the energy savings alone, we should be able to repay our 
energy loan in two years," Kautzer explained.  "After that, 
savings will continue year after year.  Since the new bulbs 
don't have to be changed as often, the town even saves on 
maintenance costs."

The energy improvements also qualified for an energy rebate 
from Pacific Gas and Electric, the local utility.  PG&E will 
present Los Gatos with a check for more than $23,000 at the award 
ceremony on Monday.

"Los Gatos offers an excellent example of the benefits of energy 
efficiency," said Commissioner Sharpless. "Only a limited number 
of cities are selected for this award from the Energy Commission."

Scott Matthews, the Commission's Deputy Division Chief for Energy 
Efficiency, and Bradley Meister, Project Manager, will join in 
presenting the resolution.


                            # # #

For more information, contact:

Susan Kautzer, Project Manager, Department of Building and
Engineering Services, 
Los Gatos, (408) 354-6802

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


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FILE NAME: 95-03-23_Los_Gatos_Energy_Award