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                      NEWS RELEASE FROM THE

                  CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
April 21, 1995                        Rob Schlichting 916-654-5159


                 SAN DIEGO COUNTY SAVES POWER, 
                 EARNS ENERGY COMMISSION AWARD


Because of a recent energy improvements that will save taxpayers 
more than $921,200 a year in utility bills, the County of San 
Diego will be presented an award for "Outstanding Energy 
Achievement in Local Government" at the Board of Supervisors 
meeting 9 a.m., April 25.

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

"By the end of the year, San Diego County will have switched to 
energy efficient lighting in 80 percent of  county-owned 
buildings," acknowledged Commissioner Jananne Sharpless of 
the Energy Commission.  "As a participant in the Commission's 
Energy Partnership Program along with San Diego Gas and Electric, 
the county has shown a strong commitment to reduce energy waste."

To help the county cut its utility bills, the state Energy 
Commission supplied San Diego with engineering studies and 
design assistance on ways to boost efficiency.  SDG&E, the 
local utility company, provided a $5 million line of credit 
with which to finance the projects.

As a result of this three-way partnership, San Diego County's 
Department of General Services replaced outdated lighting with 
energy efficient fluorescent lamps and electronic ballasts in 
locations such as Social Services Buildings at El Cajon, 
Escondido, Market Street and La Mesa.  Also updated were 
County Health Services Buildings, the Sheriff's Headquarters, 
Adoption Services offices, Traffic Courthouse buildings, and 
the County Operations Center Annex at Kearney Mesa.  Altogether, 
11 facilities were retrofitted by February, 1995, resulting in 
energy savings of nearly $247,000 a year.

Acting on other Energy Commission recommendations, the County is 
making air conditioning improvements in its facilities located 
in downtown San Diego.  Instead of  individual air conditioning 
units for each building, a central chilled-water plant will 
furnish air conditioning to the County's Courthouse, Hall of 
Justice, new jail facility, and the District Attorney and Courts 
buildings.  The project, to be competed in October, 1995, will 
reduce the county's utility bill by more than $602,800 a year.

A similar consolidated cooling plant is in the planning stage for 
the North County Regional Center in Vista.  Construction should 
begin in December, 1995.  Already underway are energy 
improvements such as improved fluorescent lighting, high 
efficiency fans, a new boiler, added roof insulation and green 
tinting on windows which cut yearly energy use at the facility by 
$71,000. 

"San Diego County offers an excellent example of the benefits of 
energy efficiency," said Commissioner Sharpless. "It's one of a 
limited number of California counties 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:

Tom DuMont, Deputy Director, Facilities Service Division, 
San Diego County Department of General Services, (619) 694-2391

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


end of file
File Name: 95-04-21_San_Diego_County_Wins_Energy_Awar