Frequently Asked Questions
Energy Efficiency in California
What has California accomplished in the area of energy efficiency?
California is the second most energy-efficient state in the nation.
- California outpaces the national average in the sale of ENERGY STAR clothes washers, refrigerators, dishwashers and air conditioners. (View chart)
- Nearly 17% of the new homes built in California in 2005 (almost 28,000), up from 19,000 in 2003, qualified as ENERGY STAR homes by surpassing the state's Title 24 energy efficiency building code by at least 15%. To date, close to 90,000 ENERGY STAR qualified homes have been built in California.
- California saved more than 4 billion kilowatt-hours in 2005 – enough to power more than 660,000 homes.
Flex Your Power's Advertisements
I saw a Flex Your Power advertisement that talks about how saving energy can prevent emissions equivalent to taking thousands of cars off the road - can you elaborate on this assertion?
In a state with as many people - and air conditioners and light bulbs! - as California, taking even small steps to save energy can quickly add up.
Example 1: CFLsIf all California households permanently replaced 5 incandescent light bulbs with CFLs, it would save 6.18 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) and 2.26 million tons of CO2 per year (equivalent to taking 414,000 cars off the road).
Sources and Assumptions:
- 12 million households in California (U.S. Census, April 2007)
- 805 lbs CO2 per megawatt-hour (California Climate Action Registry, April 2007)
- 12,100 lbs of CO2 per car per year (U.S. EPA Personal Emissions Calculator, April 2007)
- 103 kWh saved per bulb per year (ENERGY STAR savings calculator for CFLs at default settings, April 2007 (60-W vs. 13-W lamps, 6 hours per day))
If all California households with old, inefficient (SEER 11 or lower) central air conditioners upgraded to SEER 14 ENERGY STAR qualified models, it would save 4.18 billion kWh and 1.5 million tons of CO2 per year (equivalent to taking 278,000 cars off the road).
Sources and Assumptions:
- 1,707 kWh saved per unit per year by upgrading from SEER 11 to SEER 14 (ENERGY STAR savings calculator for central air conditioners in Los Angeles, April 2007)
- 41% AC saturation rate statewide (CA Statewide Residential Appliance Saturation Study, Xenergy, June 2004)
- 50% of home AC having SEER 11 or lower (2005 California Statewide Residential Lighting and Appliance Efficiency Saturation Study, Prepared for California's Investor Owned Utilities by RLW Analytics, August 2005)
- 12 million households in California (U.S. Census, April 2007)
- 805 lbs CO2 per megawatt-hour (California Climate Action Registry, April 2007)
- 12,100 lbs of CO2 per car per year (EPA Personal Emissions Calculator, April 2007)
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)
What is a CFL?
CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) are light bulbs that produce light much more efficiently than traditional incandescent light bulbs. In fact, CFLs with the ENERGY STAR label use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. CFLs can also last up to 13 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Given that lighting accounts for around 25% of the average home's electricity bill, switching to CFLs could make a significant dent in your utility costs over the course of a year. For more information, see Flex Your Power's CFL product guide.
What about CFLs and mercury?
While the average CFL contains 4 mg of mercury — about enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen - the energy-saving and pollution-preventing potential of each bulb vastly outweighs the environmental costs. According to EPA, a power plant will emit 10 mg of mercury while producing the electricity needed for one incandescent bulb over the course of its lifetime. A CFL, in contrast, would result in the emission of only 2.4 mg of mercury over the same period - a net savings of 3.6 mg per bulb.
How should I dispose of CFLs?
All CFLs and other fluorescent lamps should be recycled or disposed of properly. Fortunately, recycling and disposal options are abundant in California. Here are three ways you can learn about facilities or programs in your area:
- Use Earth 911's recycling center finder. Simply enter your ZIP code to find local programs.
- Call Earth 911's recycling center hotline: 1-800-CLEAN-UP.
- Visit the website of your local government hazardous waste management department. The California Waste Prevention Information Exchange website lists departments by county.
Because CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, broken bulbs may present a health hazard if not handled properly. For more information, see ENERGY STAR's guide to CFLs and mercury or the California Waste Prevention Information Exchange.
Using Electricity Or Not
Who uses electricity and how?
Electricity in California is consumed by four primary sectors: commercial (including institutional facilities), industrial, agricultural and residential.
California Total Electricity Use by End Use (2002)
Commercial Miscellaneous: Refrigeration, hot water, cooking, office equipment. Residential Miscellaneous: Water heating, cooking, pool/spa, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers. Industrial Process: Process fans, heating, pumping and refrigeration. Industrial Miscellaneous: Material handling and processing and other. Other: Street lighting, government. Source: California Energy Commission, "California Energy Demand 2003-2013 Forecast," February 11, 2003, #100-03-002SD and Xenergy analysis.
California Electricity Use by Sector (2002)
Source: California Energy Commission, "California Energy Demand 2003-2013 Forecast," February 11, 2003, #100-03-002SD.
What is the difference between energy efficiency and energy conservation?
Very simply, energy conservation is changing your behavior in order to save energy (and money). An example is turning off the lights. Energy efficiency means installing appliances, equipment or lighting that use less energy. An example is replacing an incandescent light bulb with an energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), which uses at least 66% less energy for the same lighting level. Conservation measures are no-cost, and efficiency measures can be low-cost or can require a significant investment (which is often cost-effective when you consider the reduced energy bills).
Both energy conservation and efficiency measures help you reduce energy use, energy bills, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Why is energy efficiency important to consumers and businesses?
There are many reasons, including:
Save money now and in the future.
Energy-efficient products use less energy to operate. Your savings grow over time, often paying back their initial cost – and more.
Companies that invest in cost-effective energy-efficient products and services can lower their electric bills and enhance corporate profitability. Investments in efficiency technologies typically have a payback period of 1 to 8 years.
Consumers and businesses can also lower the upfront cost of buying energy-efficient products by taking advantage of rebates and other incentives available through your utility company, water agency and other organizations.
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Help protect the environment.
Climate change is driven in large part by carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases derived from burning fossil fuels. In California, electricity production and industry are the source of nearly half of fossil fuel-related carbon dioxide. Other harmful emissions released by burning fossil fuels to produce electricity include sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide, two of the primary sources of smog. Energy efficiency helps reduce the need to generate electricity.
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Help enhance the economy.
Energy efficiency results in lower energy bills, which enable consumers to invest their money in other areas. In 2000, U.S. consumers and businesses spent more than $600 billion for total energy use (electricity, natural gas and gasoline). Had the nation not dramatically reduced its energy intensity over the previous 27 years, they would have spent at least $430 billion more on energy purchases in 2000. California saved an estimated $600 million by reducing electrical usage in the first six months of 2001 alone. Californians "flexed their power."
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Help promote energy security.
Energy efficiency helps ensure that California has stable and reliable electricity service by making the system less vulnerable to electricity supply shortages. California relies on natural gas and hydroelectric generation plants (primarily in the Pacific Northwest) for more than half of its electricity. Neither source is very reliable. The entire nation currently is experiencing a natural gas shortage. During 2000 and 2001, historic drought conditions in the Pacific Northwest decreased the amount of hydroelectric power produced in the Sierras by 25% to 35%. Energy efficiency improvements reduce overall demand and, more important for reliability, shave demand at peak hours – those hours when energy demand is highest and blackouts are likely to occur if supply is low.
Energy efficiency also enhances electric system reliability by reducing the amount of electricity that has to be transported across congested transmission and distribution lines.
Energy-Saving Products
Is buying an energy-saving product a good financial decision?
Yes, almost always. It is important not only to compare the price of the product, but also to examine the second or hidden price tag – your energy bill month after month. When you consider total costs, energy-efficient products almost always save money.
Do energy-saving products, appliances, heating and cooling systems and lighting perform as well as "regular" products?
Absolutely. Energy-efficient products function in the same manner as products with comparable features. They simply do so while consuming less energy. In fact, some energy-efficient products may actually improve the comfort level of your home and business – for example, by maintaining a constant temperature evenly throughout the day. ENERGY STAR light bulbs provide the same level of lighting as standard bulbs, but use at least 66% less electricity and last for seven years.
What is an ENERGY STAR qualified product?
Products that earn the ENERGY STAR meet strict criteria set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the U.S. Department of Energy. To earn the label, products must use significantly less energy than standard products, while offering the features and quality you expect.
Where can I find ENERGY STAR products?
More than 1,300 Flex Your Power retail partners carry ENERGY STAR products. The Flex Your Power "Find a Store" locator can be found under each of the sector headings at the top of this web page. You can also call the ENERGY STAR toll-free hotline at 888-STAR-YES (782-7937).
Energy Efficiency Services
I want to be sure my equipment is installed properly. How do I find a contractor?
The ENERGY STAR website provides tips on finding a good contractor. Make sure the contractor is trained to properly size and install high-efficiency equipment. A good rule of thumb is to check references and get three bids in writing.
What happens if the contractor I call does not know about ENERGY STAR or energy-efficient products?
Call the ENERGY STAR toll-free hotline at 888-STAR-YES (782-7937) to identify products that are part of the ENERGY STAR program. A contractor who does not want to install energy-efficient products is taking away a customer's opportunity to reduce monthly energy bills. Be persistent and insist that energy-efficient products be used.
ENERGY STAR Homes
Source: ENERGY STAR
What are ENERGY STAR homes?
All ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are certified to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) strict guidelines for energy efficiency. Certification is verified by an independent third party, such as an accredited home energy rater or a Builder Option Package (BOP) verifier, or by adhering to quality control procedures established for homes manufactured under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) code.
What are ENERGY STAR's energy efficiency guidelines for new homes?
To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must be verified to be at least 15% more efficient than California's energy code requires, as verified by an independent third party. California utilities offer several programs that can help builders meet ENERGY STAR standards. Use Flex Your Power's Rebates, Incentives & Services locator to find the right program.
What types of homes can earn the ENERGY STAR label?
Any single-family or multi-family residential home that is three stories or less in height can qualify to receive the ENERGY STAR label. This includes traditional site-constructed homes, as well as modular, systems-built houses (e.g., insulated concrete forms, structurally insulated panels) and HUD-code manufactured homes.
Can existing homes earn the ENERGY STAR label?
Yes. Existing homes can qualify for the ENERGY STAR label if they meet ENERGY STAR's performance guidelines. The energy efficiency of existing homes can often be greatly improved using cost-effective retrofit techniques.
Do energy-efficient homes look different?
No, builders and developers constructing ENERGY STAR qualified new homes do not necessarily have to alter their architectural designs. An ENERGY STAR qualified new home can be built in whatever style the consumer prefers or is most popular in a particular geographic region.
Does an energy-efficient home cost more?
No. An ENERGY STAR qualified new home actually costs less because you spend less on your new home's utility bill each month. These energy savings can more than offset any increase in mortgage payments needed for the improved energy features and can result in a positive monthly cash flow. ENERGY STAR financing partners also offer special mortgage packages for buyers of ENERGY STAR qualified new homes.
How will I know if a home is labeled ENERGY STAR?
Look for the ENERGY STAR label, which should be prominently displayed on the circuit breaker box. You can also ask your builder for the home's ENERGY STAR certificate. This optional certificate indicates that the home has been verified to meet the EPA's ENERGY STAR qualified new homes performance guidelines.
How can I participate in ENERGY STAR as a home industry professional?
ENERGY STAR currently partners with four main types of home industry professionals: homebuilders, home energy raters, home lenders and utilities. After completing and signing a partnership agreement, partners can take advantage of the widely recognized ENERGY STAR name, logos and other marketing resources.
Energy Efficiency and Business
Is an energy audit really worth it?
Yes. An audit is a low-cost investment that provides customized and cost-effective energy efficiency solutions for your business. Payback typically is quick and the positive cash flow is substantial. If you have utility bills in excess of $200,000 per year, invite your utility or an energy management firm to do an on-site audit of your facilities. Use Flex Your Power's Rebates, Incentives & Services locator to find the right technical assistance program for your business.
Are there incentives for implementing recommended energy efficiency improvements?
Yes. You may be eligible for a reduced interest rate loan or rebates from your utility and other companies for energy efficiency retrofit and new construction projects. Add in the savings on energy costs, and these improvements can easily pay for themselves. Use Flex Your Power's Rebates, Incentives & Services locator to find the right incentive program for your business.
Where can businesses find project design assistance to maximize energy and cost savings?
Utilities and other companies often offer technical assistance for various types of retrofit and new construction projects. Assistance includes consultation, classes and resources related to incentive programs, project designs and more to help architects, engineers and building owners find energy-efficient solutions. Use Flex Your Power's Rebates, Incentives & Services locator to find the right technical assistance program for your business.
Should I have an energy management plan in place?
Absolutely. By having a plan, a company will be better prepared to make sound decisions regarding the repair or replacement of equipment while taking energy and cost effectiveness into consideration. The amount of money saved on energy costs by using energy-efficient technology can be substantial.
What tools are available through the campaign to help develop an energy management plan?
The Flex Your Power website offers a variety of resources and information to help you get started, such as:
- Locator for stores that sell energy-efficient products
- Locator for rebates, incentives & services
- Case studies and best practice guides
- Contact information for California's energy efficiency program providers
- Planning kits, checklists and a host of other useful resources
Energy Efficiency and Institutions
What can local government do when the energy environment is so volatile and budgets are tight?
While California's cities and counties are bridging the gaps of state and federal cutbacks, local governments should investigate energy efficiency opportunities that lower energy bills regardless of future sources of supply. The challenge is to continue to find creative ways to reduce electricity consumption through energy efficiency upgrades, while also pursuing energy strategies that shop for electricity products and services tailored to the distinct needs of the municipal government and/or its constituents.
Does the State of California's budget problem mean local governments have less access to energy efficiency programs?
California Energy Commission (CEC) created the Energy Partnership Program to help public agencies – local governments, special districts, as well as public or non-profit hospitals, public care facilities, and colleges/universities – use energy more efficiently in their buildings and facilities.
How do I get support for my energy efficiency project?
The best way to ensure internal and external support for your energy efficiency project is to prepare a feasibility study. A feasibility study is a technical and economic analysis of potential energy-saving projects in your facility, which:
- Provides information on the current operating characteristics of your energy-using equipment;
- Identifies technically and economically feasible energy efficiency improvements for existing equipment;
- Supports your facility's financial requests for projects; and
- Provides your decision-makers with sufficient and accurate information to judge the merits of the recommended energy projects.
- Refer to the California Energy Commission's (CEC) Guide to Preparing Feasibility Studies for Energy Efficiency Projects on the CEC's website.
What types of organizations are eligible for statewide and local financial and technical assistance programs?
Eligible public buildings and institutions include:
- Schools (public or nonprofit)
- Hospitals (public or nonprofit)
- Cities
- Counties
- Special districts
- Public care institutions (public or nonprofit)
What types of projects are eligible for statewide and local financial and technical assistance programs?
Many projects that improve energy efficiency in public buildings are eligible, including:
- Energy audits
- Feasibility studies
- Lighting upgrades
- Motors or variable frequency drives and pumps upgrades
- Building insulation installation
- Heating and air conditioning modifications
- Automated energy management systems/controls installation
- Energy generation including renewable energy projects
- Streetlights/light-emitting diode (LED) traffic signals installation
Where do I find the most up-to-date information on building standards included in Title 24?
You can find the complete Title 24 manual and other Title 24 resources for building professionals at the California Energy Commission (CEC) web site.