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3rd Annual Flex Your Power Awards

City of Berkeley

During California's energy crisis in 2001, the City of Berkeley and Community Energy Services Corporation, a community-based nonprofit association, developed the "Smart Lights" energy efficiency program, which sought to save energy and money in Berkeley's small business community. The program enlisted business and neighborhood associations to canvass local businesses and built relationships with local contractors.

In 2002-2003, the Smart Lights program showed astounding results. The city increased energy efficiency in 884 businesses. Program highlights include:

  • 1,516 peak kWs saved
  • 4.8 million kWhs saved annually
  • $817,000 saved for the businesses
  • $700,000 given out as incentives for the energy-efficient upgrades

In 2004, Smart Lights became a part of the East Bay Energy Partnership Project, implemented by Pacific Gas & Electric. Now all East Bay small businesses, small institutional facilities and common areas of multi-family buildings are eligible to participate in Smart Lights. The first step is a free, no-obligation assessment of a business' lighting needs. Smart Lights then presents a comprehensive report to the business, and asks for a cost share. In 2005, it is expected that 1,000 businesses will participate in the program.

More information: City of Berkeley

Black Oak Books Black Oak Books in Berkeley was the one of the first participants in the Smart Lights Program in early 2002.