SR-510-000 (2)
F:\CMANAGER\Staff Reports\EnergyConservation.doc
Council Meeting: February 13, 2001 Santa Monica, CA
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Resolution on Energy Conservation
Introduction
This report recommends that the City Council adopt the accompanying resolution
affirming Santa Monica?s commitment to energy conservation.
Background
The City of Santa Monica has been focused on energy conservation for more than a
decade, as part of the Sustainable City objectives. The current crisis in the electric
utility industry in California has caused an immediate need to cut back further on the
use of electricity in city facilities, to advise residents and businesses on conservation
practices, and to join with hundreds of other cities throughout the state in a commitment
to reduce energy use immediately by an additional 5 to 7 percent, in partnership with
the League of California Cities.
Discussion
Among many Santa Monica energy conservation efforts already accomplished
underway for the city infrastructure are: converting to all high-pressure sodium
streetlights, which are the most energy efficient type; converting all red and green traffic
signals to more energy-efficient LED (alone resulting in a 3% overall savings); and
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retrofitting lighting and HVAC systems in city buildings. Additionally, the City is a
recognized leader in energy efficiency for new construction and affordable housing for
both private and public developments.
When the threat of power blackouts began, city staff immediately began posting power
alerts and home and business conservation tips on the city website and, for employees,
on the Intranet and in our employee newsletter, and provided the information to the local
media. Page one space in the spring Seascape will be devoted to this subject. Specific
instructions have gone to all departments regarding thermostat settings, turning out
lights, turning off all electrical equipment when not in use, not using space heaters, and
other measures.
Adoption of the accompanying resolution will further demonstrate the Santa Monica City
Council?s commitment to energy conservation and energy efficiency at this critical time.
Budget/Financial Impact
As further conservation efforts are implemented, there will be City energy cost savings
which will help to offset the impact of energy cost increases which have already been
implemented and which may continue in some form.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that Council adopt the accompanying resolution.
Prepared by: Judy Rambeau, Assistant to the City Manager, Community Relations
Susan Munves, Energy and Green Building Program Coordinator
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F:\CMANAGER\Staff Reports\EnergyConservation.doc
Council Meeting: February 13, 2001
RESOLUTION NUMBER ___________________ (ccs)
(City Council Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
AFFIRMING THE CITY?S COMMITMENT TO ENERGY CONSERVATION
WHEREAS, California faces unprecedented energy challenges and severe
electricity supply shortages; and
WHEREAS, the importance of immediate energy conservation efforts cannot be
overstated, with energy efficiency being the most cost-effective solution to the energy
crisis; and
WHEREAS, Governor Gray Davis has asked all Californians to reduce electricity
use by 7 percent; and
WHEREAS, to demonstrate California?s commitment to conserve electricity, the
Governor directed state agencies to reduce electricity use in state facilities by 5 percent
by January 16, and asked cities to do the same; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Monica has already converted to all high-pressure
sodium streetlights, which are the most energy efficient type; is converting all red and
green traffic signals to more energy-efficient LED technology (alone resulting in a 3%
overall savings); is retrofitting lighting and HVAC systems in City buildings and is
playing a leadership role in energy efficiency for new construction and affordable
housing; when the threat of power blackouts began, immediately began posting power
alerts and home and business conservation tips on the City website, providing
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conservation information through the local media, including the City newsletter; and has
required all City departments, under the guidance of appointed energy monitors, to take
energy reduction actions including turning out lights when rooms are not in use, turning
off all electrical equipment when not in use, not using space heaters, and lowering
thermostat heat settings,
NOW, THEREFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City of Santa Monica is committed to reducing its ongoing
electricity use by 7 percent; and has already taken actions to reduce electricity use by
5%.
SECTION 2. The City of Santa Monica urges its residents and businesses also
to reduce ongoing electricity use by 7 percent.
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution, and
thenceforth and thereafter the same shall be in full force and effect.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
MARSHA JONES MOUTRIE
City Attorney
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