Green Energy
Vision Statement
To establish SLO County as a world class leader in green energy through the implementation of a diversified portfolio of key initiatives, which includes energy efficiency, distributed generation systems, and utility scale generation.
Core Objectives
Benefits from Green Energy: The green energy team advocates for these initiatives to upgrade community services based on increased economic activity (jobs, local suppliers & providers); contributing to energy independence and security by avoiding energy fluctuations and foreign imports of energy; and positively addressing the greenhouse gas problem.
Benefits from Energy Efficiency: Creates immediate opportunity to conserve and reduce utility costs, improves health and safety for quality livability; reduces maintenance requirements; increases property values; reduces demand on existing resources; promotes development of new technologies; and stimulates on-going business opportunities for retrofits and related services.
Benefits from Distributed Generation Systems: Offers decentralized opportunities for residential, commercial, government, and educational institutions to increase use of renewable energy in the County; reduces utility bills for participants; provides immediate opportunities for implementation; and builds upon successes of leading firms located in the County and a cadre of employees and suppliers who can expand service here for local jobs and import revenues through service elsewhere.
Benefits from Utility Scale Generation: Leverages the unique solar resources and transmission infrastructure of the County to create a significant economic engine; enables the entire County to be a green energy contributor (democratization of solar); stimulates solar market transformation by reducing the unit prices of solar panels; and launches SLO County into national/international recognition as a showcase of green energy and environmental sustainability.
Co-Chairs
-
Tim Mahoney, Southern California Gas Company
-
Don Maruska, Don Maruska & Company
Key Accomplishments
- Advocacy and support of the approved California Valley Ranch and Topaz Solar Farm projects
- Cluster members supported efforts to promote Building Performance Institute Training and Certification for local contractors
Action Teams and Projects
- Solar Advocacy for distributed and large scale solar power generation
- Foster SLO County as a Green Energy region by promoting local expertise via case studies
- Advocate for education and training in support of green technology workforce development including the identification of appropriate curriculum and certification programs
- Identify and market green energy financing programs
Case Studies
See SLO County examples of commercial and residential Green Energy projects.
