Save Energy with Cool
Trees and Solar Power
Redo Your Garden with
Water-Wise Plants
A Cool Idea for
Cutting Power Use
Celebrate Public Power Week
Integrated Resource Plan
Etcetera...Etcetera
Noticias en Breve
Etcetéra, Etcetéra
Cool down your home with a new shade tree
courtesy of Pasadena Water and Power. We're offering
residential electric customers a rebate for planting any of 37 species of shade
trees including Crape Myrtle, Western Redbud, Engelmann Oak, Montebello Ash,
Western Sycamore, Jacaranda, Camphor, Coast Live Oak and more.
These trees are not just for looks; planting deciduous - shade - trees around
your property can cut your summer cooling bills by as much as 20 percent while
letting in the sun's warming rays during winter. Shade trees provide privacy,
prevent soil erosion and beautify the environment.
Residential electric customers who purchase an eligible Cool Tree will qualify
for rebates of $40 to $60 per tree (up to 10 trees per year).
Pasadena Water and Power is also offering a rebate to residential customers who
install solar power photovoltaic (PV) systems. The rebate offered is $3.50 per
watt, not to exceed $8,000.
PWP is hosting a Cool Trees and Solar Energy workshop to provide more
information on both programs. The workshop will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21,
from 9 a.m. to noon at Villa-Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St. (call the
PWP Answerline at
744-6970 for a reservation.) You can also download the online Program Guidebook
& Catalog of Trees and Solar Energy program information or print out an
application at www.PWPweb.com.
.
 Fall
is the best time to plant native and other
water-wise plants. Learn how during PWP's free California and Native Plants
Landscaping class Saturday, Sept. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Eaton Canyon
Nature Center, 1750 N. Altadena Dr. You could see
a big dip in your water bill!
Presented by landscaping experts, the class will cover the benefits of using
native and California Friendly plants, plant selection tips, planting guidelines
and maintenance recommendations.
The session is open to PWP residential water customers. All materials will be
provided, including a full-color plant guide, and continental breakfast will be
served.
Seating is limited; call 744-3715 today for a reservation.
.
 With
help from PWP, the Hill Avenue Branch Library is trying out a cool new idea
for air conditioning: ice!
Working with the Southern California Public Power Authority, PWP has teamed up
with 10 other local utilities to test out new Ice Bear ice storage for air
conditioners at facilities throughout the greater L.A. area.
Why the switch? During hot summers, air conditioners account for up to 70
percent of California's power use. This high demand for energy bogs down the
statewide power grid, puts our generating facilities into high gear and, in
extreme cases, can cause rolling blackouts.
Ice Bear is a simple retrofit that shifts an air conditioner's highest demand
for electricity from hot peak periods to cooler evening hours. Perfect for
commercial buildings and larger homes, Ice Bear stores "cool" energy at night in
the form of ice. During the day, a low-watt pump replaces the traditional
energy-consuming condensing unit, pumping out cool air.
Over the next few months, SCPPA will be monitoring how well the Ice Bear works
in different climates and facilities, including the Hill Avenue Branch Library.
Preliminary tests showed Ice Bear could cut a customer's need for on-peak
electricity for air conditioning by 95 percent, saving hundreds of dollars and
helping the environment. Watch for more news in the near future!.
 Oct.
1 to 8 has been designated national public power week. PWP
is busy planning a special celebration that will honor both the 20th anniversary
of Public Power Week and PWP's 100th year of service to the community. Be sure
to check our website for details about this special event.
.
PWP is developing a 20-year Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to
ensure reliable and environmentally responsible electric service, low stable
rates and energy independence.
The IRP takes into account future energy demand, advances in renewable energy
resources and conservation, forecast changes in regulatory requirements and
more. The IRP is PWP’s blueprint for how it plans to serve its customers over
the next two years.
To encourage input from customers, PWP will host a public meeting where
residents and businesses can get more information about the plan and offer their
suggestions on how PWP can best meet Pasadena’s electric needs.
For meeting announcements go to www.PWPweb.com
or call 744-6970.
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