Category Archives: energy savings

California – State Issues Power Alert

Posted on February 9, 2014 | Leave a comment

State officials declared a “flex alert” and asked Californians to conserve power and natural gas until 10 p.m. tonight.

Some power plants in Southern California have cut production after running out of natural gas, said officials with the California Independent System Operator, which manages the state grid. The shortage is being caused by soaring fuel consumption amid cold weather in the eastern U.S.

Tight supplies caused San Diego Gas & Electric Co. to cut off natural gas Thursday at 6:45 a.m. to one power plant in San Diego County, said spokeswoman Amber Albrecht. She didn’t identify the power plant.

The utility is also asking for conservation on Friday as a new storm heads into the Northeast. Those who reduce their power use between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. can earn a bill credit of 75 cents for each kilowatt-hour saved.

More than half of California’s electricity is generated by plants that burn natural gas, and generators use about 45 percent of the state’s total gas consumption each year, according to state figures.

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San Diego – Landscape Help at Deep Discount

Posted on February 8, 2014 | Leave a comment

Need expert garden advice? Professional landscape designers will be offering 30-minute consultations for $30 at the Spring Home Garden Show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Feb 28 and March 1 and 2.

Reserve your spot at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/even/566976 and get free admission to the show.

Tips for Keeping a Lid on Water Usage

Posted on February 5, 2014 | Leave a comment

Alyse Ford, Mira Mesa

Every bit counts, and Alyse Ford reminds herself of that every time she bathes or cleans the kitchen. While some conservation-minded water users invest in drought-resistant landscaping, graywater systems and efficient irrigation, others like Ford take a low-tech approach.

Will water consumption effect home value in the near future? Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your home value questions.

“I lived in Sonoma County during the big drought of the ’70s,” when water conservation became a mantra, Ford wrote. “They also said, ‘Shower with a friend.’ … Remember, this was the ’70s!”

She became convinced that simple changes in habit could make a big difference.

“I took all that to heart and started these practices, and I’ve been doing it ever since,” said Ford, 62. “I’m kind of fanatical about it.”

She takes short, military-style showers and keeps a bucket on hand to capture flows as the water warms up, then hauls that out to her plants. Forgoing a dishwasher, she cleans dishes in buckets in the sink and saves that water for the landscaping as well.

“I try not to have any water run down the drain,” she said.

Ford hopes to install a graywater line soon. In the meantime, she irrigates with rainwater captured in a 50-gallon barrel and several large trash bins.

“I think a lot of it just comes down to awareness and not wanting to waste (water),” Ford said.

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