Programs

The Silicon Valley suburb of Palo Alto, CA, has issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking marketing and administrative help expanding its green energy programs to “green gas” and renewable energy credit (REC) segments. A pre-proposal teleconference will be held Jan. 30 for prospective bidders, and bids are due Feb. 12 with a projected May 1 start for winning bidders.

Another chapter in California’s growing attempts to harness its abundance of solar energy was written in the wee hours of last Wednesday morning when the state legislature passed a statewide incentive program for solar water heating (AB 1470). The measure will now go to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is expected to sign it, according to the environmental group that helped craft the bill. The final Assembly vote was 43-29.

San Diego Gas and Electric Co. has expanded the number of customers potentially eligible for its low-income energy-saving programs to comply with changes in state income guidelines. The Sempra Energy utility calls its expanded program the “Energy Team” program, featuring various home energy-savings-improvement services. Energy Team offers income-qualified renters and homeowners no-cost services that include: door weather-stripping and caulking; ceiling insulation; low-flow showerheads; and energy-efficient refrigerators, along with other minor home repairs that can reduce energy use. Last year, more than 11,000 qualified customers received a variety of home-weatherization services, SDG&E said. New income guidelines established by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) were effective last June 1, permitting household incomes of $28,000 for one- and two-person households, up to a maximum of $54,300 annual incomes for households of six or more. For each household member above the six, another $6,900 of income can be added. The income levels were adjusted by the CPUC, effective June 1, to reflect changes in the federal poverty guidelines.

As part of a series of expanded programs by utilities in the state to help buffer customers from this winter’s expected high natural gas bills, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. Wednesday announced it has doubled the funds available for its low-income assistance program, REACH (Relief for Assistance through Community Help), to $3 million through launching a pledge drive among its customers and employees. As a result maximum aid to qualifying low-income customers will be increased to $300/household, compared to its previous $200 limit.

To infuse more money into exploration, Denver-based Whiting Oil and Gas Corp. has acquired all of the limited partnership interests managed by subsidiary Whiting Programs Inc. for $30.5 million. The properties, located in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Wyoming, hold approximately 17.4 Bcfe, 62% of which is crude oil, which translates to an acquisition cost of $1.75/Mcfe.

California needs a widespread rearticulation of its policies and programs on natural gas and needs to expand its return to comprehensive energy planning, according to Joseph Desmond, the chairman of the California Energy Commission (CEC), who spoke last Monday at the American Public Power Association (APPA) national meeting in Anaheim, CA.

As an adjunct to comprehensive planning for future electricity supply/demand in the state, California needs a widespread re-articulation of its policies and programs on natural gas, according to Joseph Desmond, California Energy Commission chairman, speaking Monday at the opening session of the three-day American Public Power Association (APPA) national meeting in Anaheim, CA.

Risk-based decision making programs used by the U.S. Coast Guard for existing liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals along the East Coast should be included in any LNG terminals sited in California, the California Energy Commission (CEC) concluded in a review of existing safety and security risks for LNG trade international and nationally.

Risk-based decision making programs used by the U.S. Coast Guard for existing liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals along the East Coast should be included in any LNG terminals sited in California, the California Energy Commission (CEC) concluded in a review of existing safety and security risks for LNG trade international and nationally.