Businesses and City residents have been working vigorously to voluntarily reduce energy consumption during the state's energy emergency. For example, at many local drug stores and grocery stores you'll see reduced lighting levels. Everyone's efforts can make a difference.

In addition to the municipal Electric Utility developing a selection of customer-focused efficiency rebate programs, all City departments have also taken part in the energy conservation commitment. In 2001, the Santa Clara City Council adopted an emergency Resolution to immediately reduce energy use by 5%, and to pursue programs for the installation of energy efficient lighting fixtures and other retrofits in all City facilities to achieve an ongoing 7% reduction in energy use. Conservation measures have been taken at City Hall, fire stations, parks buildings, the Santa Clara Convention Center, and at most other municipally owned and operated facilities.

As a participant in the City Electric Utility's Power Reduction Pool, the City's Water & Sewer Utility 'sheds load,' saving up to 2MW during peak power needs. Simply put, City water system pumps can be turned off while emergency generators and elevated storage tanks supply water under a backup system which is sufficient for several hours. Among other energy reduction measures, City employees are:

• Modifying thermostat settings and lighting control settings;
• Reducing hours of operation where possible for park fountains;
• Turning off computers, monitors, printers, copiers and other peripheral appliances when not immediately in use, or at the end of the business day;
• Replacing existing incandescent lamps in traffic signals with energy saving Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs);
• Reducing lighting levels inside and outside City buildings (while ensuring public safety, continuity of services, and productivity).

Audits of municipal buildings are ongoing; as more conservation measures are identified, steps will be taken to sustain and increase energy conservation wherever possible. We all have the power to make a difference.

For more information, contact the City's Electric Utility, Silicon Valley Power, at 615-5694 for business information and programs, or 244-SAVE (7283) for our residential Energy Savings Hotline. Or visit SVP's website .