New San Diego Energy Resource Center opens

SDERC provides a local source for valuable energy efficiency information.

provided by the San Diego Regional Energy Office

s it possible for local businesses to generate their own energy and reduce the impacts of their energy use by installing solar modules? How can a residential or commercial builder utilize energy efficient technologies with a reasonable up-front investment? How can I reduce the need for air conditioning by planting trees near my home or business? Are there ways to make these choices affordable? Where do I start?

    These are just a few of the many questions for which local energy consumers who seek to take control of their energy future need answers. For the first time, San Diego has a place where business and residential consumers will be able learn about energy efficient technology and gain access to energy professionals and expert resources. This place is the new San Diego Energy Resource Center (SDERC), the San Diego region's first single source point for energy information, resources and programs.

    Located in central San Diego at 8520 Tech Way, Suite 110, the SDERC allows San Diego business and residential consumers to become more energy efficient, which will save consumers money and help mitigate environmental impacts of energy use. The SDERC, which opened in December 2002, is operated by the independent, nonprofit San Diego Regional Energy Office and funded by the California Public Utilities Commission.

    “The new Energy Resource Center will help consumers make smart choices and take advantage of the many programs available to them,” said Irene Stillings, executive director of the San Diego Regional Energy Office. “The first step to better energy use comes through solid information and education. The Energy Resource Center will deliver this vital information and knowledge.”

    The SDERC offers:

• Energy Learning Center – a classroom-style forum where expert-facilitated technical workshops and educational programs are held. Seats up to 32 classroom-style or 65 theater-style. Standard audiovisual capabilities (DVD, VHS, laptop, projector). Potential for fee-based professional taping of workshops with conversion to various electronic media (e.g. DVD).
• Technology Center – an exhibit area featuring energy efficient equipment and displays.
• Resource Center – a collection of the latest issues of energy publications, references and resources for the energy and non-energy professional alike.
• Diagnostic Tools – a lending library of tools complete with training.
• Online Center – a database of expert resources, including a listing of contractors, suppliers and vendors, which can assist in identifying, evaluating and installing energy efficient technologies.
• Energy Efficiency Information Hotline – a toll free number (1-866-SDENERGY) staffed by energy experts.
• Project Implementation Support – a support system to find and attain funding and financing for specific energy efficiency projects by guiding consumers through local and national public purpose funds, grants, and financing programs.

    The San Diego Energy Resource Center is an educational tool and resource to enable San Diego consumers to access and benefit from the numerous energy programs available to them. Alternatives such as energy efficiency, distributed generation, and other measures will improve energy efficiency, reduce long-term energy costs to local consumers, and help ensure the energy security of the region.

    The San Diego Energy Resource Center is open to the public and available to host regional energy meetings, workshops, and training programs. For more information on the SDERC visit the San Diego Regional Energy Office online at www.sdenergy.org or call the Energy Efficiency Information Hotline at 1-866-SDENERGY.

    The San Diego Regional Energy Office is an independent, nonprofit organization that provides a critical link between the San Diego region and state and federal energy programs. SDREO's mission is to assist the public, nonprofit and private sectors in the region in implementing policies and programs to improve overall energy security and efficiency, while mitigating the environmental impacts of energy use.