Local Government Facilities Services

Implementing low-cost or no-cost energy efficiency measures in local government facilities can result in significant savings on operating costs. ABAG Energy Watch's Local Government Facilities services help local governments identify and prioritize energy efficiency projects in their facilities, as well as utilize free resources available from state and utility energy efficiency programs to implement the projects.

The services provided through the ABAG Energy Watch may address all local government facilities and sites that are owned or leased by participating agencies, including but not limited to administrative offices, recreation centers, fire stations, libraries, and traffic lights.

The following Local Government Facilities services are available:

• Energy Assessment
  We will work with you to develop an Energy Assessment Report (EAR) that illustrates and compares your facilities' energy intensity and consumption. This EAR will ensure that facilities with the highest potential for energy savings and improvement are prioritized for subsequent energy efficiency activities.
• Identification of Energy Savings Opportunities
  We will help identify savings opportunities through detailed audits to identify energy saving potential for retrofit and recommissioning projects.
• Financial Resources
  ABAG Energy Watch has a dedicated budget to pay incentives on energy-efficiency retrofits and recommisioning. Incentive levels are comparable to other PG&E partnerships and programs.
• Facilitate energy audits, design review, and related technical assistance
  Our staff will identify and help your agency coordinate with existing energy efficiency programs and services provided by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), the California Energy Commission (CEC), and other programs. We will help ensure that each of your facilities is matched to an appropriate efficiency program, based on the facility's size, savings potential, and function.
• Provide technical and project management support for implementing recommended projects
  Following the completion of energy audits, the ABAG Energy Watch will provide sustained technical support for developing, packaging, and completing energy-efficient retrofit projects. Assistance will be tailored to each local government's needs and scaled to the potential energy savings and level of commitment of the participating. We can help you in the following ways:
  • Review project designs and specifications: Provide energy efficient design review for new construction or renovation projects. We can also help your agency develop specifications for energy-efficient equipment procurement policies.
  • Assist in obtaining project financing: Energy efficiency improvements can present a funding challenge. We can help you secure financing for your projects and make them a success.
• Develop municipal energy policies
  ABAG Energy Watch staff can aid your local government in developing effective policies that will guide the energy-efficient design, construction, and operation of municipal facilities.
• Conduct workshops tailored to local government needs
  The ABAG Energy Watch will develop and sponsor free workshops that are specifically geared toward the needs of local governments in order to help improve the energy performance of your agency's facilities. These workshops cover topics relevant to local government decision-makers and facility staff.

ABAG Energy Watch works with local government agencies to develop local energy efficiency policies that can deliver municipal and community-wide savings. Energy efficiency policy assistance may include:

• Development of a Master Energy Plan or Energy Element for a General Plan
• Energy efficiency retrofit ordinances
• Green building ordinances and guidelines
• Environmental purchasing policies
• Energy efficiency element for Climate Action Plans
• Community education initiatives
• Policy implementation guidelines and best practices

In addition, our website provides a central clearinghouse for local governments to learn about other energy efficiency Resources.