For those of you who know who Joseph Oldham is you likely are on his email distribution list and receive this update each week. We are grateful that Joseph has agreed to allow our little blog to re-post his weekly update. If you have an interest in the happenings of energy efficiency and local government throughout California this is the update for you! If you love the information here, but want more in depth features be sure to check out Joseph's quarterly newsletter, CURRENTS.

1. WebEx Recording of the April 7, 2015, Lead Commissioner Workshop on the Existing Buildings Energy Efficiency Draft Action Plan

WebEx Recording of the April 7, 2015, Lead Commissioner Workshop on the Existing Buildings Energy Efficiency Draft Action Plan

For more information:http://www.energy.ca.gov/2015_energypolicy/webex_recordings.html

(If link above doesn't work, please copy entire link into your web browser's URL)

2. Healthcare a Slower Market for Energy Management

This is an interesting article about the growth of energy efficiency management in the healthcare market segment. To read the full story, go here: http://www.energymanagertoday.com/healthcare-slower-market-energy-management-0111050/

3. IOU Prop 39 ZNE Pilot Launch

The California Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs) - Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E), Southern California Edison Company (SCE), and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) – are pleased to announce the launch of the Proposition 39 (Prop 39) Zero Net Energy (ZNE) Schools Pilot.

The Pilot will assist public K-12 schools and community colleges in retrofitting existing facilities to ZNE by leveraging Prop 39 funding. The Pilot will establish “proof of concept” that ZNE retrofits of schools is feasible across California. The IOUs are targeting approximately 13-18 projects in 13-18 school districts or community colleges for the Pilot.

Interested K-12 public school districts and community colleges are directed to www.EnergyDesignResources.com/Prop39 for more information, including an upcoming webinar on May 4th and an Opportunity Announcement. Responses to the Opportunity Announcement are due by May 22nd. Interested schools are encouraged to revisit the website for Pilot updates.

4. LED Built to Last 37 Years

One of the challenges with new technology is that there is a refinement and improvement process that invariably improves efficiency over time. Early adopters often find that “new” technology they purchased last year is obsolete a year or so later, but they can’t replace what they purchased because they have too much capital tied to the original investment. LED lighting seems to be one of those rapidly improving technologies. Here is the latest development for LED lighting: http://www.energymanagertoday.com/led-built-last-37-years-0111160/

5. Energy Efficiency in Food Service Businesses

Good article about how small changes can result in big improvements in energy efficiency in the food service industry. To read the full article, go here: http://www.energymanagertoday.com/energy-efficiency-in-food-service-businesses-0111215/

That is all for this week!