Protecting Energy Efficiency at the Corporation Commission Eliminating incentives to save energy is a costly mistake. Particularly now. Arizonans are suffering record temps, no rain, and thousands are looking for work. Efficiency helps alleviate all three. Yet, the Corporation Commission is poised to end incentives on 9/22. City staff caught the change and alerted City Council allowing the City an opportunity to weigh in. Why It Matters Energy efficiency is the workhorse that protects our planet and our pocketbooks. It is both the cleanest and cheapest energy resource available and holds the key to cooler outdoor temperatures. Cool It & Save Too An efficient home or building keeps cool air inside, hot air outside, and reduces a/c usage which lowers power bills and extends the life of air conditioners. People who live in the five least-efficient states have seen electric bills increase twice as much as those living in five most-efficient states. Not to mention, air conditioners are heating up (https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/01/why-keeping-ourselves-cool-doesnt-have-to-mean-heating-the-planet/) our cities. Increased efficiency will protect quality of life and help achieve energy independence. https://www.facebook.com/SolangeforScottsdale/posts/412287062721793 More Jobs Energy efficiency creates jobs in Arizona; jobs that can't be exported. Nationally, it is estimated that one in six construction jobs are in energy efficiency. Taxpayer Consequences A large percentage of urban heat is created by energy consumption and the City manages an array of energy consuming facilities. Incentivizing energy efficiency has enabled the City to make choices based on Total Cost of Ownership (TOC) which is better for tax payers. Rebates are also at stake such as the annual $100,000 APS rebate to Scottsdale Water. Scottsdale City Council Action The City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss taking action prior to the Corporation Commission meeting. Energy Conservation vs. Energy Efficiency Energy conservation is about choosing to use less energy by turning up the thermostat, for instance. Energy efficiency is about getting the most out of every watt. Efficiency is the "have your cake and eat it, too" option! References to data and more about efficiency here (https://www.nrdc.org/stories/energy-efficiency-clean-facts#important) . It's HOT Extreme heat is hard on critters, too. Throughout the City, wildlife may be seeking water and shade in yards and parks. Discourage pets (and people) from disturbing because they need to save energy to keep their temperatures down. Resources for injured wildlife here (https://www.southwestwildlife.org/resources/wildlife_emergency_numbers.html) . (Photo: Mark Koster) In honor of Labor Day, I'm sharing an interview with Athena Wright. Athena is a WWII veteran and a retired civil servant. On the occassion of her 105th birthday, our City turned up the small town charm. Ms. Wright was paraded with fire trucks, trash trucks, library vans, a police motorcade, and a bagpiper. I had the honor of presenting a proclamation declaring Aug 25th as Athena Wright Day (Ch12 Interview (https://www.12news.com/video/life/heartwarming/valley-wwii-veteran-celebrates-her-105th-birthday/75-6f9d18f9-90df-4da1-9d85-c88b13ff21e2) ) https://www.12news.com/video/life/heartwarming/valley-wwii-veteran-celebrates-her-105th-birthday/75-6f9d18f9-90df-4da1-9d85-c88b13ff21e2
