Sonora’s Energy Action Plan
Energy Efficiency
We use energy every day in our homes and offices to power our lights, appliances, heating and cooling systems, and other electronic devices. Energy efficient practices allow us to enjoy the comfort and performance of these modern conveniences while keeping our energy use, and our utility bills, low. Upgrades can make a huge difference in your energy bills. Replacing an older, energy-intensive refrigerator with an efficient EnergyStar® rated appliance or outdated compact fluorescent bulbs with highly efficient LEDs are just a couple changes that produce drastic savings. Home weatherization improvements, like changing out single-paned windows with double-paned, offer better insulation and can reduce the costs of heating or cooling your home. There is significant energy used in the transportation and treatment of water, reducing water waste helps us conserve the limited water we have, as well as save the energy needed to deliver it. Switching to renewable energy, energy that comes from natural resources, such as sunlight, wind, water, biomass, and geothermal activity, can also reduce energy costs.
Making your home or business more energy efficient is easier than ever before with a variety of rebate and incentive programs. The following are quick and easy ways to improve home energy efficiency:
- Turn off lights, computers, appliances, TV’s, etc. when they are not in use.
- Use energy-saving light bulbs such as Fluorescent or LED bulbs.
- Close window shades during the summer to preserve a cool atmosphere indoors, and keep shades open during the winter to take advantage of the sun’s warmth.
- Use “Smart” power strips that don’t draw phantom energy when appliances are not in use.
- Invest in smart HVAC systems such as programmable thermostats, and install Energy Star appliances.
- Weatherize your home by making sure windows, insulation, doors, etc. are up-to-date and all air leaks are sealed.
- Install water-saving appliances, such as low-flow faucets and shower heads and water-efficient toilets.
- Wash only full loads of clothes in cold water and air dry on a drying rack.
- Replace/clean filters to improve air flow and prevent your appliances from overworking.
- Insulate your water heater and plumbing system.
Energy Action Plan
On March 5th, 2018, the City of Sonora accepted the Energy Action Plan (EAP) as the City’s roadmap for expanding energy-efficiency, renewable-energy, and the cost-savings that accompany these efforts. The EAP was prepared by Sierra Business Council, and contains a 4-year implementation action plan and get additionally assistance from the Americorps Civicspark program during the first year.
| CITY OF SONORA ENERGY ACTION PLAN GOALS AND STRATEGIES | |
| Goal 1: Energy Efficiency | Improve Energy Efficiency in Buildings, Facilities, and City Operations |
| Strategy 1.1: Expand outreach and education on existing energy efficiency practices, programs, and financing options for residential and non-residential utility customers. Strategy 1.2: Improve compliance with current California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Part 6) by providing informational materials when available. Strategy 1.3: Improve the energy efficiency of City buildings, facilities, and operations. | |
| Goal 2: Renewable Energy | Expand the Utilization of Renewable Energy and Resilience Measures |
| Strategy 2.1: Prepare for the inclusion of renewable energy systems in new construction and large retrofit projects in order to meet California Zero Net Energy Goals by providing informational material when available. Strategy 2.2: Encourage renewable energy projects through education, outreach, and local leadership. Strategy 2.3: Encourage energy storage and grid optimization infrastructure projects that support local renewable energy systems and community resilience. | |
| Goal 3: Water Energy | Encourage the Efficient and Safe Transportation and Use of Water Resources |
| Strategy 3.1: Support Tuolumne Utilities District’s outreach and education efforts by providing information on existing and future programs. Strategy 3.2: Encourage Tuolumne Utilities District to reduce water losses through proactive leak detection programs. Strategy 3.3: Encourage Tuolumne Utilities District to improve the efficiency of their operations. | |
In 2010, the Sonora community consumed 60,306,795 kWhs of electricity and an estimated 1,903,951 gallons of propane and 1,529 cords of wood, costing an estimated $14 million through residential, non-residential, City, and public agencies. The Sonora EAP forecasts that just under $9 million can be saved and kept within the community by 2035 with a 55% reduction in electricity use, 25% reduction in propane and 18% in wood.
| Energy Use | 2010 Baseline | 2035 BAU Forecast | 2035 Potential Energy Savings | 2035 Potential Cost Savings[1] | Percent Difference |
| Electricity | 60,306,795 kWh | 69,398,808 kWh | 38,184,137 kWh | $8,018,669 | 55% reduction from 2035 BAU |
| Propane | 1,903,951 gallons | 2,115,239 gallons | 530,684 gallons | $1,332,018 | 25% reduction from 2035 BAU |
| Wood | 1,529 cords | 1,612 cords | 287 cords | $78,997 | 18% reduction from 2035 BAU |
To achieve these savings, the City of Sonora EAP was developed to provide a broad view of energy use in the City, set energy and water-energy saving goals, recommend actions that result in short and long-term energy savings, and educate the community on existing resources designed to save utility customers money, energy, and water. By implementing this plan, the community could realize the following benefits:
Energy & Money Savings
Community Resiliency
Local Air Quality Improvements
Working Group
A working group has been established to help implement community actions and educational outreach of existing resources available in the community. The working group is comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders including: City of Sonora officials and staff, PG&E, Tuolumne Utility District, Tuolumne River Trust, Renewable Energy professionals, Tuolumne County Association of Realtors and community members. The working group meets every 4th Wednesday of the month from 10am to 12noon. For information contact Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director at (209) 532-3508 or [email protected].
This page lists each chapter, case study and appendix of the EAP into separate pdfs for ease of use.
*This program is funded by California utility customers and administered by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.
Energy Action Plan
Chapter 2 – Energy Use and Forecast
Chapter 3 – Goals and Strategies
Chapter 4 – Implementation Actions Plan
Case Study 1 – Retail LED Light Upgrade
Case Study 2 – Zero Net Energy
Appendix
Appendix A – Sonora 2010 Baseline and 2015 Reinventory
Appendix B – Sonora Business-as-Usual Energy Use Forecast
Appendix C – Potential Energy Reduction Calculations
Appendix D – Existing Energy Efficiency Program Administrators
Appendix E – Existing Energy Efficiency Programs
Appendix F – Existing Financing Programs