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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Water Question & Answers

 

Where does San Diego County's water come from? 

In 2008, we purchased 71% of our total water supply from the Metropolitan Water District, composed of approximately 39% from the Colorado River, and 32% from the State Water Project—a system of canals and reservoirs that delivers water throughout California.  11% of our supply comes to the San Diego County Water Authority directly in the form of transfers from the Imperial Irrigation District, and water saved from San Diego’s canal-lining projects on the All-American and Coachella Canals.  Another 10% of our water supply comes from local sources, including about 2% from local groundwater, 3% from water reclamation, and 5% from local surface water. The final 8% of our supply came from conserved water.  Taken all together, we import about 88% of our water from outside of San Diego.

www.sdcwa.org/about/annual_2008.pdf

http://www.sdcwa.org/about/pdf/overview.pdf

 

How does San Diego’s water use break down among residential, commercial, and agricultural users?

In 2008, residential use made up the largest portion of total water usage under the San Diego County Water Authority, at 59%. Commercial and Industrial use made up 17% of San Diego’s total water use, followed by 12% for agricultural use, and 13% for Public and other uses.

 What are the circumstances that have led to the current water situation?

California is in its third year of drought, with below-average precipitation and snowpack, and one of the driest springs on record in 2008.  In the same year, court-ordered pumping restrictions on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta--the major hub of the State Water Project--to protect threatened fish species, required that water deliveries out of the delta be cut by 30%.  Together, these conditions have reduced water levels in key water storage facilities throughout the state, and prompted Governor Schwarzenegger to declare a drought emergency.  In addition, the Colorado River, currently San Diego’s single largest source of water, is experiencing a more protracted drought that began in 1999.  In 2003, San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) agreed to reduce its supply of Colorado River water from 5.2 million acre-feet to their annual apportionment of 4.4 million acre-feet.

In response to these new constraints on our water supply, the Metropolitan Water District reduced deliveries to the SDCWA by 13%, starting July 1, 2009.  In turn, the SDCWA will reduce deliveries to its member agencies, many of which have already instituted mandatory use restrictions, by 8%.

http://www.sdcwa.org/news/2009_0423_sdcwa8percentcutback.phtml

How will climate change impact our water supply?

Climate change has the potential to increase the vulnerability of San Diego’s water supplies, by impacting temperature, precipitation, snowpack, and runoff throughout the western United States.  According to the US Geological Survey and scientific research from the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, warmer temperatures and reduced runoff may result in significant water supply shortages in the Colorado River, San Diego’s single largest source of water. According to a California Department of Water Resources study on the possible impacts of climate change to California’s water supply, the State Water Project, San Diego’s second largest water source, is also likely to face management challenges due to climate change.  These include pumping less water through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, having less surplus water to draw on during shortages, pumping more groundwater to make up for reduced surface water supplies, and an increased risk that water shortages could interrupt deliveries from the State Water Project.

http://www.usgs.gov/solutions/climate_change/06june08.html

Sustainable Water Deliveries from the Colorado River in a Changing Climate.  Barnett, Tim P. and David W. Pierce. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Vol.106, No. 18.,

http://baydeltaoffice.water.ca.gov/climatechange/ClimateChangeSummaryApr09.pdf

 Why is it important to invest in local water resources?

Local water sources will allow us to break San Diego's dependence on vulnerable imported water supplies and provide more water security for our growing region.  This is particularly important given our historical drought cycles. In addition,  San Diego is  potentially facing more pumping restrictions for the State Water Project, as well as the federally mandated reductions of Colorado River water use in 2008. In addition, recent studies suggest the San Francisco Bay area has a 66% chance of a major earthquake striking in the next 10 years, which would severely disrupt the infrastructure used to bring water from Northern to Southern California, and the Colorado River may see reduced flows due to impacts from climate change.

What is the SDCWA?  How is it different than our local water departments?

The San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) is a public agency that was created in 1944 to administer the region’s rights to water from the Colorado River, import water, and operate the region’s aqueducts.   Comprised of San Diego’s 24 water districts, the SDCWA also undertakes long-term water supply planning and management for the region.  The SDCWA still provides wholesale water supplies for the San Diego region, procuring water supplies from outside the area for distribution to member agencies at cost.  SDCWA imports treated and untreated water from the Metropolitan Water District and the Imperial Irrigation District, and purchases treated water from districts that have their own water treatment facilities, for distribution to other agencies. The Water Authority also operates the Twin Oaks Valley Water Treatment Plant, providing the region with an additional source of locally treated water.

The SDCWA’s member agencies, or local water agencies, directly supply San Diego businesses and residences with water, handle billing, and provide customer service.  Local agencies manage their local wells and reservoirs, and make decisions about their local water supplies, considering questions like whether to implement water use restrictions, or whether to pursue alternative water sources like recycled water or desalination.  Eight of the 24 agencies also operate their own treatment plants.  Of these, Helix, Oceanside, Olivenhain, San Diego, and Poway sell treated water back to the Water Authority to deliver to other agencies.

What are some things the average San Diego resident or business can do to conserve water?

There are many ways that both residents and businesses can reduce their water usage:

• To reduce indoor water use, residents and businesses should consider installing water-efficient appliances, like dishwashers and washing machines, and water efficient hardware like aerators with flow restrictors on faucets. 
• Use an online Landscape Watering Calculator to learn how much water your landscape needs.  This can also help you understand the water requirements of different landscaping choices.  Consider switching from water-thirsty landscaping like grass lawns to water-efficient or native landscaping.  The Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College is an excellent resource to get started.
• If you have a large lot, contact your local water agency about the possibility of getting connected to recycled water in the future.  Recycled water rates are lower than normal rates, and some local agencies can help potential customers plan for recycled water use.
• See if your local water agency offers a water survey program.  A conservation specialist may visit your property to help you identify water-saving opportunities.
• Finally, all of us can make an effort to use water wisely by shortening showers, turning off water when not in use, and running dishwashers and washing machines only when full.

For more information on water conservation tips, programs, and incentives visit the SDCWA’s website at: www.sdcwa.org/manage/conservation.phtml.

 What is graywater?

Graywater is untreated waste-water from a home or building, which has not come into contact with toilet waste, and can be reused to water lawns and landscapes.  This includes water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom sinks, and clothes washing machines.  Installing a home graywater system not only helps conserve drinking water, but can also save money on water and sewer bills.  Graywater systems are regulated by the State of California and are permitted through the County of San Diego.  More information about graywater permitting is available from the Land and Water Quality Division of the Department of Environmental Health here or in the Graywater Systems Permitting Process and Design Criteria fact sheet.

 What is recycled water and how is it used in San Diego?

Recycled water - also called reclaimed water - is the treatment of municipal wastewater to standards that allow for its beneficial reuse.  In San Diego County, we use recycled water for non-potable uses—uses other than drinking or washing food--such as landscape irrigation, decorative fountains and ponds, agriculture, and to recharge groundwater basins.  There are currently about 20 water reclamation facilities in San Diego County, operated by local agencies, and providing 3% of our total water supply.  Recycled water is delivered to end users via a purple piping system, which separates it from normal drinking water to avoid confusion.  Currently, recycled water is only available in certain zones where purple pipelines have been installed, but the regional recycled water system continues to expand with newly proposed pipelines.

The City of San Diego is also developing the Indirect Potable Reuse and Reservoir Augmentation Demonstration Project that would purify sewage water to drinking water standards and inject it into the San Vicente Reservoir.  Along with local runoff and imported water, reservoir water would then be treated once more before being distributed as tap water.  This demonstration project could provide the area with an additional 16 million gallons of clean, inexpensive, local water every day, in addition to providing the infrastructure and regulatory groundwork for a full-scale project in the future.

http://www.kpbs.org/podcasts/these-days/2009/jun/25/experts-discuss-challenges-water-recycling-locally/

Is water recycling safe?

Recycled water has been safely used in other water districts in the U.S. San Diego’s water recycling demonstration project will use a three-step system to make the final product safe for consumers.  First, the treated sewage water passes through tiny fibers that filter out bacteria and viruses.  Second, through reverse osmosis, the water is forced through a thin membrane that stops nearly everything but water molecules from passing through.  Finally, the water is treated with hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet light to treat any remaining chemicals, hormones, or bacteria.  In Orange County’s Groundwater Replenishment system, water receiving this microfiltration, reverse osmosis and ultraviolet/peroxide treatment was found to have a lower health risk than existing conventional water supplies.  <http://www.gwrsystem.com/about/pdf/04gwrsystem_white_paper.pdf>

Although an indirect potable reuse project like the one planned for San Diego, that will inject purified sewage water directly into reservoirs, will be the first of its kind in California, a similar recycling project in Northern Virginia has been in operation since the 1970s.  Their success shows that supplementing drinking water reservoirs with recycled water can be both safe and effective. Before building the physical infrastructure, the city must produce in-depth studies to demonstrate the project’s safety. <http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/articles/2009/01/07/environment/864sewage010709.txt>

 

What is the status of San Diego’s recycled water demonstration project?

The City of San Diego is pursuing a pilot project to use recycled wastewater to augment drinking water in the San Vicente Reservoir.  Before actually building the physical infrastructure, the city must produce in-depth studies to demonstrate the project’s safety, in order to gain regulatory approval from the California Department of Health Services.  The city approved funding for such a study in late 2007, and additional funding in March of this year to study how the recycled water would mix with existing reservoir water and how long it would stay in the reservoir before being used.  

According to the Deputy Water Department Director with the San Diego Public Utilities Department, the test project is projected to come online in 2011 <http://www.kpbs.org/podcasts/these-days/2009/jun/25/experts-discuss-challenges-water-recycling-locally/>.

 What is seawater desalination and is it being developed in San Diego?

Seawater desalination is a process that removes salt and other minerals from seawater to create clean drinking water.  Desalination applies the same reverse osmosis technology as recycled water. 

After more than 8 years in the state permitting process, the Carlsbad Desalination Project, located at the Encina Power Station in the City of Carlsbad, recently cleared the final regulatory hurdles and is slated to begin construction in 2009.  By 2011, the project will produce 50 million gallons of drinking water every day, or 10% of the county’s drinking water needs. The San Diego County Water Authority is also completing feasibility studies for desalination projects at Camp Pendleton, which would be the largest in the U.S., and for a proposed desalination project in south San Diego County.

What are the issues related to seawater desalination in San Diego?

The major argument in support of desalination is that San Diego has a real need for local, drought-proof, secure water supplies.  Desalination alone would not meet our region's needs, but it could become a significant and reliable local water source in the future. The SDCWA projects desalination will supply 10% of our needs by 2020.

However, there are financial, energy and environmental considerations to seawater desalination.  Currently, desalination is more energy intensive than any other potential water source. Due to technological advances, seawater desalination is significantly less expensive than it was 10 years ago, but at $800 per acre-foot it is still more expensive than purchasing water from the Metropolitan Water District, or recycling water. 

There are also environmental tradeoffs to producing desalinated water.  Desalination plants like the one planned in Carlsbad, that use existing infrastructure from a power-plant, use water pumped directly from the ocean, which kill plankton and fish larvae, and have the potential to harm the ocean ecosystem.   The process of desalination also produces as a by-product, water with an extremely high salinity, or brine, that is disposed of in the ocean.  New plant designs, including subsurface intake systems and proper dilution and outflow designs, are able to mitigate these impacts, but the cost of construction is significantly higher.

For a detailed overview of California's desalination issues, visit:

http://www.pacinst.org/reports/desalination/20060627.html

http://www.carlsbaddesal.com/news.aspx?id=65

http://www.sandiego.gov/water/recycled/faq.shtml#cost

The Energy Intensity of Water Supplies, Wilkinson, R.C. Southwest Hydrology: September/October 2007 www.swhydro.arizona.edu/archive/V6_N5/feature3.pdf

Perspectives and Challenges for Desalination in the 21^st Century.  Schiffler, Manuel.  Desalination 165 (2004) 1-9

Who are the top water users in San Diego?

The city government is the number one water user, consuming over 3 billion gallons annually. Over the last two years, it has managed to cut usage by 293 million gallons annually.

The U.S. Navy, the second largest water consumer, increased its use by 15%.

The University of California, San Diego, San Diego Unified School District, and San Diego State University ranked 3rd, 5th, and 7th respectively in amount of water consumed. All three have increased water use, and attribute the spike to recent construction projects adding students and new building space.

Caltrans, CP Kelco, the Marine Corps, the Port District, and SeaWorld were ranked 4th, 6th, 8th, and 9th respectively in water use. All used less and collectively saved enough water for 750 families.

http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/environment/article_1fe80dae-d85b-11de-b16f-001cc4c03286.html

 

Land Use Question & Answers

What is Land Use?

The term “land use” refers to the ways in which we use our land and the patterns of development  that are established over time.  Residential, commercial, industrial, transportation routes and open space are all examples of common land use types.  “Land use planning” refers to a process that seeks to regulate the use of land usually through zoning, infrastructure development, incentives and a variety of other policies. Land uses are generally described in terms of parcels, lot size, size and location of structures, and activities that take place onsite. Coordinated land use planning is critical to the success and livability of a region and can influence other processes such as traffic flow, housing development, population growth, and economic vitality.

Who has jurisdiction over land use decisions in San Diego?

Each of the municipalities within San Diego County  has  responsibility of planning for land use within its city limits. For example, the City of San Diego City Planning and Community Investment Department is responsible for land use decisions and policy-making within the city’s boundaries. The department prepares, maintains and implements a general plan for the long-term development of San Diego. This plan (hotlink to city plan) defines the type, amount, and location of future development as well as the provision of public services. The County of San Diego Planning and Land Use Department is responsible for the general plan and zoning ordinance for unincorporated areas within San Diego County. The unincorporated area of the County is comprised of 84% of the total land area of San Diego County.  The County is in the process of updating the general plan which will form a framework into which the unincorporated communities will grow.  The County Board of Supervisors is slated to review the general plan update in the fall of 2010.Land within the county’s borders  that belongs to sovereign tribal governments , the U.S. federal government or the State of California falls is subject to those entities’ planning processes.

Click here to learn more about the City of San Diego Planning Dept

Click here to learn more about the County of San Diego Planning Dept

 

Photo: SANDAG, Regional Comprehensive Plan 2007 Monitoring Report

What is the Regional Comprehensive Plan?

The Regional Comprehensive Plan is the long term regional framework for the whole of San Diego County that sets out visions, goals and action areas for issues like transportation, energy, affordable housing, open space and economic development.  The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), representing 18 municipalities and the county government, is responsible for creating updating, and monitoring the comprehensive plan.  The plan builds on existing local plans and existing infrastructure.  SANDAG completed a new plan in 2004.

What is the current breakdown of land uses in San Diego County?

Will insert aggregated table once I receive scheme from Sandag

What is Sprawl?

Sprawl, also known as urban sprawl, is a pattern of land use characterized by automobile-dependent,low-density development consuming undeveloped and natural lands on the urban fringe of a city. As growth radiates outward from the city, open space is converted to other land uses (i.e. residential, commercial, and industrial). Some common characteristics of sprawl include:

• Low density development in comparison to the urban core
• Lack of well-defined activity centers such as downtowns or town centers
• Automobile dependency
• Lack of alternative transportation options
• Separation of land uses including home, workplace, and commercial centers
• Loss of open space and lack of public space
• Uniformity of housing types
• Excessive amounts of parking surrounding commercial development

 
What is Smart Growth?

Smart Growth is a comprehensive approach to planning designed to combat  sprawl, congestion, and inefficient use of resources by promoting growth that allows people to live close to employment opportunities, schools and other services they use on a regular basis, and ensures that people have efficient, convenient and cost effective transportation options.  It also helps us to reduce energy consumption (and consequently gas and electric bills) and, if done propersly,  encourages more affordable and mixed income housing.  

“The goal of Smart Growth is not no growth or even slow growth. Rather, the overall goal is sensible growth that balances our need for jobs and economic development with our desire to save our natural environment.” Parris Glendening, Governor, State of Maryland.

What is SANDAG’s Smart Growth Concept Map(hotlink to map)?

As part of the Regional Comprehensive Plan implementation, SANDAG created the Smart Growth Concept Map as a tool for working with local entities in planning how and where  growth should occur.  The map illustrates the location of 200 existing, planned or potential  smart growth areas in seven smart growth categories identified in the RCP. The seven smart growth “place types” include: the Metropolitan Center, Urban Centers, Town Centers, Community Centers, Rural Villages, Mixed Use Transit Corridors, and Special Use Centers, reflecting the notion that smart growth is not a “one-size-fits-all” endeavor. 

 
How does land use affect energy usage?

Energy is required for almost all of our daily activities and needs such as transportation, industrial uses such as manufacturing, agricultural production, and residential activities like heating, lighting and cooling. Our land use decisions directly affect our patterns of energy consumption. The relationship between home, work, school, and other daily destinations primarily determines our transportation energy needs. A significant body of research has shown that sprawling areas with segregated land uses result in increased vehicle miles traveled and therefore increased consumption of gasoline and emissions per capita. A recent study reported similar results for residential energy consumption – residents in sprawling areas are more likely to live in larger, detached single-family houses which contributes to higher energy consumption(link to energy FAQ on consumption) (approximately 54% more for heating and 26% more for cooling) as compared to residents living in dense, compact areas.[1]

Learn More about Energy(link to energy overview)

 

Photo: SANDAG Regional Comprehensive Plan 2007 Annual Monitoring Report

What is the link between land use and transportation?

The ways in which we use our land (i.e. residential, commercial, industrial, or agriculture) ultimately impact our transportation system including modes of travel and available services. Similarly, the planning, construction, and design of roads, highways, and public transit, affects existing land use plans and future land use decisions. Improved coordination can help  reduce the need for highway/road expansions in addition to reducing overall public infrastructure costs and congestion through creating more mixed-use development concentrated along existing transit routes. For example, ensuring that a wide array of goods, services, employment and housing options are in close proximity to public transit fosters more livable communities with immense potential for multi-modal transportation.

What is Transnet and the Transnet Environmental Mitigation Program?

In 1987 San Diego County voters approved a 20-year, one-half cent sales tax to fund a variety of transportation projects throughout San Diego County. The program, known as Transnet, was scheduled to expire in 2008. In November 2004, voters approved an extension that extended the TransNet program to 2048. This extension is expected to generate approximately $14 billion to be distributed among highway, transit, and local road projects to reduce traffic congestion in San Diego County. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) administers the funds generated by TransNet.

 TransNet Environmental Mitigation Program (EMP)

The EMP is a collaborative effort among SANDAG, the cities, the county, the wildlife agencies (California Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), and other regulatory agencies (Coastal Conservancy, U.S. Geological Survey, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), as well as representatives of various stakeholder groups, including the environmental community and the science/technical community, to mitigate for the impacts on habitat from regional and local transportation projects. The TransNet extension in 2004 created the program, which includes more than $650 million for the acquisition of large blocks of habitat, habitat restoration projects, habitat management and biological monitoring.

 As more land is conserved and managed in the predefined habitat planning areas , this will result in more certainty for future infrastructure and development projects outside the habitat preserves, including regional and local road projects, by providing advance protection for endangered and threatened species.

http://www.sandag.org/programs/transportation/comprehensive
_transportation_projects/2030rtp/2007rtp_final.pdf

 

What is the Multiple Species Conservation Program?

To reconcile conflicts between urbanization and rare, threatened, and endangered species, the State of California enacted the Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) Act of 1991. The NCCP facilitates the creation of a landmark regional preservation system based on the characteristics of habitat areas rather than individual species. In the San Diego region, all areas of the County have been included into one of four habitat conservation plans. The Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) South was adopted in 1997.

The Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP), was completed in 2003, and covers the seven jurisdictions in north coastal San Diego County. In the unincorporated areas of the County, two plans are currently being prepared; the MSCP North covering the inland areas of northern San Diego County and the MSCP East, which extends east to the San Diego/Imperial County border. These habitat plans provide the policy framework that allows the jurisdictions to identify how their local land use authority will be used to conserve habitat and open space.

SANDAG, 2030 Regional Transportation Plan 

How does SANDAG classify open space in San Diego?

SANDAG, the entity that  maintains the land use database for San Diego, has listed six distinct classifications for parks and open space in the region:

 

1. Park Active – Recreation areas and centers containing one or more of the following activities: tennis or basketball courts, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, or swings. Examples are Robb Field, Morley Field, Diamond Street Recreation Center, Presidio Park. Smaller neighborhood parks with a high level of use are also included as active parks.
2. Open Space Park or Preserve – Wildlife and nature preserves, lands set aside for open space, and parks with limited development and access. Examples are Torrey Pines State Reserve, Penasquitos Canyon Reserve, San Elijo Ecological Preserve, Nature Conservancy properties.
3. Beach-Active – Accessible sandy areas along the coast or major water bodies (San Diego and Mission Bay) allowing swimming, picnicking, and other beach related recreational activities. Usually has parking associated with it.
4. Beach-Passive – Other sandy areas along the coastline with limited parking and access (beaches along cliffs, or near preserves).
5. Landscape open space – Actively landscaped areas within residential neighborhoods such as greenbelt areas, hillsides with planted vegetation (trees/shrubs), among others.
6. Residential recreation – Active neighborhood parks that are for the use of residents only such as fenced in areas that may contain pools, tennis & basketball courts, barbecues & a community meeting room.

How much open space does San Diego have?

As of 2008, the San Diego region had approximately 1,618.1 square miles of open space - amounting to nearly 38% of all land uses. This breakdown shows that over 98% of our open space is designated “open space park or preserve”. 

 
Why is open space important?

Open space is not only a recreational amenity that provides us with beautiful parks and sandy beaches, it is also a valuable resource for the community that helps up  protect our resources and natural environment as well as enhance the local economy. Some benefits of open space:

• Help us  achieve our environmental goals such as habitat preservation, water management, climate change mitigation,and pollution control
• Revitalize our communities – parks, gardens, and recreational space help to stimulate commercial growth and promote investment in declining areas
• Boost tourism and enhance healthy lifestyles through promoting outdoor recreation
• Safeguard important agricultural land from loss or conversion

Where can I find building permit data for San Diego?

Building permit data for the County of San Diego is available weekly in the “Building Permits Issued Report” available in .doc and .xls format and can be found on the County’s website.

The Census Bureau also reports monthly and annual data on residential building permits for San Diego at the county or municipal level and can be found here

Resources: SANDAG Website ,2009http://www.sandag.org/index.asp?projectid=296&fuseaction=projects.detail

 

 

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[1] Ewing, Reid & Fang Rong. The Impact of Urban Form on Residential Energy Use, www.mi.vt.edu/data/files/hpd%2019.1/ewing_article.pdf

 

Energy Question & Answers

 

What are “electrical demand “and “peak demand”?

 Electrical Demand, often referred to as Load, is the amount of electricity required at a specific point in time. For example, when a person turns on an appliance, a demand for power is created. This amount of electricity demanded is measured in kiloWatts (kW).

“Peak Demand” or “Peak Load” is the maximum amount of electrical demand at a specific period of time.  Utility companies generally measure peak demand in 15 to 30 minute intervals. Because energy use varies throughout the day, (people use air conditioners more during the day than the evening), the demand for energy also varies throughout this time.  Peak demand is important because utilities have to plan and build capacity for peak demand even though that level of electricity may be used only a few hundred hours out of the year.  And often, sources that are brought on-line to accommodate demand during peak demand hours are the dirtiest sources of energy.  In San Diego, peak demand usually occurs during summer heat waves when air conditioning systems are at full power. Reducing electricity consumption during peak hours shifts electricity to Off-Peak hours, and reduces the overall electrical demand throughout the day.

How is electrical demand measured?

 While kW measures the total amount of energy needed to provide power at a given time, Kilowatt-hours (otherwise known as Kwh or a thousand watt-hours), Megawatt-hours (otherwise known as Mwh or a million watt-hours) and Gigawatt-hours (otherwise known as GWh or a billionwatt-hours) are the most common terms used to measure energy consumption. For example, turning on a 100-watt light bulb for 10 hours results in 1kwh of energy consumed. 

Natural Gas consumption is measured in Therms. One therm is equivalent to 100,000 Btu, the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. 

What is “phantom load”?

Phantom Load, sometimes referred to as vampire power or standby power, is the amount of electricity consumed by an electrical device when the device is turned off but still plugged in.  Residents and business can save energy by cutting down on the amount of phantom load or standby power that is wasted.  Standby power can be responsible for 5-10% of residential energy and much more for business use.  Residents should consider unplugging all devices that use this standby power, like computers, coffee makers and phone chargers when they are not in use.  Similarly, businesses could consider investing in smart power strips that turn off all accessory equipment, such as a printer or scanner when a computer is turned off. 

How much energy does San Diego County currently consume? What is the per capita consumption for residents in the County of San Diego County?  

 Measurements from the California Energy Commission in 2007 indicate that the total consumption of electricity and natural gas for the County of San Diego was 18,958 million kWh and 547 million therms, respectively. On a per capita basis, these figures translate to 6,317 kWh/year/person and 182 therms/year/person. 

Compared to the four counties of San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Santa Barbara, San Diego is the second largest total consumer of electricity.  However, when measured on a per capita basis, San Diego is the smallest consumer of electricity and natural gas, and uses slightly less energy per capita than an average Californian.  The According to the CPUC, if current trends continue total California electricity demand could double by 2050.  

Where does San Diego’s energy supply come from?  

 San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) is the exclusive provider of electricity for San Diego County.  In June 2009, SDG&E included the Power Content Label in all bills sent to customers.  The SDG&E numbers indicate that the county is heavily dependent on natural gas, which is the source of 56% of the energy consumed.  The next largest contributor was nuclear at 19%, followed by coal and renewable energy, each at 10%, and finally large hydroelectric providing 5%.  Of the 10% generated by renewable sources, wind and biomass provide the lion’s share at 5% and 4%, respectively.  Geothermal, solar and small hydroelectric collectively contribute to approximately 1%. The California Energy Commission’s most recent numbers on sources for San Diego County are from 2006 and are shown below for comparison to the most recent content label from SDG&E. 

Resource	CA	SDG&E
Coal	16%	18%
Large Hydro (>30 MW)	19%	10%
Natural Gas	41%	49%
Nuclear	13%	15%
Renewables	11%	8%
Total Mix:	100%	100%
Sources of Renewables
Biomass	19%	38%
Geothermal	43%	25%
Small Hydro (< 30 MW)	19%	6%
Solar	2%	6%
Wind	17%	25%
Total Renewables	100%	100

Source: California Energy Commission, 2006

Unfortunately, SDG&E does not offer information on the amount of energy imported into the County.  However, the California Energy Commission  (CEC) provides state-level data on the amount of energy imported.  The CEC estimates that 73% of the electricity consumed in California was generated in the state.  The additional 27% consumed was produced in the Pacific and Southwest United States (US).  With respect to natural gas, 87% of the natural gas consumed in California comes from Canada and the Rockies and Southwestern US. The remaining 13% was produced in California.

 What are greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and what are the major sources of emissions in San Diego County?  

 Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are gases released into the environment that are linked to increasing the effects of global warming and climate change. The most common GHGs are Carbon Dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (NOx). In terms of their effect on trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, all gasses are compared to CO2 and measured in the equivalent of CO2 (CO2e). For example methane, which is measured at 25 CO2e, is 25 times stronger than CO2.   (http://www.epa.gov/highgwp/scientific.html)

A recent GHG inventory of San Diego County estimates that sources emitted 34 million metric tons of Carbon Dioxide (MMT CO₂E) into the atmosphere. The three largest sources of GHG emissions, include on-road transportation (56%), electricity consumption (25%) and natural gas end use (9%).  Approximately 60% of the region’s total emissions were a result of residential vehicle use and residential energy and natural gas consumption.

What is “distributed generation”?

Distributed energy is defined as small-scale power generation systems that are close to the entity that will consume the energy. A typical example of residential distributed generation found in San Diego County are solar panels installed on residential buildings, providing power directly to the homes.  The 25 MW cogeneration plant supplying power to the University of California, San Diego is a commercial scale example of distributed generation. These systems range anywhere from 3 kW – 30 MW in scale and can be stand-alone or grid connected.

What is “renewable energy”?

Renewable energy sources are energy resources that are naturally replenishing. They include wind, solar, geothermal, biogas and biomass, hydropower and onshore wave power. 

 What are the different types of solar technology available?

 There are three principal technologies associated with solar power generation: Photovoltaic (PV), Concentrated Solar and Solar Thermal.  PV is probably the most recognized form of solar technology.  In PV systems, sunlight (ultra violet light) is converted into electricity via solar cells situated on a solar panel. Concentrating Solar Power systems use reflective mirrors to convert solar energy to high temperature thermal energy. Solar Water Heaters heat water via collection plates that convert solar energy into heat. 

 http://www.nrel.gov/analysis/power_databook/chapter2.html

 What are “Biomass” and “Bio-fuels”?

The basic definition of biomass is any organic matter, including plant or animal waste, that can be used as a fuel source. The simplest and most common use of biomass for fuel is wood burned for heat or cooking, but other examples include ethanol derived from sugarcane and corn as well as municipal solid waste. Biofuels are a more specific definition of biomass, and can further be categorized into bio-alcohols and biodiesel. Any vegetable or plant oil can be converted into biodiesel, which can be used to fuel vehicles.  Biodiesel is unique, because in addition to vegetable and plant oil, recycled grease from restaurants can also be converted via the same process.

Ground breaking research on algal biofuels is occurring in San Diego. The San Diego Center for Algae Biotechnology at the University of California, San Diego is working with private partners to develop these next generation fuels. More information on SD-CAB can be found here.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biomass

 What is “geothermal energy”?

 Geothermal energy refers to heat located far beneath the Earth’s surface in the form of steam, hot water or hot rocks. This energy can be extracted to power a steam turbine, which in turn generates electricity.  Additionally, geothermal energy can be used on a small scale to heat and cool buildings in areas where there is low to moderate temperature geothermal resources.

Learn more about geothermal energy here.

 What is San Diego doing to increase renewable power?

While the County has number of programs to promote renewable energy, the most significant effort has been the San Diego Regional Energy Strategy (RES) for 2030 created by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) in 2003.  The RES promotes measures such as increased energy efficiency and conservation efforts as well as expanding renewable and combined heat and power projects for large businesses and government facilities. The RES is currently being updated by SANDAG. The new draft pays closer attention to the state and federal policy changes in response to global climate change and the state’s increased importance on renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. 

In response to reaching the goals set out in the RES, the city created the Sustainable Energy Advisory Board.  This eleven-member body, made up of industry and policy experts, meets bi-annually to advise both the City Council and Mayor on the promotion and development of renewable energy projects.   

 Learn more about the Sustainable Energy Advisory Board here.

What are some actions the average San Diego resident or business can take to reduce their energy consumption?

 There are a number of things San Diego residents and businesses can take to reduce their energy consumption. The following provide a brief list of some easy techniques to save energy and money. To see a more complete listing of these measures check out the energy saving tips on SDG&E and Flex Your Power websites.

Changes in lighting, are one of the simplest ways to save energy and save money for both residents and businesses. For example, replacing standard incandescent light bulbs with more efficient compact fluorescents (CFLs) can help residents save as much as 75% on their lighting bills.  Additionally, businesses can also reap substantial savings, up to 40%, by installing motion sensors in high traffic areas.

In addition to lighting, residents and businesses alike should consider altering their indoor temperature.  Increasing the temperature settings of air conditioners by 5 degrees can result in up to a 20% savings on cooling costs.

http://www.sdge.com/news/energySavingTips.shtml

http://www.fypower.org/res/tools/energy_tips.html

Which programs provide incentives to promote conservation and the implementation of energy efficient technology for San Diego residents and businesses?

San Diego Gas and Electric offers multiple programs for increased energy efficiency for residential and non-residential customers.  Residential customers are encouraged to learn more about the requirements for rebates on energy efficient appliances, air conditioners, and lighting.  For example, residents in single-family homes that meet the program requirements have the potential to receive up to $200 toward a new EnergyStar central natural gas furnace.  Similarly, owners of multi-family buildings that qualify may be eligible for as much as $500 for each high efficiency natural gas water heater.

SDG&E also offers a number of programs for small and large businesses in the San Diego area. Businesses that meet specific requirements have an opportunity to receive cash rebates for a number of measures including replacing outdated equipment, more efficient food service operations and reducing energy consumption.  Additionally, SDG&E also sponsors trainings and workshops for both residents and businesses on a range of topics including energy management, HVAC and solar installation.  For specific information about rebate programs and workshops sponsored by SDG&E visit their website at www.sdge.com.         

The California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) is also an excellent resource for residents and businesses to learn more about energy efficiency and state rebates for renewable energy.  Every week, CCSE makes trainings and workshops available to the public on a myriad of sustainable energy topics.  CCSE also manages a number of state sponsored incentive programs including the California Solar Initiative, Solar Water Heating Pilot Program, Multifamily Affordable Solar Program, Tax-Exempt Customer Incentive Program, Fueling Alternatives Program and the Self Generation Incentive Program. As the administrator for these programs, CCSE is a great resource for individuals and businesses that have questions on how they might qualify for these programs. To learn more about these programs and seminars offered at CCSE, visit their website.

http://www.sdge.com/residential/rebates.shtml

What is San Diego doing to promote more energy efficient buildings?

In an effort to provide incentives for energy efficient construction, the county has established the Green Building Program.  This program offers residents a reduction (7.5%) in plan check and permit fees, as well as expedited services for construction projects that comply with at least one of the program requirements in the conservation of natural resources, water and energy conservation.  In addition to this program, the city has also been active in promoting more sustainable building practices for new government buildings. 

In 2002, the city adopted regulations that require a Silver LEED rating for all new government buildings larger than 5000 sq.ft. Silver LEED buildings consume, anywhere from 12 to 17 percent less energy than their traditional counterparts.  As a result of their decision, several new buildings, including the new main library, will be among some of the most efficient buildings in the nation.

http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/greenbuildings.html

http://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/energy/programsprojects/rescom.shtml#sdleed

What are the threats to San Diego’s energy security? 

San Diego faces many of the same threats as similar cities in the US, namely overdependence on foreign oil, an aging transmission infrastructure and the impacts of climate change. One specific threat to San Diego’s energy security is the County’s vulnerability to external shocks in the price of natural gas.  Over 50% of the energy consumed in the County is generated from natural gas.  Moreover, the majority of this natural gas is imported.  If the price of natural gas increases dramatically, due to a natural disaster or increasing demand, San Diego County energy prices will eventually increase dramatically.

 Which government agencies regulate energy generation and transmission?  

 There are two types of companies that produce energy in California, public utility companies (PUC) and investor owned utility (IOU) companies. PUCs like the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) are publicly owned and regulated by the city or district in which they provide power.  Unlike PUCs, IOUs are privately owned companies and regulated by the state via the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The mission of the CPUC is to provide safe, reliable energy at reasonable rates to IOU consumers. In addition to the CPUC, the California Energy Commission provides a key role in energy policy and planning for the state. SDG&E is an IOU and thus regulated by the CPUC.

After the energy crisis in 2000 and 2001, the majority of energy transmission lines (those owned by IOUs) were transferred to the newly created not-for-profit, California Independent Systems Operator (CAISO). Since the transfer, CAISO has been managing the transmission of electricity as well as providing transparent information on electricity prices and the condition of the grid.

http://www.energy.ca.gov/commission/index.html

http://www.caiso.com/docs/2002/05/20/2002052008073426642.html

 What are the challenges with transmission of renewable energy in San Diego?

The main challenge in the transmission of renewable energy in San Diego, as well as many other areas, is the distance from generation to consumption. Wind power turbines produce the most electricity in mountainous or flat plains often found in rural areas.  Solar installations require a large footprint and great deal of un-interrupted sun.  While parts of East County have these necessary characteristics, the County lacks sufficient transmission infrastructure to make this a viable energy source. In order for large scale solar and wind power to increase, significant improvements would need to be made to the current transmission infrastructure.  Alternatively, the region could develop significantly more renewable distributed generation resources.

What is the Sunrise Powerlink project? Why is the project controversial? What is the current status of the project?

The Sunrise Powerlink project is SDG&E's proposal to construct 90 miles of 500kv power lines from Imperial County to central San Diego County, and approximately 60 miles of 230kv power lines from central San Diego into the city of San Diego, near Rancho Peñasquitos.

Supporters of the project argue that the project is necessary to meet the state’s 20% renewable mandate by 2010 and 33% by 2030. Proponents also state that the project will eventually lower energy costs and improve reliability by increasing the amount of energy supplied to the region.

Critics of the project voice concerns over the possible negative environmental impacts to the nearby Anza-Borrego State Park and the Cleveland National Forest. They also fear that the proposed lines will be used to bring in non-renewable energy into the county. 

Currently the Bureau of Land Management and the CPUC have approved the Sunrise Powerlink project. 

See Senate Bill 107 here

What is a smart grid, and why is it important?

In general terms, the electrical grid is the network of various operators that communicate with each other to transport power from generators to consumers.  The term “smart grid” refers to the process of modernizing and updating the existing U.S. network. This process will involve a suite of technologies, including smart meters, smart end-use devises and interactive communications technologies, that proponents claim will result in a much more efficient system, resulting in decreased costs to both consumers and producers.

According to the Department of Energy, if the electric grid were just 5% more efficient, the energy savings would equate to permanently eliminating the fuel and greenhouse gas emissions from 53 million cars.  A 2006 study by the Energy Policy Initiatives Center at the University of San Diego estimated that the total annual benefits for implementing smart grid technologies for the San Diego region would be $141 million, including $28.3 million in new jobs and a savings of almost $40 million from reduction in forced energy outages. 

What is an alternatively fueled vehicle and which ones are commercially available today?

An alternatively fueled vehicle is any vehicle that does not run on petroleum based fuels, such as gasoline or diesel. Fuel sources for these vehicles include biofuels (for example ethanol or biodiesel), hybrid vehicles (vehicles that are run by a combination of electricity and gasoline), fuel cell (vehicles that convert hydrogen to electricity), electric vehicles, compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The most common alternative vehicles commercially viable today are hybrid and flex fuel vehicles, cars that run on either bio-fuels or a combination of bio-fuel and gasoline. A number of manufacturers’ are producing these types of vehicles and a list of available cars can be found here. A list of the greenest vehicles in 2009 can be found here.

http://www.oe.energy.gov/1165.htm

http://www.sandag.org/index.asp?projectid=339&fuseaction=projects.detail

 

 

Transportation Question & Answers

How many people use public transit each year in San Diego?

The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), which operates the bus and trolley lines in San Diego, serves over 240,000 each weekday  and has a total annual ridership of  94 million.

North County Transit District (NCTD) operates the fixed bus routes on the BREEZE system and rail service on the Coaster and the Sprinter. NCTD annual ridership is 13 million.

What are the local transportation agencies in the San Diego region?

There are two public transportation agencies that cover the region - the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD).

About MTS

The Metropolitan Transit Development Board (MTDB) was created in 1975 by the passage of California State Senate Bill 101. In 2002, Senate Bill 1703 merged MTDB’s planning, financial programming, project development, and construction functions into a new regional agency known as the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). In 2005, MTDB officially changed its name to Metropolitan Transit System to reflect this new partnership. MTS provides bus, light rail, and freight services and with an annual operating budget of $229 million.  MTS serves approximately 570 square miles of urbanized San Diego and approximately 3,240 square miles in rural East County.Learn more about MTS here.

About NCTD

NCTD services include fixed bus routes on the BREEZE system and rail service on the Coaster (running north to South) and the Sprinter (running east to west). North County Transit Districts operates services in approximately 1,200 square miles in north San Diego County covering Del Mar in the South, Escondido to the northeast, north to the Riverside County line and northwest to border of Orange County. The unincorporated areas of Fallbrook, Ramona, and Camp Pendleton are also covered. Other cities in the service area include Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista and San Marcos. The total population of the NCTD service area is more than 800,000. Learn more about NCTD here.

Where does funding come from to operate and expand our transit system?

There are a variety of funding sources for our transit system including state, federal, and local funds. The California Transportation Development Act (TDA) is a primary source of funding for both MTS and NCTD and is based on local sales tax revenue generated in the service areas. TransNet, a local, voter-approved sales tax mechanism, generates funds designated for local transportation projects. Fares paid by passengers and funds from the Federal Transportation Administration also contribute to the operation and capital costs of our transit system.

How does our transit system in San Diego compare to other cities?

• Ridership
  In 2008, San Diego ranked 15^th out of the 50 most populous cities for overall transit ridership(based on metro region public transit ridership miles and square miles per region). According to the study, this score puts us in the “advanced” category, one tier below the “leading” category that contains cities such New York ,Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle.

• Commuting
  While nearly 10% of San Diegans use public transit each weekday, only 3% are using transit to commute to and from work. In the 2008 Sustain Lane rankings, San Diego placed 33 out of 50 for “City Commuting”, which Sustain Lane has defined as “commuting without driving alone. This category also includes carpooling, bike riding, and public transit use.

• Sustainability
  In the 2008 “Smarter Cities” Project conducted by the Natural Resource Defense Council, San Diego ranked sixth for large cities for sustainable transportation options. San Diego’s commitment to providing designated bicycle paths and lanes, greening our bus fleet, and expanding our light rail system contributes to our high rank. 

• Congestion
  According to the 2009 Texas Transportation Mobility Report, congestion costs the average San Diegan nearly 52 hours in additional delays per year and 40 gallons of fuel; making San Diego the 2^ndmost congested city out of 29 large urban areas of comparable size.

What is congestion?

Congestion is characterized by lower driving speeds, increased commute times, and frequent delays especially during peak travel periods (rush-hour). Congestion results from increased demand that exceeds the capacity of our roads and highways.

What is the cost of congestion to San Diegans?

A study done by the Texas Transportation Institute estimates individual commuters in San Diego spent an additional 52 hours stuck in traffic delays in 2007. As a result of these delays, lost wages and additional fuel expenditures amounted to $1,081 per commuter.

Are there any other local agencies focused on transportation issues?

Yes. Move San Diego, a San Diego-based non-profited created in 2004, is dedicated to advancing sustainable transportation options in our region. Through collaboration with local government, relevant agencies, and the general public, Move San Diego is striving for progressive change and significant results  including double daily transit trips within 7 years as well as a 50% increase housing unit and jobs in walkable locations. More information about Move San Diego can be found on their website. 

What is Transnet and the Transnet Environmental Mitigation Program?

In 1987 San Diego County voters approved a 20-year, one-half cent sales tax to fund a variety of transportation projects throughout San Diego County. The program, known as Transnet, was scheduled to expire in 2008. In November 2004, voters approved an extension that extended the TransNet program to 2048. This extension is expected to generate approximately $14 billion to be distributed among highway, transit, and local road projects to reduce traffic congestion in San Diego County. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) administers the funds generated by TransNet.

TransNet Environmental Mitigation Program (EMP)

The EMP is a collaborative effort among SANDAG, the cities, the county, the wildlife agencies (California Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), and other regulatory agencies (Coastal Conservancy, U.S. Geological Survey, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), as well as representatives of various stakeholder groups, including the environmental community and the science/technical community, to mitigate for the impacts on habitat from regional and local transportation projects. The TransNet extension in 2004 created the program, which includes more than $650 million for the acquisition of large blocks of habitat, habitat restoration projects, habitat management and biological monitoring.

 As more land is conserved and managed in the predefined habitat planning areas , this will result in more certainty for future infrastructure and development projects outside the habitat preserves, including regional and local road projects, by providing advance protection for endangered and threatened species.

 

http://www.sandag.org/programs/transportation/comprehensive
_transportation_projects/2030rtp/2007rtp_final.pdf

What is the link between transportation and health?

The way we construct our transportation system and the way that system relates to our land use plans and community design plays a role in the health of our residents. Recent studies have shown that there is a relationship between the type of communities in which we live and our level of physical activity, especially physical activity associated with our means of travel. Researchers are finding that people are more physically active when they live in communities that are more compact and have a greater mix of land uses than those who live in single-use, lower-density neighborhoods.

San Diego has a rising rate of obesity, and over 25% of our children are considered overweight. Obesity can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer.  So setting up our communities and transportation systems so that walking and cycling are safe and easy could help stem the obesity epidemic in our county.  According to the California Department of Health Services, the costs attributable to physical inactivity and obesity amounted to $28 billion in 2005.

In addition to the link between transportation and obesity, there are more obvious and well known links between modes of transportation, emissions, air quality and diseases like asthma.

SANDAG, 2030 Regional Transportation Plan

 What is Transit-Oriented Development?

Development of commercial space, housing, services, and job opportunities close to public transportation, thereby reducing dependence on automobiles. TODs are typically designed to include a mix of land uses within a quarter-mile walking distance of a transit stop or core commercial area.

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/terminology.htm