The San Diego Convention Center Corporation (SDCCC) was presented with one of the largest rebates ever given by San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E) for upgrading the facility’s central plant, which reduced energy consumption by 2.7 million kWh annually. The total rebate, $441,905.00, was presented in two installments -- the most recent check, $161,243.44, on May 5, 2008; and the previous installment, $280,661.56, was paid in 2006. The upgrades included replacement of 3,400 tons of absorption type chillers with 2,400 tons of centrifugal type energy efficient chillers used for air conditioning. The rebate will help pay for a portion of the project making this a positive outcome for both the environment and from a business standpoint. As a result of the upgrades, the Convention Center system responds better to changing air conditioning demands and is saving 2.7 million KWh annually, or the equivalent of:
“The Convention Center has long been a supporter of energy conservation and sustainability. It’s always been among our highest priorities – we believe it’s the right thing to do,” said Brad Gessner, SDCCC general manager. The Convention Center adopted a “reduce, reuse and recycle” policy nearly 20 years ago when it opened and firmly embraces the concept of hosting green meetings. Waste minimization, energy and water conservation, environmental purchasing and food composting are among the programs expanded through the years. Presently, the SDCCC is in the process of conducting a solar energy analysis and once completed, anticipates the installation of rooftop panels in 2009 to help generate electricity. In further recognition of the SDCCC’s environmental commitment, SDG&E also asked the Convention Center to participate in the California Independent System Operator news conference on May 28 focusing on the Southern California power outlook for summer 2008. SDG&E officials hailed the Convention Center as an outstanding example of what commercial customers can do to help reduce and conserve energy for the future. SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides energy service to 3.4 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and 830,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The utility’s area spans 4,100 square miles. The California ISO is a not-for-profit public-benefit corporation charged with operating the majority of California’s high-voltage wholesale power grid. Balancing the demand for electricity with an equal supply of megawatts, the ISO is the impartial link between power plants and the utilities that serve more than 30 million consumers. The San Diego Convention Center Corporation is a public benefit corporation created by the City of San Diego. The Corporation is exclusively responsible for marketing, managing and operating the Convention Center. In its 19-year history, the Center has generated nearly $15.2 billion in economic impact, over $309.8 million in tax revenues and continues to serve as San Diego’s premier gathering place. [Photo left to right: Ron Barham, Building Supt., SDCCC; Robert DeNofrio, Director of Operations, SDCCC; Brad Gessner, GM, SDCCC; Bob Ross, Asst. Building Supt., SDCCC; Jane Verbeek-Groth, Account Executive, SDG&E; Connie Bergmark, Engineer, SDG&E; and Kathe Cordova, Commercial & Industrial Services Manager, SDG&E.] # # #
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