November 6, 1998
The City of Chula Vista has announced its intention to use renewable energy to power City Hall and some other municipal facilities —the second California local government to make such a commitment this month.
"Chula Vista's plan to use clean, renewable energy indicates dedicated vision and bold leadership," said V. John White, executive director of the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies. "This is a `coming of age' for local governments."
The city announced that this November, it will begin distributing information on how to purchase green power to more than 30,000 residents and businesses. Green power providers have already submitted proposals to generate 9,600,000-kilowatt hours of electricity annually for municipal accounts. That amounts to a $1 million annual expenditure.
"For the first time in history, cities have the ability to influence the future of electric power production," said City Councilmember John Moot, a leading proponent of clean, renewable energy. "Chula Vista plans to use its purchasing power to move the market in the direction of clean energy."
Last June, Chula Vista voted to launch a community drive to educate citizens about renewable energy alternatives and the benefits for the environment. City staff will be answering questions about choices regarding green power providers and negotiating rate discounts for Chula Vista residents that choose clean power.
A similar program to purchase renewable energy for its municipal facilities was passed by the Santa Monica city Council on October 13th. Plans included Request For Proposals for green power—valued at $2.5 million.
Chula Vista may select its own green power provider or participate in a Request For Proposal for green power by the San Diego Association of Governments scheduled for approval in early November.
"There is no better way for a local government to reduce air pollution and create new jobs than switching to a cleaner power product," said White. "We encourage other cities to follow Chula Vista's & Santa Monica's lead."
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