Energy-Savings Efforts Could Result in Big Win for South Bay
The City of Chula Vista, one of our leading partners for energy efficiency and clean transportation initiatives, has been named a finalist for the Georgetown University Energy Prize (GUEP)—a multi-year competition with a $5 million award package.
Chula Vista’s leadership in implementing energy efficiency and clean energy policies and programs earned the city a spot on the GUEP list of 10 final contenders. The Georgetown Prize challenges small- to medium-sized cities and counties to rethink their energy use and implement creative strategies to increase efficiency and achieve long-term success in reducing energy consumption.
A History of Shared Success
SDG&E and Chula Vista have partnered on energy efficiency initiatives for more than a decade. As part of our Local Government Partnership, the city has been able to incorporate green features at many of its buildings and activities. Chula Vista City Hall is certified LEED Gold for Building Operations and Maintenance by the US Green Building Council, meaning that the facility’s operations are healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving.
Beyond city facilities, we also work closely with the city to educate residents about the tools available to implement conservation measures at their own homes and businesses.
One recent highlight of the partnership happened this August, at the unveiling of the Chula Vista Public Library’s “Smart City” Education Center—an innovative space for students to learn about clean energy and technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, energy efficient building design, electric vehicles and much more.
Currently, SDG&E is working with Chula Vista to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at municipal facilities to enable the city’s switch to an electric fleet. City facilities will be equipped with roughly 120 EV chargers through our Power Your Drive program.
The winner of the Georgetown Prize will be announced in December 2017. Learn more about Chula Vista’s energy-saving efforts here.