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As a State of California department, the CDCR must ensure that its energy
management activities comply with state laws and executive orders
regarding energy efficiency. CDCR has taken this responsibility further by
streamlining all its energy efficiency activity. All response activities
related to Independent System Operator grid alerts and demand reduction
are coordinated through the Energy Management Section (EMS), making the
EMS a single point of contact, as well as a clearinghouse for energy
information.
The CDCR was the first constitutional state department to enter into an
energy partnership with the investor-owned utilities. Through this
partnership, and others with governmental agencies, the department has
been able to successfully leverage its modest resources through new
programs that target energy efficiency improvements, energy awareness,
alternative energy and peak load reduction. The department has completed
over $50 million in energy improvements to date. An additional $15 million
are scheduled to be completed in 2007. CDCR's proactive stance has kept
electrical usage relatively constant since 2000, in spite of building
numerous medical, housing and support facilities and construction of a new
prison.
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