PURPOSE

To update the Council on Burbank Water and Power�s (BWP) current electric- and water-saving programs. 

BACKGROUND

A primary goal of the utility is to help our customers use both water and electricity wisely.  BWP has actively encouraged customers to engage in sound efficiency and conservation practices for many years.  By �sound� we mean measures that achieve energy and water reductions in a cost-effective manner without limiting customer comfort.  We also strive to increase awareness of energy conservation and showcase environmentally preferred energy alternatives.

I.                  BWP�s Current Portfolio of Electric Efficiency Programs

BWP�s energy-saving goal is to reduce electrical usage by 1% annually.  We�re proud of the programs that we have developed and nurtured over the past few years and are pleased to share with you a brief update on BWP�s existing efficiency programs. 

Refrigerator Exchange Program

Older refrigerators use about three times the energy of today�s high efficiency models, consuming up to 40% of the home�s total energy usage.  In February 2007, BWP rolled out two programs targeting old refrigerators.  The first is our refrigerator exchange program for Lifeline Rate customers. 

Lifeline is an income qualified electric rate open to low-income seniors, low-income customers with a permanent disability, and low-income customers who have a person using life support equipment living in the household.  There are approximately 2,000 Burbank households on the Lifeline electric rate. 

BWP�s proposition to Lifeline customers is simple: if your refrigerator is ten years old or more, let us replace it with a brand new Energy Star refrigerator, for free!  When we deliver the new refrigerator to participating households, we remove the old refrigerator and environmentally recycle it.  In the four months that the program has run, 185 households have participated, saving about 122,000 kilowatt-hours annually.  That�s enough energy to meet the annual needs of about 20 Burbank households.  Programs typically take some time to gain traction and we anticipate that this program will continue to take root. 

Refrigerator Round- Up Program

The second refrigerator program that BWP introduced in February is our Round-Up program.  This program targets second household refrigerators, the ones typically found in garages.  While we don�t disagree that some households actually require a second refrigerator, it most likely is the case that a second refrigerator is a convenience and not a necessity for the majority of households.  That luxury may be costing more than the owner realizes -- an estimated $260 in yearly energy costs. 

Again, our proposition to Burbank residents with two refrigerators is straightforward and generous: if your second refrigerator is working and you agree to relinquish it, call us and we�ll pick it up, environmentally recycle it, and give you a $100 billing credit!  This program offers huge energy savings as a major energy-using appliance � typically a very old and inefficient appliance at that � is completely removed from the home.  In the four months since the program began, 273 households have turned in their second refrigerators saving over 425,000 kilowatt hours.  That�s enough energy saved to fully power about 70 homes for a complete year!  Again, the program will continue to grow and we anticipate reporting even greater savings in the months to come. 

Made in the Shade

Introduced in March 2003, BWP�s Made in the Shade program has been very popular with Burbank residents.  Made in the Shade provides for up to three shade trees selected by and delivered to Burbank residents for free.  To participate, residents simply call our program arborist and schedule an at-home consultation.  During this meeting, the certified arborist reviews possible residence-shading locations on the property.  Together, the arborist and resident select sites and tree species from a list of about 30 trees.  Within two weeks, the 15-gallon trees are delivered directly to the residence.  BWP also provides stakes, ties, arbor guards, and a tree-planting video, all at no cost to the resident. 

The goal of this program is to reduce the need for air conditioning.  Planting trees in westerly and southern exposures shades the home, thereby reducing the need for air conditioning.  As the tree grows, the shading grows.  Trees are nature�s air conditioners that provide decades of this advantage, along with other environmental benefits, such as improved air quality and reduced storm drain run-off. 

Since the program began 4 years ago, over 2,300 households have participated and received 4,100 trees.  The estimated annual energy savings from these trees is a whooping 1,379,000 kilowatt-hours!  That�s enough energy to serve 230 Burbank homes for a year. 

In January 2005, BWP expanded the program to include business customers.  The business Made in the Shade program works exactly the same as for residential customers with the one exception of the ability to receive up to 20 free shade trees.  Since program inception, 40 businesses have participated, planting 165 trees at Burbank business locations for a total annual energy savings of over 55,000 kilowatt-hours. 

Energy Solutions Business Rebate Program

BWP offers rebate incentives to Burbank businesses who replace inefficient energy-using equipment with highly efficient equipment.  In December 2006, the City Council approved a significantly higher ceiling on the rebate limits.  Burbank businesses can now earn up to $100,000 annually in rebates from BWP.  All Energy Solutions rebates are tied to the energy savings of the customer�s retrofit projects.

Upgrades in air conditioning and lighting systems continue to be the most popular facility retrofits receiving Energy Solutions rebates.  During the current fiscal year, 39 businesses that took steps to increase the energy-efficiency of their facilities have received a total of $335,000 in Energy Solutions support from BWP.  The annual energy-saving value of these projects is nearly 2.5 million kilowatt-hours.  Over 400 Burbank households could be served with electricity for a full year with these savings! 

Home Rewards Residential Rebate Program

Perhaps BWP�s most successful energy-saving program is the Home Rewards program.  Home Rewards provides cash rebates to Burbank residents who purchase and install high efficiency appliances and products. The following items are included in our program:

• Refrigerators

• Washing machines

• Dishwashers

• Room air conditioners

• Central air conditioners

• Low-E windows and sliding doors

• Whole house fans

• Pool pumps

• Solar attic fans

• Ceiling fans

Rebate eligibility for most of the appliances and products includes an Energy Star designation.  Energy Star is a labeling program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for high-efficiency products.  While Energy Star-rated products tend to be more costly to purchase, they cost less to operate and therefore save money over their lifetime compared to their non-efficient counterparts.

For refrigerators, there is an additional requirement to receive a rebate: an existing refrigerator must be turned in to Burbank's Public Works Department for environmental recycling. Our aim is to reduce the number of older and inefficient refrigerators kept in service by Burbank residents. 

Burbank residents can receive up to $500 in yearly rebates through the Home Rewards Program.  Rebates are tied to the amount spent and if the item was purchased from a Burbank retailer.  In-Burbank purchases receive a higher rebate.  During the current fiscal year, BWP has issued 2,000 Home Rewards rebates totaling nearly $340,000.  The energy savings provided by these energy-efficient appliances is over 300,000 kilowatt-hours per year, or the equivalent of powering the annual energy needs of 50 Burbank homes. 

Home Energy Analyzer

In December 2003, BWP introduced an on-line energy audit service for Burbank residents called the Home Energy Analyzer.  This service is free, easy to use, and provides valuable energy usage information and energy-saving recommendations. 

To use, Burbank residents simply visit the BWP website, BurbankWaterandPower.com and click on the Home Energy Analyzer offering.  The on-line audit is a breeze to use, with drop-down menu choices provided, easy-to-follow instructions, and fun graphics.  The mission of the Home Energy Analyzer is to help Burbank residents analyze their energy usage and discover ways to save energy, thereby reducing their annual energy costs.  The service includes energy calculators that focus on specific energy end uses, such as air conditioning.  These calculators show customers how different appliance choices can save them money in the long-run.  The Home Energy Analyzer is also a learning resource with information on the Energy Star rating designation and how to understand the Energy Guide Label that all major household appliances come with. 

So far this fiscal year, 308 users have received energy-saving recommendations from the Home Energy Analyzer service.  While we cannot know for certain what energy-saving actions were taken by these service participants, utilizing the standard industry estimate for energy savings resulting from online services such as the Home Energy Analyzer results in annual energy savings of 98,000 kilowatt-hours.  The level of energy savings provided by this online service translates to enough savings to fully power about 18 Burbank households for a year. 

Business Bucks

In May 2004, BWP rolled out the Business Bucks Program.  Business Bucks is a facility audit program that also provides energy-saving installations.  Understanding that the majority of Burbank�s 6,000 businesses are smaller organizations whose owners and managers often lack both the time and expertise to better manage their energy usage and costs, BWP designed this program with them in mind.    

We hired Richard Heath and Associates (RHA), an organization with much experience in the energy auditing and installation field, to be our partner in this endeavor.  Both BWP and RHA publicize the program, BWP primarily through monthly advertisements in the Burbank Chamber of Commerce newsletter and our own community newsletter, Currents, and RHA through in-field introductions.  To participate in the program, Burbank businesses call RHA directly to schedule time for a comprehensive energy audit.  An RHA auditor arrives at the business at the scheduled time and conducts the audit.  Lighting, air conditioning, refrigeration, motors, water heating, and building envelope analysis are included in the audit.  The participating business receives a short report that includes analysis of existing energy systems, recommended cost-effective efficiency upgrades, estimated installation costs, simple payback, and information on BWP rebate opportunities for energy-saving retrofits.  RHA and the business discuss the recommended measures, and in about 75% of the cases, the Burbank business moves forward with RHA in implementing recommended measures. 

Our goal is to convince customers to take action and install energy-saving measures.  The reality is that there are barriers to customers wanting to take this step, most typically the up-front cost involved in improving their energy systems.  To dramatically increase the odds that the program will result in energy-savings, Business Bucks includes BWP providing up to $1,000 in recommended installations without the business having to kick in even one dollar. 

In the three years since the program was introduced, BWP has served 817 Burbank businesses with free energy audits of their facilities and has installed cost-effective energy-saving installations in 625 sites.  During the current fiscal year, nearly 430,000 kilowatt-hours will be saved as a result of the installations conducted through BWP�s Business Bucks program.  Using the number of Burbank homes that can be fully powered for a year as an equivalent way of looking at the energy savings provided by this program results in 71 homes. 

Solar Photovoltaic Installations

Solar photovoltaic, or PV, systems generate electricity by using energy from the sun. While not yet a cost-effective alternative to other energy production methods, solar PV systems are nonetheless of interest for their environmental advantages. 

To both encourage the installation of solar PV systems in Burbank and help reduce the payback of these expensive systems, BWP offers rebates of $3 per installed watt to residents and businesses.  In September of 2006, the Burbank City Council approved our recommendation to increase the rebate potential of BWP�s Solar Support Program.  Residents installing solar photovoltaic systems can now receive up to $10,000 and Burbank businesses can receive up to $25,500.  During Fiscal Year 2006-07, BWP Solar Support rebates were provided to three (two residential and one business) solar photovoltaic installations.  In total, Burbank has 12 solar PV installations, providing 200 kilowatts of on-going, renewable, and emission-free power. 

Green Energy Champion Program

In 2001, Burbank Water and Power (BWP) rolled out a green energy program called Clean Green Support.  Through this program, Burbank residents could elect to support the production of renewable energy in California with either a $3 monthly fee to cover at least half of their electric use or a $5 fee that covered 100% of their electric use.  BWP would purchase Green Tickets on their behalf.  Green Tickets, also referred to as Renewable Energy Credits, represent the environmental value of renewable energy.  Typically, renewable energy costs more to generate than non-renewable options, an average of 15% more.  That translates to about 2 cents per kilowatt-hour at current rates.  Revenue raised by renewable energy producers from the sale of Green Tickets supports the above-market cost of producing renewable energy.  This system provides a more level playing field, economically speaking, for green energy producers. 

In December 2006, the City Council approved a new renewable energy program for both residents and businesses to replace the Clean Green Support Program.  This new program is called Green Energy Champion and provides for expanded green energy support options and the provision of green energy itself. 

Residents and businesses interested in supporting renewable energy can select from a Bronze, Silver, or Gold �Environmental Champion� designation.  All rate classifications (e.g., residential rate, small general service commercial rate, etc.) have the same three designations open to them, each with specific green energy percentage requirements.  Each green kilowatt-hour signed up for is billed at two cents above the existing rate, reflecting the additional cost to produce renewable energy. 

The Green Energy Champion program funds will support renewable energy in Burbank and will directly contribute to an enhanced �greening� of Burbank. 

The Green Energy Champion program has been presented to residents and businesses and we have already received sign-up applications from 1,200 households and 15 businesses.  Unfortunately, our ability to bill the program has been delayed until the anticipated mid-July production of a new City of Burbank municipal services bill format.  However, the Clean Green Support Program has continued to run during this transition time, serving 839 households who wish to support renewable energy. 

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle

In December 2006, the City Council approved BWP�s recommendation to convert a high-efficiency Prius sedan into a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, otherwise known as a PHEV.  A PHEV is a blend of the gasoline hybrid car (such as the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid) and the all-electric car.  PHEVs are like regular hybrids but with larger batteries and the ability to re-charge from a standard electric outlet.  PHEVs represent the best of both worlds: most local travel can be powered cheaply with electricity and longer trips automatically switch to being powered by the vehicle�s standard gasoline-using capability.  Gone are any concerns related to refueling as were experienced with the all-electric vehicles of years past.  With the PHEV, the first 30 to 50 miles are equivalently fueled with about $1 per gallon in electricity costs and generate almost zero auto emissions.  When a longer range is necessary, the PHEV can switch back to being a normal gasoline-electric hybrid.  This dual fuel concept provides 100 miles or more to a gallon of gasoline!

The plug-in technology exists today but no auto manufacturer is currently building a commercially available PHEV, although there are encouraging signs that adoption of this technology will take place.  Burbank has long been a leader in promoting alternative fuels to help evaluate and demonstrate the viability and environmental benefits of clean fuel transportation options.  BWP continued this tradition with the April 2007 PHEV conversion.  As shown below, the PHEV has engaging signage, showcasing its status as a demonstration vehicle of an emerging technology.  The PHEV is a part of the BWP fleet and our goal is to make sure that it gets plenty of attention! 

LivingWise Educational Program

LivingWise is a residential savings and education program delivered through 6^th grade classes.  LivingWise combines classroom learning, home audit, and minor retrofit projects completed by students and parents.  Each student receives a kit containing energy-and water-saving devices for their home, along with the information needed for the home audit and retrofit installations.  Last September, the City Council approved a pilot program to test LivingWise at a Burbank Middle School.  The Burbank Unified School District (BUSD), our partners in this project, selected Luther Burbank Middle School as the pilot school.  In January, 345 kits were sent to the school. 

Through this program at just one school, 228 compact fluorescent lights, 242 low energy using nightlights, and 73 air conditioning filter alarms were installed, saving over 21,000 kilowatt-hours annually. 

As mentioned, the kits also include two water-saving devices: low-flow showerheads and kitchen faucet aerators.  In addition to saving water, a nice by-product of water conservation is that energy savings also result.  These water-saving items produce savings of over 200,000 gallons of water and nearly 104,000 kilowatt-hours. 

Given the positive student and teacher responses to the program, as well as the energy- and water-saving benefits, BWP will be expanding this pilot program to a full deployment during the 2007-08 school year.  Sufficient funding for this endeavor -- $70,000 -- has been included in BWP�s approved Fiscal Year 2007-08 budget allowing for the program to be implemented at all three BUSD Middle Schools. 

Wet Cleaning Program

Also in September 2006, the City Council approved a new BWP program to encourage local dry cleaners to switch from dry cleaning processes that utilize PERC to an alternate method that both protects the environment and conserves electricity.  PERC is the nickname for a solvent called perchloroethylene.  PERC is an identified toxic air contaminant, ground water pollutant and potential human carcinogen.  PERC is the third most prevalent air contaminant in the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).  A 1998 air quality study commissioned by the SCAQMD identified dry cleaning as responsible for 59% of PERC emissions. 

Legislation currently exists that will phase out the use of PERC in dry cleaning processes by the year 2020.  There are alternatives to PERC that dry cleaners can adopt, including a process called Wet Cleaning.  BWP created our Wet Cleaning program to encourage the adoption of Wet Cleaning, a non-PERC dry cleaning that is also energy-efficient.  Wet Cleaning has documented energy savings of 20% to 40% compared to other dry cleaning methods.  Compared to a PERC-using dry cleaning process, average annual energy savings expected from professional wet cleaning are about 7,100 kilowatt-hours.  Given a 20-year equipment lifespan, total energy savings top 142,000 kilowatt-hours for every PERC equipment replaced with Wet Cleaning. 

However, Wet Cleaning faces high resistance from dry cleaners who are largely unaware and somewhat fearful of the technology.  BWP�s program works to bridge this gap by providing education about Wet Cleaning and generous rebate incentives for cleaners who make the switch to Wet Cleaning. 

After meeting with all eligible Burbank dry cleaners about this program and encountering every bit as much resistance as we had expected, we just received word of a breakthrough!  Celebrity Cleaners has elected to replace a PERC-using piece of equipment with Wet Cleaning.  This conversion should take place in the next few weeks.  Through BWP�s Wet Cleaning Program, Celebrity Cleaners will receive $20,000 in incentives. 

Staff will continue to strive for additional Wet Cleaning conversions so that the City can reap additional environmental benefits. 

LEED Certification Incentive Program

The U.S. Green Building Council, a national non-profit organization that promotes the design and construction of buildings that are environmentally responsible, developed a green building rating system called the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).  Four levels of LEED certification can be attained depending on the level of sustainability built into the building�s design: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.  On average, LEED buildings use 30% less energy than non-LEED buildings.  In September 2006, the Burbank City Council approved staff�s recommendation to offer incentives ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 for builders attaining LEED certification.  We�re still waiting to provide those incentives and look forward to doing so as green building in Burbank catches on. 

Energy and Demand Savings during Fiscal Year 2006-07

Resource efficiency and conservation top BWP�s priorities when it comes to energy procurement.  What this means is that we will make all reasonable efforts to persuade our businesses and residents to use energy as efficiently as possible as well as to conserve energy, especially during hot summer days when peak electrical demands tax the state�s energy grid and drives energy costs to dizzying heights. 

BWP�s energy-saving efforts during Fiscal Year 2006-07 have reduced the City�s electrical consumption by over 4.8 million kilowatt-hours � enough to power 810 Burbank homes for a full year � and have cut our demand for peak energy by nearly 1,500 kilowatts.  Our plan is to continue growing existing programs and implementing new energy-saving programs in hopes of doubling these numbers.  To this end, staff will be back this summer with recommendations for two new energy- and demand-saving programs. 

The following table shows expected peak kilowatt (kW) and annual kilowatt-hour (kWh) reductions, by program, annualized for Fiscal Year 2006-07. 

II.               BWP�s Current Portfolio of Water Efficiency Programs

BWP�s water-saving goal is to help Burbank conserve water by 1% annually.  With all the water we desire available at the turn of a faucet, it�s easy for all of us to forget that we live in a semi-arid geography.  Half of all water used in Burbank has to be imported from other areas where water tends to be more plentiful.  This highlights the fact that we each have the responsibility to use water with conservation in mind.  Getting that message across to every household and business in Burbank is an ongoing challenge that we embrace.  BWP has a long history of water education and incentive programs meant to impact Burbank�s thirst for water and we will continue to step up our conservation education and program efforts in the coming years. 

High Efficiency Toilet Rebate Program

Low water using toilets provide significant and durable water savings.  As such, BWP has offered an ultra-low flush toilet (ULFT) rebate program to Burbank residents for the past 16 years.  However, a new breed of toilets are available that offer greater water savings than those provided by the ULFTs.  These High Efficiency Toilets (HETs) use less than 1.6 gallons per flush.  With Council�s December 2006 approval, BWP updated its toilet rebate program to provide cash rebates for toilets that fall into the HET category. 

Residents replacing a high-water using toilet (one that uses more than 1.6 gallons per flush) with a High Efficiency Toilet receive rebates of either the cost of the toilet or $265, whichever is lower.  BWP also offers $30 rebates for High Efficiency Toilets replacing standard ULFTs. 

In the four months since the HET program was instituted, rebates have been issued for 14 High Efficiency Toilets.  These toilets will save 270,000 gallons of water annually.  In addition to the HET rebates, BWP also issued 135 rebates for ULFTs prior to the program change to rebates only on HETs.  These ULFT conversions provided water savings of over 1.5 million gallons annually.  Considering that toilets have a typical lifespan of 20 years, the lifetime water savings are certainly impressive. 

High Efficiency Washing Machine Rebates

Some appliances do a great job in saving both energy and water.  High efficiency washing machines are a great example of this.  BWP offers cash rebates for Energy Star� washing machines as they use considerably less energy than non-Energy Star� washers.  However, there is a sub-set of Energy Star� clothes washers that also use significantly less water.  These are, generally speaking, the front-loading units.  These units use about 18 gallons of water per load, compared to the 40 gallons used by a standard machine.  That�s a 55% savings on water used!  BWP provides an additional $100 rebate to encourage the purchase of these High Efficiency Washing Machines. 

Customers are embracing this new technology.  Out of 497 Energy Star� washing machines BWP has provided rebates for during the current fiscal year, 65% were for front-loading washing machines.  Obviously, the benefits of these new washers are being communicated to residents. 

Each of these high-efficiency clothes washers provides an average of over 7,000 gallons of water savings annually.  The annual water savings for the 350 or so front-loading washing machines that will receive a BWP rebate during Fiscal Year 2006-07 are expected to be nearly 2.5 million gallons of water!  Importantly, with an expected lifespan of 10 years, these are durable savings. 

Energy Star� Dishwashers

Another example of an appliance that can provide both energy and water savings are dishwashers that have received the Energy Star� designation.  Energy Star� dishwashers use about 40% less water than other dishwashers, a savings of about 4.2 gallons per load.  Single-family homes do an average of 215 loads annually.  That means every Energy Star� dishwasher that replaces a non-Energy Star� dishwasher will save over 900 gallons of water yearly.  The nearly 400 Energy Star dishwasher rebates BWP expects to issue this fiscal year translates to water savings of over 367,000 gallons.    

Residential Drip Irrigation Program

In November 2005, the City Council approved a new BWP water conservation effort, the Residential Drip Irrigation Program.  The program was rolled out to Burbank�s home owners at the beginning of 2006 and has run through May 2007.  The program offered drip irrigation kits, valued at over $40, for free to homeowners who attended a 90-minute workshop on how to properly install the kits. 

Drip irrigation systems apply water using drip emitters and micro-sprays.  Both devices operate at low pressure, delivering a low volume of water compared to standard sprinklers.  Because the water is applied slowly on or near the ground, there is no water runoff waste and little or no loss to evaporation.  The kits are small but mighty, offering 300 gallons per month in water savings. 

The goal of the program was to distribute 1,200 drip kits to Burbank�s 19,935 single-family households, or about 6% of this population.  This program goal was derived by applying the typical percentage of residents who have participated in other BWP conservation programs.  It took over a year to accomplish this goal, but in May we distributed the final drip irrigation kit.  The trickiest part of the program has been hearing back from our participants.  We ask each to sign an agreement upon receipt of the kit, stating they will quickly install the kit and return a postcard to us informing BWP when the installation has taken place.  Our concern is that the kits would sit idle in people�s garages, shrouded with best intent but no action!  We have heard back from 60% of our participants and know that they have successfully installed the drip irrigation kits we provided to them.  Staff has made repeated efforts over the year plus of the program to get additional installation confirmation, but to limited avail.  Our assumption is that some of the outstanding kits have indeed been installed, but we are unlikely to discover what the total true installation rate is.  Regardless of our disappointment in not hearing back from a greater percent of participants, we can nonetheless state with absolute certainty and satisfaction that over 2.3 million gallons of water will be saved each year as a result of the known drip kit installations!  These water savings translate to dollar savings for customers, all without any negative impact on the customer�s landscape. 

Water-Saving Devices

BWP also provides low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators at several community events and to customers who request them.  During the current fiscal year, 534 of these water-savings items have been provided free to the community for an estimated annual water savings of 480,000 gallons.

LivingWise Program

As previously discussed in the energy-savings portion of this report, the LivingWise residential savings and education program delivered through 6^th grade classes provides water-savings as well as reductions in electricity use.  The low-flow showerheads and kitchen faucet aerators that have been installed in Burbank homes as a result of the LivingWise program provide over two million gallons of water savings. 

Water Savings during Fiscal Year 2006-07

The following table shows expected gallons of water saved per year from BWP�s water conservation efforts, annualized for Fiscal Year 2006-07.  The savings of over nine million gallons is enough to serve the water needs of 41 Burbank households for an entire year. 

III.           BWP�s Educational Efforts Promoting Water and Electricity Conservation

While not a quantifiable element, water and electricity conservation education is nonetheless a cornerstone of BWP�s efficiency and conservation portfolio.  Hundreds of staff hours annually are spent at community events and in offering educational programs, showing Burbank�s residents and businesses how to use water and energy wisely.  While we cannot assign water-savings results with any confidence to these initiatives, we nonetheless believe them to be prudent investments in our community. 

Energy Expo and Water Festival

Every October and May, BWP marks the fact that we are a community-owned power (Public Power Week is celebrated in October) and water (May is Water Awareness month) agency.  Recent events to mark these occasions have included the provision of water- and energy-topic books to both Burbank�s public and school libraries.  At the beginning of the fiscal year, staff brainstormed ways to celebrate Public Power Week and Water Awareness Month.  What we decided upon were major community events created and implemented by the Department. 

Energy Expo was celebrated on October 7, 2006 and was by any measure a huge success.  An estimated crowd of 1,000 attendees were on hand to enjoy exhibits, displays, activities for kids, and a tour of the award-winning Magnolia Power Plant.  Staff also distributed 1,000 compact fluorescent lights to attendees for free.  The Energy Expo was a huge amount of work but well worth the effort. 

On the heels of the success of the Energy Expo, staff began work on designing our 2007 Water Festival to celebrate Water Awareness Month.  We incorporated this event into the Burbank Fire Department�s annual Fire Service Day held on May 12, 2007.  Over 700 people visited the Water Festival booths to learn about water conservation, rebates for high-efficiency appliances and landscaping items, and BWP career opportunities.  The final drip irrigation kits were distributed at the Water Festival, along with low-flow showerheads and aerators.  We also had two performances of �A Boatload of Trouble,� a National Theatre for Children live-action production that teaches children (and their parents!) the value and importance of water and water conservation.  The packed theater echoed with the excitement of the children who watched the performances. 

Efficient Landscape Education

Sixty percent of all water used by Burbank residents goes for landscaping purposes.  For this reason, much of BWP�s water conservation efforts are focused on our yards.  For the past six years, BWP has offered Burbank residents landscape education through a program originally called Protector del Agua and recently renamed the California Friendly Landscape Training Program.  This is a program funded by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and one that BWP has always taken heavy advantage of.  Two workshop formats for the landscape training program are offered.  The more extensive educational option takes place over four Saturdays.  Each of the four sessions covers a different gardening issue in-depth: plant selection, landscape design, fertilizing and watering, and irrigation systems.  The second option is a scaled down version of the more extensive education.  The same topics are touched upon and in just four hours residents leave with basic landscaping information on how to select and care for plants with the goal of durable water savings.  During the current fiscal year, BWP has held three four-Saturday sessions and one mini-session.  A total of 44 Burbank residents attended these landscape workshops. 

Water is Life Poster Contest

For many years, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) has run a calendar art poster contest among its member agencies.  BWP, one of MWD�s founding agencies, is a long-standing participant in the program.  Students from local schools are invited to create original artwork depicting the importance of water and its various uses in our daily lives.  A panel of judges � including Mayor Marsha Ramos � judged 60 contest entries, selecting four runners-up and one grand prize winner.  In May 2007, the five students were honored at a City Council meeting for their artistic endeavors.  These five entries will go on to compete against all other agency winners.  The MWD will select the ultimate winners, whose artwork will grace their 2008 calendar.  Burbank has been well represented on this calendar in the past and we have high hopes that at least one of our students� artwork will be selected! 

WINNING PIECE BY SANDRA KANG, BURBANK HIGH SCHOOL

Business Energy Workshops

In December 2006, the City Council approved BWP�s recommendation to create an energy education workshop program for Burbank businesses.  BWP now offers a complement of five half-day courses, provided at no charge to any interested Burbank business.  Information on these courses is available online at BurbankWaterandPower.com. 

Communication Avenues

Programs are great, but the �built it, they will come� perspective doesn�t really hold true.  The reality is that a great deal of persuasive and on-going communication is required to make any program have a chance of taking hold and being successful.  Every year we prepare dozens of billing inserts for inclusion in the monthly municipal services bill, publish articles in Currents, BWP�s newsletter that is distributed three times annually to every residential and business address in Burbank, place monthly program ads in the Burbank Chamber of Commerce�s newsletter as well as in the Burbank Leader as necessary, speak at numerous community group meetings, and maintain a website chock full of information (BurbankWaterandPower.com) that witnesses an average of 7,500 hits per day!  BWP also participates in multiple community events annually, with our staff working closely with other City departments, notably Public Work�s Recycle Center, the Community Development Department, and Parks, Recreation and Community Services in making these events successful. 

In addition to all this, we are very fortunate in Burbank to have another important communication channel open to us.  It is literally a channel � Burbank TV Channel 6.  BWP staff is well aware of the power of this medium.  We track the usage of all our programs on a monthly basis and can easily see the impact of the newsletter, bill inserts, and Channel 6 as usage numbers climb significantly when these communication vehicles are used.  The Public Information Office staff has always been exceptionally creative, professional and willing to work with BWP in creating informative and memorable program pieces. 

FISCAL IMPACT

The Fiscal Year 2007-08 Public Benefits, Marketing and Conservation Services budgets have sufficient funds to cover all programs detailed in this report.

RECOMMENDATION

Note and file. 

RED:JF:JM:jm

go to the top