Clean energy  

Businesses and environmental groups are sponsoring daylong ‘Smart Energy Solutions’

As many as 400 people are expected to attend a conference next week in San Luis Obispo to learn about clean energy technologies. The Oct. 10 event is presented by a broad array of business, environmental, academic and government organizations and is intended to give businesses and individuals ways to use alternative energy sources and diversify the local economy.

"The concept is to do something very practical on ways to cut costs and help out the environment," said Charles Fruit, manager of community development for Coast National Bank in San Luis Obispo. The issue of sustainable energy has become topical lately, with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signing bills to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging the use of solar power. Volatility of gas prices also has people looking for alternative energy sources.

"The hope is that it will bring people together on an issue that transcends political and philosophical boundaries," said Nick Alter with SLO Green Build, a group that promotes green building practices. "We are focusing on issues that affect us all."

Organizers say the summit is solutions-oriented and looks at technologies that are available now. It is geared toward building consensus and maintaining quality of life on the Central Coast. Small businesses are especially hard hit by high energy bills because they drive up the costs of doing business. Energy efficiency and the use of alternative energy sources is no longer an issue that just appeals to environmentally conscious businesses, Fruit said.

"The business community is at the forefront of this issue for a very practical reason: money," he said. "It’s Economics 101."

A prime example is San Luis Obispo’s Palm Theatre. Two years ago, owner Jim Dee installed 80 solar panels on the roof of the theater. Since then, he has produced 5,000 kilowatts of power. The solar system cost $80,000 to install, but rebates from Pacific Gas and Electric Co. paid for half of it. Dee estimates the system will pay for itself in five years and said it is guaranteed to last for 25 years.

"It takes a lot to get it going, and you have to think long term," he said. "But when you do the math, it’s a no-brainer." Dee plans to add 15 more panels when he replaces the theater’s roof. This additional generating capacity will eliminate his electric bill. "People don’t realize how much is being done here and how progressive this community is," said Karen Merriam, chairwoman of the local Sierra Club chapter, which is one of the lead organizers of the event.

Event organizers hope the seminar will also influence public policy, such as encouraging the county and its seven cities to bring sustainable practices into their energy planning elements. They believe the county has good opportunities for more renewable energy, including tidal power in Morro Bay and solar power in the Carrisa Plains. Hundreds of new jobs could be created by developing new forms of energy. The summit brings together groups and organizations that are often at loggerheads. It’s uncommon to find the Sierra Club at the same table as the homebuilders association and PG&E, Merriam said.

For example, several years ago the business community had a falling out with the Sierra Club over the Hearst Ranch conservation deal, Fruit said.

Groups such as the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce supported the deal because it would boost tourism, but the Sierra Club opposed it because they thought the Hearst Corp. was getting too much money and development from the deal. For this reason, groups such as the Chamber of Commerce joined the energy summit coalition with trepidation. But the consensus-building nature of the group eased fears. "The focus is finding common ground," Alter said. "It’s been easy to do."

--Reach David Sneed at