Clean Energy = Clean Future

UCSB Now Uses 100% Clean Power

Did you know that the UCSB buildings in yellow use 100% clean (or carbon-neutral) electricity?

Since July 2020, UCSB started purchasing its electricity from the UC Clean Power program. This program was initiated by UCOP to meet the UC goal of becoming carbon neutral energy by 2025 and allows all ten UC Campus and medical centers to purchase clean power. UCOP has contracts with renewable energy providers (large solar projects mostly) that provide solar power to the California electric grid. Recent regulatory changes allow UCSB to now buy that power instead of purchasing it from Southern California Edison. SCE still provides and maintains the electric distribution system (powerline/poles/transformers etc), but the generation of electricity can be purchased from other providers.

This clean power is used in most of HDAE’s buildings (residence halls, dining commons, apartments, and auxiliaries) and the remaining few facilities will be getting renewable electricity through a Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) program which is also new to Santa Barbara County.

Another way HDAE obtains solar power (also called renewable energy or carbon-free electricity) is through solar panels on our buildings. This is called “on-site solar electricity” and makes up about 14% of the campus electricity used. Stay tuned for the next issue of The Compass where I’ll cover on-site renewable energy in HDAE and on campus.

For more information on the programs mentioned visit the following websites:

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