The City of Lancaster Partners with the AVAQMD and Lowes for a Green Upgrade!

Lancaster, CA. November 16, 2021 — The City of Lancaster has teamed up with the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD) and Lowes with a greener opportunity for our residents! This year, you can exchange your gas-powered lawn equipment and receive a credit up to $275 towards an electric model!

This is a rare opportunity to make a difference for our community and to receive a big payoff for your old equipment! Residents can take their old lawnmower, leaf blower, trimmer, hedger or chainsaw to Coast Auto Salvage, 46404 Division St. in Lancaster. Hours of equipment acceptance are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments for the exchange are required. Residents who wish to participate should call AVAQMD at 661-723-8070 to set up an appointment to drop off their current, gas-powered equipment.

“The impact of this program will be huge for our community,” said Vice Mayor Crist. “Remember, one lawnmower has the environmental impact of seven cars.” The City of Lancaster passed an ordinance four years ago which states that in five years the City’s commercial vendors are required to use electric equipment only. Programs like this one are helping our City keep that commitment for a greener future and cleaner air for our community.

This offer is available for a limited time through December 31 and provides special discounts on battery-powered lawn and garden equipment exclusively to Antelope Valley residents who trade in their gas-powered equipment. Learn more at https://avaqmd.ca.gov/winter-2021-lawn-garden-equipment-exchange.

Excessive Heat Warning Through the Week Calls for Safety Measures and Energy Conservation Flex Alert

Lancaster, CA. June 15, 2021 – An excessive heat warning has been issued in the Antelope Valley and other parts of Los Angeles County. Temperatures are expected to rise into the triple digits beginning Monday, June 14 through Sunday, June 20. The community is urged to take safety precautions and to conserve energy as much as possible.

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation between the hours of 4 to 9 p.m.

The community can actively help to conserve energy, prevent electric service interruptions, and avoid more serious system emergencies by pre-cooling their homes at 72 degrees overnight and in the early morning hours and setting the air conditioner at 78 degrees or higher during the day between 4 to 9 p.m. Consumers can also avoid major appliance use, turn off any unnecessary lights, unplug unused electrical devices, close blinds and drapes, use fans when possible, and limit the time the refrigerator door is open.

Also, in response to the excessive heat warning, the City of Lancaster has opened Cooling Centers at the following locations:

  • The Lancaster Museum of Art and History (MOAH), located at 665 W. Lancaster Blvd, is open through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • The Lancaster Library, located at 601 W. Lancaster Blvd. 93534, is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and they are open on Tuesday from 1 to 8 p.m.
  • Gen. William J. Fox Airfield, located at 4555 W. Avenue G 93536, is open Monday- Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Guests are expected to comply with all LA County Public Health safety guidelines. These centers provide members of the public who lack air conditioning at home with relief from the heat, free of charge. For a full list of cooling centers open throughout LA County, please visit ready.lacounty.gov/heat.

The City encourages the community to always take proper precautions in order to remain healthy during the intense hot weather. The recommendations below can help to prevent heat exhaustion, heat strokes or other heat-related illnesses.

  • Avoid the sun – stay indoors from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. when the burning rays are strongest.
  • Drink plenty of fluids – 2 to 4 glasses of water every hour during times of extreme heat.
  • Replace salt and minerals – sweating removes salt and minerals from your body, so replenish these nutrients with low sugar fruit juices or sports drinks during exercise or when working outside. Avoid alcohol.
  • Pace yourself – reduce physical activity and avoid exercising outdoors during peak heat hours.
  • Wear appropriate clothing – wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-colored lightweight, loose-fitting clothes when outdoors.
  • Stay cool indoors during peak hours – If you don’t have air conditioning, take a cool shower twice a day and/or visit a County Emergency Cooling Center.
  • Monitor those at high risk – check on elderly neighbors, family members and friends who do not have air conditioning. Infants and children up to 4 years old, people who overexert during work (e.g. construction workers) and people 65 years and older are at the highest risk of heat-related illnesses.
  • Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 if you need to be in the sun.
  • Keep pets indoors – heat also affects pets. If they will be outside, make sure they have plenty of water and a shaded area to help them keep cool.

City Council Approves to Update the Costs of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Lancaster, CA. September 11, 2020 — Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris and City Council approved to update the rates of level two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations during the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 8.

Council was presented with a proposal to update networked level two EV charging station rates and decrease the rate for city-owned fast-charging stations to encourage the use of EV charging stations.

To update the charging costs and make them more affordable, City Council approved to decrease the per kWh charge from $0.50 to $0.26. In addition to the per kWh rate, users will also be charged a $1.00 per session initiation charge. The station fee charged after the first four hours of charging will decrease from $5.00 per hour to $1.50 per hour. Staff worked with Charge Point to ensure that the updated energy rate and station fee will generate sufficient revenue to offset the costs of the energy used at each site as well as the costs to maintain each site.

Since 2017, the City has continued to expand its electric vehicle infrastructure and many of the charging sites that were planned for have since been completed, including six charging stations at Antelope Valley Hospital, six charging stations at the Sgt. Steve Owen Park and Ride, and most recently an upgrade completed at the Museum of Art and History.

Furthermore, Southern California Incentive Program (SCIP) funding will support the installation of one level three fast charger at Lancaster City Hall and one at the BLVD Marriott. The deployment of fast chargers is the next step in the City’s expansion of its electric vehicle infrastructure.

Once level three fast charging stations are deployed rates will be set at $0.32 per kWh and include a $1.00 per session initiation charge and a $5.00 per hour station fee after the first hour of charging. The $5.00 fee after the first hour will encourage electric vehicle users to move their vehicles once their charge is complete.

Fast chargers are unique because they require less charging time and have the ability to charge up to 80% of an electric vehicle’s battery in less than 20 minutes. Nonetheless, once they are deployed in the City, staff will monitor usage and costs to ensure that the established per kWh fee is in line with fast charger fees in other communities.

In addition to the $40,000 that has been allocated for each site through SCIP, the City intends to partner with Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District to acquire additional grant funding for the fast chargers and grant funding to add additional level two chargers throughout the community.

Lancaster Energy Completes Final Phase of Energy Efficiency Program, Helps 201 Local Businesses Save Money and Energy

Lancaster, CA. September 11, 2020 — In June 2020, Lancaster Energy (LCE), an associate member of California Choice Energy Authority (CalChoice), completed the third and final phase of its Small Commercial Direct Install Program, a program offering free energy-efficiency assessments and upgrades to qualifying local businesses in the City of Lancaster. In total, the program helped 201 participating businesses save more than 2 million kWh of energy.
“I’m proud of this program and all its success,” said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “Not only does it help local businesses save money on their energy bill, it also helps them reduce their carbon footprint.”
LCE rolled out the program in three phases starting in March 2019. To qualify, interested businesses were required to have a peak electric demand of 200 kilowatts or less. LCE partnered with energy efficiency expert, FESS Energy Solutions, to complete all assessments and equipment installations. “With all the work that goes into managing a business, owners don’t always have the time to think about energy efficiency and lowering their energy bill,” continued Mayor Parris. “By contracting with FESS Energy Solutions, we were able to make it as convenient and efficient as possible for local businesses to take advantage of the program.”
As part of the program, FESS Energy Solutions visited each participating business to assess their building and determine which energy efficiency equipment they would recommend. If the businesses accepted the recommendations, the firm then scheduled an appointment to install the equipment. All assessments and equipment installations were complimentary.
Across all businesses, the firm installed a variety of energy-efficient equipment including LED lighting, occupancy sensors, refrigerators, strip curtains, and door closers which are all designed to help reduce electricity usage and help businesses save costs on energy.
“We had LED bulbs installed throughout our building and in the first month alone we saw a savings of just over $150 on our electric bill,” said Greg Botonis, Owner of Twisted Exit. “The installers were fast and professional and the entire process took less than thirty minutes for more than 20 fixtures. This is an amazing program from the City that helps small businesses in our community save and thrive. Thanks Lancaster Energy.”
In the final phase, 63 businesses participated in the program and FESS Energy Solutions installed 134 light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and 223 Retrofit Troffer kits, and retrofitted 7,811 LED lamps in 3,294 fixtures. The program has a 100 percent customer satisfaction rating. To learn more about Lancaster Energy and stay updated on future programs, please visit LancasterChoiceEnergy.com.

Excessive Heat Warning Through Labor Day Calls for Safety Measures and An Energy Conservation Flex Alert

The Cooling Center at Lancaster MOAH is Open

Lancaster, CA. September 3, 2020 — An excessive heat warning has been issued in the Antelope Valley and other parts of Los Angeles County. Temperatures are expected to rise into the triple digits beginning on Saturday, September 5th through Labor Day on Monday, September 7th. The community is urged to take safety precautions and to conserve energy as much as possible.

 

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation between the hours of 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

 

Labor Day weekend temperatures are forecasted 10-20 degrees above normal for California, and the power grid operator is predicting an increase in electricity demand. Overnight temperatures statewide are projected to be at least 10 degrees higher than normal, which does not allow infrastructure to cool down.

 

The community can actively help to conserve energy, prevent electric service interruptions, and avoid more serious system emergencies by pre-cooling their homes at 72 degrees overnight and in the early morning hours and setting the air conditioner at 78 degrees or higher during the day between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. Consumers can also avoid major appliance use, turn off any unnecessary lights, unplug unused electrical devices, close blinds and drapes, use fans when possible and limit the time the refrigerator door is open.

 

Also, in response to the excessive heat warning, the City of Lancaster’s downtown Cooling Center, located at the Lancaster Museum of Art and History (MOAH), will remain open. These centers provide members of the public who lack air conditioning at home with relief from the heat, free of charge.

 

Located at 665 W. Lancaster Blvd in MOAH’s Hernando and Fran Marroquin room on the first floor, the City’s Cooling Center is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Face coverings and physical distancing are required. For a full list of cooling centers open throughout LA County, please visit ready.lacounty.gov/heat.

 

The City encourages the community to always take proper precautions in order to remain healthy during the intense hot weather. The recommendations below can help to prevent heat exhaustion, heat strokes or other heat-related illnesses.

 

·     Avoid the sun – stay indoors from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. when the burning rays are strongest.

·     Drink plenty of fluids – 2 to 4 glasses of water every hour during times of extreme heat.

·     Replace salt and minerals – sweating removes salt and minerals from your body, so replenish these nutrients with low sugar fruit juices or sports drinks during exercise or when working outside. Avoid alcohol.

·     Pace yourself – reduce physical activity and avoid exercising outdoors during peak heat hours.

·     Wear appropriate clothing – wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-colored lightweight, loose-fitting clothes when outdoors.

·     Stay cool indoors during peak hours – If you don’t have air conditioning, take a cool shower twice a day and/or visit a County Emergency Cooling Center.

·     Monitor those at high risk – check on elderly neighbors, family members and friends who do not have air conditioning. Infants and children up to 4 years old, people who overexert during work (e.g. construction workers) and people 65 years and older are at the highest risk of heat-related illnesses.

·     Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 if you need to be in the sun.

·     Keep pets indoors – heat also affects pets. If they will be outside, make sure they have plenty of water and a shaded area to help them keep cool.

Customer Testimonial: Grocery Worker Appreciation Program

If you know any local grocery store workers, please share this post with them! The City would like to thank the hard-working grocery store employees for serving on the front lines during COVID-19. A big thank you goes out to Ashley from the Whole Wheatery for her hard work and participation. The Grocery Workers Appreciation Program awards the first 1,000 qualifying grocery workers a reimbursement on their LCE utility bill. Qualified grocery workers include those from traditional supermarkets (Albertsons, Food 4 Less, etc.), superstores carrying fresh or preserved food (Target, Walmart, Costco, etc.), and locally-owned specialty grocery stores such as Ben’s Butcher Block and The Whole Wheatery.Thousands of dollars are still available and the City urges individuals to apply before the deadline on August 31st. https://bit.ly/2ZVHTSf

Posted by City of Lancaster, CA – Government on Friday, July 24, 2020

If you know any local grocery store workers, please share this with them! The City would like to thank the hard-working grocery store employees for serving on the front lines during COVID-19. A big thank you goes out to Ashley from the Whole Wheatery for her hard work and participation.

The Grocery Workers Appreciation Program awards the first 1,000 qualifying grocery workers a reimbursement on their LCE utility bill. Qualified grocery workers include those from traditional supermarkets (Albertsons, Food 4 Less, etc.), superstores carrying fresh or preserved food (Target, Walmart, Costco, etc.), and locally-owned specialty grocery stores such as Ben’s Butcher Block and The Whole Wheatery.

Thousands of dollars are still available and the City urges individuals to apply before the deadline on August 31st.

Thousands of Dollars Still Available as Part of Lancaster Energy’s Grocery Workers Appreciation Program

The City Urges Grocery Workers to Apply for the Utility Bill Rebate as the Deadline Gets Closer

Lancaster, CA. July 22, 2020 – The City of Lancaster launched the Grocery Workers Appreciation Program in recognition of Lancaster’s frontline grocery workers serving the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this program, eligible grocery workers who are customers of Lancaster Energy (LCE) will receive a one-time credit of up to $50 on their LCE charges for total funds of $50,000. Thousands of dollars are still available and the City urges individuals to apply before the deadline on August 30th.

It is important for the City to be able to distribute the funds completely to properly thank local grocery workers. “Our community has seen countless heroes step up to serve during this unprecedented crisis,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “Undoubtedly, when they selected this career, most grocery workers never anticipated finding themselves on the front lines of a global pandemic. With the Grocery Workers Appreciation Program, we aim to provide a small token of our appreciation for the grocery store employees who diligently provide our community’s essential needs throughout the ongoing public health crisis.”

The first 1,000 qualifying grocery workers will be awarded the reimbursement. Application submissions are being accepted at LancasterChoiceEnergy.com.

Eligible applicants must be in good standing with LCE and provide current proof of employment at a qualifying grocery store. By definition, grocery stores include traditional supermarkets (Albertson’s, Food 4 Less, etc.), superstores carrying fresh or preserved food (Target, Walmart, Costco, etc.), and locally-owned specialty grocery stores such as Ben’s Butcher Block and The Whole Wheatery.

Applicants will be notified of approval within five business days and receive a credit on their next bill. The credit, which is limited to one per household, cannot exceed the amount of the LCE charges on the current monthly bill.

The Grocery Workers Appreciation Program lasts until August 30, 2020, or until funds are exhausted. For questions related to the program, please call (661) 723-6233 or visit LancasterChoiceEnergy.com.

Customer Testimonial: Grocery Worker Appreciation Program

Alvaro Pineda, from Walmart, was able to benefit from Lancaster Energy’s (LCE) Grocery Workers Appreciation Program and save money on his electricity bill. Thank you, Alvaro, for speaking to us about how the program has benefited you.

Thousands of dollars are still up for grabs through the LCE program! Tag anyone you know who is a grocery worker in Lancaster. We want to thank them for their hard work on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The City of Lancaster admires the community coming together as we continue on the road to recovery,” said Mayor Parris. “To all grocery workers and other everyday heroes on the frontlines: thank you. We deeply value what you do for the community.”⁠

The Grocery Workers Appreciation Program awards the first 1,000 qualifying grocery workers a reimbursement on their LCE utility bill. Application submissions are still being accepted at lancasterenergy.com/grocery-workers-appreciation…/.
⁠
The Whole Wheatery Walmart Lancaster – Valley Central Way Albertsons Food 4 Less ALDI USA Superior Grocers Stater Bros. Markets Ben’s Butcher Block and other grocers, have your employees apply for reimbursement before August 30th! For questions related to the program, please call (661) 723-6233 or visit LancasterChoiceEnergy.com.

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Grocery Workers Appreciation Program Launch

Lancaster, CA. June 15, 2020 — The City of Lancaster has launched the Grocery Workers Appreciation Program in recognition of Lancaster’s frontline grocery workers serving the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this program, eligible grocery workers who are customers of Lancaster Energy (LCE) will receive a one-time credit of up to $50 on their LCE charges.

“Our community has seen countless heroes step up to serve during this unprecedented crisis,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “Undoubtedly, when they selected this career, most grocery workers never anticipated finding themselves on the front lines of a global pandemic. With the Grocery Workers Appreciation Program, we aim to provide a small token of our appreciation for the grocery store employees who diligently provide our community’s essential needs throughout the ongoing public health crisis.”

The first 1,000 qualifying grocery workers will be awarded the reimbursement. Application submissions are now being accepted at http://lancasterenergy.com/grocery-workers-appreciation-program/.

Eligible applicants must be in good standing with LCE and provide current proof of employment at a qualifying grocery store. By definition, grocery stores include traditional supermarkets (Albertson’s, Food 4 Less, etc.), superstores carrying fresh or preserved food (Target, Walmart, Costco, etc.), and locally-owned specialty grocery stores such as Ben’s Butcher Block and The Whole Wheatery.

Applicants will be notified of approval within five business days and receive a credit on their next bill. The credit, which is limited to one per household, cannot exceed the amount of the LCE charges on the current monthly bill.

The Grocery Workers Appreciation Program lasts until August 30, 2020, or until funds are exhausted. For questions related to the program, please call (661) 723-6233 or visit LancasterChoiceEnergy.com.

“The City of Lancaster admires the community coming together as we continue on the road to recovery,” said Parris. “To all grocery workers and other everyday heroes on the frontlines: thank you. We deeply value what you do for the community.”

Lancaster Energy’s Final Phase of Energy Efficiency Program for Small Businesses Currently Underway

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Post Date:05/01/2020 4:30 PM
Lancaster Energy (LCE) is again offering local businesses free energy-efficient equipment, which helps lower energy usage and costs, through its Small Commercial Direct Install Program. Currently in its third and final phase, the program will be available until funds are exhausted.

“LCE’s Direct Install Program has already helped 138 local businesses save almost two million kilowatt-hours of energy,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “This program is a huge opportunity for small, locally owned businesses to save money while reducing their carbon footprint. It is a testament to our success in creating programs that benefit those who live and do business in Lancaster.”

The program provides free, energy-efficient equipment such as LED lights and occupancy sensors to qualifying businesses with a peak electric demand of 200 kilowatts or less each month. Installation is complimentary.

To participate, businesses must contact FESS Energy Solutions, LCE’s partner and energy efficiency expert, who will then contact businesses to schedule an appointment to evaluate their facility and recommend improvements. Once the business approves the recommendations, FESS will schedule installation at a convenient time. Businesses can remain open during installation.

FESS Energy Solutions recommend may include LED lights, including cooler display lights and pool lights, occupancy sensors, refrigeration strip curtains and/or door closers.

“Energy costs have a direct impact on a business bottom line,” continued Mayor Parris. “By taking advantage of this program and using more energy efficient equipment, local businesses are going to use less energy, reduce carbon footprints, and decrease energy costs.”

To learn more about the Lancaster Energy Direct Install Program and get started, please visit LancasterChoiceEnergy.com or call 626-308-3000.