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DRAFT 10. Energy Element decomposed plant and animal material and is usually found near a petroleum reservoir. Natural gas is pumped from the underground reservoir into large transmission pipelines which transport the gas to local distribution pipelines. Some local distribution systems lead to underground storage. These natural gas storage areas are utilized during seasonal peaks. In Pleasanton there are three natural gas transmission pipelines. These pipelines are located on Foothill Road, Santa Rita Road, and Stanley Boulevard. There are no natural gas storage areas in Pleasanton. The capacity of a natural gas distribution system is dependent upon local characteristics within the system, some of which include customer gas loads, pipe diameters, and flow behavior. Requests for usage increases axe sent to PG&E, and PG&E adjusts the system to accommodate its customers. LOCAL POWER SOURCES Heat and/ox light collected from the sun produces solar energy. Common forms of solar energy are solar water heating systems, which use the sun to heat water, and photovoltaic facilities, which convert sunlight into energy. Pleasanton's sunny climate is suitable fox the implementation of solar energy technologies. A couple of solar water heating systems are installed each year in Pleasanton, typically to heat pools. In 2000 and 2001 the City approved its first photovoltaic systems. Since that time, approximately one or two photovoltaic facilities have been installed each year at various commercial and residential locations in the city. Excess power from photovoltaic systems can be put into the grid, thus increasing regional and state power supplies. The promotion and installation of solar water heating and photovoltaic facilities is consistent with the overarching goal of the Energy Element which is to guide Pleasanton toward a sustainable energy future. Passive solar energy design is also suitable for Pleasanton. Passive solar energy techniques do not employ mechanical means to utilize heat or light from the sun, but instead employ strategic building and landscaping placement as well as building design to naturally heat and cool buildings. Distributed Generation A distributed generation system involves small amounts of energy generation fox the purpose of meeting local loads and/or displacing the need to build (or upgrade) local distribution lines or large central power plants. The City's Generator Siting Ordinance encourages the development of distributed generation facilities by permitting photovoltaic facilities throughout the City. Other types of distributed generation facilities, such as wind energy facilities, small fuel-cell facilities, and small natural gas co-generation facilities, axe allowed in selected areas of the City, typically away from residential areas where they may generate noise or air quality impacts. One small natural gas co- generation facility is in operation at the Roche Molecular System's facility in Hacienda Business Park. Energy Clean Copy per PC. 02 07 1 0-Q Coancil 6/5/2007