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DRAFT 10. Energy Element 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 fox 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 en~rev. Common €ert~suses of solar energy axe 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. ~-ee~le-s€-sSolax water heating systems are installed each year in Pleasanton, typically to heat pools. In 2000 and 2001 the City approved its first photovoltaic systems~i~~~eved-, Since ~kisthat time, approximately one ox 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 for the purpose of meeting local loads and/or displacing the need to build (or upgrade) local distribution lines ox 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. CONSERVATION EFFORTS When an individual or organization takes steps to eause less energy Ethan would otherwise be the case, this is called conservation. The steps taken may involve improved efficiency, avoidance of waste, and reduced consumption. In July of 2001, the City Council adopted a pledge endorsing the Governor's "Energy Conservation Pledge" and committed Pleasanton to pursue a 15 percent reduction in energy use. To conserve energy, in 2000 and 2001 the City updated its traffic signal lighting by replacing standard incandescent bulbs with light =emitting-=diode (LED) bulbs._ In addition to the traffic signal upgrades, in 2001 the City enrolled in an Energy Star building Energy redline wpy par PC, OS 07 ~ 0-4 City Council 6/5/07