Please welcome Synaptics, our latest business purchaser of Santa Clara Green Power.  You may not know them by name, but you likely use their products.  More than 650 million devices include Synaptics interfaces, such as the TouchPad on your laptop computer.  In addition to creating innovative products, they also have an environmental warranty  and commit to eliminate any non-environmentally friendly chemicals from electrical and other parts.   Greener technology - that's what Santa Clara is all about!

A recent enrollment campaign for Silicon Valley Power’s Santa Clara Green Power program resulted in over $1000 contributed to the local non-profit Bill Wilson Center . All customers enrolling in SVP’s renewable energy purchasing program during December and January had $10 contributed to Bill Wilson Center. During the campaign, 107 customers enrolled in Santa Clara Green Power, joining the 4,000 customers already enrolled in the program. This was done in conjunction with the announcement that SVP’s Neighborhood Solar Program would contribute a solar photovoltaic (PV) system to Bill Wilson Center.

“We are very thankful that SVP and its customers have selected Bill Wilson Center to receive the solar electric system and the generous contribution.” said Sparky Harlan, Executive Director at Bill Wilson Center.

“Bill Wilson Center not only strengthens the community by providing youth services in Santa Clara, but has been an ongoing participant in Santa Clara Green Power. So it is fitting for us to take this opportunity to give back to them in the form of an on-site solar electric system and financial contribution.” said Larry Owens, Manager of Customer Services at Silicon Valley Power, the City of Santa Clara’s municipal electric utility.

Show how green you are by applying for the Energy Innovator Awards sponsored by Silicon Valley Power. We invite Santa Clara-based businesses and organizations to apply for three different award categories. Applicants are eligible to apply for more than one award. Efforts should have been accomplished in 2009.

The categories are:

• Environmental Innovator: For all-around efforts to support energy efficiency and renewable energy.
• Energy Efficiency Partner: Rewards organizations for outstanding implementation of energy efficiency programs and the application of SVP rebate programs.
• Green Power Champion (Renewable Energy): Rewards organizations for innovative and successful green power purchases for the implementation of other renewable energy programs.

The deadline is Thursday, March 25, 2010.  Please visit our website for details.

Silicon Valley Power offers two grant opportunities for students: a $5,000 college grant and a $2,000 technical school grant.  Completed application packets are due by Monday, March 29, 2010.  Details are available here. 

Santa Clara Green Power has a Facebook page. Become a fan and stay connected with the program and other Santa Clarans supporting renewable energy.

For another year, California is the most energy efficient state in the U.S. and Wyoming is the least efficient. To determine the rankings, the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy look at a number of factors, including utility efficiency programs, building code policies, appliance standards, and transportation. If you want to see how other states ranked, check out the free report. If you're looking for ways to improve the efficiency of your home, Silicon Valley Power can help lower the cost with rebates.

If you want to send this newsletter to a friend, click here. Do you have friends or neighbors interested in signing up for renewable energy? If so, please encourage them to visit the Santa Clara Green Power homepage, call 408-244-SAVE (7283), or email green@siliconvalleypower.com.