On Thursday, September 24, the California Public Utilities Commission voted out a landmark decision on energy efficiency. The decision approves the next three years (2010-2012) of energy efficiency programs, funded at $3.1 billion, to be run by California's investor-owned utilities -- Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric Company and Southern California Gas Company. It also launches the nation's largest home retrofit program. The decision includes $175 million to launch California's Big Bold Energy Strategies for zero net energy (ZNE) homes and commercial buildings.

John Doerr puts it plainly: "Let's pay attention to this. California's commitment to home efficiency is profoundly important for consumers, businesses and investors. Home efficiency should be the largest, cheapest, and fastest payback energy source of the next decade. It is smart economics, geopolitics, and carbon reduction. Plus, the savings stay in the pockets of Californians. The CPUC's leadership will set the pace for energy innovation in California and beyond."

The programs approved will create energy savings of approximately 7,000 gigawatt hours, 1,500 megawatts and 150 million therms. This will avoid the equivalent of three large power plants and 3 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Based on statistics from the California Energy Commission, the funding from this decision will create between 15,000 and 18,000 jobs.

This decision implements the goals set forth in the California Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan (www.californiaenergyefficiency.com) to make energy efficiency a way of life in California.