We have the four major utilities offering a common program design. And there is a single contractor to administer the program. Richard Heath Associates, with six offices throughout the state, was awarded the contract through the end of 2001. Appliances are promoted through financial incentives, consumer education, SPIFs and a co-op advertising program. The program provides financial incentives for refrigerators that meet the 2001 federal minimum standard.
Funding is provided through public benefits charges from the four participating utilities.
The California Public Utility Commission authorized expenditure of this funding for the program. In addition to the statewide program, individual utilities have the option to run complementary programs. Office Manager Laura May. Lehrer will be directing the State and Local Government Purchasing Initiative. She has 14 years of environmental, legislative and regulatory experience with federal, state and local governments. Prior to joining CEE, Lehrer was the senior counsel for the Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture at the State House in Boston, where she worked on issues such as sustainable development and utility restructuring.