San Diego’s New “Smart Energy Community”

This commentary was originally posted on the EDF California Dream 2.0 Blog.

San Diego Gas & Electric Co. (SDG&E) and Sudberry Properties have announced plans to incorporate breakthrough smart grid technology in the construction of Civita, the new master-planned development in Mission Valley, California. With a focus on sustainability and energy-efficiency, the “smart energy community“ will be home to vehicle charging stations, solar and fuel cell electricity, battery storage and energy management tools for residents.

“The Civita project is consistent with what we are trying to achieve here in San Diego,” said Mayor Jerry Sanders. “By integrating solar power, clean transportation and energy efficiency into the very foundations of our homes and businesses, we can help preserve the environment while strengthening our community overall.”

With plans to build nearly 5,000 homes and around a million square feet of office properties, apartment living, public parks, and a civic center over a once 230 acre gravel quarry, Civita could become one of the first communities in the nation to be “fully upgraded with smart grid technology and stand at the forefront of the broader transformation of the electric grid the community.” Civita aims to surpass current California energy efficiency standards by at least 15 percent by using energy star appliances, highly efficient residential lighting and onsite power sources, and by allowing some buildings and areas within community to operate independently of the grid.