Women’s
Energy Matters (WEM) is a network of women and men
who approach energy issues from a woman’s point
of view. WEM works for a rapid transition to an efficient,
renewable energy system, in order to promote healthy
communities and ecosystems and improve international
relations. WEM also celebrates the ways women have used
their own energy through the ages to work for the public
good.
This website provides a sampling
of the information WEM is gathering and actions we are
taking, and links to other sites addressing these issues.
WEM encourages you to get involved, and appreciates your
support.
WEM'S CURRENT CAMPAIGNS
California's "Community
Choice" law, passed in 2002, allows any California
city, county, or group of cities and counties to choose
alternative electricity providers for bulk power supplies — and
run their own energy efficiency programs. WEM is working
to establish Community Choice in Marin County and supporting
similar efforts in other cities and counties in the Bay
Area and throughout the state. Read more -->
Women’s
Energy Matters is a leading player in energy efficiency
proceedings at the California Public Utilities Commission
(CPUC) since 2001. As a public interest participant
("intervenor"), WEM advocates for more effective
programs that would increase energy savings. WEM founded
the California
Coalition for Energy Efficiency to advocate for
independent energy efficiency programs, because utilities
have a fundamental conflict of interest with energy
savings. WEM proposed an administrative structure for
energy efficiency that is similar to one in Texas that
saved 40% more energy per dollar than California's
current system. Read more -->
POWER PROCUREMENT
WEM
is also an intervenor in power procurement proceedings,
where we focus on the need to increase clean resources
and energy efficiency to address climate change. We opposed
PG&E's request for 2300MW of new gas-fired power (about
five power plants); the Judge approved only 800-1100MW
and urged them to use renewables instead of fossil fuel.
WEM demonstrated the need for coordination between energy
efficiency and power procurement, so that energy efficiency
can be used to reduce the need for more "peak"
power supplies and power lines. In response to WEM's questioning,
PG&E's energy efficiency and procurement planners testified
that they do not communicate with each other and do not know
how to use energy efficiency as a resource at "peak"
(times of greatest use).
Power
plants are almost all located in low-income, minority
communities, causing serious health damage. WEM members
in these communities are pushing for construction of
a clean energy system with local jobs and economic
benefits. Read
more -->
Starting around the time of the American Revolution,
new forms of energy fueled an industrial revolution,
first in England, then in America and Europe. Previously,
energy was based on biology
and natural processes...
Read
more -->
