With the proposition of Proposition 64 last year, marijuana became legal for recreational use in California. To address the enormous energy impacts that this now-legal agricultural product poses, some California utilities have begun offering energy efficiency incentives to growers. PG&E recently said it would offer standard agricultural rates and energy efficiency offerings to cannabis grow facilities. PG&E vice president of customer service Deborah Affonsa said in a recent statement, “Cannabis is a legal crop in our state, like almonds and tomatoes. Agricultural growers now will be eligible for the same rate and energy efficiency programs as farmers of other crops."
Meanwhile at the upcoming ET Summit in April, presented by the ETCC, there will be a session titled “Budding Opportunities for Energy Efficient Technologies in Cannabis Cultivation,” where discussion will focus on this emerging sector and how utilities can become a partner in this industry by supporting greater efficiency and helping to manage demand at grow facilities. More information and registration details for the ET Summit can be found here.
http://www.utilitydive.com/news/californias-largest-utility-offers-farm-rates-efficiency-programs-to-mari/437453/