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Document Lewiston_doc_170a190031

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ENERGY CONSERVATION PLAN 1 I. POLICY Due to the ever increasing demand for fossil fuels, the reduction in imports from foreign nations, the escalating cost of energy and our dependency on these resources, it is imperative that the City of Lewiston, as a governing body, establish a policy to minimize, and whenever possible, reduce the consumption of all types of energy used in its daily operations for public service. It is vital that all City departments adhere closely to this policy. Success can only be achieved through total cooperation. II ENERGY CONSERVATION PLAN The plan consists of two basic parts: A. Buildings and B. City Vehicles. A. BUILDINGS 1. Thermostats shall be set at 65 degrees F. during operating hours and lowered to 56 degrees F. - 58 degrees F. in the evenings and on weekends. 2. While outdoor lighting shall be continued for security purposes, all non-essential interior lighting shall be turned off except in immediate work areas. 3. Reminders shall be posted in all offices stating that lights and other equipment shall be turned off during lunch breaks and whenever an area is not occupied for a period of time. 4. Air conditioners shall be at 78 degrees F. and shall not be operated with the windows open. However, open windows shall take priority over air conditioners. 5. Hot water settings shall be at 112 degrees F. or lower in all lavatories. It must be noted however, that State Statute (M.R.S.A. 2484, Title 22) requires that eating and lodging places maintain hot water temperatures at 170 degrees F. for one-half minute on manual washing systems, and 180 degrees F. with water pressure at 15 to 25 psi for automated washing systems for the sanitation of eating utensils, dishes, etc. 6. The following measures should be taken to winterize buildings: a. Caulking of windows and repairs to window sashes. b. Weather stripping and insulation of buildings, doors and any other opening through which cold air might enter. c. Use of insulated curtains and shades (open during daylight hours and closed during evenings, nights and weekends). d. Proper heat zoning in all areas, where it is feasible and not two costly. e. Installation of lock-type thermostats or time control thermostats. ---PAGE BREAK--- ENERGY CONSERVATION PLAN 2 f. Installation of double entry way doors where it has been determined feasible. g. Annual cleaning of boilers, light fixtures and windows. B. VEHICLES 1. Any employee operating a City vehicle shall obey all posted speed limits. Under no circumstances, other than emergency vehicles on call, shall the speed exceed 55 mph. 2. The following driving habits shall be followed by all employees driving City vehicles. a. Drive at a moderate and steady speed. b. No fast acceleration - "Jack-Rabbit" starts. c. Anticipate stops. d. Minimize idling time. No vehicle, under any circumstance, shall be left parked and idling for more than three minutes. Emergency vehicles shall also be shut off when not used to perform any useful function at the scene of a fire or accident. e. Minimize the number of trips made to pick up supplies. Needs must be coordinated to avoid duplication of trips and vehicles. f. Maintain proper tire pressure. Low tire pressure causes poor fuel mileage and shortens the life of the tire. III. ADMINISTRATION This section consists of two parts namely: A. Enforcement and B. Contingency Planning (Emergency Plans). A. ENFORCEMENT 1. Each employee has the responsibility of enforcing the energy conservation plan. Any and all violations should be reported to one's immediate supervisor. 2. It is responsibility of the department head to enforce this plan on the staff level. B. CONTINGENCY PLANNING (EMERGENCY PLANS) 1. An analysis of the emergency plans is found in the Appendix. 2. The implementation of this plan shall be at the discretion of the Director of Public Works with consent of City Council. 3. These plans shall be reviewed periodically so that appropriate provisions are included within the plan to meet the demand of the energy situation. ---PAGE BREAK--- ENERGY CONSERVATION PLAN 3 4. Everyone is encouraged to take the initiative in conserving energy even though that particular directive might not be incorporated into this plan. Creative ideas on energy conservation would be most welcomed. IV. PUBLIC WORKS, ENGINEERING, WATER & SEWER AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS/AGENCIES A. Vehicle use shall be restricted to essential and emergency activities. B. Outside employees shall be assigned to duties within the offices or shop areas for the purpose of updating records, maintaining equipment, etc.. C. The work program shall be reorganized, concentrating on essential work that can be done with diesel vehicles. In the event that a fuel shortage (regular or unleaded fuels) for a period of times does occur, every effort will be made to use existing personnel. However, when employees cannot be re-assigned to other essential work within the departments, the last resort shall be in personnel lay-off. V. ADOPTION AND REVISION This Energy Policy was adopted by the City Council on November 7, 1979 and voted on by the Board of Finance (Vote #422-79) on October 29, 1979.