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$238,131
SDG&E®
Rebates & Incentives Annual
Energy
Savings*
* Source: Conversion from the EPA clean energy website
http://epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html
A comprehensive and collaborative
approach to efficiency
1,931,770 kWh
THE CHALLENGE: As the Pala Casino Spa & Resort property has expanded over the years, and will continue to expand
in the years to come, the company faced the challenge of integrating each phase experientially and aesthetically into a
seamless guest experience. From the feeling of walking through the property, to the lighting, to the equipment on the roof,
everything needs to be part of a unified design while maximizing the efficiency of the operation.
2015 ENERGY CHAMPION – ENTERTAINMENT
California’s
largest On-Bill
Financing project
On-Bill Financing, rebates
and incentives made the Central
Plant Optimization Project
economically feasible and
Pala moved forward putting
their trust in SDG&E and
TRANE as their partners.
THE SOLUTION: Pala wanted to explore ways to improve air quality,
comfort levels, and energy efficiency. An energy audit was completed and
nine opportunities for enhancements were discovered. After analyzing
metrics and ROI it made sense to focus on these four:
Equivalent to annual GHG
emissions from 280
passenger vehicles
Our goal is to preserve our
natural resources by looking for
ways to operate more efficiently
while giving our guests a
rewarding experience.
Bill Bembenek, Pala Casino Spa & Resort, CEO
Central Plant
Optimization
Kitchen exhaust
optimization
Controls
improvement
Lighting

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Achieving efficiencies through analysis
As a good environmental steward, honoring the natural resources of the land is a key part of the business philosophy at Pala
Casino Spa & Resort. To ensure the organization was doing as much as possible to reduce its consumption, the company spent
over two years auditing its property, conducting engineering analyses and finding the most effective ways to get the work done.
Working closely with SDG&E Senior Account Executive Kraig Akers and TRANE, Pala explored both the energy efficiency options
available, as well as the most suitable funding programs to help make these updates financially feasible. By researching, asking
questions, and working with qualified resources, Pala has made great strides in reducing its use of valuable natural resources.
Environmental
control
Working with TRANE, Pala updated
its central plant, kitchen exhaust
system, and installed a building
management system for greater
control of the environment for
both comfort and savings.
Maximizing recycling
As part of the Green Team, Pala
recycles not only plastic, metal, glass,
cardboard, and paper, but also
batteries. They also donate unused
soap and shower amenities to a charity.
WHAT’S NEXT: Pala wants to continue to grow while being mindful of preserving this land and the business for future
generations. With a 10,000 sq. ft spa, 11 restaurants, 507 room hotel, 100,000 sq. ft. casino, and a very large back of
house support staff, there are many opportunities for learning and finding those savings. To learn how SDG&E is helping
similar industry save energy and money, visit www.sdge.com/industry-segment.
Wisdom in water use
By installing 28 waterless urinals,
Pala has reduced water usage by
1,120,000 gallons per year. In
addition to saving energy, the
Central Plant Optimization also
saves 266,000 gallons of water.
And a waste water treatment
plant produces 300,000 gallons
of recycled water each day for
irrigation and landscaping.
A brilliant start
Lighting was the first project after
the energy audit. Today, 75% of the
lighting has been upgraded through
rebate programs to create a more
pleasing environment and deliver
significant energy savings.
Bill Bembenek, Pala Casino Spa & Resort, CEO
P.O. Box 129831 | San Diego, CA 92112-9831 | Connect at sdge.com
These programs are funded by California utility customers and administered by San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E®) under the auspices of the
California Public Utilities Commission. Program funds, including any funds utilized for rebates or incentives, will be allocated on a first-come, first-served
basis until such funds are no longer available. This program may be modified or terminated without prior notice. The selection, purchase, and ownership
of goods and services are the sole responsibility of customer. SDG&E makes no warranty, whether express or implied, including the warranty of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, of goods and services selected by customer. Customers who choose to participate in these
programs are not obligated to purchase any additional goods or services offered by contractors or any other third party. SDG&E does not endorse,
qualify, or guarantee the work of any contractor or other third party. Actual savings may vary and will depend on various factors.
©2015 San Diego Gas & Electric Company. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. All rights reserved. Some materials used under license,
with all rights reserved by licensor. S1540021 0615 125