CA Calls On Auto Dealers to Dim The Lights

    SACRAMENTO, Calif.--Jan. 26, 2001--Business, Transportation and Housing Agency Secretary Maria Contreras-Sweet today called upon all California automobile dealers to join Governor Gray Davis' call to reduce energy consumption by a minimum of eight percent.
    Secretary Contreras-Sweet has sent a letter to California's 15,000 new and used vehicle dealers outlining specific conservation tips they can take. Among the suggestions is reducing the amount of lighting used in showrooms and display lots during peak electricity demand periods.
    "Auto dealerships are by nature very visible in communities. The Governor and I call upon auto dealers to do their part in being energy efficient. Flex your power. It will save energy for all of us and save you money," said Secretary Contreras-Sweet.
    Other tips to dealers include not operating car washes during peak load times, 5-9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. weekdays.
    "We just want to ask everyone to rethink their work routines and look for ways to save power," commented Contreras-Sweet.
    The letters to auto dealers were mailed out earlier this week from The Department of Motor Vehicles which licenses the industry. The DMV is a department of The Business, Transportation and Housing Agency.