More energy-efficient homes built in state

California is one of the leading states in the construction of energy-efficient homes, in part because of a joint utilities campaign that gives builders incentives for offering customers Energy Star homes.

The California Energy Star New Homes program, run by Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric Co. and Pacific Gas & Electric Co., awarded about $11.5 million in incentives to builders in 2003 to help offset the added construction costs of energy-efficient homes.

As a result, California builders completed 19,000 new homes last year that met the tough Energy Star guidelines, a 1,200% increase over the 1,500 units built in 2001. For information, visit www.sce.com.

-- Diane Wedner