By Donna McCord

If you visit the Mountain View City Hall these days, you may notice something a little different. The lighting is subdued, you don’t need your jacket and city employees may look a little more casual in their attire.

In fact, if you visit any of the City of Mountain View facilities this summer, you will notice some subtle differences, the city’s response to California’s energy crisis.

“It is our goal to reduce energy consumption in all major city facilities by at least 20 per cent,” said Alex Terrazas, assistant to the Mountain View city manager.

The city facility division staff has identified air conditioning as the number one power consumer. So, thermostats are set higher in all the buildings, and operating hours have been reduced.

In addition, wherever possible, natural light is used. Computers, copiers and are turned off at the end of the day or even during the workday when not in use for extended periods of time.

Non-essential equipment, such as radios and certain water features, is left off. City Council meetings are now scheduled to begin earlier in the day and end before the sun sets.