Retailers Unsure About Power-Saving Laws

L O S   A N G E L E S, Feb. 4 -- Imagine this: "power police" prowling car dealerships to ensure outdoor lights are turned off, acres of dark parking lots, and fines of up to $1,000 a day for using too much power.

The scenario is possible under Gov. Gray Davis' executive order issued last week. The order, which becomes mandatory by March 15, requires retailers to "substantially reduce" outdoor lighting during non-business hours and carries a potential fine of $1,000 a day. The goal is to reduce retail outdoor lighting demand by 50 percent.

"Everybody has to do their part," said Davis spokesman Roger Salazar. "We feel that Californians will respond pretty strongly to this ... hopefully, we won't have to issue fines."

The order exempts lighting deemed "necessary for the health and safety of the public, employees and property." But exactly what that means is unclear.

"Is it half my lights? Is it a third? I can't answer that," said Kenneth Greene, vice president and general manager of Silver Star Motor Car Co. in Thousand Oaks.

The dealership has five acres of Oldsmobile and Lexus cars, and luxury sport utility vehicles like Land Rovers and Humvees with price tags up to $100,000.

Vandalism and thefts have occurred, so outdoor lighting is important.

Greene said the dealership already has some outdoor lights on a timer, and probably could turn off a few more switches.

"I do want to do what's right," he said. "I know we'll try."

Concern of Increased Crime

Nobody has comprehensive figures on how much electricity outdoor signs and parking lot lights consume. But Home Depot believes it alone could save enough electricity each month to power 1,800 houses, spokesman Chuck Sifuentes said.

The home improvement chain, which has 140 stores in California, began cutting back on indoor and outdoor lighting two weeks ago.

The tall pylon signs used to lure freeway drivers go off at the end of the business day. An hour after a store closes, the parking lot goes dark.