VA signed an agreement with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) to perform energy conservation upgrades to VA medical centers (VAMC) and outpatient clinics (OPC) in Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 21 within the state of California.  This action is the first contractual step in a specialized program, called utility energy services contracting (UESC) that allows Federal customers to pay for the energy conservation upgrades over time through their utility bills.  PG&E will be evaluating targeted VISN 21 facilities based on a list of detailed energy and water efficiency improvements that VA identified, evaluated and selected for implementation.  Measures to be implemented include:  lighting and occupancy sensors; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system improvements; and water conservation measures.  VISN 21 facilities included in this contract are San Francisco VAMC, Fresno VAMC, Mather VAMC, McClellan OPC, and Martinez OPC.  These and similar energy efficiency investments are helping VA facilities nationwide meet their mission of safe and efficient medical facilities for our Veterans and their families while helping to manage rising utility costs.