Jurupa Unified School District to Save More Than $34 Million with Solar and Energy Upgrades

JURUPA VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Jurupa Unified School District and Chevron Energy Solutions today announced the completion of a 2.7 megawatt solar and energy efficiency program expected to reduce energy costs at 27 school sites and save the District more than $34 million. The project added solar photovoltaic panels mounted on parking and shade structures at nine campuses; replaced 400 air conditioning units, most of them more than 20 years old; and upgraded more than 21,000 lighting fixtures. Coupled with comprehensive energy education curriculum content, the transformative program is designed to inspire students to learn about – and experience – clean energy technologies and concepts.

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The program is expected to cut Jurupa Unified School District's electrical utility purchases by 26 percent and reduce carbon emissions by more than 3,463 metric tons, equal to removing about 679 cars from the road.

"Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for environmentally sustainable operations at Jurupa Unified School District – one that allows the community to experience the benefits of clean power without negatively impacting limited resources," said school district Superintendent Elliott Duchon. "We are pleased about the work Chevron Energy Solutions has completed to enable Jurupa Unified School District to bring the benefits of solar energy to our community."

Chevron Energy Solutions designed, engineered and installed the solar system, and will perform operation and maintenance services, as well as guaranteeing the system's performance. The company also implemented energy efficiency improvements to campus heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting systems, which are expected to reduce the District's annual energy consumption, improve lighting quality and aesthetics, reduce maintenance costs and provide consistent indoor climate quality.

"Through this program, Chevron Energy Solutions is helping Jurupa Unified School District demonstrate fiscal and environmental leadership," said Chevron Energy Solutions President Jim Davis. "The District is investing in sustainable programs designed to deliver ongoing value and improve the learning environment for the community's students."

The program completion will be commemorated today at 4:30 p.m. during a dedication ceremony under the solar shade canopies at Patriot High School in Jurupa. Students, district representatives, government, utility and business officials are expected to participate.

As the solar panel manufacturer on the project, Hyundai Heavy Industries is expected to present a check for $54,000 to the District, as part of its Hyundai Community Outreach Program. This contribution will provide funding towards a successful exchange program supporting international relationships, education and learning among Korean and American Students.

About Chevron Energy Solutions

Chevron Energy Solutions is one of the largest installers of solar power in the U.S. education market and has developed hundreds of projects that improve energy efficiency and provide renewable power for education, government and business facilities. Chevron Energy Solutions develops and builds sustainable energy projects that increase energy efficiency and renewable power, reduce energy costs, and ensure reliable, high-quality energy for government, education and business facilities. Its parent, Chevron Corporation, is investing across the energy spectrum to develop energy sources for future generations by expanding the capabilities of alternative and renewable energy technologies.

About Jurupa Unified School District

Jurupa Unified School District, located just west of Riverside, California, serves approximately 20,000 kindergarten through 12^th grade students. In addition to this massive Chevron project, the district has an ongoing energy education program which has cut utility bills to the district by $400,000 in the past twelve months.  The district was also among the first in the country to replace its fleet of large diesel busses with compressed natural gas. Jurupa Unified takes great pride in partnering with Chevron to lead the way as a steward of the environment.

Contact: Ken Pimental, Chevron Energy Solutions, 415.733.4673

SOURCE Chevron Energy Solutions