Chevron Energy Solutions and WattzOn Launch Innovative Collaboration to Spark Sustainable Growth in Local Communities

LIVERMORE, Calif., April 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Livermore, today, became the inaugural community in The Capacity Project, a statewide initiative begun by Chevron Energy Solutions and Silicon Valley-based WattzOn that aims to spur sustainable local economic growth. The Capacity Project will support cities, residents and businesses in reducing their energy use, advancing local economic development initiatives, and helping prepare the local workforce for career opportunities in the emerging cleantech industry.

With the project launch in Livermore, The Capacity Project will help residents and small business owners identify free and low-cost ways to save what is expected to be between 9 and 20 percent on their utility bills. In order to maximize the amount of savings, The Capacity Project is working with City leaders and the Livermore Chamber of Commerce to design a savings rewards program, with hundreds of dollars in prizes redeemable through participating Livermore merchants.   

"This has been an extraordinary opportunity to engage the community in our comprehensive effort to develop a more sustainable city and strengthen our local economy," said Livermore Mayor John Marchand. "Though we have taken huge steps to reduce the City's energy costs and have supported the emergence of a thriving local cleantech industry, the benefits of greater environmental and economic sustainability will increase by expanding opportunities for our residents and small business owners to participate."

Coupled with these efforts, The Capacity Project will also train a select group of Livermore High School students as home energy savings consultants and provide them with paid internships, where they will benefit from project-based STEM learning experiences and receive exposure to opportunities in the emerging green economy.

"We are excited to be launching this ambitious program in the City of Livermore, which has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation and community engagement," said Chevron Energy Solutions President Jim Davis. "The city is an ideal candidate to demonstrate the potential of The Capacity Project to strengthen local communities"

The catalyst for sustained economic growth is the anticipated savings that will be generated through WattzOn's approach to environmental sustainability, providing affordable options for residents and small business owners to lower their utility bills.

"Through The Capacity Project, WattzOn now has the potential to greatly expand our proven approach to generating energy savings for residents and small business, creating more disposable income and revenue that can then be reinvested back into local economies," said WattzOn Founder and CEO Martha Amram. "We are proud to be leading the way in helping to build more sustainable communities.    

The Capacity Project is actively seeking other cities throughout California to tailor similar programs to boost local economic growth and sustainability, and plans to announce additional cities which have joined in the initiative this spring and summer.

About Chevron Energy Solutions: Chevron Energy Solutions is one of the largest installers of solar power in the US public sector and has developed hundreds of projects to develop and build renewable energy, increase energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and support sustainability.  Its parent, Chevron Corporation, invests across the energy spectrum to develop energy sources for future generations by expanding the capabilities of alternative and renewable energy technologies. For more information: www.chevronenergy.com.

About WattzOn: WattzOn is a personal energy management platform that helps families and individuals, communities and companies, to save energy and money. WattzOn combines advanced technologies, behavioral science and powerful data and analytics to provide innovative energy management solutions. For more information: www.wattzon.com.

About the City of Livermore: Founded in 1869, Livermore is home to California's oldest wine region.  The City is proud of its award-winning wineries, western heritage, arts and cultural community, family-friendly downtown, and two renowned science and technology centers – Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratory.   For more information: www.cityoflivermore.net.

Contacts:
Brent Andrew, Chevron Energy Solutions, 415.733.4697
Chelsea Boudreaux, WattzOn, 408.828.4660
Troy Brown, City of Livermore, 925.960-4040.

SOURCE Chevron Energy Solutions