City of Solana Beach Teams with Chevron Energy Solutions to Cut Utility Costs

SOLANA BEACH, Calif., Jan. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Solana Beach and Chevron Energy Solutions have joined to implement a ground-breaking energy program expected to improve the city's streetscape, boost efficiency in city facilities, and save the city more than $40,000 in its first year alone, all with minimal impact to the city's general fund. The $1.4 million project is expected to trim the city's annual energy consumption by more than 350,000 kilowatt-hours by upgrading more than 500 streetlights to highly efficient LED technology; adding a new "cool roof" and more efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) to City Hall; and installing new efficient lighting fixtures at City Hall, the Fire Station and Marine Safety buildings. Solana Beach was one of first cities in San Diego County to pilot LED street lights, and is now the county's first city to complete a retrofit of all city-owned street lights to LED.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130128/CG48807)

"We appreciate the opportunity to make these much-needed streetlight and building improvements with minimal impact to the General Fund," said Lesa Heebner, City of Solana Beach Councilmember and member of the Council Ad-Hoc for Environmental Sustainability.  "We are grateful to all the teams involved, including Chevron Energy Solutions, for their assistance in securing project financing and incentive programs that will help Solana Beach save money through energy efficiency."

These improvements are expected to reduce the city's annual energy consumption, improve lighting quality and aesthetics, reduce maintenance costs, and provide consistent indoor climate quality. Through this project, the city expects to cut its electrical utility usage for three buildings and city-owned streetlights by 41 percent in its first year, with the majority of savings from the LED streetlight retrofit alone.  To replace the City Hall roof, which was past its current useful life, the city used total expected savings from the upgrades, a fiscally responsible approach.

Chevron Energy Solutions designed, engineered and installed the energy efficiency upgrades and new roof, which are expected to reduce the city's operation and maintenance costs. "We are proud to join forces with the forward-thinking leaders of the City of Solana Beach, who share in the vision of sustainability and energy conservation," said Jim Davis, President of Chevron Energy Solutions. "Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for environmentally sustainable operations for the City of Solana Beach – one that provides a real, working example for cities throughout the San Diego region."

About Chevron Energy Solutions
Chevron Energy Solutions works with US public sector clients to develop 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 City of Solana Beach
The charming, seaside community of Solana Beach is nestled along the northern coast of San Diego County, and is approximately a 30-minute drive from downtown San Diego. Its main access routes include Interstate 5, Highway 101, Lomas Santa Fe Drive, and Via de la Valle. The city is home to a vibrant train station that serves both Amtrak and the Coaster, one of only three in San Diego County. Solana Beach is a favorite destination for those looking to enjoy the beach, eclectic shops, great dining, golfing, nightlife, and nearby hiking.  The City has 1.7 miles of coastline for swimming, surfing, and most days you will see locals drop by to watch the sunset at the award-winning Fletcher Cove Park.

Contact:
Danny King, City of Solana Beach, 858-720-2477
Brent Andrew, Chevron Energy Solutions, 415.733.4697

SOURCE Chevron Energy Solutions