Lucia Mar Unified School District Awards Contract for Solar Energy and Energy Efficiency to Chevron Energy Solutions

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif., Oct. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 15, 2013, the school board of the Lucia Mar Unified School District (San Luis Obispo County, CA) awarded Chevron Energy Solutions a contract to design and develop an innovative program which will include solar energy systems, energy efficiency measures and improved lighting components that are estimated to save the district over $40 million, or about $20 million after paying all program costs over the 30-year project life.

The project will include 1.7 MW of solar generation capacity at 7 district sites, upgraded HVAC systems, irrigation controls and energy-saving LED lighting. In total, the project is expected to reduce the district's utility-purchased electricity costs by approximately 75 percent. 

"We've been facing increasing energy costs, which led us to look carefully at our energy efficiency as well as the potential to produce our own energy with solar," said Jim Hogeboom, Lucia Mar Superintendent. "We believe this project will allow us to fulfill three critical goals – financial, environmental and educational."

"We are proud to have been selected to work with the Lucia Mar Unified School District on this project," said Jim Davis, president of Chevron Energy Solutions, "because it demonstrates both far-sighted vision and fiscal responsibility, improving the learning environment for students and saving significant financial resources."

It is expected that construction work on the project will commence in January 2014.

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 that build renewable energy, increase energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and support sustainability. Chevron 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 Lucia Mar Unified School District: Lucia Mar Unified School District is located in San Luis Obispo County and serves 10,500 students in grades K-12.  The district serves five distinct communities including Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, Oceano, Grover Beach and Nipomo.  A bold vision directs the efforts of the district to Engage, Challenge and Inspire students.  Innovative programs including project based learning, International Baccalaureate,  and 21^st Century Skills for all students guide the teaching and learning in the district.  Sustainability practices are viewed as essential to good stewardship of resources and students learn about "living green" through the modeling of the district and their teachers. For more information: http://www.luciamar.k12.ca.us/.

Contact:
Brent Andrew, Chevron Energy Solutions, 415.733.4697
Jeff Dixon, Lucia Mar Unified School District, 805.474.3000 x1031

SOURCE Chevron Energy Solutions