Monterey County Office of Education to Save $2.2 Million and Boost Public Education Through County's First Solar and Efficiency Project

SALINAS, Calif., March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Monterey County Office of Education and Chevron Energy Solutions broke ground today on a solar and energy efficiency project aimed at saving the agency $2.2 million and reducing its energy demand by as much as 75 percent.

The centerpiece of the project is a 630 kW photovoltaic solar canopy system at the County Office of Education's headquarters, and also includes the replacement of aging infrastructure, including the HVAC, boiler and energy management systems. The savings generated by the project allow the reallocation of taxpayer dollars towards critical services the agency provides in support of local public education.

"A central component of our mission is to strengthen financial oversight and accountability for the County's public education institutions," said Dr. Nancy Kotowski,  Monterey County Superintendent of Schools. "This project protects taxpayers' dollars and maximizes their investment in the future of the students we serve."

The Monterey County Office of Education partnered with Chevron Energy Solutions to develop, design and construct the project. Chevron Energy Solutions also guarantees the performance of the solar energy system.

"As the leader in solar and energy efficiency projects for educational institutions, we are excited to deliver the first project of its kind in Monterey County," said Chevron Energy Solutions President Jim Davis. "The leadership shown by the County Office of Education in reducing energy costs and saving taxpayers' money serves as a model for other agencies across the county, the state and the country."

With its steadfast focus on financial stability and accountability, the County Office of Education hopes to demonstrate the project's success for the 24 school districts throughout the County that stand to receive similar fiscal benefits by tapping into the power of solar energy.

"This project accomplishes so many of the Board's goals, from improving public education by maximizing public dollars to demonstrating environmental stewardship for the students and the communities we serve," said Board President Bryl Anderson-Smith. "With the financial incentives already in place to generate real savings, this project should be replicated by all school districts. Everyone wins, especially our children."

About the Monterey County Office of Education: Established more than 150 years ago by California's Constitution, the Monterey County Office of Education provides vital services and resources to support the county's 24 school districts and two community colleges. Such services include financial oversight and business and technology services.

MCOE provides credentialing services and teacher, administrator, and instructional support to improve teaching and learning in the classroom. Additionally, it operates countywide programs, including alternative education for at-risk students, Head Start, Migrant Education and special education. The County Office of Education serves as the connection between our schools and the state and federal governments, monitoring legislation and informing and training district administrators on changes to laws affecting education. For more information: www.monterey.k12.ca.us

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. Chevron has spent approximately $4.4 billion on renewable energy and efficiency since 2002, and expects to spend $2.2 billion in this area between 2011 and 2013. For more information: www.chevronenergy.com

Contacts: Marci McFadden, Monterey County Office of Education, 831-784-4245; Ken Pimental, Chevron Energy Solutions, 415-733-4673

SOURCE Monterey County Office of Education; Chevron Energy Solutions