Sun Shines on Savings: Chevron Energy Solutions and Morgan Hill Unified School District Announce Completion of Solar Project to Save District Funds

MORGAN HILL, Calif., March 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Chevron Energy Solutions, a unit of Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX), and Morgan Hill Unified School District announced today the completion of a solar program, which provides energy savings and solar education. The program includes a 2.1 MW solar project that is expected to save more than $8 million and offset approximately 80 percent of the combined utility energy demand for two high schools. The district anticipates it will reduce its purchase of utility power and in turn, reduce carbon emissions by 1,900 metric tons, equivalent to the carbon sequestered annually by approximately 375 acres of trees.

"Our goal is to provide our students with a safe, healthy and sustainable environment where they can learn and succeed," said Dr. Wesley Smith, superintendent of Morgan Hill Unified School District. "This program allows us to save money and teach our students about solar energy and how it can be used."

Chevron Energy Solutions designed, built, operates, maintains, measures and guarantees the solar system's performance for the district. The company 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.  

"Morgan Hill Unified School District is a recognized leader when it comes to student achievement," said Jim Davis, president of Chevron Energy Solutions. "The district is also demonstrating its leadership by having the vision to generate cost savings and more budget predictability for their energy costs through this solar program."

The cost of the project was funded through Qualified School Construction Bonds that were awarded through a lottery. In addition, a rebate from the California Solar Initiative will contribute to the general fund savings generated by the solar program.  

An event to celebrate the completion of this project is being held today at Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill. Students, district representatives, government and business officials are expected to attend the event.

About Chevron Energy Solutions

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.

About Morgan Hill Unified School District

The Morgan Hill Unified School District encompasses nearly 300 square miles and serves the ethnically diverse population of Morgan Hill, San Martin, portions of San Jose, and unincorporated areas of the county. We are comprised of 14 schools: eight elementary, two middle, two high schools, a continuation high school, and a community adult school as well as a Home Schooling Program. Our multi-ethnic population includes over 9,100 students and 1,000 employees.

SOURCE Chevron Energy Solutions