Temple City Unified School District Inspires Students while Saving More Than $3.8 Million with Solar and Energy Upgrades

TEMPLE CITY, Calif., Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Temple City Unified School District and Chevron Energy Solutions today announced the completion of a transformative solar and energy efficiency program expected to reduce energy costs at seven school sites and save the District more than $3.8 million. The project added a 400-kilowatt solar photovoltaic power system mounted on parking shade structures at Temple City High School; replaced the boiler and chiller at Longden Elementary School; installed high-efficiency pumping equipment at Temple City High School's pool; and added new windows at Oak Avenue Intermediate School.

Coupled with comprehensive energy education curriculum content, including teacher training workshops, the program is designed to inspire students to learn about – and experience – clean energy technologies and concepts. Teachers will receive instructional materials, including ready-to-launch lesson plans and math problems that relate to the installed solar electric system. Teachers will also have access to solar energy kits that will include scaled-down versions of a solar installation and provide activities for students.

The program is expected to cut Temple City Unified School District's electrical utility purchases by more than 33 percent and reduce annual carbon emissions by more than 800 metric tons, equal to removing about 158 cars from the road.

"Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for environmentally sustainable operations at Temple City Unified School District – one that allows the community to experience the benefits of clean power without negatively impacting limited resources," said school district Superintendent Dr. Chelsea Kang-Smith. "We are pleased about the work Chevron Energy Solutions has completed to enable Temple City Unified School District to bring the benefits of solar energy to our community."

Chevron Energy Solutions designed, engineered and installed the solar system, and will perform operation and maintenance services, as well as guaranteeing the system's performance. The company also installed District-wide energy-efficient lighting and control systems, which are expected to reduce the District's annual energy consumption, improve lighting quality and aesthetics, reduce maintenance costs and provide consistent indoor climate quality.

"Through this program, Chevron Energy Solutions is helping Temple City Unified School District demonstrate fiscal and environmental leadership," said Chevron Energy Solutions President Jim Davis. "The District is investing in sustainable programs designed to deliver ongoing value and improve the learning environment for the community's students."

The program completion will be commemorated today at 4:00 p.m. during a dedication ceremony held in the Rand Media Center at Temple City High School in Temple City. Students, district representatives, government, utility and business officials are expected to participate.

Southern California Edison is expected to present a rebate check exceeding $100,000 to the Temple City Unified School District from the utility energy efficiency rebate programs.  In addition, as part of the California Solar Incentive, Temple City Unified School District expects to receive over $426,000 over five years as a result of the solar project. 

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.

Contact: Brent Andrew, Chevron Energy Solutions, 415.842.3398

SOURCE Chevron Energy Solutions