HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - Chevron Energy Solutions, a unit of Chevron Corp., and the Huntington Beach City School District announced the groundbreaking for an energy efficiency and solar project, which is expected to save the district more than $15 million over the life of the project.

The project is the first energy efficiency and solar project at an elementary school district in Orange County. Chevron Energy Solutions designed and engineered the 615-kilowatt solar system and will install, operate, maintain and guarantee the system’s performance, which is expected to meet more than 30 percent of the district’s demand for electricity. The company is also implementing energy efficiency improvements through lighting system upgrades and through upgrades to HVAC systems. The energy efficiency improvements are expected to reduce the district’s annual energy consumption by nearly 30 percent and provide other benefits including improved lighting quality and aesthetics, reduced maintenance costs, and consistent indoor climate quality.

“We are proud to work with Chevron Energy Solutions to reduce our utility costs and generate annual operating savings,” said Kathy Kessler, superintendent of the Huntington Beach City School District. “The energy savings are paying for the infrastructure improvements and providing budget relief to the district’s General Fund.”

Through energy efficiency improvements and solar power generation, Huntington Beach City School District is reducing its purchase of utility power and, in turn, reducing carbon emissions by more than 1,200 metric tons. The project is expected to be completed in 2011.

“Huntington Beach City School District is demonstrating fiscal and environmental leadership by improving their energy efficiency and use of renewable power,” said Dave Stone, senior vice president for Chevron Energy Solutions. “The project also improves the classroom learning environment, which is important for students’ academic performance.”

Publication date: 12/06/2010