Regional ReportsWest

Calif. School District Granted $4.1 Million for Prop 39 Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Schneider Electric to Deliver More Than 1 Million kWh Annually in Energy Savings across 18 Campus Sites

DALLAS — Schneider Electric announced that the California Energy Commission has approved a Proposition 39 Energy Expenditure Plan with the San Marcos Unified School District to implement energy efficiency upgrades. The district is anticipated to receive up to $4.1 million over the next four years that will be used for a variety of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects including HVAC unit replacements, energy management system optimization, LED lighting, and solar photovoltaic systems. San Marcos Unified School District’s Energy Expenditure Plan is the second largest plan approved in San Diego County to date.

The project will also have a significant impact on the district’s facilities, spanning 18 campus sites — one of the highest number of sites represented in approved Energy Expenditure Plans statewide. When fully implemented, these energy efficiency and renewable energy measures will deliver more than 1 million kWh annually in energy savings.

“We are excited that San Marcos Unified School District will be able to utilize these grant funds to improve the sustainable quality of our facilities while also reducing overall district expenditures and life-cycle costs,” said Khary Knowles, San Marcos Unified School District executive director of facilities. “The district team and Schneider Electric worked collaboratively and expeditiously to get a plan in place that will be constructed in various phases. The savings we expect to realize through the approved plan will help us achieve our vision of unparalleled educational and sustainable environments through cost effective solutions."

“We understand that school districts have a lot on their plate, especially when implementing a large-scale bond issue. Our team is pleased to partner with school districts to handle all aspects of Proposition 39 energy planning and construction,” said Jordan Lerner, regional director, Schneider Electric. “We worked collaboratively with the San Marcos Unified School District team to meet the goal of summer construction as well as complete a comprehensive five-year energy expenditure plan.”

San Marcos Unified School District has been diligent in watching over energy expenditures and consistently makes upgrades that improve the facilities and save on utilities. With Proposition 39 funding, the San Marcos Unified School District can expedite some desired energy efficiency projects such as replacing old and inefficient HVAC equipment and metal halide lighting systems. The plans will also optimize energy management systems, improve exterior lighting, pilot LED lighting in the classrooms, as well as install pilot photovoltaic systems in the district.

For the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years, the California Department of Education has allocated a total of $51.7 million in Proposition 39 funds to San Diego’s 42 school districts and charter schools. The Cleantech San Diego/SDG&E San Diego K-12 Schools Sustainability Strategy Collaborative has positioned San Diego County as the one of the statewide leaders with 24 Energy Expenditure Plans approved by the California Energy Commission.

For more information, visit www.schneider-electric.com/us.

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