Project Expected to Save Brea $13 Million and Reduce City Energy Use by 40 Percent
Chevron Energy Solutions, a unit of Chevron Corporation, and the City of Brea announced today the start of construction of an energy efficiency and solar project expected to save the city more than $13 million in net energy savings over the life of the project.
Brea will become the largest municipal producer of solar energy in Orange County once the 1.8MW of solar panels are installed at the Community Center, Civic and Cultural Center and Reservoir City Pump Yard. Chevron Energy Solutions designed the solar systems and will build, install, operate, maintain, measure and guarantee the systems’ performance for the city. The company also designed and will implement a citywide street lighting upgrade and interior and exterior lighting retrofits and improvements to heating, ventilating, air conditioning and energy management controls.
“The City of Brea is proud to work with Chevron Energy Solutions to save taxpayer dollars by reducing our energy use,” said Brea Mayor Ron Garcia. “This project also helps Brea attain early compliance with goals of the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) by reducing our energy use.”
The solar and energy efficiency improvements generate savings to pay for the infrastructure costs and are expected to reduce the city’s energy use by more than 40 percent. By reducing its purchase of utility power, it is anticipated that the city will reduce carbon emissions by more than 86,000 metric tons, equivalent to removing more than 16,000 cars from the road over the life of the project. The solar power at the Reservoir City Pump Yard is also expected to help mitigate future pumping costs to the city. Additionally, the project helps stimulate the local economy by providing more than 25 local opportunities for employment and more than 125 indirect jobs with an estimated $3 million impact to the local economy.
“We are pleased to work with the City of Brea to help them become the largest municipal producer of solar energy in Orange County and also improve their energy efficiency,” said Jim Davis, president of Chevron Energy Solutions. “This project demonstrates how cities and other municipalities can learn from Brea how to reduce their energy costs and use clean, renewable power.”
The project is expected to be completed in 2011. Solar production data and other project data will be available to the community on an informational display at the Community Center and on the city’s website.
The groundbreaking event for this project was held today at the City of Brea’s Civic and Cultural Center. Government, business and community leaders attended 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 spent approximately $3.2 billion on developing these technologies since 2002, and expects to spend more than $2.7 billion in this area between 2009 and 2011.
About City of Brea
Brea is a thriving city of more than 40,000 residents where art, architecture and amenities intersect in one livable, small city with a friendly neighborhood feel in northern Orange County, California. A diverse business mix of retail, restaurants, technology, finance and manufacturing makes Brea a dynamic place to live, work and play.
Contacts:
Juliet Don, Chevron Energy Solutions, 415.733.4673
Cindie Ryan, City of Brea, 714.990.7673
SOURCE Chevron Energy Solutions
RELATED LINKS
http://www.chevronenergy.com
