Energy savings free up California city's cash for better uses
A variety of energy efficiency projects has helped the California city of West Covina to cut its energy spending by $184,800 a year and reduce its power consumption by more than 80 million kilowatt-hours (kWh).
The city’s efforts have earned it a Gold Level Achievement award in Southern California Edison’s (SCE) Energy Leader Program.
“West Covina’s commitment to investing in energy efficiency projects and programs is a great example of how local government can reduce city costs of doing business and decrease the city’s energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions that are generated in our community,” said Mayor Steve Herfert. “By improving our energy efficiency, those dollars not spent on energy bills are now going towards new investments (public safety, park improvements, street rehabilitation, etc.) in our community that our residents rely on.”
Among the city’s accomplishments:
- Energy savings of around 13 percent in municipal facilities (930,000 kWh) and 17 percent in community-wide consumption (79.5 million kWh) since 2005.
- A strategy for long-term energy management needs and a road map for achieving energy reduction goals.
- City facility participation in programs to reduce power when statewide energy supplies are low, or when energy prices rise, to earn incentives or save on energy costs.
The SCE Local Government Energy Leader Partnership Program encourages municipalities to “lead by example” and offers incentives for energy efficiency projects completed in municipal facilities. Since 2008, the city of West Covina has received nearly $140,000 through SCE for its energy efficiency projects. It is now also completing a major outdoor lighting project estimated to save another 600,000 kWh, which would translate to an estimated $90,000 in annual energy savings.
