Benicia OKs major push to reduce energy use

Benicia OKs major push to reduce energy use
By Tony Burchyns
Posted: 10/22/2009 02:14:17 AM PDT

BENICIA -- The City Council has unanimously OK'd green measures meant to reduce the city's carbon footprint, develop a possible renewable-energy power plant and save hundreds of residents money on their energy bills.

One program approved Tuesday night includes in-home energy audits that could cut energy use as much as 20 percent in participating homes, translating to projected annual savings of between $200 and $1,350 per household, city officials say.

The other project is a comprehensive study meant to lower energy use at public facilities. The city also will seek advice from a consultant on developing a "micro utility" -- possibly a wind or solar power plant -- north of Lake Herman Road.

The measures are tied to Benicia's recently approved, so-called Climate Action Plan, and are intended to help the small city meet greenhouse-gas reduction goals with funding from an unlikely source -- the Valero oil refinery.

The city-subsidized, in-home energy audit program is expected to be rolled out next year.

An added 100 audits, city officials said, are reserved for a future solar financing district, which would resemble a loan program for residents wanting to install solar panels.

The initial audits will be free for most households, city officials told the council, with the exception of homes of more than 5,000 square feet. Those home owners would have to pay a $200 fee and would only receive credit for $75 worth of energy-saving lights and other upgrades.

Which homes will be offered participation in the voluntary program has not been announced.

Mountain View-based Ennovationz, Inc. has been selected to conduct the audits.

The firm plans to partner with Benicia High School to train and hire students (for about $10 an hour) to help conduct in-home water conservation audits in the community, under adult supervision.

Students also will be given an opportunity to participate in a public relations campaign to raise awareness about energy and water conservation.

The project's $140,000 budget -- funded by the city and the Benicia Unified School District -- is coming from a $14 million out-of-court settlement between Valero Inc. and the community over disputed upgrades to the Benicia refinery.

In other action Tuesday, the council approved hiring a consultant to help lower its own energy consumption at public facilities. The consultant also will advise on developing a small renewable-energy power plant that could further reduce city energy bills, city officials say.

Chevron Energy Solutions Company, a division of Chevron U.S.A., Inc., will be hired to do the work, including a four-to-five-month energy-use study and recommendations for future green projects. The construction of those yet-to-be-determined

projects would take several years -- and require future city contracts -- to complete.

The city will pay Chevron $50,000 by the city to begin the work, with the contract to be financed through energy savings over several years. There is no upfront cost to the city, city officials told the council, unless the city opts against pursuing future recommended, agreed-upon projects.

The consulting services regarding developing a renewable power plant come at a cost not-to-exceed $15,000.

Contact staff writer Tony Burchyns at tburchyns@thnewsnet.com or call (707) 553-6831.

Green measures

A look at Benicia City Council OK'd-programs meant to lower the city's carbon footprint:

* In-home energy audits: Pilot program will be offered to 250 households at no cost to most residents, city officials say. The program, to be rolled out next year, will include home inspections, energy-saving tips and mostly free, same-day fixes such as efficient lighting, plug strips and light-switch timers. Projected annual savings per household? Between $200 and $1,350, city officials say.

* More energy-efficient public facilities: The city will conduct a comprehensive study to lower energy use at public facilities. The city also will hire a consultant to advise on the development of a "micro utility" -- possibly a wind or solar plant -- north of Lake Herman Road. The project has two phases and would continue over several years during which time the city hopes to recoup its costs through savings.