City of San Antonio Invests $10 million in Energy Efficiency
CPS Energy and the City of San Antonio, utilizing a $10 million federal grant secured by the City, are launching the CPS Energy Savers program. The new program is part of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) BetterBuildings initiative to save up to $50 million nationwide in annual energy costs by creating significantly greater energy efficiency in existing buildings.
"On average, commercial buildings consume nearly one-fifth of the energy used in a typical community. Buildings that are not energy efficient are like huge money pits with energy literally leaking out through roofs, windows, crevices or inefficient mechanical systems," said Carla De La Chapa, CPS Energy BetterBuildings program manager. "CPS Energy Savers is stepping into that gap by finding cost-effective energy solutions."
Efficiencies will be created by retrofitting buildings based on a low-cost energy audit. The customized audit report will detail recommended energy efficiency measures and their estimated energy savings. Areas that will be reviewed include: lighting and lighting controls, HVAC systems, commercial refrigeration and kitchen equipment, compressed air systems, process equipment and chillers, industrial systems and whole building systems. All commercial customers operating within the CPS Energy service territory with an account in good standing are eligible for the CPS Energy Savers program.
Services available to commercial customers will be all inclusive. In addition to the audit, businesses will have access to financing options, rebates, and individually-tailored expert advice on efficiency measures. A partnership with the Better Business Bureau will provide businesses with a trusted resource for locating contractors. Job opportunities could be spurred through the Alamo Colleges, which will serve as training and outreach venues.
"CPS Energy Savers has the potential to create or sustain green jobs in San Antonio. That opportunity and the ability to reduce our energy use as a community were important factors with seeking this grant," said Laurence Doxsey, director of the City’s Office of Environmental Policy. "Making our city more efficient will return huge dividends for us. The money businesses were using for wasted energy can be reinvested. CPS Energy has already seen that result in jobs."
Commercial customers also may be able to opt in for CPS Energy’s Demand Response program, which facilitates voluntary load curtailment, depending on the results of the energy audit. The program is designed to reduce CPS Energy’s peak load growth by incentivizing customers to shed electric load on peak summer days annually starting on June 1 and ending on September 30. Customers receive a two-hour advanced notification of when to initiate and end their curtailment.
For more information about the CPS Energy Savers program, visit cpsenergy.com/Energy_Savers/ES_Commercial/index.asp. |
