SPIRE Promotes Public-Sector Renewables
In an effort to increase the application of public-sector renewable
energy systems, the Local Government Commission (LGC) is developing
a Renewable Energy Assistance Packet that includes information on
financing and procurement options for photovoltaic (PV) systems.
The packet is an effort of the Stimulating Public-sector Implementation
of Renewable Energy (SPIRE) program — made possible through
a grant from the California Energy Commission’s Renewable Energy
Consumer Education program.
In addition to low-interest financing available through the State,
a variety of third-party financing opportunities are available.
Long-term financing allows the public-sector to lock in the price
of energy over the life of the loan. By fixing energy costs, municipalities
can budget for future energy costs without being subject to the
volatile utility market. After the life of the loan, PV systems
will continue to produce energy for free!
The LGC has been working closely with the League of California
Cities, California State Association of Counties, Regional Council
of Rural Counties, California Special Districts Association and
the California School Boards Association to look into options for
procurement of PV systems for the public sector. The high interest
in municipal PV systems provides a great opportunity to aggregate
demand and leverage purchase volume to procure PV systems at lower-than-normal
cost.
SPIRE is currently working with the California Department of General
Services to look into government pricing schedules and options for
"turnkey" systems.
SPIRE is also working with Keith Rutledge of the Renewable Energy
Development Institute (REDI) to provide ongoing technical assistance
to local governments, schools, and special districts that are looking
into self-generation. The technical assistance team can help tailor
financing and preliminary system design options to meet individual
needs. REDI is working under another grant from the California Energy
Commission to provide this free service.
For a SPIRE brochure, or to order upcoming case studies or the
Renewable Energy Assistance Packet, contact Pat Stoner, LGC, at
(916) 448-1198 x309 or pstoner@lgc.org.
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