Under the PPA, approved by the City Council in 2006, the city hosts photovoltaic solar energy systems at its facilities and purchases electricity from SunEdison at a long-term, fixed rate.
The 3 MW project is enough to lower fixed rates on the electricity produced resulting in long-term energy cost savings for the city.
The planned use of the stimulus funds fits into the mayor’s economic-growth strategy, in which nurturing San Diego’s growing clean-technology industry is a top priority. In addition to dedicating one of the city’s economic development specialists to assist industry development,
Sanders has recently unveiled several major initiatives aimed at spurring additional business and investment in the San Diego’s ‘green business’ sector.
In December, 20008 the mayor announced his Clean Generation program, a residential solar financing program made possible by state legislation passed last year. The program, which allows San Diego homeowners to finance solar installations on their homes over 20 years on their property bills, is the first of its kind for a US city.
In April 2009, Sanders introduced the Clean Enterprise program, which provides no-interest financing of up to $100,000 to small businesses for energy-efficient upgrades to their businesses.
Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, enacted in February, San Diego will receive $12.5 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants. The city will host two public forums to discuss potential uses of the remaining $7.5 million of these funds.
The first public forum will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at the La Jolla Riford Branch Library. The second will take place on May 20, 2009 at the Silver Concourse Room in the City Hall complex.
“This program could be a model for the rest of the nation of how to leverage federal stimulus dollars and ensure they deliver an economic boost in both the near and long term,” Sanders said.
“It will put San Diegans to work in engineering and construction and will further solidify San Diego’s position as a leader in clean technology innovation.”
