City of Worcester, MA

Energy Projects to Save City $1.8 Million Annually

For Immediate Release: 11/17/2014 2:52 pm

Worcester, MA (November 17, 2014) - The City of Worcester will save an estimated $1.8 million every year if the next phase of an ambitious energy efficiency project is approved.

In June 2010, the City Council authorized the City's ESCO project, which seeks to cut the City's energy costs and emissions. The first phase has been completed and the second phase – which includes installation of solar panels on selected schools across the city – is currently underway.

On Tuesday, City Manager Edward Augustus will ask for authorization from the City Council of a third phase, which would include:

• Retrofitting of the City's estimated 15,000 street lights to LED technology.
• Retrofitting lighting in the five municipal parking garages.
• Installation of an 8.7 megawatt solar photovoltaic array at the former Greenwood Street Landfill.
• Installation of a 600 kilowatt solar photovoltaic array int he parking lot at Beaver Brook Park.

These upgrades will save an estimated $1,823,357 in energy costs annually and cut the City's carbon emissions.

"These projects will save money, and continue the City's commitment to the environment by reducing our carbon emissions," Augustus said. "It’s a no-brainer."

To accomplish this phase of the project, Augustus is requesting a loan order of $38.7 million. The project will be paid for through the annual savings and a combination of utility rebates and solar renewable energy credits. The solar credits alone are worth an estimated $17.9 million. Between the annual cost savings and the rebates and credits, the project will be repaid in an estimated 10 and a half years.