Stockton Unified awaits solar decisionApr 12 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Roger Phillips The Record, Stockton, Calif.
Solar energy systems at roughly one-third of Stockton Unified's 50-plus facilities could start to go online in a little more than one year, an initiative officials say would produce a first-year savings to the general fund of more than $600,000. The proposal, which facilities chief Steve Breakfield said would come at no expense to the district, still needs the approval of the school board. Seventeen campuses, including the four comprehensive high schools, would receive solar systems. The district's warehouse also would receive a solar set-up. "This is really a rational way to proceed," Superintendent Steve Lowder said following a 30-minute school board study session on the matter Thursday. "We're saving money, it's a good long-term investment, and there are no out-of-pocket expenses." Last year, Lincoln Unified voters approved a bond that in part will pay for solar systems at most district sites. Lincoln's systems are expected to be operational later this year. Stockton Unified voters passed a facilities bond last year to pay for widespread refurbishing of existing buildings and construction of new facilities. It did not include money for solar energy systems. Under the new Stockton Unified proposal, a private provider would install and maintain the solar equipment. In exchange, the district would pay the private company for its energy at a lower rate than it currently pays Pacific Gas and Electric Co. According to Breakfield, the district began soliciting bids in November. Once the bidding process was complete, staff members selected a proposal by San Rafael-based RGS Energy. Breakfield said the 25-year plan would save the district a total of at least $20 million. In addition to the cost savings, the plan would provide educational benefits to Stockton Unified students. According to Breakfield, RGS' proposal includes a solar-energy curriculum for students and the potential for field trips to a solar institute the company co-sponsors near Ukiah. Originally, the matter was to have been voted on at Tuesday's meeting, but it was pulled from the agenda at the last minute. Lowder said Stockton Unified legal staff is reviewing the process that resulted in RGS' selection. The superintendent said he believes the process was "fine" but wants to be certain. Assuming legal clearance, the matter could come to a vote as soon as late next week at a special board meeting. Contact reporter Roger Phillips at (209) 546-8299 or rphillips@recordnet.com. Visit his blog at www.recordnet.com/phillipsblog. http://www.energycentral.com/functional/news/news_detail.cfm?did=28228622 |