Consultants present Schneider Electric preliminary energy and water audit; no action taken
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Summary
Schneider Electric presented a preliminary assessment of city facilities Aug. 5 identifying lighting, HVAC, controls, irrigation and solar opportunities with preliminary 20‑year lifecycle savings estimates; council did not take action and staff outlined next‑step design fees if the city pursues projects.
Schneider Electric presented a preliminary facility assessment to the Eagle Pass City Council on Aug. 5 highlighting energy‑ and water‑saving opportunities across city buildings and parks.
Account representatives described a suite of potential measures: LED retrofits for buildings and sports‑field lighting; rooftop HVAC replacements and roof repairs at City Hall; building envelope improvements; expanded building automation to control HVAC scheduling; smart irrigation for athletic fields; and a preliminary rooftop solar design for the Trade Center. Schneider estimated a potential life‑cycle savings in the low millions over 20 years for a comprehensive package of lighting, HVAC, controls and water measures; the preliminary solar concept for the Trade Center showed an estimated 25,000 annual electric‑cost reduction at that facility and $600,000–$800,000 in 20‑year life‑cycle reduction assuming incentive capture.
Representatives cautioned that the federal tax incentives that lower solar costs are time‑sensitive and that a design fee would be required to pursue the solar portion quickly; Schneider said the solar design fee would be about $30,000 and a full conceptual design phase for citywide measures would be about $130,000. Schneider described its approach as a design‑build, performance‑guaranteed contract that can include local subcontractors and financing options tied to projected guaranteed savings.
Council asked timing and cost questions; Schneider said design work could be completed in months with construction beginning as early as January and project completion targeted for Dec. 2026 if the city approved the next phases. Council took no action; staff said they would return with funding and scope options if council authorizes design work.
Why it matters: The presentation identified large opportunities to reduce utility costs and deferred maintenance and described a path — design, guaranteed savings and financing — to implement upgrades across multiple city facilities. Time‑sensitive federal incentives for solar were noted as a factor if the city seeks rooftop PV.
