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Officials describe persistent problems with Oroville School District geothermal system; county staff consider outreach to vendor
Summary
County officials said the Oroville School District’s geothermal system has recurring mechanical and wiring failures and has not delivered expected energy savings; staff discussed contacting Amaresco and other service partners.
County commissioners discussed repeated failures and performance problems with a geothermal/hybrid heating system installed for the Oroville School District and considered outreach to the vendor Amaresco and state Enterprise Services for remediation.
A speaker who identified the issue summarized multiple mechanical problems: two pressure tanks not functioning, several compressors replaced (seven compressors cited), wiring and electronic switching left unconnected, and a system that will not automatically switch modes. The speaker said the district’s electric bill has not decreased since installation and that the system instead required numerous costly repairs. The speaker said district officials had “gone through the process of talking to Amaresco and government services and have gotten nowhere” but remained willing to pursue remedies.
Commissioners and staff discussed involving the prosecutor’s office to explore options and whether to place the matter on an executive session agenda to discuss strategy. The board agreed to ask staff (established contacts with the district and the vendor) to coordinate next steps and consider whether an executive session was appropriate to discuss potential litigation or contractual remedies.
No formal action was adopted at the meeting; staff were asked to reach out to district officials and vendors and report back to the board.
