Madera County OKs investment‑grade audit to identify energy‑saving projects

The Madera County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Sept. 23 to authorize county staff to partner with Southland Industries to complete an investment‑grade audit (IGA) of county facilities, following a preliminary energy audit the firm performed earlier this year. The board action funds the IGA with up to $26,000 and instructs staff to return with project scoping and firm cost proposals for work that could include lighting, HVAC replacements, building controls, solar PV and water‑savings measures.

The vote advances a plan to turn a preliminary, county‑wide energy review into an actionable project pipeline. Joel Baguley, chief administrative officer, told the board county staff had invited both Southland Industries and the county’s existing energy partner to perform preliminary assessments; Engie did not respond, Southland did an April site visit and produced today’s findings. "Staff did not hear from Engie, so we proceeded to receive their presentation," Baguley said during the discussion.

Why it matters: the county’s built portfolio includes courthouses, correctional facilities, branch libraries, maintenance yards, fire stations and wastewater plants. Southland’s preliminary findings flagged energy and maintenance savings across 32 representative buildings—roughly half the county’s square footage surveyed—including lighting retrofits (LED), HVAC replacements or upgrades (many units 15 years or older), building automation, targeted solar PV, and water‑saving fixtures at the jail. Southland estimated the county could reduce utility costs by roughly $500,000 per year if a broad set of measures is implemented; the IGA will refine those estimates and produce firm project costs.

During the presentation Brent Paterra, Southland business development manager, summarized the recommended next step: "The first thing we do is sit down with the county and find out the goals and constraints and then complete the detailed assessment of the county’s facilities, including recommendations, prioritizations and stacking of the work." Desiree House, Southland’s director of government affairs, told supervisors Southland would pursue grant and financing options during the audit phase and said the $26,000 fee would be credited if the county selects Southland to deliver subsequent work.

Supervisors pressed on technical details and cost‑control. Supervisor Rogers asked about HVAC equipment life and recommended higher SEER units and improved filtration; Southland replied that optimal equipment selection depends on building function and payback analysis the IGA will calculate. Supervisor McCauley asked how projects would be financed; staff said the county has used similar models on earlier solar phases and intends to pursue grants and financing where feasible while presenting the board with firm ROI and phased options before authorizing construction.

The vote: the board approved development of the IGA and directed staff to return with a financing and implementation plan following audit results.