Chino Hills approves nearly $4 million energy-efficiency contract for Public Works facility

The City of Chino Hills on Oct. 22 approved a contract with Willdan Energy Solutions for design and construction of energy-efficiency and resilience upgrades at the Public Works City Art Facility.

Public works staff presented the project scope and financial plan. The measures include solar carport structures intended to offset approximately 90% of the facility's electrical usage, a full-facility battery backup system to improve resilience during utility outages and allow peak-shaving, and replacement of obsolete HVAC systems with more efficient equipment and redesigned zoning. Staff said the work includes required civil improvements and accessibility upgrades.

Staff presented a total project cost of $3,996,000, with $1,300,000 covered by existing capital improvement project funds. The water and sewer utility funds were listed as having sufficient balances for their shares. Staff estimated more than $900,000 in tax credits and grants and projected annual energy savings of about $50,000 (energy savings only, excluding operational savings). City staff emphasized they limited recommendations to projects that would not deplete general fund or parks-and-landscape reserves.

Council asked technical clarifying questions about the annual savings figure and HVAC filtration; staff confirmed the $50,000 is strictly energy-savings per government code accounting and that HVAC improvements include UVC filtration and upgraded filter media.

With no public speakers, the council moved, seconded and approved the contract on a 5-0 vote.

Next steps: staff will finalize contract documents with Willdan and coordinate project phasing and financing to reflect CIP and ARPA allocations.