Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Energy Efficiency topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Walnut Creek approves $404,000 LED lighting upgrades using PG&E on‑bill financing
Summary
Council authorized sole‑source contracts with EcoGreen Solutions and PG&E on‑bill financing to retrofit three city facilities with LED lighting. Estimated project cost ~$404,000, annual utility savings ~$41,500, and projected 10‑year savings of about $415,000; project expected to start within weeks.
Public Works Director Rich Payne presented a proposal to retrofit three city facilities (Lesher Center, Clay Arts building, Walnut Creek Library) with energy‑efficient LED lighting using PG&E’s on‑bill financing and sole‑source contracts with EcoGreen Solutions.
Payne described on‑bill financing as a PG&E program that provides financing for energy‑efficiency improvements with repayment through utility bills using the projected savings; the city has used on‑bill financing for street‑light and HVAC projects previously. EcoGreen’s managing director Anthony Mitchell described conservative assumptions used by PG&E (they only credit a portion of run hours) and noted that the program is structured to be bill‑neutral for participating public agencies. Mitchell said PG&E had indicated draft rate increases but that the program buffers hours to protect against variability.
Project estimates presented on the record: total project cost about $404,000 with a $40,000 contingency; estimated annual utility savings about $41,500 and roughly $415,000 in savings over 10 years; estimated energy reduction about 1,200,000 kilowatt‑hours. The Clay Arts building showed the largest estimated percentage reduction (64%), and the library showed the largest annual dollar savings (about $29,000/year projected under the consultant’s calculations).
Councilmember Silva recused herself from the vote because her spouse is a PG&E retiree and the city attorney recommended non‑participation. After questions about rate assumptions, hazardous‑material recycling of fluorescent bulbs, and timing (installations estimated to take about three weeks total), Councilmember Divini moved to adopt the resolution authorizing sole‑source contracts with EcoGreen and PG&E on‑bill financing; Council approved the motion 4–0 with Silva recused.
Contracts and on‑bill financing were authorized; staff said installation could begin within two to three weeks after contracts and PG&E notices to proceed are completed.
