Central Valley cities get stimulus money for clean energy projects

WASHINGTON, D.C.
October 5, 2009 9:32am

Lodi and Manteca will receive a total of more than $1 million to help pay for clean energy projects, with the money coming out of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, better known as the stimulus package, says U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton.

Lodi will receive $586,200 for 10 projects that are expected to reduce electricity use in the city by more than 2 million kilowatt hours annually, and reduce fuel consumption. Examples of these projects include installation of high-efficiency lights, rebates for energy efficiency home improvements, and educational outreach programs.

“This saves money for both the consumers and the city, and it reduces greenhouse gas emissions,” says Lodi Mayor Larry Hansen.

Manteca is getting an identical amount of money to retrofit 3,600 existing street lights with high-efficiency induction street lights. The federal funds will also help retain jobs as existing city staff will perform all of the retrofit work, says Mr. McNerney.

Once the project is completed, Manteca estimates that it will reduce its electricity usage by 20,256 megawatt hours per year, and its carbon dioxide emissions by 9,773 metric tons per year. Also, the city will save approximately $150,000 per year in energy costs.

“The money from these grants is an investment in our local economy. These cities will now be able to take steps to reduce costs and save energy,” says Mr. McNerney.