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California correctional facilities to gain efficiency retrofits, solar power

Energy efficiency retrofit projects are slated at 16 California prisons, and six will gain new solar power fields like this one in the Chuckawala Valley

October 17, 2008—The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has announced an ambitious retrofit, conservation, and solar energy plan in response to Governor Schwarzenegger's Green Initiative Executive Order.

Construction on 16 energy efficiency retrofit projects statewide is underway, and completion of all projects is expected by the end of 2008. Ultimately, these projects will save 25 million kilowatt hours and 650,000 therms of energy each year at CDCR facilities, the equivalent of taking 3,770 cars off the road. The projects are projected to result in $3.2 million in annual savings to California taxpayers, says CDCR.

CDCR also announced that Wasco State Prison is one of six prisons slated to be a site for new solar power fields, which will each produce more than one megawatt of pollution-free electricity per year. Each solar project will reportedly provide enough energy to power 226 homes a year. CDCR currently has solar fields operating at Ironwood and Chuckawala Valley State Prisons, providing up to 25 percent of their power at peak demand.

Retrofit projects at each prison are conducted by private contractors, and include HVAC retrofits, lighting retrofits, and motor upgrades. The projects complement existing energy savings projects at CDCR prisons which include solar photovoltaic systems, implementing peak load reduction programs, and installing the latest in lighting technology.

Part of the cost is paid for by investor-owned utilities (IOU's) at no cost to the state General Fund. IOU' include Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison Company (SCE), Southern California Gas Company (SCG), and San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E).

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