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San Marcos Unified School District Unveils District-Wide Fleet Electrification Transportation Center with Energy Infrastructure and Upgrades with ENGIE

San Marcos, CA and Houston – The San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD) today announced the unveiling of its district-wide fleet electrification project, marking a significant step toward sustainability and energy efficiency. This initiative, in conjunction with ENGIE North America (ENGIE), includes extensive energy infrastructure upgrades, aligns with the District’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while achieving substantial cost savings.

At the heart of the project is the transformation of the District’s transportation center. The District’s fleet of 84 school buses, has been transformed with new 33 electric buses (eBuses) as part of the first phase of the program. The new transportation center includes a microgrid for backup power, the installation of 40 eBus charging stations, infrastructure for an additional 35 future charging stations, onsite solar power generation, battery energy storage as well as microgrid controls.

In addition to the new transportation center, the project represents a major investment in the District’s future, with district-wide energy cost control measures including interior and exterior LED lighting upgrades at 19 sites and one sports complex, solar installations totaling 8,000 kWh across three locations, battery energy storage systems at two sites, and comprehensive HVAC upgrades at the North County Regional Education Center. These efforts are projected to result in $40 million in net energy savings over the term of the contract.

“We are thrilled to be at the forefront of these cost savings measures that promote environmental stewardship and operational efficiency,” said Dr. Andy Johnsen, Superintendent of San Marcos Unified School District. “This project not only advances our sustainability goals but also enhances the learning environment for our students by ensuring that our resources are used effectively and responsibly.”

“Across the district, LED lighting retrofits at 19 sites will significantly cut energy costs,” said Courtney Jenkins, vice president of energy solutions at ENGIE North America. “The solar systems will produce renewable electricity that would otherwise be purchased from the grid, and battery energy storage will allow some of that clean power to be used during peak-demand hours to minimize utility surcharges. We are proud to partner with San Marcos to help enable such powerful environmental, economic and educational impact.”

Funding for this project has been secured through a combination of federal and state resources. The District is expected to receive $3.5 million in federal funding through the Inflation Reduction Act, as well as $1.75 million in local grants and rebates for the EV infrastructure. Additionally, approximately $11.5 million has been received through grants and incentives for the purchase of the 40 eBuses over the program’s initial years.


Keeping with local utility policies, the district plans to install additional solar capacity as more electric buses and chargers are deployed. The microgrid’s battery energy storage system will also be used to strategically store and discharge power when prices are high and the fleet needs to be charged. During power outages the microgrid will operate independently of the utility grid, drawing energy from the solar and battery storage system — and from the backup generator as needed — to keep buses rolling. This builds resiliency into the system and ensures that the district can get students home during emergencies and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events.


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About the San Marcos Unified School District
The San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD) is one of the top five school districts in San Diego County, with blue ribbon, gold ribbon, and California Distinguished Schools, providing an unparalleled educational experience. SMUSD operates 19 schools and serves 19,000 students annually. Led by Superintendent Dr. Andy Johnsen and a five-member Governing Board, together they seek to cultivate an engaging and supportive environment by retaining the region’s top educators, where students are challenged, inspired, and poised to excel.

About ENGIE North America
Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges. Together with our 97,000 employees around the globe, our customers, partners and stakeholders, we are committed to accelerate the transition toward a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by our purpose, we reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on our key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers. In North America, ENGIE helps our clients achieve their energy efficiency, reliability, and ultimately, their sustainability goals, as we work together to shape a sustainable future. We accomplish this through: energy efficiency projects, providing energy supply (including renewables and natural gas), and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets (wind, solar, storage and more). For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit our LinkedIn page or Twitter feed, https://www.engie-na.com/ and https://www.engie.com.


Contacts:

San Marcos Unified School District
Amy Ventetuolo, PIO
cmiller@jsusd.org
760-803-4880

ENGIE North America
Michael Clingan, External Relations
Michael.clingan@external.engie.com
832-745-6057

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John Swett Unified School District Collaborates with ENGIE to Achieve Energy Sustainability and Support STEM Education

Rodeo, Calif. and HOUSTON, May 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The John Swett Unified School District (JSUSD) today announced the successful completion of their solar and lighting retrofit project in collaboration with ENGIE North America (ENGIE), a leader in the Net Zero energy transition. The project encompasses two of the district’s locations, marking a significant step towards reducing energy costs, environmental impact, and advancing STEM education within the district.

The cornerstone of this project is the installation of solar panels that will empower the district to hedge against rising energy costs while significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The solar installation will enable the district to self-generate approximately 90 percent of its electricity consumption from on-site renewables.

“JSUSD has made substantial progress towards its sustainable energy and environmental goals, thanks to the support of ENGIE,” said JSUSD Superintendent Charles Miller. “This collaborative initiative has been made possible through the utilization of Inflation Recovery Act (IRA) funding, enabling the installation of solar and lighting solutions at three district locations.”

“In addition to these environmental benefits, ENGIE is dedicated to supporting student achievement in STEM,” said Jean-François Chartrain, Managing Director, Energy Solutions Americas at ENGIE.  “As part of the collaboration, ENGIE is providing valuable educational opportunities to JSUSD students through two student internships. This commitment to STEM enrichment demonstrates ENGIE’s dedication to not only advancing clean energy solutions but also fostering the educational growth of the next generation.”

 

About ENGIE North America

Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges. Together with our 97,000 employees around the globe, our customers, partners and stakeholders, we are committed to accelerate the transition toward a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by our purpose, we reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on our key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers. In North America, ENGIE helps our clients achieve their energy efficiency, reliability, and ultimately, their sustainability goals, as we work together to shape a sustainable future. We accomplish this through: energy efficiency projects, providing energy supply (including renewables and natural gas), and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets (wind, solar, storage and more). For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit our LinkedIn page or Twitter feed, https://www.engie-na.com/ and https://www.engie.com.

 

Contact Data

Michael Clingan
ENGIE North America
michael.clingan@external.engie.com

Charles Miller, Superintendent
John Swett Unified School District
cmiller@jsusd.org

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City of Oceanside and ENGIE Announce a 30-year Comprehensive Energy Project

Oceanside, California and Houston, May 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The City of Oceanside, in collaboration with ENGIE North America (ENGIE), announced plans for a transformative energy initiative aimed at enhancing sustainability, reducing costs and fostering community engagement.

This comprehensive 30-year initiative is projected to generate more than $26,000,000 in net savings for the City. It includes significant energy efficiency gains through a series of strategic measures, including: integrating 1.6 megawatts of solar alongside a 250-kilowatt energy storage system, replacing and refurbishing HVAC units; implementing a battery energy storage system and an energy management system; installing new, efficient distribution transformers and generator heat pumps; and upgrading interior and exterior lighting to LED.

Additionally, ENGIE is taking the lead in spearheading an extensive community engagement effort as part of this initiative. This plan includes a range of programs, including: paid internships with the City; the placement of a CivicSpark Fellow to provide support for the Climate Action Plan; fostering economic development initiatives; establishing a living lab equipped with real-time solar data; bolstering support for the Parks and Recreation Department; facilitating after-school programs to help promote STEM activities; and continuing to revitalize the John Landes Community Center.

By acting proactively, the City of Oceanside was able to secure participation in a Net Energy Metering (NEM) 2.0 Program, which significantly enhances the financial benefits of the solar installations and grandfathers the City into the program for 20 years. Another component of the initiative is the implementation of a battery energy storage system. This system is anticipated to bring numerous benefits, including peak demand shaving, energy arbitrage and demand response capabilities. Oceanside is expected to receive a battery storage system incentive of $150,000 through the State of California’s Self Generation Incentive Program.

Moreover, the initiative aligns with the nationwide Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), allowing the City to benefit from direct pay tax incentive funding. The City qualifies for more than $3.2 million in IRA funding relative to solar and energy storage. This initiative is projected to reduce 4,200,000 kWh of electricity per year, which is equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions of 641 cars annually. Additionally, the integration of solar infrastructure into the City’s Capital Improvement Plan directly contributes to the objectives of achieving 125 MW by 2030 and 165 MW by 2045.

“This initiative represents a significant step forward for Oceanside in our commitment to sustainability and community engagement,” said Mayor Esther Sanchez. “By working with ENGIE, we are not only improving our energy infrastructure but also creating opportunities for economic development and youth engagement. We are excited to see the positive impact this initiative will have on our city.”

“We are proud to collaborate with the City of Oceanside on this groundbreaking initiative,” said Jean-François Chartrain, Managing Director, Energy Solutions Americas at ENGIE. “By leveraging innovative solutions and fostering community involvement, we aim to create a more sustainable and resilient future for Oceanside residents. This alliance exemplifies our commitment to driving positive change through energy innovation.”

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About Oceanside
The City of Oceanside, incorporated in 1888, is a full-service coastal city situated between San Diego and Los Angeles that provides its own police and fire safety, library, water and sewer services. The City has a municipal airport, a beautiful harbor, one of the longest wooden piers in the west, golf courses, aquatic centers, numerous parks, community centers, and palm-lined beaches. Oceanside has a classic beach culture feel with a highly-rated Southern California livability factor, a thriving downtown arts and culture scene, unique architecture and historic buildings, and an efficient transportation hub. Visit www.oceansideca.org


About ENGIE North America
Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges. Together with our 97,000 employees around the globe, our customers, partners and stakeholders, we are committed to accelerate the transition toward a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by our purpose, we reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on our key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers. In North America, ENGIE helps our clients achieve their energy efficiency, reliability, and ultimately, their sustainability goals, as we work together to shape a sustainable future. We accomplish this through: energy efficiency projects, providing energy supply (including renewables and natural gas), and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets (wind, solar, storage and more). For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit our LinkedIn page or Twitter feed, https://www.engie-na.com/ and https://www.engie.com.

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Contact Data

Michael Clingan
ENGIE North America, External Relations
michael.clingan@external.engie.com

Rob O’Brien
City of Oceanside, Deputy City Manager
robrien@oceansideca.org

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Cupertino Union School District Announces Solar and EV Charging Stations Districtwide in Collaboration with ENGIE

Cupertino, Calif. and HOUSTON – The Cupertino Union School District (CUSD), in collaboration with ENGIE North America (ENGIE), today announced a sustainability infrastructure project aimed at reducing the CUSD’s carbon footprint while enhancing educational opportunities for students. The project includes the installation of 5.1 megawatts of solar photovoltaic, 72 level two electric vehicle charging stations, and the implementation of two emergency generators for backup at the District Office and maintenance yard.

“The District’s 2019/2020 Facilities Master Plan identified energy efficiency as a priority. This project not only aligns with the CUSD’s commitment to sustainability but also creates valuable educational opportunities for our students,” said Senior Director of Communication, Erin Lindsey.

Beyond its resiliency, environmental, and financial benefits, the initiative integrates hands-on STEM learning opportunities throughout the District providing students with immersive experiences related to clean technology. These activities will also take place during the after-school Extended Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P). Instructors will engage students by incorporating the sustainability infrastructure projects on the District’s campuses to enhance their understanding of sustainable energy concepts.
The comprehensive project, funded through a tax-exempt lease agreement and Federal Funding under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), is estimated to receive approximately $8.5 million in IRA funding. The anticipated net lifetime savings from the solar and EV charging infrastructure is more than $36 million dollars.

“This project strengthens the District’s commitment to sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and its goal of providing a conducive learning environment for all students and staff,” said Jean-François Chartrain, Managing Director, Energy Solutions Americas at ENGIE. “CUSD is taking significant strides toward reducing its carbon footprint but also paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future. ENGIE is proud to collaborate with Cupertino on this transformative journey.”

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About Cupertino Union School District
In 1917, the four original one-room school districts in Cupertino – San Antonio, Lincoln, Doyle, and Collins – consolidated into what is today the Cupertino Union School District (CUSD). More than a century later, CUSD now comprises of 17 elementary schools, one K-8 school, and five middle schools which serve families across six Bay Area cities including Cupertino and portions of Sunnyvale, San Jose, Saratoga, Los Altos, and Santa Clara.

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, CUSD consistently ranks amongst the top performing elementary (TK-8th) school districts in California. The District employs approximately 1,390 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) staff and serves a highly diverse student population of approximately 13,500 that encompasses more than 20 nationalities and 45 languages.

The District’s Strategic Plan focuses on relevant and rigorous instruction, personalized learning, and a whole-child approach to preparing students for success. CUSD is proud of its outstanding academic programs, highly-qualified teachers, and strong parent support.

About ENGIE North America
Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges. Together with our 96,000 employees around the globe, our customers, partners and stakeholders, we are committed to accelerate the transition toward a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by our purpose (“raison d’être”), we reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on our key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers. In North America, ENGIE helps our clients achieve their energy efficiency, reliability, and ultimately, their sustainability goals, as we work together to shape a sustainable future. We accomplish this through: energy efficiency projects, providing energy supply (including renewables and natural gas), and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets (wind, solar, storage and more). For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit our LinkedIn page or Twitter feed, https://www.engie-na.com/ and https://www.engie.com.


Contacts:

Cupertino Union School District
Erin Lindsey, Senior Director of Communication
Lindsey_erin@cusdk8.org
408-252-3000, ext. 61206

ENGIE North America
Michael Clingan, External Relations
Michael.clingan@external.engie.com
832-745-6057

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Ventura Unified to Become 1st District on Central Coast to Utilize IRA Funding, Launching Clean Energy Program with ENGIE

Comprehensive energy program will leverage Federal funding to implement integrated solutions at all 27 school sites and capture an expected $106 million in net energy savings.

 

VENTURA, Calif. and HOUSTON – Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) recently approved a contract with ENGIE North America (ENGIE) for comprehensive solar, LED building lighting, customized sports facility LED lighting, and an integrated STEM internship and student engagement program. As the first K-12 school district along the Central Coast to leverage Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding, VUSD will also utilize bond funding to help pay for the project and expand its technical scope which will positively improve sustainability outcomes across the District.

Serving approximately 15,000 students across 27 school and campus facility sites, VUSD leadership and the supporting community have long prioritized the design of a financially-viable energy program to capture energy savings and align with local and state climate action goals. ENGIE worked with the District to lock in favorable Net Energy Metering 2.0 rates for the next 20 years. VUSD is also committed to delivering sustainable solutions across all school sites – many of which are located in economically underserved parts of the city.

This project is financially attractive for the District and will reduce its overall electricity costs by 70 percent over 30 years. This work will be done across schools with a Southern California-based team of ENGIE project engineers. The combined project scope will include:

• 4,708 kW solar PV scope across 25 sites and parking canopy solar structures;

• Interior/exterior LED lighting and occupancy sensor controls at nine sites;

• Sports Field LED lighting at Buena High School and Ventura High School, reusing existing lighting infrastructure poles to minimize extended construction impact on the fields; and

• Integrated STEM offerings aligned with real-time project data production, including professional development for teachers, hands-on engineering design learning for students, and six dedicated summer intern opportunities for local students.


The VUSD program is expected to save $133 million in energy costs over the lifetime of the project. The District should be eligible for $14 million in IRA federal funding dollars that will go directly to it after the project is completely constructed.

“As thoughtful stewards of our community’s resources, Ventura Unified has been interested in solar energy and high-efficiency LED lighting systems for many years. Unfortunately, making those changes was cost-prohibitive until recently,” stated Board President, Sabrena Rodriguez. “Thanks to the generosity of our community by passing Measure E, a general obligation bond to update our schools, we can now make these changes a reality. These changes are not only a positive step towards sustainability and resilience for the District, but they will also provide opportunities for our students and staff to learn about how green technologies can be good for the financial bottom line — creating a win-win for the community and our schools.”
“The IRA is a true gamechanger for our ENGIE customers – now that we are seeing local leaders like VUSD start to directly build out projects that leverage potential IRA funding, it is clear what a win-win this is for energy communities across the U.S.,” said Jean-Francois Chartrain, Managing Director, Energy Solutions Americas at ENGIE. “We are excited to help VUSD expedite their plan for long-term sustainability that will enhance and elevate the District’s financial and environmental impact through our range of comprehensive solutions.”


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About VUSD
The Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) is located in Southern California, in the coastal city of Ventura, approximately 70 miles north of Los Angeles. The District is made up of an early childhood education program, 26 elementary, middle, and high schools, with approximately 15,000 school-age students, an adult education center, 2,000 staff, and a wealth of parents and community members who all strive to help our children find their passion—academically and personally. For more information, visit www.venturausd.org.

About ENGIE North America
Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges. Together with our 96,000 employees around the globe, our customers, partners and stakeholders, we are committed to accelerate the transition toward a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by our purpose (“raison d’être”), we reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on our key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers. In North America, ENGIE helps our clients achieve their energy efficiency, reliability, and ultimately, their sustainability goals, as we work together to shape a sustainable future. We accomplish this through: energy efficiency projects, providing energy supply (including renewables and natural gas), and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets (wind, solar, storage and more). For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit our LinkedIn page or Twitter feed, https://www.engie-na.com/ and https://www.engie.com.


Contacts:

VUSD
Marieanne Quiroz, Director of Communications / PIO
marieanne.quiroz@venturausd.org
805-641-5000

ENGIE North America
Michael Clingan, Press and External Relations
Michael.clingan@external.engie.com
832-745-6057

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West County Wastewater Moves Forward with Backup Power Plan as part of Ongoing, Major Energy Facility Project with ENGIE

Comprehensive ‘Clean & Green Project’ Celebrated during Event Showcasing Water-Energy Nexus Upgrade Project to save $83 Million and, Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 93 Percent.


RICHMOND, CALIF. and HOUSTON, April 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — West County Wastewater’s (WCW) Board of Directors today announced the approval of Phase Two of their comprehensive energy improvement project. Phase Two initiates the addition of backup power to major energy facilities at WCW’s Water Quality and Resource Recovery Plant. ENGIE North America (ENGIE), a leader in the Net Zero energy transition, will be installing a battery energy storage system that will work in coordination with the cogeneration system, solar system and diesel generators.

The new microgrid will provide uninterrupted plant operations during weather or utility related outages, now commonplace in California. In 2022 alone, California led the United States with nearly one quarter of outages due to increasing temperatures, droughts, wildfires and a strained power grid. Working with ENGIE, the additions to major facilities are a part of WCW’s 5-year strategic plan. The infrastructure project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 93 percent and save more than $83 million over its lifetime.

ENGIE and West County Wastewater are collaborating on what will be a best-practice water-energy nexus technology model for sustainable water treatment. Along with the new microgrid, the project includes construction of a solar system, upgrades to LED lighting, electric vehicle charging stations, and various wastewater treatment process improvements to generate electricity and produce Class A biosolids.

“The WCW infrastructure improvements expand resilience in the face of wildfire and weather events that necessitate utility-imposed, Public Safety Power Shutoffs,” said Andrew Clough, General Manager from WCW. “This is a long-term collaboration to meet our sustainability goals and support the surrounding community. Since 2022 we have worked closely with ENGIE to engage local community members including college students for an internship and community engagement programs. This initiative is designed to complement the energy project goals and continue to bring job opportunities and economic benefits to the City of Richmond.”

Construction for Phase One of the Clean & Green Project is underway. Since building began in 2022, construction is nearly 25 percent complete with significant energy and operational savings already recognized. In concert with ongoing program implementation milestones, the ongoing facility upgrades were recently celebrated by the WCW Board, staff and special guests at an official Clean & Green groundbreaking ceremony on April 27, 2023.

“By partnering with West County, we are providing impactful and comprehensive energy, infrastructure designed to offset carbon emissions and provide substantial savings,” said ENGIE’s Chief Energy Solutions Officer, Stefaan Sercu. “Wastewater treatment is an especially energy-demanding operation—but wastewater districts that take advantage of ENGIE’s expertise at the energy-water nexus can make the improvements necessary for the reliability of their equipment, safety of the local community, and environmental sustainability.”


About West County Wastewater
West County Wastewater serves several communities in the Richmond, California, area. The organization owns, operates, and maintains a wastewater collection system with 249 miles of gravity sewer pipelines, 17 lift stations, 6 miles of pressure force mains, and a Water Quality and Resource Recovery Plant with a capacity of 12.5 million gallons per day (mgd). All told, WCW provides wastewater services to approximately 34,000 residences and 900 commercial and industrial businesses, with a total population of nearly 100,000.

About ENGIE S.A.
ENGIE S.A. is a global leader in low-carbon energy and services. With its 96,000 employees, its customers, partners and stakeholders, the Group is committed to accelerate the transition toward a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally-friendly solutions. Inspired by its purpose (“raison d’être”), ENGIE reconciles economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on its key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to its customers. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges.

In North America, ENGIE has delivered integrated, innovative energy solutions to public and private organizations for nearly half a century. We employ approximately 3,000 people focused on enabling our customers to become more sustainable and achieve their decarbonization targets through expert project delivery and competitive solutions. For more information on ENGIE in North America, please visit our LinkedIn page or Twitter feed, https://www.engie-na.com/ and https://www.engie.com.

 

Contact Data
Michael Clingan
ENGIE North America
(832) 745-6057
michael.clingan@external.engie.com

Kate Gibbs
West County
(510) 390-4844
kgibbs@wcwd.org

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District of Columbia Teams Up with Plenary Americas, ENGIE North America, and EQUANS for Nation’s Largest Urban Streetlight Modernization Project

$309 Million Project will Modernize More Than 75,000 Streetlights, Reduce Energy Use by more than 50 Percent, Improve Equity of Service, and Extend Wi-Fi Coverage in Underserved Neighborhoods

 

Washington, D.C. and HOUSTON, TX – Washington, D.C.’s District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Office of Public-Private Partnerships (OP3) today announced the District of Columbia has entered a long-term public private partnership with the Plenary Infrastructure DC (PIDC) consortium to modernize more than 75,000 lights throughout the District.

 

Considered the nation’s largest urban streetlight modernization project, the $309 million DC Smart Street Lighting Project will convert all the city’s street and alley lights to energy-efficient LED technology with remote monitoring and control capabilities. This modern infrastructure will reduce the lights’ energy usage by more than 50 percent, eliminating 38,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year and extend Wi-Fi coverage in traditionally underserved neighborhoods.

 

The PIDC team includes:

  • Plenary Americas as the lead developer and equity partner.
  • Kiewit Development Company as an equity partner.
  • Phoenix Infrastructure Group as a DC-based and minority-owned equity partner.
  • ENGIE North America (ENGIE) as the design and construction contractor.
  • EQUANS, an ENGIE company, as the Asset Manager of the infrastructure for the next 15 years.

 

The PIDC team will use a comprehensive approach to engage local small businesses including those certified as Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) to deliver the project. They are committed to hiring and training a local workforce, and both conversion and operations work will be performed by local subcontractors.

 

 “With this project, we’re doing so much more than just replacing lights – we’re making our streets safer, our communities more connected, and our city more resilient,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “I’m proud that with the District’s first public-private partnership, years in the making and partly financed through the DC Revenue Bond program, we’re building a stronger, brighter DC.”

For decades, streetlights throughout Washington, D.C., have used a variety of inefficient bulb technologies, including incandescent and high-pressure sodium. The District has also long relied on residents calling 311 to report streetlight outages. Alongside the efficient lighting technologies, the project will install smart city technology components, including a remote monitoring, which will help minimize outage response times, and control system and wireless access points. By delivering extended Wi-Fi coverage, the DC Smart Street Lighting Project will help close the digital divide and advance D.C.’s progress toward its goal of citywide broadband access.

 

“On behalf of the Plenary Infrastructure DC team, we are honored to be partnering with the District on their first public-private partnership and the first urban P3 DBFM street-lighting project in North America. We look forward to working alongside the District over the next 15 years to provide smart, reliable, energy-efficient streetlights for the communities of Washington, D.C.,” said Brian Budden, President & CEO of Plenary Americas.

 

The streetlight improvements will also substantially reduce light pollution. Moreover, by minimizing outages citywide, the initiative supports the City’s Vision Zero campaign, which is designed to increase pedestrian and cyclist safety. The project will not involve any changes to light pole placement or to the style of poles and luminaries, many of which reflect a historic design dating back to the 1920s.

 

“The collaborative partnership with the District and PIDC delivers critical infrastructure while allowing to shape a more sustainable future. Working together we can help ensure the next generation enjoys the benefits of the city in an environment that’s clean and healthy,” said Stefaan Sercu, Managing Director, ENGIE North America. “The DC Smart Street Lighting Project expands the ENGIE footprint within the District along with customers like Howard University and Georgetown University.  We are proud to have a long-lasting presence in this great community.”

 

“EQUANS is proud to accompany the District in this 15-year journey towards a more energy efficient, digitized, and high performing streetlight network that will positively benefit the environment, the economy and the community” said Bruno Charrade, Managing Director, EQUANS Americas and Australia.

 

About the Office of Public-Private Partnerships

The District of Columbia’s Office of Public-Private Partnerships (OP3) is charged with building collaborations between the private sector and D.C. government to complete major infrastructure projects and other programs through long-term, performance-based procurements commonly referred to as public-private partnerships.

 

About Plenary Americas

 Plenary Americas has become North America’s leading specialized developer of long-term partnership projects, with a project portfolio of USD$17 billion across both the United States and Canada, including more than 50 projects in the health, transportation, defense, justice, education, energy and government accommodation sectors. With an uncompromising focus on lifecycle performance, Plenary embraces the finance, planning, design, construction, complementary commercial development and asset management operations of our projects. As a result, governments and public sector agencies look to our team to be an innovative and trusted voice in undertaking public infrastructure that meets the genuine needs and aspirations of a community.

We bring infrastructure to life. For more information, please visit www.plenaryamericas.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

 

About ENGIE North America

Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges. Together with our 170,000 employees around the globe, our customers, partners and stakeholders, we are committed to accelerate the transition toward a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally-friendly solutions. Inspired by our purpose (“raison d’être”), we reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on our key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers.  In North America, ENGIE helps our clients achieve their energy efficiency, reliability, and ultimately, their sustainability goals, as we work together to shape a sustainable future. We accomplish this through: energy efficiency projects, providing energy supply (including renewables and natural gas), and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets (wind, solar, storage and more).  For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit our LinkedIn page or Twitter feed, https://www.engie-na.com/ and https://www.engie.com.

 

About EQUANS

EQUANS is the world leader in multi-technical services, with 74,000 employees in 17 countries. EQUANS designs, installs, and provides customized solutions to improve the technical equipment, systems, and processes of its clients and to optimize their use through their energy, industrial and digital transitions. Thanks to a strong territorial footprint relying on historical local brands and excellent technical know-how, EQUANS’ highly qualified experts support territories, cities, and industries in HVAC, Cooling and Fire protection, Facility Management, Digital, Electrical, Mechanical and Robotics, where security and business continuity are critical.

 

In North America, EQUANS has been offering integrated solutions and services to optimize and guarantee its clients’ long-term returns for more than 30 years in infrastructure projects such as streetlights, airports, high tech industries, office, and government buildings.

EQUANS is a separate entity of ENGIE. https://www.equans.com/

 

About Phoenix Infrastructure Group Investments

Phoenix Infrastructure Group Investments, LLC is the investment arm of Phoenix Infrastructure Group, LLC (“Phoenix Infrastructure”) the local investment partner and equity holder of PIDC. Phoenix Infrastructure is founded and headquartered in the District of Columbia and one of the few minority-owned infrastructure investors in the United States. With a focus on projects that support and positively impact communities, Phoenix Infrastructure is engaged in projects within the transportation, transit, smart city, and social infrastructure space across the United States, with a current value of projects exceeding $700 million.

 

About Kiewit Development Company

Kiewit Development Company (KDC) is the development, investment and asset management arm of Kiewit. With offices in Los Angeles, Dallas, Denver, Toronto, and Vancouver KDC provides in-house development, finance and asset management expertise to deliver projects for its clients and partners. KDC’s North American portfolio includes eight P3 projects, with an aggregate capital cost of $7 billion. KDC and its affiliates have worked on over 30 large P3 project pursuits and has committed over $350 million in equity to P3 projects. With other consortium members on their project pursuits, KDC has raised private project debt in excess of $18 billion.

 

 

Media Contacts:

Plenary Americas: Stephanie Williamson, stephanie.williamson@plenarygroup.com, (604) 418-2722

ENGIE North America and EQUANS: Michael Clingan, michael.clingan@external.engie.com, (832) 745-6057

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City of Milpitas Launches Comprehensive Smart City Energy and Water Savings Program with ENGIE North America

Extensive Public Works Program Expected to Improve City Infrastructure and Save More Than $1.5 Million Per Year in Energy, Water Costs

 

MILPITAS, CA and HOUSTON, TX – The City of Milpitas announced today that it has begun construction on a comprehensive Smart City energy and water savings program with ENGIE North America, an energy leader accelerating North America’s transition toward a carbon neutral economy. Approved by Milpitas’ City Council, the city will upgrade infrastructure and install energy and water conservation measures that are expected to reduce utility consumption by more than 4.2 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year which is expected to save more than $1.5 million in energy and water costs per year, for a net lifetime savings of over $30 million.

The extensive program includes over 200 kilowatts of solar; an energy storage and microgrid solution for backup power at the Milpitas Senior Center and Milpitas Community Center; 15,600 advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) water meters with leak detection; 2,185 LED streetlight retrofits; 4,453 streetlight controls upgrades with outage detection; City-wide LED lighting upgrades in parks, sports fields, City buildings, and community facilities; water, wastewater, and stormwater management automation; touchless efficient water fixtures; and electric vehicle charging stations. 

“The goal of the City’s energy and water savings program is to upgrade critical infrastructure with an eye on three major pillars: economic benefits, environmental benefits, and human benefits. Through this program, we will leverage guaranteed energy and water savings to pay for the program and save the City money, while reducing our energy and water usage, improving community safety, and enhancing building comfort and usability,” said Mayor Rich Tran from the City of Milpitas. “The City of Milpitas is proud of our continued commitment to fiscal and environmental stewardship and this comprehensive Smart Cities program will showcase Milpitas as a responsible and innovative community.”

The program is designed to bolster community outreach around sustainability issues and climate action and provides the City with a dedicated AmeriCorps CivicSpark fellow for one year. To fund the project, the city will use State incentives for battery energy storage, resiliency funds from Silicon Valley Clean Energy, AMI funding from Valley Water, water bonds and low-interest lease revenue bonds. The energy and water savings will allow the program to more than pay for itself.

“ENGIE is delivering a comprehensive, customized Smart City solution and helping the City of Milpitas to define its future as a sustainable and resilient place to live,” said Courtney Jenkins, a General Manager and Vice President at ENGIE North America. “ENGIE North America will deliver a sophisticated bundling of energy and water conservation measures expected to reduce utility consumption and advance the City’s climate ambitions.”

Click here for more information on the City’s sustainability plans.

 

About the City of Milpitas

Located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay, Milpitas is a progressive community that is an integral part of Silicon Valley. A full-service city with water utility, sewer utility, police and fire services, Milpitas celebrates a diverse population of nearly 80,000. Under a Council-Manager form of government, the City Council has established the following seven priority areas of service and policy: public safety, environment, transportation and transit, economic development and job growth, neighborhoods and housing, community wellness and open space, and governance and administration. For more information visit: www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov.

 

About ENGIE North America

ENGIE North America Inc. offers a range of capabilities in the United States and Canada to help our customers achieve their sustainability goals as we work together to shape a sustainable future. Our comprehensive services include helping run facilities more efficiently and optimize energy and other resource use and costs; clean power generation; energy storage; and retail energy supply that includes renewable, demand response, and on-bill financing options. Nearly 100% of the company’s power generation portfolio is low-carbon or renewable. ENGIE S.A. is a global organization focused on low-carbon energy and services, that relies on its key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to its customers. With 170,000 employees, along with its customers, partners and stakeholders, the group is committed to accelerating the transition to a carbon-neutral world through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally-friendly solutions.

For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit our LinkedIn page or Twitter feed, https://www.engie-na.com/ and https://www.engie.com.

 

Media Contacts:

City of Milpitas: Charmaine Angelo, cangelo@ci.milpitas.ca.gov, (408) 906 9603

ENGIE North America: Sandrine Deparis, sandrine.deparis@engie.com, (202) 855 3705

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ENGIE is a proud partner of New York City in their ambitious clean energy project

New York City and the New York Power Authority are setting out to deploy 22 MW of solar PV and energy storage at public facilities – including at 47 public schools across all five boroughs. ENGIE is proud to be a partner in this ambitious project to provide clean and sustainable energy, helping the City and State achieve clean energy and emission reduction goals

 

The project, slated to start construction next month, will generate as much as 22 MW of solar power, enough to power 5,600 NYC residences, and reduce nearly 7,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent each year – which equates to removing more than 1,500 cars from the road. Several of these facilities are expected to include energy storage systems that will store energy for use during periods of peak electricity demand. 

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ENGIE Is Now Supplying Solar Power to the City of Houston through a New 50 MW Plant

April 21, 2017 – Houston, TX – The City of Houston and ENGIE are pleased to announce that ENGIE’s 50 MW SolaireHolman plant is now on line, operational, and capable of providing up to 10.5% of the City’s electricity needs with clean, affordable solar power for the next 20 years under a power purchase agreement. This agreement solidifies the City’s status as the largest municipal purchaser of renewable energy in the United States.

 

Located in Alpine, Texas, SolaireHolman, developed and implemented jointly by ENGIE subsidiaries Solairedirect North America and ENGIE North America, is one of the largest solar installations in the state of Texas. The project includes 203,840 solar panels on 360 acres and will provide electricity for Houston locations as diverse as the Hermann Park Zoo, the Bob Lanier Public Works Building, wastewater treatment plants, and several Bush Intercontinental Airport terminals.

“I want to thank ENGIE and all those who worked on this project for this fabulous Earth Day present,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “As the energy capital of the world, it is important that Houston lead by example and show that investing in solar and renewable energy is a critical tool cities must use to prepare for the future. As the nation’s largest municipal purchaser of green power, we are living proof that large, industrial cities like Houston can have a robust economy but also help fight climate change.”

“We’re very proud to serve the City of Houston, a national innovator and substantial customer by any measure,” said Marc-Alain Behar, Managing Director for Solairedirect North America. “One of the most gratifying parts of our work at ENGIE is aligning with customers to provide the best value we can. Through SolaireHolman, the City of Houston will strengthen its energy portfolio with clean, low-cost solar power for the benefit of all the people who live and work in this vibrant community. What an excellent way to usher in Earth Day 2017.”

The SolaireHolman plant solidifies the City of Houston’s national leadership in renewable energy and growing use of solar energy. For the past two years, the City has ranked #1 in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Top 30 Local Government list of the largest green power users from the Green Power Partnership. Houston is also #7 on EPA’s overall Top 100 green power users. The City uses nearly one billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, which represents more than 89% of its total energy needs.

About ENGIE
With its North American headquarters in Houston, ENGIE manages a range of energy businesses in the United States and Canada, including electricity generation and cogeneration, natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) distribution and sales, retail energy sales, and comprehensive services to help customers run their facilities more efficiently and optimize energy use and expense. Nearly 100 percent of the company’s power generation portfolio produces no carbon emissions or very few. Globally, the company is present in 70 countries and employs 153,090 people, including 1,000 researchers in 11 R&D centers. For more information, please visit www.engie-na.com, @ENGIENorthAm, and www.engie.com.

About Solairedirect
ENGIE holds a 95% stake and 100% voting rights in Solairedirect, a key player in the generation of competitive solar power and present in four continents. Founded in 2006, Solairedirect’s objective is to create added value along the entire production chain, from development, construction and services, to solar power installation investments. As of December 31, 2016, Solairedirect recorded 1.5 GW of solar projects around the world (constructed and under construction).

About Houston
The fourth most populous city in the United States, Houston is home to more than 2 million people, 23 Fortune 500 companies, 500 cultural, visual, and performing arts organizations, 11,000 restaurants, one of the top two U.S. ports for both international waterborne tonnage handled and total cargo tonnage handled, and the largest medical center in the world. Also home to more than 5,000 energy related firms, Houston is considered by many to be the Energy Capital of the world.

Contact
Julie Vitek, 713 636 1962
julie.vitek@engie.com

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