City of Dinuba Goes Solar to Cut Electricity Costs at Wastewater Treatment Plant

The City of Dinuba, Chevron Energy Solutions and Tioga Energy today announced the completion of a 1.15 megawatt solar electric system that will reduce energy costs for operations at the city's largest energy consumer: its wastewater treatment plant. The ground-mounted racking system of 4,704 photovoltaic modules sits atop a capped landfill near the plant on hundreds of large concrete slabs, each weighing more than 3,000 pounds. The project is expected to cut the City of Dinuba's electrical utility usage at the site by 70 percent.

"The Chevron Energy Solutions team was relentless in its commitment to seeing this project to completion, bringing in the necessary partners such as Tioga Energy to provide funding, ongoing management and incentives," said Ed Todd, city manager for the City of Dinuba. "We are grateful to all the teams involved for their dedication in enabling the City of Dinuba to realize the benefits of solar energy without compromising budget."

Chevron Energy Solutions designed and engineered the project, and provided construction services for installation.

"The City of Dinuba had a noteworthy vision to transform an otherwise unusable site into a clean energy-generating asset for the community," said Jim Davis, President of Chevron Energy Solutions. "Chevron Energy Solutions is proud to partner with the city of Dinuba to provide its residents with a new solar energy landmark."

Tioga Energy, a leading provider of renewable energy services to commercial, government and non-profit institutions, financed, managed and owns the project through its SurePath™ Solar power purchase agreement (PPA), selling the generated electricity back to the city at predictable rates over a period of 20 years.

"The City of Dinuba smartly assessed its electricity needs and renewable energy goals with Chevron Energy Solutions, and drew upon Tioga's expertise and the Tioga SurePath PPA to bring the project to life despite a challenging economic climate," said Paul Detering, CEO of Tioga Energy. "Today's ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter for environmentally sustainable operations in the City of Dinuba – one that allows the community to experience the benefits of clean power without negatively impacting resource allotment."

The City of Dinuba will celebrate the completion of the project at an event being held this morning from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the Dinuba Wastewater Reclamation Facility on Avenue 412 in Dinuba. City government, business and community leaders are expected to participate.

About Chevron Energy Solutions

Chevron Energy Solutions is one of the largest installers of solar power in the U.S. education market and has developed hundreds of projects that improve energy efficiency and provide renewable power for education, government and business facilities. Chevron Energy Solutions develops and builds sustainable energy projects that increase energy efficiency and renewable power, reduce energy costs, and ensure reliable, high-quality energy for government, education and business facilities. Its parent, Chevron Corporation, is investing across the energy spectrum to develop energy sources for future generations by expanding the capabilities of alternative and renewable energy technologies. Chevron has spent approximately $4.4 billion on renewable energy and efficiency since 2002, and expects to spend $2.2 billion in this area between 2011 and 2013. For more information: www.chevronenergy.com.

About Tioga Energy

Tioga Energy enables commercial, government and non-profit organizations to reduce energy costs while lowering carbon emissions. Through the SurePath™ solar power purchase agreement (PPA), Tioga Energy owns and operates renewable energy systems that provide organizations a hedge against energy price volatility and accelerate their access to clean energy without any capital outlay. For more information call 877.333.9787 or visit: www.TiogaEnergy.com. To access and download Tioga Energy's SurePath™ Solar PPA, please visit: www.tiogaenergy.com/annotated-ppa-index.php.

About the City of Dinuba

The City of Dinuba's motto of "Together, A Better Community" is achieved by employees working together as an organization and with the community; providing services which can be most appropriately provided by local government; achieving goals established by the residents and elected officials; maintaining order and improving quality of life; and protecting the overall interest of the community. For more information, please visit www.dinuba.org.

SOURCE: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/city-of-dinuba-goes-solar-to-cut-electricity-costs-at-wastewater-treatment-plant-135081093.html