History:

In 2007, the federal government approved the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. This program was funded in 2009 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Richardson was awarded $1,036,000 through a population-based federal formula allocation. In fall 2009, the City completed a Green House Gas emissions inventory of City operation and devised an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy to utilize the federal funding.

Richardson's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy will increase energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption, create new jobs, and improve air quality while reducing fossil fuel emissions. Tax payer savings from energy efficiency measures are estimated to be over $300,000 annually.

Summary of proposed E.E.C.B.G. Project Areas:

• Energy efficiency projects in Public Facilities - $365,000. Upgrading multiple municipal HVAC systems, replacing lighting in the Eisemann Center garage, introducing streetlight efficiency pilot program, and adding occupancy sensors for indoor lighting fixtures. The combined projects will save $261,000 in energy costs per year.
• Huffhines Renewable Energy Installations - $275,000. Will reduce facility net energy usage by 10% through potential features such as solar PV systems, solar hot water systems, small wind energy systems, electric/hybrid vehicle charging station, and interactive display for alternative energy and efficiency education.
• Energy Monitoring Systems - $150,000. Internal smart grid/metering and tracking at 7 facilities of the city, providing real-time usage and cost data should result in 5-10% in energy savings per year.
• Research/Policy Development and Grant Writing - $60,000. Provides management and reporting of E.E.C.B.G. Also provides research involved in ordinance updates to accommodate energy best practices, technologies, and research to identify innovative opportunities for City operations.
• Administrative/Indirect costs of E.E.C.B.G. program - $78,000. Offsets the general costs of implementing the E.E.C.B.G. Program.
• Development of E.E.C.S. - $108,000. Involved completion of a City emission and energy audit allowing comparison of facilities' energy performance and prioritization of energy conservation measures.
• Total of E.E.C.B.G. project areas - $1,036,000.