News Release
For more information contact: Abbie Hodgson, 785-271-3269
April 27, 2009
Shawnee County Completes Energy Efficiency Project
Upgrades to save county $275,000 annually in utility bills
Topeka, KS- Shawnee County has successfully completed three major energy efficiency projects through the Facility Conservation Improvement Program (FCIP). The energy efficiency upgrades are expected to reduce the county's utility bills by $275,000 annually.
The FCIP, administered by the State Energy Office, facilitates the implementation and financing of energy conservation improvements by bringing together local units of government with pre-approved, private energy service companies that evaluate facilities and identify energy-saving opportunities. Recommended upgrades are financed through projected energy savings.
Energy conservation projects were completed at the Shawnee County Detention Facility, the Shawnee County Courthouse, and the North Annex Building. The energy management, mechanical, lighting, electrical, and water systems were upgraded at a cost of $7.5 million. The costs of the upgrades will be repaid using the money saved in avoided energy costs.
"We feel this was a very good project for Shawnee County and its citizens, which will continue to pay dividends for 20 or more years in the future," said Vic Miller, Chairman of the Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners.
The system upgrades will reduce not only energy consumption but also operating and maintenance costs. During the 18 months of construction, Shawnee County realized almost $300,000 in avoided energy costs due to the energy efficiency enhancements.
The energy efficiency upgrades will also result in a reduction of air pollutants and carbon dioxide emissions. Chevron Energy Solutions, the energy service company that completed the project, estimated that the project would result in a 71,000 metric ton reduction in carbon dioxide over the next 20 years--equivalent to removing more than 750 passenger cars from Kansas roads each year.
The FCIP has completed 65 projects, resulting in $11 million in annual savings statewide. For more information about FCIP visit: http://kcc.ks.gov/energy/fcip/index.htm.