State Office Buildings Go Solar in 2018
The California Department of General Services (DGS) and SMUD today announced an agreement for DGS to receive over 50 percent of its electricity needs in SMUD’s service territory via a 20-year Large Commercial SolarShare® agreement. The SolarShares program is a community solar project—a series of solar generating facilities shared by multiple community members, allowing the customer to avoid developing and maintaining its own onsite solar facilities. This agreement is the largest community solar project of its kind in the nation—creating enough energy to power about 8,200 homes per year (about 74 gigawatt hours).
The electricity from this agreement will be used to power a variety of DGS properties in Sacramento County and will help bring many facilities to zero net energy (ZNE) once they meet energy efficiency targets. Specific buildings included in this agreement include those that house the California Energy Commission, Employment Development Department, California State Personnel Board and many more.
“This partnership is an important next step in achieving Governor Brown’s ambitious climate change goals,” said DGS Director Daniel C. Kim. “The SolarShares agreement allows California to demonstrate its leadership in greening state operations, which reduces utility costs and helps ensure a brighter future for all.”
With this agreement, DGS will help mitigate the production of approximately 30,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year. That’s equivalent to removing more than 11,500 gas-powered vehicles from the road. The agreement is also projected to save DGS an estimated $22 million in energy costs over the next 20 years.
“DGS’ actions will lead directly to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved regional air quality,” said SMUD CEO and General Manager Arlen Orchard. “They’re a fantastic partner and we appreciate their vision and dedication to the health and well-being of our community.”
SMUD’s Large Commercial SolarShares program allows large businesses in the Sacramento region to purchase solar energy directly from SMUD. DGS is already a SolarShares customer, receiving about half of the solar electricity generated by SMUD’s Rancho Seco solar farm. This new agreement expands DGS’ SolarShares participation approximately sixfold.
About the California Department of General Services
The Department of General Services acts as the business manager for the state of California. DGS helps state government better serve the public by providing services to state agencies including procurement and acquisition solutions, real estate management, leasing and design services, environmentally friendly transportation, and architectural oversight and funding for the construction of safe schools.
As the nation’s sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity for more than 70 years to Sacramento County and small adjoining portions of Placer and Yolo Counties. SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies, and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. SMUD’s power mix is about 50 percent non-carbon emitting. For more information, visit smud.org.