COSTA MESA : City Adopts System to Conserve Energy

The city plans to install an extensive energy-saving system in 12 buildings, a move that officials expect will result in $50,000 in savings the first year.

The energy-conservation program will allow the city to control its major air-conditioning and heating systems.

“We hope that by monitoring the utilities we’ll provide better use but also control the usage so they are not burning up when we don’t really need them,” said Mike Waters, facilities and equipment superintendent.

The system is designed to pay for itself, Waters said. Not only will the city save in direct energy costs, but may also be in line for rebates from Southern California Edison for making the improvements, he said.

The program will allow the city to monitor energy consumption at all five fire stations, the communications building, Rea Community Center, the Neighborhood Community Center, the Historical Society Building, the New and Old Corporation yards and the Civic Center complex, which includes City Hall and the Police Department.

The City Council last week hired Landis & Gyr Powers Inc. to install the energy-saving devices. The program will cost the city $740,000 the first year and $78,100 a year after that. The council approved a 10-year contract with the company.