HANFORD, Calif., Dec. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- City of Hanford and Chevron Energy Solutions today announced completion of a transformative solar program expected to reduce energy costs at the city's wastewater treatment plant and save more than $7 million over the program's life. The installation uses a one-megawatt ground-mounted single-axis solar tracking system, which automatically positions solar panels towards the sun.

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"The City of Hanford's future is brighter because of this project and the vision of sustainability it helps fulfill," said Sue Sorensen, Mayor of the City of Hanford. "We are grateful to Chevron Energy Solutions for their dedication and for bringing in the necessary partners, such as Bank of America and Southern California Edison, to help provide energy-efficient equipment, project financing and incentives."

The program is expected to cut the City of Hanford's electrical utility purchases by nearly 50 percent at the wastewater treatment plant and offset annual carbon emissions by nearly 1,000 metric tons, an amount equal to removing about 200 cars from the road each year. Chevron Energy Solutions designed, engineered and installed the solar system, and will perform operation and maintenance services for the City.

"We are proud to work with the City of Hanford, which is building on a vision of sustainability and energy conservation," said Jim Davis, President of Chevron Energy Solutions. "Today's ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter for environmentally sustainable operations in the city – one we believe will allow the community to experience the benefits of clean power in a way that uses its financial resources responsibly and sustainably."

The project completion will be commemorated today at noon during a dedication ceremony at the city's wastewater treatment plant (10555 Houston Avenue) in Hanford. City government, business and community officials are expected to participate. Southern California Edison is expected to present a rebate check exceeding $1.6 million to the City of Hanford from the California Solar Initiative incentive program.   

About Chevron Energy Solutions
Chevron Energy Solutions is one of the largest installers of solar power in the US public sector 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.

About City of Hanford
The City of Hanford, incorporated in 1891, is located in Kings County, which is in the South San Joaquin Valley of California, approximately 35 miles southeast of downtown Fresno.  The City has a population of approximately 54,950, residing in a 16 square mile area.  Hanford serves as the major government, commercial, industrial, residential, and transportation hub for Kings County and the surrounding vicinity.

The City features a charming and walkable historic downtown with several restored nineteenth and twentieth century buildings, including a Carnegie Library, Fox Theater, the old Kings County Courthouse, the art deco/Greek revival Hanford Civic Auditorium, and the Bastille (the old Kings County jail).  Two other downtown Hanford landmarks are the vintage carousel in the City's downtown Civic Center Park and Superior Dairy, a well-known ice cream creamery and parlor dating back to 1929.

Contact:

Brent Andrew, Chevron Energy Solutions, 415.733.4697

SOURCE Chevron Energy Solutions