Ventura, CA – The County of Ventura’s General Services Agency has executed an agreement with ForeFront Power to expand solar panels at the Government Center by an additional 5.8-Megawatts, furthering progress toward the County’s climate action goals. The 20-year agreement will result in $10.8 million in savings.
“The County continues to make significant progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting climate action goals,” said County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson. “We are grateful to our General Services Agency for identifying this opportunity to expand our renewable energy use and lead by example to reduce emissions in our government operations significantly.”
Adopted in 2020, the County’s Climate Action Plan calls for a 41% reduction in communitywide greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, with additional goals identified for 2040 and 2050.
The power generated by the planned solar array covering existing parking lots at the Government Center will offset approximately 3,900 metric tons of annual greenhouse gas emissions. The first year of production will generate an estimated 9 million kWh, enough to power the equivalent of a year’s electricity for 765 homes.
Under the terms of the Power Purchase Agreement, ForeFront Power will design, permit, build, own, and operate the new solar panels. The new system will increase the amount of renewable energy produced at the Government Center to approximately 60% of the electrical use. The County will purchase the power at a fixed rate of $0.1329 per kWh, with an option to extend for five years at the end of the 20-year contract.
In support of the County’s efforts to reduce its transportation emissions, the project includes the installation of an electrical conduit that will aid in the future expansion of electric vehicle (EV) chargers necessary to increase the County’s Electric Vehicle fleet.
The project will start with design and permitting, including an electrical study by Southern California Edison. Completion is expected by year’s end 2025.
Visit sustain.ventura.org for more information about the County’s sustainability efforts, including how community members and partners can get involved in climate action efforts.
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