Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant

The city of Glendale has applied for a three-year, $ 2.34 million Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. The goals of this Recovery Act grant are to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions to improve air quality, increase public awareness of the importance of conserving energy, and stimulate the economy by incorporating new job creation or retention of existing jobs. 

Grant funds must be used to develop and implement short and long range strategies and programs that specifically address the grant goals. All projects must start within 4 months of the award, be completed in three years or less, and provide energy-related employment opportunities. 

The nine projects proposed for this grant round are summarized below. Award notices are expected in October or November 2009. There will be opportunities to compete for additional federal energy grants in 2010 and 2011.

1. Replace the existing ultraviolet disinfection lamps at the Arrowhead Water Reclamation Facility (ARWRF) to reduce electrical usage and maintain the quality of the 4.5 million gallons daily output of effluent water. Estimated annual savings: $200,000 in energy cost, reduced annual operating maintenance and repair, and substantial GHG emissions reduction.
2. Replace and upgrade the existing lighting at sports courts located in 11 city parks throughout the city.  Estimated annual savings: $10,000 in energy cost and a 49% reduction in GHG.
3. Replace, upgrade and modernize the obsolete lighting system inside the Glendale Main Library. Estimated annual savings: $14,000 in energy cost and a 20% reduction in GHG.
4. Replace and upgrade downtown Public Safety/Court Complex interior light fixtures. Estimated annual savings: $36,000 in energy cost and a 26% reduction in GHG.
5. Replace the pump motor in Well 43 to reduce energy consumption and operating costs. Estimated annual savings: $18,000 in energy cost, reduced maintenance and repair, and substantial GHG reduction.
6. Replace and upgrade downtown Public Safety Garage lighting to reduce electrical usage and provide better night lighting for user safety. Estimated annual savings: $14,000, a 62% decrease in energy, maintenance and replacement costs.
7. Convert the 30 remaining intersection traffic lights to LED lamp technology to reduce energy use and increase reliability. Estimated annual savings: $65,000 and $92,000 in reduced maintenance and replacement costs.
8. Enhance the city’s code and inspection programs by purchasing updated code books, training staff to educate builders about energy efficiency, offer community workshops that help residents reduce energy costs and take advantage of rebates and incentive programs offered by APS, SRP and government agencies, and expand on- line its services.
9. Implement a community-wide “Energy Matters” Program that expands the city’s existing environmental education and community education /outreach programs to include energy efficiency and conservation.  The program will offer community and school workshops, homeowner and business training sessions, informational brochures, free energy assessments tools, and free energy saving devices such as programmable thermostats, low-flow shower heads and compact fluorescent light bulbs with installation instructions.