LOWER LAKE >> The Lake Transit Authority unveiled and approved its Energy Use Reduction Plan at the organizations regular meeting.
Funded by federal money and put together by analytic firm ICF International, the report thoroughly investigated the LTA’s energy consumption from its fuel use to the power expended by its facilities. The plan also sought to decrease energy costs by at least $50,000 annually — a 10 percent drop from the same approximate expenditures noted in 2012.
“If we can save 10 percent the project will pay for itself within two years,” General Manager Mark Wall said. “We will actually save a lot more than that.”
In fact, if all the suggestions are enacted and funded 32-bus operation could save up to $208,000 each year.
To achieve these goals, ICF International suggested that the governing board take some immediate small steps, such as changing out the light bulbs inside and outside its facility near Lower Lake to LED ones. The company’s studies indicate that the switch can save the public transportation operation about $5,000 a year.
Another quick fix is to put UV coatings on the south facing windows of the facility, saving $500 annually on electricity.
“While the facility represents a small proportion of the overall energy cost, it offers opportunities for immediate energy savings with low implementation costs,” the report said, estimating that those three projects would cost $12,700 but would be pay for itself in less than three years due to the savings.
However, other recommendations such as solar power and bus canopies possibly containing collection cells would require grant funding or low-interest loans. The savings would also pay for themselves but depending on what is built the repayment may take between seven to 23 years.
The most expensive recommendations are to apply for grant for grant funding towards four electric and 10 propane buses that may cost nearly $2.7 million but are estimated to save $170,000 annually.
Wall said that the LTA applied for grant funding for these electric buses from the state, which he believes the state will approve because the Air Resources Board is working towards zero bus emissions.
“It’s somewhat groundbreaking for a rural transit agency to do a program like this,” Wall said. “It puts us in a good position for grant funding to get these electric buses. If we do get them, we would be a good example for rural transit agencies across the state.”
Going forward, the LTA will have to wait for the State’s decision for the busses and the solar panels but the lighting changes will be made soon.
” I don’t have a timeline for that yet but I think it’s something that we will be moving forward with very quickly,” he added.
