SOLAR FOR SCHOOLS HELPING SAVE ENERGY DOLLARS

Mohave Electric’s Solar for Schools program is helping ten area schools save energy dollars. Funding for the community-based photovoltaic projects was provided by the Co-op’s 2010 Renewable Energy Plan approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) last year. MEC applied for and received $100,000 additional funding for the school projects from the federal stimulus bill, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), administered through Arizona’s Commerce Authority Energy Office.  The ARRA Grant also provided $78,000 toward the Bullhead City Hall solar project.

“MEC’s proactive approach in securing the additional Department of Energy funding brought an extra infusion of stimulus dollars and economic development to the local community,” said Tyler Carlson, Mohave Electric CEO.

Renewable energy systems are in operation at Bullhead Junior High, Fox Creek Junior High, Diamondback Elementary, Sunrise Elementary, and Coyote Canyon Elementary in Bullhead City; Fort Mojave Elementary and Young Scholars Academy in Fort Mohave; and Mohave Valley Elementary in Mohave Valley. Rounding out the ten schools are Mohave High School and River High School, which are in the construction phase of their projects.

“As a locally-based utility, helping the community is an important commitment for us,” said Carlson. “Our Solar for Schools program helps hold down operating costs for education which benefits all members as taxpayers.”

MEC’s 2011 Renewable Energy Plan includes additional school and community projects.

Photo Caption: Photovoltaic panels at Sunrise Elementary School in Bullhead City were funded by Mohave Electric’s Renewable Energy Program and an ARRA Grant awarded to MEC.