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Tribune-Democrat Publishes Series On How Region Is Using Solar Energy, Energy Efficiency To Reduce Energy Costs, Move To A More Sustainable Future

The Tribune-Democrat last week published a series of articles on how the region is using solar energy and energy efficiency projects to reduce energy costs.

The articles include--

-- Tribune-Democrat: Solar Energy Project Rising In Bedford County To Help Power Natural Gas Pipeline Compressor Station [PDF of article]

A massive solar array under construction along U.S. Route 220 in Bedford Township is being built for a facility that provides liquid natural gas as fuel for electricity generation, transportation and heat.

Canadian energy company Enbridge is installing thousands of solar panels across 41 acres of privately owned farmland adjacent to its Texas Eastern Transmission natural gas facility in Bedford.

Once the site is completed, the electricity generated by the solar farm will offset a portion of the electric load Enbridge needs to power its electrically driven compressor units that keep natural gas flowing in the Texas Eastern pipeline system, Enbridge spokeswoman Kristen Henson said.

-- Tribune-Democrat: Greater Johnstown CTC Solar Array Operating Better Than Expected, School Leaders Say

Throughout the 10 months that the Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center’s solar array has been online, its electrical production has outperformed expectations, school officials said.

The renewable energy source has generated more than 959,000 kilowatt-hours of energy, or 76% of the facility’s total electricity.

“We couldn’t be happier with the operation,” Administrative Director John Augustine said.

-- Tribune-Democrat: Energy-Saving Solar Energy, Energy Efficiency Projects Heating Up At Regional School Districts To Reduce Energy Costs [PDF of Article]

Multiple energy savings projects at schools across the region are either taking place or about to start, including at Windber Area School District.

Leaders at the Somerset County district expect to begin Phase One of Guaranteed Energy Savings Act work at the elementary in the spring.

Business Manager Jessica Zellam and Facilities Director Justin Roxby are overseeing the $2.7 million project that includes HVAC renovations and lighting upgrades.

-- Tribune-Democrat: Cambria Schools Moving Forward With Solar Projects

Cambria County schools are progressing on solar energy projects for a number of reasons – from fixed energy costs for decades, to possible savings that can be used for future projects, to educational value, school officials said.

Cambria Heights and Portage Area school districts have both approved construction of solar panel arrays and expect installation work to begin this year. Central Cambria School District expects to issue requests for proposals for a potential project in the coming months.

“We think it’s a pretty exciting position for the district,” Portage Area Superintendent Peter Noel said.

Portage Area is projected to save $3.2 million throughout the life of its 30-year contract. Cambria Heights is expected to save more than $2 million throughout its 28-year agreement.

-- Tribune-Democrat: Cambria County Explores Solar Energy At Prison Complex

The Cambria County Prison complex, which includes seven buildings, costs around $300,000 in electric bills each year, county Chief Clerk Alex Ashcom said.

That’s why the Cambria County commissioners approved sending out a request for proposals exploring the installation of a solar array at the facility.

“We wanted to look for alternative means of power,” Ashcom said.

The commissioners’ office began exploring renewable energy a year ago, not long after Ashcom was hired. He said the board wants to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars and that can be accomplished by cutting electric bills.

More Tribune-Democrat NewsClips:

-- Tribune-Democrat: Waste Coal-Fired Seward Power Plant Faces Regulatory Challenge

-- Tribune-Democrat: Governments Look To Adapt As Electric Vehicles Slowly Change Local Landscape

Related Articles:

-- Tribune-Democrat Publishes Series On How Region Is Using Solar Energy, Energy Efficiency To Reduce Energy Costs, Move To A More Sustainable Future [PaEN]

-- Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance, Black Appalachian Coalition, PennFuture, Partners Host March 4 Webinar -- Why Is My Electricity Bill So High? And Going Higher? [PaEN]

-- Washington & Jefferson College Hosts March 19 Webinar On Meeting The Challenges Of The Electric Grid - PJM's Role [PaEN]

-- PUC To Investigate Proposed 10.8% UGI Natural Gas Rate Increase [PaEN]

-- PUC Approves $9,000 Penalty Against Columbia Gas For Defective Welding At Gas Regulator Station In Beaver County [PaEN]

-- PUC To Invite Comments On Future Of Act 129 Energy Efficiency Program [PaEN]

-- PUC Be Utility Wise 2025: A Powerful Gathering For Utility Consumer Advocacy & Community Support On March 19 In Philadelphia

-- DEP Announces Public Outreach Workshops On Pennsylvania's 2024 Priority Climate Action Plan To Qualify For Federal Funding That Is Now At Risk [PaEN]