The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has approved DCO Energy’s contract for a $122 million Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP) to help assist and develop a renewable future for Jersey City Public Schools.
DCO Energy has over 75 ESIP projects worth $725 million on its portfolio, and it will work closely with representatives of the Jersey City School Board, NJPBU, and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to work on the ESIP project. 1,100 local jobs will also be created in the Jersey City area through the project.
Additionally, the ESIP project will receive $64 million in federal grant funding and capital reserve to help assist the development of new sustainable improvements in the district through the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ARP ESSER) established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES).
The project will deliver LED Lighting, upgraded automation, renovated heating and cooling systems, water conservation, and infrastructure improvements to help the district save money and reduce its carbon footprint.
Eight schools in Jersey City will be installed with HVAC ventilation systems to decrease the schools' energy use and deliver indoor air quality enhancements for students and teachers.
Thirty-one schools will have a renewable solar generation of almost 11,000,000 kWh of electricity to help improve the district's overall energy portfolio. Through this, the district’s green footprint will improve and generate 42% of its power on-site through solar energy.
"This critical project will carve a path for a sustainable future for Jersey City Public Schools and set a shining example of what the future will look like as others add capital improvements," said Valerie Moran, Senior Vice President of DCO Energy. "The school district will save money on energy costs, reduce its carbon footprint, and create jobs in the community. Students and staff will benefit from improved indoor air quality and a brighter, more sustainable future."
Over the next 20 years, the school district expects to save $88 million due to the positive improvements to the energy ecosystem.
DCO Energy and its Competitive Edge team will partner with Jersey City Public Schools to deploy local education resources and deliver customized educational programs for Jersey City Public School students.
The programs will introduce and expand knowledge of STEM/STEAM through hands-on learning experiences covering the topics of women in engineering, Live Classroom instruction, and Train-to-Hire programs from DCO team leaders.
