Improve energy efficiency of municipal facilities through procurement of energy efficient products and renewable energy systems.

Solar-powered light on corner of Walnut and Vann.

The City is has great interest in reducing energy use to reduce both costs and air emissions. The City is committed to reducing energy use in municipal facilities through improvements in energy efficiency, weatherization, and renewable energy systems.

Solar is possibly the most well known and successful renewable energy system. Its adoption has been on the rise over the last several decades and it is currently the cheapest source of electricity. The City already utilizes rooftop solar on the CK Newsome Center and Swonder Ice Arena, and the Evansville Water and Sewage Utility uses a ground solar array at their Campground Road property. On a smaller scale, METS has installed solar on bus stops, and Parks has installed solar powered lights along the Pigeon Creek Greenway.

Other forms of renewable energy, like geothermal, is sometime better suited for the application. Mesker Park Zoo utilizes geothermal energy from nearby Lake Victoria to regulate the temperature of water to an ideal constant for its Penguins of Patagonia exhibit!

Renewable energy like solar and geothermal just makes both economic and environmental sense! Be on the lookout for more common sense energy upgrades in the near future.

Metrics

41

of the 66 METS bus stops are solar powered

Between 1/1/2024 - 12/31/2025

Co-Benefits

Reduces costs

Investing in clean, sustainable, and energy-efficient buildings, transportation, and waste management systems reduces both short-term and long-term operating expenses. Implementation of these systems will also reduce air pollution that adversely affects public health and climate stability, reducing costs associated with health care and climate-related damages.

outlet on wall with plug sparking next to it

Enhances energy security

Diversifying our local energy source mix to include renewable energy reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, which are more vulnerable to supply disruptions and price fluctuations. Renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements enable residents and businesses to reduce their energy use and costs. These actions safeguard grid capacity, improve grid resilience, and enhance energy security for all.

Action
	Advocate for zero carbon, renewable energy goals - including community-owned/distributed energy - in the development of the Centerpoint Integrated Resource Plan.
	Install solar generation capacity at municipal water and wastewater facilities to reduce electricity demand.
	Improve energy efficiency of municipal facilities through procurement of energy efficient products and renewable energy systems.
	Streamline solar installations by achieving advanced levels of SolSmart certification.
	Promote residential and commercial solar energy installations through policy and incentive programs, particularly in energy overburdened and underserved areas.
	Audit energy use of municipal buildings and equipment and install energy efficiency improvements.
	Advocate for clean energy transition education and training of local workforce through local education and trade partners.
	Encourage builders and developers to utilize CenterPoint's financial incentive programs, particularly in affordable and multi-unit housing projects.
	Promote energy efficiency improvements for low-income households through financial assistance and incentive programs.
	Expand utilization of state and utility energy efficiency, weatherization & electrification incentive programs through education and advocacy.