DOVER, DE: The Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility and The Delaware Army National Guard (DEARNG) have finalized a $4,497,981 loan for energy efficiency upgrades and 399 kW in solar energy generation from Energize Delaware’s Revolving Loan Program.
The funds will be utilized for unveiled a state-of-the-art plan to reduce DEARNG’s energy consumption and energy costs at 11 National Guard facilities throughout the state. These upgrades will reduce fossil fuel consumption by 38 percent and will save the Delaware National Guard $6 million in energy costs over the life of the 20-year agreement.
These improvements will be designed to reduce the net energy requirements at the Army Aviation Support Facility, the Armed Forces Readiness Center, Duncan Readiness Center, 198th Readiness Center, Wilmington Readiness Center, Scannell Readiness Center, Smyrna Readiness Center, Seaford Readiness Center, Georgetown Readiness Center, Dagsboro Readiness Center and the Bethany Beach Training Site.
“This is a win -win for everyone. The sheer size of our facility and our annual energy usage is enormous. The capital improvements to the base facilities will save us millions over time. The Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility has structured the terms of the loan to make it extremely attractive.”
– General Francis D. Vavala, DNG
As a veteran myself, I am extremely proud to help our military here in Delaware with energy saving retrofits and capital improvements. Everything from energy efficient lighting to weather stripping will be analyzed for improvements to reduce the National Guard’s operating expenses.
– Sen. Harris B. McDowell, III, Board Chairman, Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility
The loan is conditional upon the performance of an Investment-grade energy audit and receipt of a Guaranteed Savings Agreement between the borrower and Siemens Industry, Inc., Building Technologies Division. Guaranteed Energy Savings Agreements, also known as performance contracts, provide a means to help reduce energy consumption, implement a capital equipment upgrade, and improve the maintenance and operational cost of facilities and technical systems. These projects are funded through the energy savings they create instead of passing the cost on to taxpayers.