Grossmont Union High School District

Battery

Monte Vista ground mounted solar

West Hills HS Solar

West Hills HS Solar

Underside of panels

Mt Miguel HS Solar

Granite Hills HS Solar

Solar installation

Solar Panel

Structural Steel Erection

Craning in battery

Overview

Overview

Projected savings from extensive conservation projects and utility management strategies in the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) are on track to reach nearly $2 million in annual utility cost savings. The projects, funded through California’s Proposition 39, the Clean Energy Jobs Act, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), include photovoltaic installations, consolidation of the number of utility meters, lighting retrofits, and energy storage batteries to offset peak demand. With every GUHSD site receiving new photovoltaics GUHSD is on track to realize a total of $70.5 million in utility cost savings over the next 25 years.
 
 
Energy Conservation Efforts to Date Saving GUHSD Over $2M Annually

Energy Conservation Efforts to Date Saving GUHSD Over $2M Annually

*Savings annually by consolidating electrical service to fewer meters, the District has reduced the volume of service fees charged for each individual meter. Additional savings will be realized with future rate schedule changes.
 
*Grossmont, El Cajon, Mt Miguel, El Capitan, Granite Hills, Monte Vista, Santana, Valhalla, West Hills and Chaparral High School and Foothills Adult School installed with zero upfront cost to the district, the result of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a third-party solar provider and zero upfront costs to the District.
 
*Battery Energy Storage that reduces grid demand, boost power efficiency,  and reduce utility costs, the district is continuing the installation of energy storage batteries at nine school sites; the project is coordinated through the Green Charge Networks with zero upfront costs to the District.
 
*Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for Pools at nine campuses in the District, working in conjunction with the existing pump systems, adjusting the speed of the motor in response to changing pool conditions, allowing the pump to run at more precise speeds and adjust as needed, and decreasing operating costs. As well as pool blankets, LED lighting and thermal solar at GHHS.
 
*California Clean Energy Jobs Act (Prop 39) provided funding for Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lighting retrofits at 10 campuses to improve lighting efficiency and lighting quality in classrooms,  exterior walkways, and all gymnasiums. Additionally, over 4,000 ballasts – which regulate the current to lighting fixtures – and 8,000 new light bulbs are being installed. As well as replacement of a portion of WHHS HVAC on classrooms.
 
*Controls for HVAC on portable buildings. 
 
*Other energy savings installs include: IntelliHVAC, EnerG2, Computer Power Monitoring System and continuous upgrades made during modernizations and new builds from our bond measures.
 
 
CURRENT ENERGY PROJECTS:
 
*Electric Buses $4M in grant funding received for 17 buses
 
*Exterior Lighting Controls complete at 4 campuses
 
*Car Charging Stations- VHS amd ECVHS
Energy Showcase Award & APCD-IEA Blue Sky Leadership Awards

Energy Showcase Award & APCD-IEA Blue Sky Leadership Awards

The Grossmont Union High School District was honored by San Diego Gas & Electric at its annual Energy Showcase with the utility company’s 2019 Energy Champion award for outstanding results in energy efficiency, sustainability and conservation.

GUHSD, along with seven other public and private-sector organizations in San Diego, was lauded for its continued commitment to implementing innovative technologies and smart solutions that reduce costs and protect the planet.  SDG&E also credited GUHSD for being a “pioneer” in energy conservation and sustainability.
 
View our 2019 Energy Champion video which shows how we’re leading the way in energy and sustainability innovations.
 
The Air Pollution Control District's Industry Recognition Program acknowledges organizations making significant contributions to improve air quality. Annually, the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District recognizes three businesses or organizations for their outstanding and innovative efforts in improving air quality. GUHSD was honored to be selected as a 2020 award recipient of the APCD-IEA Blue Sky Leadership Awards.
 
Promote an Energy Conservation Culture  

Promote an Energy Conservation Culture  

  • Increase awareness & be energy conscious
  • Turn off lights when not using (lighting  ~50% of our electric bills)
  • Set thermostats at 68 degrees for heating & 78 degrees for cooling  
  • Use fans to make people feel degrees cooler, at much less cost than a/c.  
  • Report drafty areas to M&O
  • Don’t block the airflow around vents.  
  • Keep classroom doors & windows closed when a/c or heat is in use.  
  • Make sure computers controls are set so they will go into the “sleep” mode when not in active use.  (Screensavers don’t save energy—only the sleep mode does.)
  • Unplug everything, many electrical devices continue to draw power even when they are switched off (ex. Phone chargers) “Vampire Power”