****************************************************************** 


                    NEWS RELEASE FROM THE

                 CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION



****************************************************************** 

For immediate release: March 30, 1995



               STANISLAUS COUNTY SAVES POWER, 
               EARNS ENERGY COMMISSION AWARD


The California Energy Commission today presented the Stanislaus 
County Board of Supervisors with an award for "Outstanding 
Energy Achievement in Local Government" in recognition of energy 
projects that cut the county's electric bill by more than $47,000 
a year.

Presented at the Board of Supervisors morning meeting in Modesto, 
the Energy Commission resolution commends Stanislaus County for 
"reducing energy use, saving revenue for public services, and 
setting an example for all businesses and residents in the 
community." 

"Stanislaus has shown a strong commitment to reduce energy in its 
county-owned facilities," acknowledged Commissioner Jananne 
Sharpless of the Energy Commission.  "Since 1992, it has worked 
with the Commission to identify ways to cut energy waste." 

Using a low-interest loan approved by the Energy Commission in 
May 1994, Stanislaus County added automated energy management 
systems to the heating and cooling systems in its Administration 
Building and Juvenile Justice Center in Modesto.  The new 
computerized controls make both systems more efficient and 
should save the county almost $32,000 annually.

For additional savings, Stanislaus County replaced old exit 
signs with energy efficient models and installed vestibules at 
the entrances of the Administration Building.  At the Juvenile 
Center, incandescent lights were converted to compact 
fluorescents, exit signs were made more efficient, and 
exterior pole-mounted mercury vapor lights were replaced with 
high pressure sodium models.  An inefficient skylight above a 
stairwell in the County Courts Building was replaced as well.

"Just from our energy savings, we should be able to repay our 
low-interest energy loan in five years," said  Andy Casazza, 
the county's Facilities Superintendent.  "After that, savings 
will continue year after year.  Reducing the cost of operating 
county buildings will enable us to use those funds for more 
pressing general fund issues such as public safety."

"Stanislaus County offers an excellent example of the benefits 
of energy efficiency," said Commissioner Sharpless. "Only a 
limited number of government agencies are selected for this 
award from the Energy Commission."

Scott Matthews, Deputy Division Chief for Energy Efficiency, and 
Joseph Wang, Project Manager, presented the resolution on behalf 
of the California Energy Commission.


                               # # #


For more information, contact:

Andy Casazza
Facilities Superintendent, Stanislaus County, (209) 525-4108

Rob Schlichting, California Energy Commission, (916) 654-5159

End of file
File Name: 95-03-30_Stanlislaus_County_Awar