Chamber of Commerce | Visitor Bureau | Economic Development Commission 614 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454 | (805) 925-2403 | SantaMaria.com 6 November 2023
Alice Patino, Mayor
Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez, Council Member
Mike Cordero, Council Member
Carlos Escobedo, Council Member
Gloria Soto, Council Member
Jason Stilwell, City Manager
On behalf of the members and directors of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber, I want to share our support for the city’s proposed Renewable Energy partnership. While the City will not be the first organization in town to install significant solar facilities, the scope of this proposal will certainly position the City as a leader in the region in terms of addressing the source, cost, and reliability of energy required to operate facilities.
Based on our review of the proposed project, we believe the following are reasons to support the staff recommendation and move forward with this opportunity:
Significant savings … it appears that this project will immediate begin producing savings in energy costs, totaling nearly $15,000,000 over a 20-year horizon.
Create local construction jobs which will support our local economy. Implement clean energy projects, demonstrating the viability for additional local businesses.
The recommended vendor, ForeFront Power has worked with more than 40 cities, counties, and districts – including local agencies such as the Santa Maria Public Airport District and Allan Hancock College. Taking advantage of a proven provider should ensure that the city maximizes the benefits of the project while minimizing risk.
We applaud the City for demonstrating leadership in this arena and encourage the Council to support the staff recommendation to award the project and begin installation of the facilities.
Sincerely,
Glenn D. Morris, ACE
President & CEO