The Opportunity

In 2014, Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) looked to address deferred maintenance needs while improving the learning environment at several school facilities. The District partnered with ENGIE Services U.S. (ENGIE) to modernize older schools and implement a pilot renewable energy project. ENGIE helped the District to leverage their Prop. 39 funding opportunity, minimizing the District contribution to the comprehensive program and lowering future district utility expenditures.

The Partnership

The District recognized the great financial and environmental benefits of upgrading their facilities. Plans were made to replace existing air conditioning units at La Quinta High School and bring the lighting systems at older schools up-to-date with new LED fixtures. The economic advantages for the District are vast. ENGIE helped apply for and secure the District’s $6.4 million in Prop 39 funding to act as a foundation for the larger Districtwide energy program. The project pays for itself in less than six years, saving $629,000 annually, while ENGIE guarantees the savings and provides ongoing solar maintenance.

3 Dimensions of Impact

ENGIE is committed to building three dimensions of impact in every customer’s future:
 

• Supporting People
• Saving Money
• Protecting the Environment

Through this successful partnership, ENGIE developed a program for the District that secured funding resources, resulting in maximum financial benefits. Over the life of the program, the upgrades and pilot renewable energy project will produce savings of approximately $19.5 million. ENGIE delivered great economic benefits to the District while greatly reducing energy use and demonstrating strong environmental stewardship. By eliminating financial risk to the district through a proven approach with no costs up front, the District met the needs of its students while meeting the requirements of Prop 39. The students and school community now enjoy their improved facilities and have secured renewable energy solutions for the future.