Representatives from the California State University Office of the Chancellor and Shell Energy North America were on the CSU Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) campus on February 10 for a formal signing ceremony of an electrical energy procurement contract between the CSU system and Shell Energy North America (SENA) for campuses eligible to procure electricity through the CSU Direct Access program. President Willie J. Hagan hosted the signing in his conference room.
The CSU Direct Access program allows CSU campuses to purchase their own electricity through the open market. Currently, CSUDH is one of 10 CSU campuses participating in Direct Access: Bakersfield, East Bay, Fresno, Humboldt, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Marcos and Sonoma. The CSU Chancellor’s Office is also participating in the program.
Together the campuses plan to purchase an estimated $23 million in electricity annually though the contract with Shell Energy North America, and save more than $5.2 million each year over traditional utility service. Due to utility regulations of the Direct Access market, nine CSU campuses are currently unable to join; however if these remaining campuses could participate, the CSU could expect to save an additional $3.3 million.
CSUDH will save an estimated $250,000 through the CSU Direct Access program this year, a result of lower and more stable energy pricing. Over the next five years, the campus is estimated to save more than $1.5 million. The campus has also installed 560 kilowatts of solar power generation to reduce its reliance on the electrical grid and greenhouse gas emissions.
SENA was selected after responding to an open solicitation from the CSU for to provide energy purchase services through December 31, 2020. SENA has been the system’s purchaser of electricity for Direct Access campuses since January 1, 2010. A new solicitation was released as SENA’s current contract term ends on December 31, 2015.
The new contract guarantees that the CSU will meet its ambitious goal of 33 percent renewable energy by 2020, as well as prohibits direct purchases of dirty coal power. The CSU continues to reduce energy consumption and pursue cost saving efforts to support the policy of the board of trustees.
Article provided by the Office of the Chancellor Public Affairs
