The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) celebrated a significant milestone toward achieving state sustainability goals with a groundbreaking ceremony for a 500 kilowatt solar energy project at Tabor Correctional Institution. The new 500 kilowatt solar array is one of several major energy improvement efforts underway at NCDAC facilities, aimed at achieving goals set forth by Gov. Cooper’s Executive Order 80 and its ambitious Energy Use Index reduction goals.
"This is a landmark moment for our state," said Todd Ishee, Secretary of the NC Department of Adult Correction. “We are leading the way in sustainable energy practices in government operations and laying the foundation for a more energy-efficient future."
The Tabor Correctional solar energy project is made possible by a unique public-private collaboration, including NCDAC, the local electric utility provider Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC), engineering and construction contractor Schneider Electric, and the solar owner and operator North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation.
“This project is a testament to the power of collaboration,” said Josh Winslow, CEO of BEMC. “By listening to the needs of the members we serve and engaging with partners, we are delivering a solution that can be a new model for solar energy in North Carolina government.”
The solar project is part of a larger Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contract, which paves the way for increased energy efficiency in the state's public infrastructure. The $38.7 million contract, which includes innovative energy efficiency projects at six correctional facilities statewide, is projected to generate more than $60 million in guaranteed energy savings over the next 20 years.
“This energy performance contract is one of the largest energy efficiency efforts in North Carolina government history, and one of the most significant in terms of solar energy,” said Ishee.
The Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contract includes replacing 16 gas powered perimeter patrol vehicles with electric vehicles, permanent electric charging stations at four of these facilities, implementation of enhanced water management systems, and a comprehensive training plan featuring tailored courses for staff and offenders. The project also includes 17 percent participation of historically underutilized businesses.
“Tabor Correctional, North Carolina’s newest prison facility, is proud to be a key part of this innovative step to expand NC’s use of renewable energy,” said Warden Jamie Bullard.
Speakers at the today’s ceremony included Secretary Todd Ishee, Tabor Correctional Institution Warden Jamie Bullard, Schneider Electric Program Manager Graham Lewis, and Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation CEO Josh Winslow.