Grants to aid energy projects

RENO — The Reno City Council has targeted federal stimulus grant money for solar and wind projects and making the Reno Arch energy efficient.

Officials have said the city expects to receive $1.48 million energy conservation grants.

The projects approved last week include buying nine wind turbines for installation at the West Street Market, Rosewood Golf Course, the sewer plant in Stead and possibly City Hall.

Jason Geddes, the city’s energy coordinator, said the energy projects will pay for themselves from “day one.”

Light emitting diodes, or LED bulbs, for the Reno Arch will cost $39,769 to buy and install, roughly $19 per bulb.

But Geddes said the savings will be immediate, reducing the annual power bill for the arch from $14,000 to around $2,500.

“For me, it’s very symbolic of what the city is moving toward,” said Councilman Dave Aiazzi, who has led the council push for renewable energy. “And green means money. It’s saving us money.”