Renewable Energy
MID is a strong supporter and advocate of clean, renewable energy. Since its inception, MID has maintained a steady eye on the future..JPG)
That philosophy holds just as true today as it did in the earliest days of the District’s formation. We are committed to providing the most affordable clean energy possible, to protect our environment now and for future generations. MID produces up to 107 megawatts of zero-emission hydroelectric energy. Additionally, MID holds contracts for wind energy produced by Iberdrola Renewables, and is proud to be the first public utility to sponsor the University of California Advanced Solar Technologies Institute based at UC Merced. We offer individual solar programs that provide monetary incentives for both home and business. For more information on MID solar, please click here.
MID Supports Merced College Lighting Improvements with $85,100 Rebate
In January 2013, Merced Irrigation District delivered a rebate check to Merced College totaling $85,158 for improvements made to the school’s lighting system.
The lighting project involved retrofitting more than 7,000 light fixtures and is expected to reduce the College’s energy usage by 1.2 million kilowatt-hours per year. This represents an annual savings of approximately $137,000. The rebate was made available through a state program requiring money be made available for projects that reduce energy usage and increase efficiency. “This is a great day for MID and for Merced College,” said Don Ouchley, deputy general manager of MID Energy Resources. “Merced College has been a longtime customer. We are pleased they have been able to reduce both the college’s operating costs and its energy consumption.” To read more about MID’s energy rebate program, please click here.
MID Supports Solar Institute at UC Merced
In August of 2011, Merced Irrigation District became the first public utility to support the California Advanced Solar Technologies Institute. Headquartered at UC Merced, the Institute aims to develop efficient and affordable solar technologies. This is particularly important to MID. As the District seeks to participate in California’s renewable energy development, significant concern remains about the higher costs currently associated with the technology. Like other supporters of the UC Solar Institute, MID is optimistic that research being done – right in our own backyard – will help to eventually reduce the energy’s cost. To read more about MID’s support of UC Solar, please click here.
South Korean Students visit MID’s clean energy hydroelectric generator at Lake McSwain
As part of its ongoing efforts to promote and educate the public about renewable energy, Merced Irrigation District hosted approximately 20 South Korean engineering students in July 2012. A tour of MID’s hydroelectric project and related facilities was provided in conjunction with the University of California Advanced Solar Technologies Institute headquartered at UC Merced. For the complete article, please click here.
Green Campus for Students Saves Energy
Merced County Office of Education and Merced Irrigation District jointly announced the opening of Valley Community School in Atwater. The school’s modern technology makes it the most eco-friendly school campus in Merced County. It will be powered by an on-site 26 kilowatt solar system. The new green campus will save the school district $5,800 per year in energy costs. Additionally, MID is providing a $70,000 rebate for installation of the solar project. For more information, please click here.