Prescott Valley Town Council in June 2022 contracted with Schneider Electric to conduct an Investment Grade Energy Audit and Analysis for the Town. The Town’s Strategic Plan includes working toward using Smart Building Technology to improve building infrastructure functions and cost savings, and the energy audit fits within that goal.

The audit has now been completed. Staff has met with Schneider representatives to discuss phasing and coordination of the recommended improvements and to develop a scope for the first phase. Schneider representatives presented the project during a special Council meeting on Thursday, March 2. 

Schneider’s estimate of the Phase I project cost is $6.8 million, which is expected to generate $10.9 million in savings during its life cycle. Estimated first-year savings for Phase I is $529,000. This phase will include replacement of four 50-ton HVAC units on the Civic Center. These units are 25 years old and require manual basic operation. Two 130-ton units on the Event Center, which are non-operational, will also be replaced. Council approved pre-order of these units in December 2022, cutting down manufacturing lead time by more than three months. HVAC maintenance and repair will also be done at other Town buildings. 

A new building automation system will be added to eight Town facilities, including the Library, Civic Center, Police Department, Event Center, SeniorCenter, Boys & Girls Club, Maintenance Building and Wastewater Treatment building, to allow for remote control, scheduling and monitoring of the Town’s HVAC equipment.

Electrical infrastructure upgrades will replace dated equipment and add ability for future needs such as solar and EV charging. Plumbing upgrades will replace and install high efficiency fixtures at seven buildings and 26 parks/outdoor areas. These upgrades will allow for significant water conservation of more than one million gallons per year. 

Additionally, the Town’s phone system, which was installed in 2007, will be upgraded with updated security and emergency notification enhancements. This upgrade will reduce the Town’s annual operating costs and eliminate the need to purchase new hardware.

Pending final Council approval during its regular meeting on March 23, the Audit findings and recommendations will be incorporated into the Town’s multi-year capital plan as a guide for future planning and development. First phase projects would begin immediately and continue in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget year.