The San Marcos Unified School District has flipped the switch on a new district-wide fleet electrification project, marking a significant step toward sustainability and energy efficiency. This initiative, in conjunction with ENGIE North America, includes extensive energy infrastructure upgrades and aligns with the district’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while achieving substantial cost savings.

At the heart of the project is the transformation of the district’s transportation center. The district’s fleet of 84 school buses has been transformed with 33 new electric buses as part of the first phase of the program. The new transportation center includes a microgrid for backup power, the installation of 40 eBus charging stations, infrastructure for an additional 35 future charging stations, onsite solar power generation, battery energy storage as well as microgrid controls.

In addition to the new transportation center, the project represents a major investment in the district’s future, with district-wide energy cost control measures including interior and exterior LED lighting upgrades at 19 sites and one sports complex, solar installations totaling 8,000 kWh across three locations, battery energy storage systems at two sites, and comprehensive HVAC upgrades at the North County Regional Education Center. These efforts are projected to result in $40 million in net energy savings over the term of the contract.

“We are thrilled to be at the forefront of these cost savings measures that promote environmental stewardship and operational efficiency,” said Andy Johnsen, superintendent of San Marcos Unified School District. “This project not only advances our sustainability goals but also enhances the learning environment for our students by ensuring that our resources are used effectively and responsibly.”

Funding for this project has been secured through a combination of federal and state resources. The district is expected to receive $3.5 million in federal funding through the Inflation Reduction Act, as well as $1.75 million in local grants and rebates for the EV infrastructure. Additionally, approximately $11.5 million has been received through grants and incentives for the purchase of the 40 eBuses over the program’s initial years.

Keeping with local utility policies, the district plans to install additional solar capacity as more electric buses and chargers are deployed. The microgrid’s battery energy storage system will also be used to strategically store and discharge power when prices are high and the fleet needs to be charged. During power outages, the microgrid will operate independently of the utility grid, drawing energy from the solar and battery storage system — and from the backup generator as needed — to keep buses rolling. This builds resiliency into the system and ensures that the district can get students home during emergencies and Public Safety Power Shutoff events.