City of Racine Celebrates Big Energy Efficiency Win in Wisconsin

Racine partners with McKinstry to debut Wisconsin’s first and largest electric bus fleet offset by solar energy

Racine, Wis (September 13, 2023) — On Friday, September 1, Wisconsin senator, Tammy Baldwin, mayor Cory Mason, local city and transit officials, and residents gathered at Racine’s RYDE Transit Center to celebrate the debut of the state’s first and largest electric bus fleet to be powered by onsite solar energy. Local press and the senator were also invited to share a ride on an electric bus to and from the Transit Center.

An “Investing in Racine” banner served as the backdrop for remarks from Senator Baldwin, mayor Cory Mason as well as local Transit and Mobility director, Trevor Jung. The first of its kind, the 2.6-million-dollar project utilizes 1.235 million dollars of Congressionally Directed Spending and will accelerate the city’s climate and sustainability goals significantly.

To bolster these energy efficiency efforts, the city partnered with McKinstry, a national construction and energy services firm with a regional office in Wisconsin, to perform a facility condition assessment (FCA), detailed energy study and eventual solar installation.

“By investing in the clean energy technology of the future, the city is proud to demonstrate real environmental stewardship and a dedication towards long-term operational savings,” said Trevor Jung, Director of Transit and Mobility at the City of Racine. “In addition to the implementation of this solar project, almost 40% of our bus fleet is or will be converted to an all-electric operation. This is integral to getting Racinians to work, school, and centers of recreation and care.”

Using guidance from the Department of Energy (DOE), the city will implement carport solar and city-wide energy efficiencies. The carport will produce 350 kWh per year, equivalent to offsetting the charge of approximately 5 electric buses. In addition, the project is estimated to deliver $76,000 in annual savings and reduce carbon emissions by 249 metric tons.

“McKinstry has been proud to partner with the city to address its sustainability goals and optimize a primary mode of transportation for many of its residents,” said Laura Malwitz, senior account executive. “In addition to the annual savings and carbon reduction, this project will not only stimulate the local economy but generate impactful green family-wage jobs for local Racinians.”  

Racine’s leadership in energy efficiency efforts demonstrates a steadfast dedication to not only improving resident experience but maintaining the longevity of transit facilities and accelerating the community’s climate resiliency.

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