Go all the way, San Luis Obispo! 

Congratulations to the SLO City Council on reducing the enormous electric bill at the Prado Road Wastewater Plant. However, with just a little more effort, that bill can be reduced to zero. REC Solar has solarized previously both wastewater treatment plants at the cities of Santa Cruz and Madera.

Our utilities director, Carrie Mattingly, knows the drill on these installations. She’s been there and done that. Rule of thumb: 20 acres of solar panels will reduce a $500,000 electric bill to zero. Add battery storage packs, and the city earns a credit. The power generated goes into the existing 12,000-volt grid and is used locally, further reducing the city’s electric bill.

There exists a huge pool of talent and expertise in this area. Why don’t we make the best of it?

-- B.E. "Billie" Jones - Southern California Edison Co., distribution coordinator, retired, San Luis Obispo

-- B.E. "Billie" Jones - San Luis Obispo

-- B.E. "Billie" Jones - Southern California Edison Co., distribution coordinator, retired, San Luis Obispo

-- B.E. "Billie" Jones - Southern California Edison Co., distribution coordinator, retired, San Luis Obispo