Politics & Government

Device to Save County up to $160,000

Some 3,200 motion-sensor surge suppressors are being installed by Southern California Edison --at no cost--on computers at buildings around the county, including Murrieta.

Power conservation devices installed on computers in Riverside County government buildings--including ones in Murrieta--should save the county $80,000 to $160,000 annually, officials said Wednesday.

Some 3,200 motion-sensor surge suppressors are being installed by Southern California Edison--at no cost--on computers at buildings across the county.

Phase I will install 1,400 of these energy-saving suppressors in county buildings in Murrieta, Corona, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Perris, San Jacinto and Sun City.  

Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

County offices in Murrieta to be outfitted will include those at the Southwest Justice Center and at the French Valley Airport, said Janet Purchase of the Riverside County Economic Development Agency.

The remaining 1,800 suppressors will be installed in county buildings in Blythe, Beaumont, Cherry Valley, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Idyllwild, Moreno Valley, Norco, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rubidoux and Temecula as part of Phase II.

Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“The suppressor to be installed is unique because it has a motion sensor that will automatically power off peripheral computer items-- monitor, printer, desk lamp, etc.--when an employee is gone for 30 minutes or more,'' said county EDA spokesman Tom Freeman.   

According to the EDA, the devices will reduce individual workstation costs by $25 to $50 per year, resulting in roughly $80,000 to $160,000 a year in lower electricity costs to the county.   

The devices were supplied as part of an energy savings program available exclusively to SCE customers.   

According to Freeman, the county is trying to secure a grant to purchase additional motion-sensor devices for facilities outside of Edison’s territory.   

In 2009, the Board of Supervisors approved the SCRAPE program-- "Safeguard County of Riverside Against Preventable Expenses"-- introduced by then-board Chairman Jeff Stone. One of the program's top priorities was to reduce utility costs at all facilities.

City News Service contributed to this report.


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