Issue link: https://townofcary.uberflip.com/i/791958
CHAPTER 8: ENRICH 246 Energy and Alternative Vehicle Technologies There is a great need for dedicated innova on and investment in diverse, efficient energy sources to improve Cary's energy resil- iency. Cary has begun its energy efficiency efforts by becoming the leading municipality in North Carolina at conver ng traffic ligh ng to 100% light emi ng diodes, or LEDs, while also coordi- na ng with Duke Energy Progress to convert streetlights to LED fixtures townwide. Cary's energy-efficient LED light conversions also extend to Cary-owned facili es, parking decks, and sports and entertainment venues. Cary's LED light conversions and installa- ons support community safety while considering the impacts of light pollu on on the natural environment. Diversifica on of energy sources, combined with storage and backup genera on, builds resiliency. As such, Cary has been increasing the number of solar genera on facili es, both public and privately owned. Cary owns and operates a 2.1-megawa solar photovoltaic, or PV, array at the South Cary Water Reclama on Facility, providing enough electricity to power 174 homes every year. Cary also has solar PV installa ons at the USA Baseball Na onal Training Complex, as well as several buildings, bus stops, and stormwater sensors. In winter 2023, Cary completed a solar feasibility study that iden fied 71 municipal facili es to be solar- ready. This is a first step in expanding solar energy produc on across town-owned facili es. Cary has streamlined the permit- ng process for private residen al PV installa ons, resul ng in a significant increase in solar produc on. On the electric vehicle, or EV, front, Cary is leading by increasing the number of EVs in its municipal fleet as well as providing pub- lic EV charging sta ons around town. In addi on to EVs, Cary is pilo ng alterna ve fuels, like propane, to reduce emissions and diversify fleet op ons. In addi on to adding electric vehicles to our municipal fleet and suppor ng ci zens' choice to purchase electric vehicles, Cary con nues to explore how to expand its bicy- cle and pedestrian networks. Making these networks safer and more connected allows ci zens the easy choice of reducing vehi- cle trips and experiencing Cary through a different mode of travel. Reclaimed water is a valuable resource produced from wastewater that is highly treated using not only a biological nutrient removal and filtra on process, but disinfec on with ultra-violet light and Sodium Hypochlorite. The State of North Carolina permits Cary to divert a total of about five million gallons per day from our two treatment plants water reclama on facili es for reuse rather than discharging into creeks.