For more information contact: Rhonda Rosenberg, Director of Communications, KCHA, (206) 574-1185
LeAnne Nelson, Seattle Office of Housing, Director of Communications, (206) 684-0604

January 10, 2006

ENERGY EFFICIENCY INVESTMENTS IN WHITE CENTER PRESERVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING, PROMOTE RENEWABLE RESOURCES & SAVE MONEY

Installation of solar modules in a multifamily residential complex caps $2.3 million worth of investments in the community

Photo opportunity: The solar modules will be installed from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11.

Reflecting their commitment to assist residents in one of King County’s poorest neighborhoods, the King County Housing Authority, King County, the City of Seattle and other partners have invested more than $2 million over the past four years in home repair and weatherization services for low-income families in White Center. On January 11, the initiative will fund the installation of solar electric modules on the roof of a YWCA Career Development Center located within a multifamily residential complex financed by the King County Housing Authority.

“KCHA’s leadership in bringing sustainable technology to a long-neglected neighborhood deserves recognition,” said King County Executive Ron Sims. “The County is pleased to partner with the Authority in investing in energy efficiency and other home improvements to White Center residents. Our partnership provides long-term benefits. Not only are homes more comfortable and utility bills lower, but the region benefits from reduced use of fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources.”

As a result of the partnership, nearly 700 housing units have been upgraded with energy efficiency features and/or home repairs, including 143 single-family homes and 550 multifamily apartment units. Additional homes are still in the pipeline for repair and weatherization services.

“This effort will help families save energy and money and reduce green house gases,” said Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels. “It is good for the families of White Center and good for the environment.”

Weatherization services include adding insulation, improving air quality, weatherstripping exterior doors and other conservation efforts. Home repairs include electrical and plumbing upgrades, installation or repair of roofs, accessibility modifications for the disabled and bathroom and kitchen updates.

These efforts are part of a broader initiative spearheaded by the County and the Housing Authority. Coronado Springs, a 300-unit apartment complex in White Center financed by the Authority, recently underwent a $10 million renovation. A similar project has transformed Arbor Heights Apartments, another formerly troubled rental property. The Authority has over 1,000 units of housing under development in White Center.

KCHA Executive Director Stephen Norman said, “We are pleased to promote new technologies that will benefit both residents and the larger community.”

Though the solar photovoltaic system will generate a relatively small amount of electricity, the power created will, in effect, make the utility meter run backwards, returning power to the grid for credit at current retail rates.

“This is a long-term investment,” said Jack Brautigam of Seattle City Light. “Solar demonstration projects provide valuable education and market development benefits and will continue to contribute to the housing authority’s electricity needs for many years to come.” Supported by City Light’s voluntary Green Power Program, renewable energy investments enable City Light to meet future energy needs more sustainably.

“It’s all about the many ways we can make the region a better place to live,” said Mr. Norman. “We’re pleased to be able to preserve affordable housing and to increase the use of renewable energy at the same time. This demonstration project, along with the broader investment in the White Center community, is a great beginning.”

KCHA administers a range of quality affordable rental and homeownership programs for residents of King County. The Authority serves more than 17,000 families, elderly and disabled households on a daily basis.

The installation of the solar modules will take place at the YWCA Career Development Center at Coronado Springs, 1400 SW 107th St. in Seattle (White Center). A workshop about the new solar technology will occur today at the same location from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The demonstration project at Coronado Springs was made possible by grants from:

Seattle City Light: Their Green Power solar demonstration program provided funds to cover the cost of the solar electric modules.
Washington State Department of Community and Economic Development: Provided funds to pay for the installation of the solar electric equipment.
U.S. Department of Energy: Provided Low-Income Weatherization program funds to pay for the instructor of the solar power workshop preceding the installation.

After the installation of the solar modules on the career development center at Coronado Springs, weatherization and home repairs will still continue in the area. Call (206) 214-1240 for information about eligibility to receive these services.