Costa Mesa : OCC Gets a Boost From 2 Electric Generators

Orange Coast College will be able to reduce its energy bills with the installation of two electrical generators in its faculty parking lot near Fairview Road, campus officials said.

The generators were installed recently as a joint project by the college and Southern California Edison Co. Under the agreement, Edison can use the generators at any time. During a power failure or natural disaster, however, the generators can supply enough electricity to operate OCC’s 210-acre campus.

Several of Edison’s largest consumers are installing generators that can be used by the power company to provide electricity during peak periods of energy use.

For participating in the program, OCC will receive a reduced monthly service rate on its electric bill. The savings will pay for the generators within five years, according to Gene J. Farrell, OCC’s dean of administrative services.