El Paso County's Plan to Save $40M Through Energy Efficiency
El Paso County, in collaboration with Schneider Electric, has begun construction on a sweeping municipal modernization initiative across 30 county facilities. These improvements are slated to deliver increased energy and cost efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and improve the lives of El Paso County's residents.
"Our project is designed to align with El Paso County's sustainability goals, ensuring that future development enhances our community's resilience and quality of life,” said Betsy C. Keller, Chief Administrator of El Paso County.
The project officially launched in January 2025 with a construction kickoff event at the County Courthouse in Downtown El Paso, with officials representing Schneider Electric and El Paso County leadership. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027. This multi-phase project will begin by addressing critical infrastructure needs, including:
- Upgrades to the mechanical plant at the Courthouse
- Enhancements to the building automation system at the Courthouse
- Water efficiency improvements at the Jail Annex and Downtown Detention Center
- County-wide installation of energy-efficient LED lighting
An Expert Partnership for a Sustainable Future
This project exemplifies how public-private partnerships can lead to substantial benefits for communities.
Energy and water conservation were key priorities for El Paso County leadership, forming the foundation of their initial project development efforts. After working together to complete a comprehensive facility audit, Schneider Electric and El Paso County were able to identify key opportunities to significantly reduce resource usage. In the first phase of the project alone, El Paso County is projected to reduce annual energy use by 23% and save 48 million gallons of water every year, reducing water waste by 25%.
These improvements will also generate $40 million in savings over the next 20 years. The savings will be reinvested into the county, further enhancing resident quality of life and sustainable advancement.
Schneider Electric is proud to be a part of this transformation. Our extensive footprint in El Paso County, as one of the largest employers in the region, underlines our dedication to fostering sustainable growth and innovation. This commitment reaches beyond our manufacturing and business interests; it's about impacting the communities in which we operate and designing a better future together.
"We are excited to partner with El Paso County and highlight Schneider Electric's continued commitment to the El Paso region. With our strong manufacturing presence here, we are dedicated to driving sustainable growth and innovation that benefits the community and the environment,” said Tammy Tolle, Vice President at Schneider Electric.
To learn more about Schneider Electric's energy and sustainability work with local governments across Texas, visit our Government page.