Havasu Lake, CA; November 27, 2013 GRID Alternatives Inland Empire (GRID IE), in partnership with the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, is bringing clean energy, much needed utility cost savings, and solar job skills to families on the Chemehuevi Reservation bordering Lake Havasu. Beginning December 3, 2013, GRID IE, a non-profit that brings solar power and solar job training into communities that otherwise would not have access, will launch their Tribal Solar Demonstration Project for residents on the Chemehuevi Reservation.
GRID IE staff will lead teams of solar trainees from the tribe to install solar electric systems at no cost for the income-qualified owners of three tribal homes. To commemorate this significant partnership, the Chemehuevi Tribal Council, Southern California Edison, invited guests, and community members as well as families receiving solar systems provided by GRID Alternatives will be attending the Official Kickoff Event on Tuesday, December 3, beginning at 11am.
Access to clean power, protecting the environment, and self-sufficiency are top priorities for the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe. And for tribal homeowners struggling to make ends meet, financial savings are vital. Through GRID Alternatives Solar Affordable Housing program, Steven Escobar and his family living on the reservation will receive a 3.7 kW solar electric system that is estimated to reduce their annual electric bill by over 40%. Well be able to use the savings to cover many of the bills and costs of our home and family, said Steven, especially food costs, since our daughters are growing up so fast!
The Chemehuevi solar electric systems combined will total nearly 12 kW, generating over 650,000 kWh of clean renewable energy over the lifetime of the systems. This equates to $110,000 in total savings for the three families. In addition, 340 tons of greenhouse gas emissions will be prevented, equivalent to planting 8,000 trees, or taking 60 cars off the road for one year!
About Chemehuevi Indian Tribe
As part of the Great Basin Culture Area, the Chemehuevi (a term given by the Mojave people meaning "those that play with fish"), a branch of the Southern Paiute, have been persistent occupants of the Mojave Desert. Known to themselves as Nuwuvi (The People), they have been nomadic residents of the Mojave Desert's mountains and canyons and the Colorado River shoreline for thousands of years. The Chemehuevi Indian Tribe became a federally recognized tribe in 1970. Today, the Reservation comprises approximately 32,000 acres of trust land that includes thirty miles of Lake shoreline. For more information, visit www.chemehuevi.net.