The Johnson Controls dollar-neutral energy savings project features a total of 14 energy conservation measures, beginning with work at the Patchogue Theatre for Performing Arts and ending with the solar carport in the Oak Street lot behind the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Thus far, all 35 miles of roadway streetlighting were replaced with LEDs; heating systems were upgraded and solar panels were installed at the Department of Public Works yard, beach club, theatre and Village Hall. The project will now conclude with a carport behind the theatre. The Parks and Recreation building at 380 Bay Avenue will also feature electric charging stations as well as behind the theatre.

As for the streetlighting project, a handful of lights are still not operational, according BID executive director Dennis Smith, who promises PSEG have been made aware of the issue and are working to resolve it.

The goals of the project, Christopher Fitzsimmons, Johnson Controls account executive said during the approval of the project last year, are to overall improve the safety, security and comfort of environments, reduce utility and operational costs, address deferred maintenance costs, leverage utility incentives and rebates, modernize systems and define and support renewable energy.

The project started with theatre work including lighting interior and exterior, weatherization, roof replacement, temperature control upgrades and rooftop unit replacement, as well as water conservation upgrades. Solar panels are also being currently installed as the weather continues to ease.

The solar carport, which broke ground earlier this month, will be similar to the one recently installed in Lindenhurst as part of a Johnson Controls project. Patchogue’s carport will be located in the two eastern-most parking spot areas to the rear of the theatre. The project will generate about 250,000 KW per year, which will be sold back to the grid for about $32,000, supporting roughly 40 homes.

“In addition to the expectation that the solar carports will generate an additional [about] $35,000 annually to VOP, they will provide added protection to parked cars, and all at no effect on the taxpayer,” added trustee Joseph Keyes, happy with the project. “We will enjoy not only an immediate benefit, but future generations will benefit for years to come.”

Thus far, concrete islands have been poured at the site and steel will soon be installed, as well as the electrical and canopy part of the project in the coming weeks, with expected completion by early July.

According to Smith, bills are starting to come in with the capability to compare it to last year’s to get an idea of the exact savings being made by the measures.

“It’s exciting; we are going to start saving money and it’s a good thing,” Smith said, also happy with the progress of the project.

He also hopes to add additional electric vehicle charging stations throughout the village to support the community.

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