Bakersfield Council Approved Energy Savings Contract

The city awarded an $8 million solar and battery project to help reduce long-term utility costs for the Water Department.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Utilities

Bold vector illustration featuring a solar panel array and industrial battery unit, representing city infrastructure energy updates. — The Bakersfield City Council approved an $8 million energy efficiency contract with Willdan Energy Solutions to install solar arrays and battery systems. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you support using public funds for large-scale energy efficiency projects in your local community?

The Bakersfield City Council has authorized an $8 million contract with Willdan Energy Solutions to install photovoltaic arrays and battery storage at the Water Resources Administrative Building. The project aims to improve local infrastructure reliability and reduce dependence on external electrical power.

Why it matters

The initiative seeks to curb rising utility expenses for the Water Department through long-term energy efficiency investments. By generating power on-site, the city expects to decrease its reliance on the traditional grid while achieving significant cost reductions.

The Water Department expects $380,000 in annual electricity savings, with projected net savings reaching nearly $6.2 million over the next 25 years.

The players

Bakersfield City Council

This is the primary legislative body responsible for overseeing the city's municipal projects and budgetary allocations.

Willdan Energy Solutions

This company provides engineering and infrastructure services focused on energy efficiency and sustainable development projects.

The details

Selected from a pool of eight candidates, Willdan Energy Solutions will manage the installation of solar arrays and storage systems. To keep the total project cost within the approved $7,990,188 budget, officials previously opted to remove planned EV chargers, a decision that saved the city $1.2 million.

The city began seeking contractors for the energy efficiency project in July 2024.
The Bakersfield City Council voted to approve the final contract on October 7, 2026.

Market Landscape

This project aligns with the U.S. Department of Energy's municipal infrastructure energy efficiency goals by prioritizing long-term operational savings through renewable technology. It signals a shift toward local governments internalizing power production to insulate budgets from broader utility market volatility.

Residents may see improved utility infrastructure reliability as the Water Department reduces its dependency on external grid sources. By funding this project through the existing Water Department budget rather than tax hikes, the city aims to preserve fiscal stability for local ratepayers.

The takeaway

Investment in on-site renewable energy systems can provide municipalities with a hedge against future electricity price increases. Local governments are increasingly choosing to sacrifice non-essential secondary features, such as EV chargers, to ensure primary energy systems remain affordable and viable.