Rio Hondo embarks on energy-saving efforts with LoanStar program

RIO HONDO - In a effort to save money, the city is mulling over using an Edinburg company to convert a number of City Hall fixtures into energy-saving machines.

Steven Trimarco, from the Edinburg-based company The Real Corporation, told officials at last week's City Commission meeting of three different avenues Rio Hondo could take to save money through the LoanSTAR program.

The State Energy Conservation Office's LoanSTAR program, which stands for Loans to Save Taxes And Resources, loans money to small municipalities to change a number of ways they consume energy.

The loan's repayment is based solely on the savings the city earns, Trimarco said.

"Cities want to take advantage of this," he said.

On average, that payment can take about five years, but by LoanSTAR standards, cannot take longer than 10 years.

If a municipality makes a $160,000 investment for the LoanSTAR program that saves $40,000 a year, the city would make a $40,000 payment for four years, he said.

According to SECO's Web site, 191 LoanSTAR loans have been made, totaling over $240 million.

In Rio Hondo, the city's three target areas are the air conditioning units, light fixtures and window films, Trimarco said.

The city has 10 air conditioning units, some of which are more than 10 years old.

Of its light fixtures, Trimarco said the city should change 351 of those for a 30 percent reduction in its light bill.

A change in the window film could help the city save about $200 a month, he added.

Mayor Santiago Saldaña said the city could discuss the loan program at its next City Commission meeting.

"It sounds pretty good, to save some money," he said.

Trimarco, who has worked in energy conservation for four years and as an energy broker, marketing for four different utility companies said consumers are looking to save money.

"People are more energy conscious," he said. "The state is trying to help small municipalities."

Rio Hondo is the first city Trimarco has approached about the loan, he said.

Saldaña said city might be interested in seeking a loan to save money in one of the areas suggested by Trimarco.

"We need to see if it's do-able," he said.