Oceanside’s comprehensive energy project with OPTERRA Energy Services (formerly ENGIE Services US) has reached some significant milestones since it was announced in 2024. The project involves infrastructure upgrades, as well as new solar PV generation and storage capacity, which combined, aims to save $26 million over the course of  30 years. For more information about the components of this far-reaching initiative, read announcement.

Here are the latest project updates as of February 2026:

GREAT NEWS:  The City was selected as recipient of the 2026 Smart 20 Award by Smart Cities Connect. This award recognizes Oceanside among the 20 most transformative smart cities projects globally.  The award highlights innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and municipal impact. 

Planning and Permitting

Much of the project's first year was spent on essential activities relating to project planning, procuring materials, engaging contractors, and obtaining permits for planned improvements.  We've also worked with SDG&E to obtain a new electricity rate for three of the project sites. The new rate has resulted in lower utility bills at these sites.

Currently the Mission Lift Station energy storage system is in the final permitting stage and construction and installation is scheduled for 2026 to enhance operational resilience.

Solar Installation Progress

The Oceanside Navigation Center solar shade structure is complete and is awaiting permission from SDGE to begin operating.  The Civic Center re-roofing and rooftop solar installation project is underway, with solar panels being installed atop City Hall North & South and Civic Center Library.  Solar installations are also planned this year at the Harbor, El Corazon Senior Center, and at Robert Weese Water Filtration Plant.

HVAC Replacements and Smart Thermostats

An energy audit completed early in the project revealed 12 sites requiring HVAC replacement and 19 sites in need of HVAC refurbishment.  All HVAC replacements and upgrades have now been completed, including replacing a 260-ton chiller which cools entire the Civic Center Complex.

In conjunction with the HVAC upgrades, smart thermostats have been installed at the Civic Center Library, Heritage Park, John Landes Park, three Fire Stations, and 23 other Oceanside facilities.  In addition to more efficiently maintaining optimal temperatures at every location, the smart thermostats will enable City maintenance staff to remotely monitor, schedule, and control the HVAC systems at each location.

Energy Efficient Lighting and Reliability Improvements

Interior and exterior lighting fixtures have been upgraded to energy-efficient LEDs at 30 City facility sites, including at City Hall, two Fire Stations, the Oceanside Harbor, and six City parks. The LED fixtures will enhance the safety of the parks and allow for extended evening use, where appropriate.

As part of the first phase of reliability improvements, the transformers at the Robert Weese Water Filtration Plant and San Luis Rey Wastewater Treatment Plant have been replaced. The new transformers will ensure the delivery of continuous power to these essential facilities.

Community Engagement Programs

As part of this partnership, Oceanside worked with OPTERRA to develop a variety of community programs. This summer, school-aged children enjoyed fun-filled STEM-oriented summer camps, based at the City’s four Community Resource Centers. The Parks and Recreation team assembled 1,500 solar energy-focused STEM kits to distribute during the summer camps. As a complement to the summer camps, a set of K-12 STEM books was donated to the Oceanside Public Library.

The project also includes the development of a CivicSpark Fellowship to assist with Climate Action Plan implementation.  Through that partnership, new Climate Action Plan webpages were developed as a central learning hub. Check it out

For Oceanside residents entering the workforce, the energy project is sponsoring internships. Two graduates of Mira Costa College have been hired as interns to work on housing, food, and agricultural issues.

Finally, after its renovations, the Crown Heights Community Resource Center will soon sport a brand-new mural, courtesy of Lifeline Community Services.

In addition, at the El Corazon Senior Center, the project funded the creation of walking paths, picnic areas, and new plantings, encouraging seniors to spend more time outdoors together, as well as a Dune Restoration Pilot Program to help provide coastal resiliency.

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