FOLEY, Ala. — The city of Foley’s energy-savings project is near completion.

During its mid-November workshop, the Foley City Council learned that Schneider Electric Energy Services should complete renovations by Christmas.

“We’re close to being done,” Phillip Dobson of Schneider Electric told the council. “Basically, everything’s done except the solar panels. And we’re looking to put those in a week or two after Thanksgiving.”

As previously reported, the city announced in November 2012 its approval of a contract with Schneider Electric for energy services designed to ultimately save the city $166,000 per year in energy costs. The contract provides that the city would pay $35,000 per year over the next 10 years for a number of upgrades to city facilities, part of which is anticipated to be funded with a grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

According to the contract documentation, the project included a new climate-control system installed in Foley City Hall, the Community Development Center, Fire Station, Foley Public Library, Public Works Department, Senior Center, Train Depot, Parks and Recreation Building.

In addition, lighting and controls retrofits were to be installed at the Foley Municipal Airport, Chamber Building, Foley City Hall, Community Development Center, Fire Station, Justice Center, Foley Public Library, Parks and Recreation Department, Public Works Department, Rose Trail, Foley Senior Center, Train Depot, Max Griffin Park, Aaronville Park, Mel Roberts Park and Foley Sports Complex and Soccer Park. Plus, such mechanical improvements as new restroom exhaust and fan boxes or ductwork were planned for the Chamber Building, Foley City Hall, the Community Development Center and the Justice Center. The project includes a three-year contract in which Schneider will make installments and train city employees in the use and maintenance of new systems, which is estimated to take place in January.

During the council workshop, Dobson provided a summary of work, which supported his projection of completing the renovations by the end of December.

For Foley City Administrator Mike Thompson, one aspect of the project stood out.

“The big thing I’m excited about being given is the fiber (optics),” he said in the council workshop.

Dobson also pointed out that the size and complexity of the undertaking has garnered notice from Schneider’s home office.

“Our executive office is in France,” he said. “This is one of the few projects to make it to the executive desk in France. It’s a feather in your cap.”