PLEASANTON, — Safeway Inc. plans to install solar arrays on the roofs of 23 stores as part of a broad renewable energy initiative.

A newly renovated Safeway Lifestyle estore in Dublin, Calif., is already benefiting from a solar array that generates the electricity for the 55,000-square foot facility. Combined, the solar installations at the company's 23 stores will generate 7,500 megawatts of electricity each year. That's enough to yield 20 percent of the stores’ average usage, and nearly half of usage during peak hours.

The whole Dublin Safeway store uses renewable energy, and its on-site fuel station uses wind energy. The solar installations at the 23 stores will avoid 10.4 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.

"Safeway is taking its green power initiative to the next level as we identify additional California store locations for its solar stores program," Joe Pettus, Safeway Senior Vice President, Fuel & Energy, said in a statement. "The investment in renewable energy, both solar and wind makes sense for both the environment and our company."

Since 2005, all 295 Safeway fuel stations transitioned to use only renewable power. It also uses a state-of-the-art refrigeration system, no-heat freezer case doors and LED lights for exterior and signage, which uses 90 percent less energy than traditional neon lights.

"I applaud Safeway for its commitment to sustainability and for being an environmental leader among California-based companies," said Congressman Jerry McNerney, who toured the solar array at the Dublin location. "Their Dublin solar project stands as a model for other companies to invest in the same renewable energy technology in California and elsewhere."