NV Energy's Sure Bet for Schools incentive program for energy efficiency is helping the Washoe County School District reduce its energy costs. The improvements have reduced the district’s annual energy bill by approximately $2.3 million since 2005, according to John Hargrove, project manager for energy efficiency and conservation at NV Energy.

NV Energy presented a $44,149 rebate check to the school district at its Feb. 23 board of trustees' meeting for energy efficiency projects completed during the past year at 18 schools and three other district facilities, including the Huffaker Operations and Maintenance Center.

To qualify for the rebates, the district replaced old fluorescent, metal halide and high pressure sodium lights with energy efficient compact fluorescent lights. In addition, the district installed sensors in classrooms and restrooms that automatically switch off lights when rooms are unoccupied. Among other improvements were energy efficiency upgrades to air conditioning equipment at several schools, and a host of energy efficient features that were incorporated into construction of the new Depaoli Middle School in the South Meadows area.

"In these difficult budget times every dollar counts. We are always looking at ways to improve efficiency and will work with our community partners to explore new, innovating ways to do just that. NV Energy is a great example of a successful partnership. We appreciate their commitment to making our schools and other buildings more energy efficient," Washoe County School District Superintendent Heath Morrison commented. "After all, every dollar not spent on utility costs is a dollar we can use in the classroom, not to mention the benefits to the environment."

"The Washoe County School District has demonstrated a strong commitment to energy efficiency during the past several years," Hargrove said. "In fact, the only school in Nevada with an Energy Star rating from the federal government is Shaw Middle School in Spanish Springs."

Energy efficiency improvements made in 2009 should reduce the school district’s annual electricity usage by approximately 1.5 million kilowatt hours, Hargrove said, adding that it is equivalent to the amount of energy required to power 166 homes for a year. Since 2005, the district has collected $281,874 in Sure Bet for Schools rebates, and reduced energy usage by a cumulative total of 7.1 million kilowatt hours. That represents a cumulative reduction of 5,325 tons of carbon.

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March 2010 News Team
Publisher: Chuck Meyer
Editor: John Rozsa