CATAWISSA RR - A proposal from an energy company could potentially save Southern Columbia Area School District $1.5 million in operational and utilities costs over 17 years.
At the Monday night school board meeting, Daniel Riggle, of Schneider Electric, told board members they can realize $84,000 in annual savings with the goal of using $200,000 to $500,000 in infrastructure upgrades.
Riggle's firm studied utility usage over several years and compared past energy studies and concluded that several changes could be made in order to save the district money.
Some of those changes included switching equipment, changing the types of light bulb used, weather proofing certain parts of the school and adopting a policy to turn computers and other machines off when not in use, he said.
There would be no need to ask taxpayers to bear the burden of capital projects, he added.
If the board members want to move forward with the project, Riggle said the next step is to issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) from companies with energy savings specialties.
Vice President Charlie Porter was hesitant about the project since it is difficult to gauge past energy usage because of renovations and additions at the district's buildings.
Plus, he said, several energy saving measures were already implemented throughout the district.
Riggle assured Porter the board could choose which measures they would want to approve individually.
The proposal will be discussed at the October facility meeting before coming back to the whole board for a vote.
In other business
The board approved:
- A change order in the amount of $545.89 in reference to the Southern Columbia Area Middle and High School renovation and additions project.
- A $20 increase in rates for varsity football game manager to $70 per event and the varsity football security personnel to $50 per event.