PUD energy savings program refunds money to SHS
Written by Julieanne Weatherhogge, Former Student on Wednesday, November 6, 2013
The Snohomish School District has been participating in an energy saving program with the PUD. As a result, SHS has $17,000 to spend in some way.
The way the PUD energy savings program is set up is that for three years each school district has a percentage of energy savings they have to complete.
Last year the energy savings was at three percent. The current school year it is five percent and next school year SHS will have to save another five percent. Last year, our district saved $80,000 and SHS came in first place saving roughly $35,000.
The PUD has an incentive set up where if the school meets their percentage savings for the year, the next year they will receive a check for half the amount that they saved. SHS has gotten $17,000 from the PUD for last school years’ savings and they now have to decide what to do with this money.
The main ways the school cut energy costs last year was by turning off the heat after hours, turning off lights in unoccupied rooms, and decreasing outlet loads by unplugging unused refrigerators, computers, and desk lamps. “I don’t know how we’re [going to] make our percentage for the third year…maybe I’ll have to work in the dark!” said Principal Beth Porter.
$17,000 is a big chunk of change. "Honestly we aren’t quite sure what we’re going to spend this money on, but my main goal is to make sure it’s spent on furthering the education of our students; that’s what is important,” Porter said.
In a meeting last Wednesday, the department heads decided that the money will be handed out based on an application process where different education departments in the school can apply for any amount of the $17,000.
Ralph Rohwer, Operations Director of the Snohomish School District said, “I’m excited for this program because it makes people stop and think about how we use energy and not take it for granted.” Rohwer wants the money to be spent in “any way that improves the education opportunities of our students.”
