Schools to solicit energy savings proposal

The Waynesboro School Board voted Tuesday to request proposals from energy management companies who could provide the city schools long-term energy savings.
Waynesboro Schools Superintendent Robin Crowder said estimates suggest that the school district could save as much as $250,000 in energy costs a year, and a portion of that savings could be realized in the first 9 months after the company comes on board.
Crowder said the plan is to select a company that will make immediate infrastructure improvements to heating, air conditioning and other energy equipment.
The company would also maintain the equipment and pinpoint other energy savings for the school district.
Crowder said the company selected by the school district would likely want a 10-year contract, and the initial costs to the school district would include a contract and the infrastructure improvements.
School board member Jonathan Lovelady said the benefits offered by such a company would be substantial.
“We could pay back the loan and lower our energy costs,’’ he said.
Crowder said the energy management company has no control over rate hikes by utility providers such as the recent one of more than 18 percent granted Dominion Virginia Power.
“The savings is based on less kilowatt hours,’’ he said.
School Board Vice Chairman Jeremy Taylor said he wants to see detailed outlines of the financing in proposals the energy companies offer.