The Herald-News - News Story

Rhea County schools may be saving thousands of dollars in utilities and gas bills with the governor's new energy efficient school initiative, officials said.

Terry Townsend with T.E. Townsend Engineering, Inc., based in Chattanooga, discussed the initiative with the Rhea County School Board on Thursday.

"I think it's a good opportunity for Rhea County schools," Townsend told the board.

The State House and Senate approved the appropriation of more than $100 million in excess lottery funds to be used for school energy saving measures, and each school in Tennessee has the chance to grab a piece of that pie.

In order to partake in the governor's initiative, the schools will need to apply for a grant and loans, but the payoff would be worth the cost, said Townsend.

Based on recent audits of three local schools, Rhea County schools are wasting an excessive amount of energy, especially in the lighting, heating and cooling departments. The schools spend approximately $1.2 million in utilities and gas bills each year, according to recent records.

The energy initiative, however, could save the schools up to $183,000 in energy costs.

A one-time grant is available to the schools for nearly $90,600. Townsend also suggested two zero-percent interest loans: a $271,800 loan with a seven-year payback plan and an Education Development Center loan for $500,000, also with a seven-year payback plan.

Before the schools qualify for the grant and loans, the other three schools in the county must be inspected for energy efficiency, Townsend noted. The audits could be completed as early as the end of summer, said Rhea County School Board chair Ron Masterson.

"We wouldn't be able to do all the things the audit said, but we could start with the bad boys, the ones sucking the energy," Masterson said. "The lighting and heating and cooling systems are a high priority."

Townsend said many of the lights could be replaced with cost-effective LED lights. The lighting and air could also be placed on a control system in order to minimize energy waste.
Doorway management is another area in need of improving, according to Masterson.

The school board and county commission must approve the initiative before the grant and loans go through, as well.

If all the prerequisites are met, the schools could be renovated during Christmas break, Masterson estimated. He added that the high school would likely be the first to be upgraded, since the school already requires heating and air conditioning repairs.

"It was a grand idea to start a project like this," said Masterson. "It's just one of those things we're going to have to wait until we see the audit and get the blessing of the school board and county commission."

Michelle Friesen can be reached at michelle.friesen@rheaheraldnews.com.