Nearly every day, a newspaper somewhere in the country is carrying a story about the success of our clients’ energy conservation programs. Below are just a few examples of the great work they are doing, and the privilege it is to serve them in such tangible, noteworthy ways.
Cumberland Times-News April 15, 2008
Cost-cutter
Schools’ energy plan saves county $3.1 million
In an era when many things cost more than we feel comfortable paying for them, energy is near the top of the list.
For this reason, anyone who can figure out a way to save more than $3 million in energy costs deserves a pat on the back — particularly when it's $3 million he has saved for all of us.
Since adopting an energy program five years ago, the Allegany County Board of Education has saved the taxpayers nearly $3.1 million.
Dennis Read, the school system's energy manager, told the school board recently the annual savings have ranged from $317,000 to $808,000. He said the program is designed to eliminate energy waste and save money without compromising comfort or safety in occupied areas.
Part of the savings were realized since May 2007 after it was decided to buy electricity from a cooperative in Frederick than from Allegheny Power. As it is, electricity accounted for 61 percent of the school system's $2.6 million worth of utility bills last year. (Natural gas represented 23 percent, while the rest was divided among coal, heating oil and water and sewage.
In the past, we've not hesitated to take the school board to task for what we felt was a wasting of taxpayers' money. That's why we're particularly pleased to congratulate the board for finding good ways to save it.