Energy management program tallies 22 percent utilities savings

Energy management program tallies 22 percent utilities savings
Nine months into Year 12 of the Walla Walla Public Schools Energy Management Program has revealed a savings of more than $251,000 representing a 21.83 percent savings. In those nine months, WWPS utilities costs were over $900,000. WWPS has saved over 2.8 million over the last 11 years.

"We have had a savings of 25 percent in the past and we hope to get back into the mid-twenty percent range for a savings," District Energy Manager John Butenhoff said. "This is a lot of money to put back into our schools, equipment and maintenance."

Butenhoff says the program is effective due to staff support by controlling energy usage in district buildings by shutting off equipment daily. The districts Energy Management program is based on turning off equipment, scheduling heating and cooling to be on only when occupied, and efficient irrigation practices. Staff and student comfort is not compromised.