COVID, management practices, some solar schools spell cost savings for HSE

HSE Schools Energy Management Director Bob Rice told the school board that 2020’s total cost of energy for the district was nearly $1 million less than the prior year. (Graphic and photo provided)

By LARRY LANNAN

LarryInFishers.com

Bob Rice, Energy Management Director for Hamilton Southeastern Schools, provided some good news at the Wednesday school board meetings. The school district has been saving money through managing energy costs.

In 2020, energy spending was reduced $985,995 compared to the previous year. One reason cited by Rice is the reduced use of school buildings due to COVID restrictions. But the savings were also due to changing staff behavior and better managing the school corporation’s equipment.

Also, solar arrays were installed at some schools and contributed to the savings. During 2020, the solar schools sold back more than $10,000 in electric power to Duke Energy.

There will be a solar cooking event on Saturday, April 17, at Sand Creek Elementary Schools, according to Rice.