Grand Prairie ISD Earns $14,730 in Oncor energy efficiency program
Courtesy Grand Prairie ISD
On February 14, the Grand Prairie Independent School District will receive a check for $ 14,730 from the Oncor SCORE Program for energy efficient lighting upgrades in their libraries at Crockett, Daniels, Moore and Whitt Elementary schools, as well as new construction at Moseley Elementary. The new construction project incorporated both high efficient lighting and a geothermal heating and cooling system. The EPA Energy Star program will also award the district the Energy Star label for all 37 schools in Grand Prairie ISD.
The Texas Schools Conserving Resources (SCORE) Program is a pilot program being sponsored by Oncor Electric Delivery for select school districts to help improve energy efficiency and reduce schools’ energy operating costs. The district is awarded incentives for reducing their peak demand energy needs through facility upgrades and efficient new construction. Organizations earn the ENERGY STAR Award by being a top performer within EPA’s national energy performance rating system. Grand Prairie ISD joins approximately 3,200 buildings nationwide that have earned the ENERGY STAR Award.
“The SCORE Program has helped us to realize that our buildings were eligible for the ENERGY STAR label. We are grateful that our efforts in energy management have allowed us to achieve this distinguished honor. This is a recognition shared by all district staff and students who have adopted a culture of energy awareness. Efficient use of our financial resources is a benefit to our entire community,” said Grand Prairie ISD Executive Director of Facilities Greg Vernon.
Jerry Palermo, Assistant Director of Maintenance and Operations, oversees the energy management program in the district. He has been a big supporter of saving energy within the district and mentioned that “the money saved can be reinvested directly back into our classrooms, and by being energy efficient we are setting a good example for students, teachers and staff.” Staff are reminded of their energy efficiency with a yellow card thanking them for turning off computers and monitors for the night while a blue card serves as a friendly reminder to power down each evening.
As part of being a SCORE program participant, the district has also developed an energy master plan so they can continue to take the best approach toward reducing the district’s energy bills. Vernon recognized that “the incentives motivated us (to do the projects), but the long-term financial savings to our district over the coming years will be even more valuable.”
“Oncor Electric Delivery is proud to offer a unique program that serves the vital needs of Texas public schools. We are committed to the future of our local communities and our children,” said Jeff Reed, SCORE Program Manager for Oncor Electric Delivery. “The SCORE Program provides comprehensive tools and incentive dollars to help districts manage their energy use so that more of their budget dollars end up in the classroom for students.”
The SCORE Program is administered by CLEAResult Consulting. For more information about the SCORE Program please visit CLEAResults Consulting.
Oncor Electric Delivery operates the largest distribution and transmission system in Texas, providing power to three million homes and businesses, and operates more than 115,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines in Texas. Information about Oncor Electric Delivery can be obtained by going directly to ONCOR.
