Energy Efficiency Pays Off for the Pinellas County Schools

Tonight (April 24) the Pinellas County Schools will receive a big rebate check from Progress Energy.

Tonight's check for $260,000 is from the district's long-term energy efficiency investments. The rebate checks covers the first two phases of a three-phase energy-efficiency improvement program, which started in 2009.

The Pinellas County Schools and Progress Energy worked together to make sure the school district received the maximum benefit from its energy-efficiency upgrades.

The improvements included upgrading the lighting systems to energy-efficient fluorescent fixtures, adding automated lighting controls and installing more efficient HVAC chillers.

Progress Energy estimates the school district will reduce its energy use by more than 9 million kilowatt-hours and save more than $1 million in energy costs each year.

The third phase of the energy-efficiency improvement program should be complete by the end of this year. The last phase of the program includes more lighting and HVAC upgrades.

Once the three-phase program is complete the school district is expected to reduce its electricity use by 12 percent and save more than $1.5 million in energy costs each year.

With more than 140 facilities around the county, the Pinellas County School District is one of Progress Energy's largest Pinellas County customers.

The school district will receive its rebate check at tonight's  meeting, 301 4th St. SW, Largo. The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m.

Here is the complete Pinellas County School Board agenda.