YHS enacts energy-saving summer plan

By Earlene Ward

Yosemite High School district

The Yosemite Joint Union High School District staff members who work during the summer are working four 10-hour days as part of the district’s efforts to reduce its energy consumption.

The Administration Building will be open to serve the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Summer school will also be on a four-day schedule this year with classes in session from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Summer school begins Monday [June 18] and ends July 26.

Besides saving energy costs by closing the classes one day per week, the district will also save on bus transportation during summer school by making one less trip a week.

“We are doing everything we can to reduce our energy use,” comments District Superintendent Bill McCabe. “Our energy costs will rise dramatically this year; the 48% increase will mean about $84,000 more in utility bills for the district.”

At a special meeting of the YJUHSD Board of Trustees June 4, approval was given for construction of an additional co-generation plant for the campus. The district is pursuing grants to help pay the cost of construction.

It is expected that the second co-generation plant on the campus will pay for itself in three years through energy savings and selling excess energy. The new plant is expected to go on-line July 1.

The co-generation plant will help the district reduce its demand charge for power, which is 40% of the total cost. It will also help the district meet the reduction percentages that may bring some financial relief from the state and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

The state is proposing financial incentives to school districts that make substantial energy savings. One proposal is to pay districts $51 per Average Daily Attendance if electric bills are reduced by 10%.

A second incentive is offered by PG&E. The company is offering a 20% reduction in energy costs for those school districts that reduce their energy consumption by 20%.

These two incentives would save the district about $56,000, leaving it with approximately $28,000 in additional energy costs.

Mr. McCabe is quick to point out, however, that the state incentives may or may not happen. Also, if the district does not achieve the required reductions, there will be no financial relief from the state or from PG&E.

Other efforts being made to conserve energy at the district include using fewer lights, setting the air conditioning at 74 degrees and elimination of all non-essential appliances.

“We are limited during the school year as to what we can do to conserve energy,” says Mr. McCabe.

“We have to have the classrooms comfortable enough for the students to concentrate on their lessons,” he adds. “However, we will make a major effort this summer to save as much as possible. The employees who work throughout the summer are being most cooperative in adjusting their schedules so we can close the office one day a week and save energy in that way.”