Crossville Could Save Thousands on City Utility Costs

A potential energy savings project could help Crossville shave thousands off their utility costs.

NORESCO Energy Engineers completed a two-day study on city buildings to help determine where Crossville can save money. The information was presented to Crossville City Council members during Monday’s work session.

NORESCO Representative Brian Stone said the city could save money in a number of areas.

“We think there’s a number of opportunities already in the city that we can do,” Stone said. “Some of those build on stuff you’re already doing, some of those are new. It’s based on a couple of different pieces.”

The project would cost Crossville approximately $2 million to implement, ranging from water conservation, to LED streetlights, to new HVAC units. If implemented, the new utilities would generate $150,000 or more in total annual savings.

Stone said the program presented to council is considered “self-funded,” meaning the savings generated from improvements will help pay for the overall cost.

“Crossville would borrow money upfront, do all of these upgrades and improvements, and then the savings over time would repay that debt,” Stone said. “So you’re not taking any money out of your capital budget, you’re not taking any money out of your future renovation schedule or anything like that.”

Stone said solar power could be used at some of Crossville’s facilities to help reduce the city’s energy costs.

“We do think there’s probably some solar opportunities on a limited basis,” Stone said, adding solar programs in the state have declined in 2018. “We do still think there’s an opportunity for some solar to offset some costs here in Crossville both at the water plant and at [city hall].”

Stone said the city and its engineers already began some cost-efficient projects around Crossville prior to NORESCO’s two-day study.