News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Jackson County Schools will receive lighting, plumbing and HVAC upgrades to conserve energy.
Jackson County Director of Schools Kristy Brown said she is excited to see updated and energy efficient schools in her district.
“They are working on the gym lights right now in the schools,” Brown said. “We expect to start seeing immediate savings. Those old light fixtures use up a lot more energy. That is something we are going to keep a close eye on.”
Brown said the $2.2 million project will initially be paid by loans from the state’s Energy Efficient Schools Initiative (EESI). But, the money saved from lower utility bills will offset the total costs. The project is expected to be complete by December.
“Because it is a state program, they make sure the program, will in fact, cover the costs,” Brown said. “We are basically able to upgrade equipment and be able to do it with no additional costs to the schools or tax payers. It is guaranteed to do that. We hope to continue the savings far into the future.”
The Energy Efficient Schools Initiative (EESI) was established by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2008 with $90 million. Over $87 million has been approved for projects to improve the energy efficiency in Tennessee’s public K-12 schools.
