CROSSVILLE —
Funds to assist with the Cumberland County Schools in the energy efficiency project were recently presented to the schools from the Tennessee Valley Authority and Volunteer Energy Cooperative.
The $107,000 in incentives are based on energy efficiency improvements implemented in the school system and is offered through TVA's Energy Right Solutions for Business program.
Aarona VanWinkle, director of schools, said, "These are long-term improvements that will reduce our energy usage for many years to come."
In order to take advantage of the incentives, the school system conducted an energy audit to determine the most cost-effective means to conserve energy.
TRANE conducted the audit, which identified numerous projects throughout the school system to cut utility costs with guaranteed savings.
Those guaranteed savings will be used to pay for the $5.28 million project, with some funding coming from low-interest loans and grants, as well as the VEC incentive funds.
The project has upgraded lighting in school facilities, automating some HVAC systems and installing newer, more efficient plumbing systems. Windows were also replaced at Homestead and Pine View elementary schools and the HVAC system at Cumberland County High School is being replaced.
Rody Blevins, president and CEO of VEC, said the program is a win-win for both the school system and the energy cooperative.
"In April, TVA will change its rate structure," Blevins said. "This will increase the cost that VEC pays to TVA for our power. Customers who implement projects like these help to hold down costs for all VEC customers. Peak load will be a major factor in the future."
Across the school system, work continues on the energy efficiency project.
"We've been having some problems in the schools with air conditioning transitioning to the new program," VanWinkle said.
Automated HVAC controls have been implemented in several schools. Some classrooms reported air conditioning was not operating properly.
TRANE has set all fans currently under the system control to run continuously in the cooling mode to better circulate the air. Holiday schedules have been implemented up to the 2012-2013 school year and a cutsheet for the thermostats with control descriptions have been provided to the school system.
"Also, any where the temperature is above 73 is to be turned in for a work order because if the temperature goes above 73, we've got a compressor problem or some other problem. We have found several compressor problems in our inspections."
Control systems have been completed at North, Brown and Stone Elementary. Rough in of controls is ongoing at Stone Memorial High School. The controls technicians are scheduled to work with Crab Orchard Elementary and the Central Office following work at SMHS.
Replacement of classroom heat and air units at CCHS are scheduled to begin the week following class dismissal. The cooling tower has been completed at the school and the boiler room work is on schedule to be complete within the next two weeks.
A project to install heating and air conditioning into the gymnasium at CCHS is also under way, with work expected to be complete by graduation, set for May 19 at 6:30 p.m.
VanWinkle said, "We might not need it because graduation is planned for outside. But if we do, the air is supposed to be ready for graduation. They are working diligently."
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