34,800 Light Bulbs Later, District Completes Energy Savings Project

Energy-saving projects in Bridgewater schools totaling more than $8.5 million are nearly complete—but taxpayers needn't worry about pending hikes.

Under the terms of an Energy Savings Improvement Program signed with Honeywell Corp., the district is guaranteed to realize at least $592,025 in annual energy savings—which will offset the cost of improvements made following an energy audit.

The board reviewed progress on the ESIP plan at its meeting Nov. 26, where Honeywell representative Joseph Coscia outlined the work done and potential for greater savings.

"Bottom line: the project was under budget, we were able to take on additional projects, and it's substantially done," Coscia said.

The program began in February, when the board OK'd the agreement with Honeywell to undertake an assessment and develop a plan to address the most inefficient energy uses in the district—and to finance and complete work addressing those uses to be paid for by the savings realized by the district.

Coscia said the 15-year financing will cost the district $592,025 annually—which Honeywell guaranteed will be covered by savings the district will realize in reduced electrical and gas consumption.

Should the district save even more, Coscia said the district gains the difference; if the savings don't materialize, he said Honeywell is obligated to pay the difference—and take further steps to reduce the district's energy costs.

"It's a real win-win," board member Evan Lerner said.

The work included everything from simply replacing and resealing caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors, to installing eight new boilers and replacing older light fixtures with new ones. Fans to better circulate air and balance heating and cooling were installed.

Higher-tech improvements, such as automatic lighting shutoff sensors for hallways and a centralized control system will further save the district.

Altogether, Coscia said 34,800 light bulbs, 13,100 fluorescent light ballasts, and 1,300 sensors were installed .