Two Decades of Energy Savings

Energy Management program continues trimming costs in its second decade
District Energy Management Program Coordinator John Butenhoff reports Year 21 of the program, implemented to avoid wasting utilities in order to save money to be used for instructional needs, continued to save taxpayer dollars in its second decade.

This year, WWPS used 19% less electricity and 23% less natural gas. When adjusting the cost of utility rates from base numbers, WWPS saved 40% on electricity costs, 24% on natural gas fees and 12% on water expenditures.

“These savings are so great because we are using less energy with rates that are more than 120% higher on electricity, over 65% higher on natural gas and up 146% on water costs,” said Butenhoff. “The rate increases equate to more than $890,000 additional costs the district is avoiding through this program.”

Over the past 21 years, the WWPS Energy Management Program has saved over 25% in energy usage and $7.5M.

Energy Management Program Overview:
• The Energy Management program uses Energy CAP software to track utility usage.
• Utilities Monitored: Electricity, Gas, Water / Sewer/, Sanitation.

“WWPS’ staff are stepping up and doing the right thing by watching water usage and waste, shutting off lights, computers and other equipment when not used and only heating and cooling areas in use,” said Butenhoff. “Walla Walla taxpayers should be very proud of the WWPS staff and their efforts to control the use of utilities.”