Austin, TX – With the completion of a major gymnasium lighting upgrade at Mission ISD in south Texas, the SCORE and CitySmart Programs are now responsible for over 20 megawatts of electric demand reduction in Texas school districts, colleges and universities, and local governments. In addition to the financial savings associated with such significant reduction, the pilot efficiency programs have also paid over $3.3 million in cash incentives to help offset the cost of efficiency projects since 2006.
“We are thrilled with the achievements of the SCORE and CitySmart Programs. They are integral parts of our overall demand reduction efforts,” said Alan Ahrens of CenterPoint Energy. CenterPoint is one of eight Texas utilities offering SCORE and/or CitySmart.
Entergy Texas also offers the programs. “We recognized the need for an organized effort to improve energy efficiency in Texas schools and cities, especially as their budgets are spread thinner. The SCORE Program has filled that role extremely well,” said Kelley Carson, Entergy Program Manager.
SCORE and CitySmart help improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs through a five step process, which includes benchmarking current facility performance, developing an Energy Master Plan, identifying cost-effective projects and funding sources, providing financial incentives for energy saved through the projects, and promoting customer accomplishments through public relations support.
Once a program participant’
Even when the long-term financial benefit of energy efficiency is understood, the initial cost to purchase and install equipment is often a major obstacle to schools and cities. In addition to offering incentives, SCORE and CitySmart also educate program participants on the many financing options available to them, such as municipal leasing, loan programs, and the Texas Maintenance and Education Fund. Many of these mechanisms allow equipment to be paid for using the savings from energy bills over time, enabling the partner to implement upgrades on an accelerated timeframe.
SCORE and CitySmart also provide engineering support to help guide schools, colleges and universities, and local governments through the process of selecting the most efficient equipment for their facilities. While common improvements include lighting and HVAC retrofits, there has also been a growing trend toward sustainable energy projects such as solar installations and geothermal systems.
Given the importance of public support in the funding of efficiency projects, the programs include strong public relations and communications assistance. “There’s a lot of excitement about our facilities right now, and letting our community know that we’re taking bold steps to become more efficient with our energy consumption demonstrates good stewardship,”
SCORE and CitySmart are administered by CLEAResult Consulting on behalf of the following Texas utilities: AEP-Texas Central, AEP-Texas North, AEP-SWEPCO, CenterPoint Energy, El Paso Electric, Entergy Texas, Oncor, and Texas-New Mexico Power.
About CLEAResult
CLEAResult Consulting is an energy efficiency consulting firm based in Austin, TX. The company develops and implements energy efficiency programs for utilities and state governments nationwide, targeting the residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial sectors. CLEAResult leverages its experience in energy efficiency, demand-side management, emissions and greenhouse gas reductions, environmental conservation, renewable energy, and energy resource acquisition for the betterment of our planet. For more information, please visit www.clearesult.com.
