Elgin schools reduce electricity use, save money

Elgin Area School District U-46 recently announced the district saved $79,800 in electricity costs as a result of the Energy Conservation Awards Program (E-CAP).

The friendly green-inspired competition pits schools against each other and offers incentives for those with the greatest reductions in electricity use.

"Keeping the lights on at all of our facilities is a costly expense and there are many opportunities for staff and students to help us save energy and money at the same time," said Superintendent José M. Torres. "There is no smarter way for us to conserve energy than making it a team effort across the district."

E-Cap ran from November 2013 through April 2014. At the June 2 board of education meeting, the schools with the greatest energy reductions were recognized as part of the board's Accent on Achievement.

The seven schools with the greatest energy reductions include Glenbrook, Highland, Prairieview and Hawk Hollow elementary schools, Independence Early Learning Center, Eastview Middle School and Streamwood High School.

Next year, the Plant Operations Department will run the E-CAP program during the entire 2014-2015 school year.