Millions of your tax dollars no longer being wasted thanks to TPS efficiency plan

Millions of your tax dollars are no longer flying out the window at Tulsa Public Schools.

The district is almost 3 years into an energy efficiency plan that saves about 3 million per year.

TPS spokesman Chris Payne tells KRMG that the district has achieved $8,677,742 in cost savings in the 34 months since forming a strategic alliance with Cenergistic, a national energy conservation company.

“Saving energy is a very important, yet often overlooked facet of saving dollars,” TPS superintendent Dr. Keith Ballard said. “In a time when education spending is taking hits, and with the recent sequester affecting available funds, we need to find every possible way to redirect dollars into the classroom. The $8 million saved on energy will go a long way in educating the children of Tulsa.”

As part of the program, TPS energy specialists track energy consumption — including electricity, water, sewer, natural gas and fuel oil — using energy-accounting software.

They compare current energy use to a baseline period and calculate the amount of energy saved through conservation and management practices. By tracking consumption and analyzing energy use, they can quickly identify and correct areas that need immediate attention.