Springfield schools ponder joining solar system

Springfield schools could save upward of $86,000 a year on its electric bills if they endorse a solar energy consortium proposed by a group of southern Vermont schools.

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20151009/NEWS02/151009792

Published October 9, 2015 in the Rutland Herald Springfield schools ponder joining solar system By SUSAN SMALLHEER Staff Writer SPRINGFIELD — Springfield schools could save upward of $86,000 a year on its electric bills if they endorse a solar energy consortium proposed by a group of southern Vermont schools. Steve Hier, finance director for the Springfield school district, said it would require the school to agree to a 20-year contract for the power. He said the solar deal would save the schools about 22 percent on their annual electric bill. Hier said the School Board would have to make a commitment by early November and formally join several other school districts that have been investigating the joint foray into solar power. Under the project, the school districts, including divisions in Rutland, Windsor and Windham and Bennington counties, would not put up any cash to build the solar arrays. Their commitment would be the binding, 20-year contract. Hier said the consortium had consulted with attorneys who said the 20-year contract did not require a public vote. In contrast, earlier this year, at Springfield town meeting, voters gave their approval for the town to enter into long-term contracts with solar developers that would provide the town with a fraction of its power needs. According to the school solar consortium, Springfield could receive 80 percent of its electric power from the solar system. “I was very skeptical at first, but the process has gone extremely well. To me it makes sense to do this,” Hier said. Likewise, Superintendent of Schools Zachary McLaughlin said he was leery of Springfield going it alone with a solar developer, but he had become a supporter as well. “Nothing is foolproof,” he said, but he noted that having a consortium gave the school district “leverage” in dealing with the solar developer. “It is taking a calculated risk,” he told the School Board. Hier said if the school district continues its electrical conservation efforts, as other schools will undoubtedly do, the consortium can bring in another school or town to use the excess capacity in the contract. “It feels almost foolproof,” said Select Board Chairwoman Jeanice Garfield. Hier said the School Board must make a decision at its next meeting on Nov. 2.