School district wants help reducing energy consumption

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) The Billings School Board is interested in signing a $1 million contract for services of a Texas company that says it can improve energy conservation in schools.

The board has tentatively agreed to a five-year contract with Energy education Inc., and expects to act on a final contract within a few months.

Energy Education says it can save the Billings School District at least $3.7 million in energy costs over a five-year span. The district spends about $3 million a year on utilities. School officials say money from energy savings would cover the cost of the contract.

They've been trying, for almost two years, to cut energy consumption. It's fallen, but officials say more can be achieved through a cultural shift in habits.

Information from: Billings Gazette, http://www.billingsgazette.com (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 01-19-08 1659CST | save this article / add to your favorites list