Southington High School Honored for Energy Efficiency

Southington High School was recently recognized by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) for its commitment to reducing its energy consumption and air pollution during summer 2013. The school is one of eleven organizations statewide to receive a “Summer Saver” award at the State Capitol. In addition to remarks from DEEP Commissioner Rob Klee, Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) Vice Chairman Jack Betkoski served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.

Southington High school received a Summer Saver Peak Performer Award for the highest achievement in reducing electricity demand as part of the ISO-New England Load Response program administered by Connecticut Light & Power. From May through September 2013, the school voluntarily curtailed more than 421 kilowatts of electricity, which translates to 36 percent of its electricity load, without the use of back-up diesel generation.

“The combined efforts of the 11 Summer Savers Awardees resulted in energy savings in kilowatt hours, peak electricity demand and in carbon emissions,” said DEEP Commissioner Rob Klee. “Efficiency efforts are of special significance in summer months when reducing peak demand can help reduce the cost of power and when reducing emissions from power plants helps prevent pollution that contributes to smog and climate change.”

The energy efficiency measures implemented by Southington High School include various lighting retrofits including the installation of 28-watt and T5 florescent light bulbs. The school also installed a three kilowatt solar panel with output monitoring software available for classroom use.

To find out more about programs that help organizations like Southington High School, save energy and money, please visit http://energizect.com/government-municipalities/programs/connecticut-summer-savers-awards.