Schools seek ways to cut heating costs

The price of cutting heating oil consumption at Sisters High School has nearly tripled in a month. But the school board hopes the result will still represent a bargain.

The subject first arose at the November 8 board meeting when board members approved an analysis of energy efficiency at the year-old high school. The study was to be done by Integrated Energy Services Inc. of Portland (IES) at a cost of no more than $4,952.

A month later, at the board's December 13 meeting, Facilities Director Bob Martin reported that as a result of the IES analysis further steps are needed to develop a plan that will "optimize the energy consumption of the building." These include making several tests involving two of the building's air handlers and associated exhaust fans.

The proposed tests and evaluations emerged from discussions among representatives of the school district, Steele and Associates Architects, Cascade Heating, Kirby Nagelhout Construction Co., Control Contractors, Interface Engineering and IES. The work will cost an estimated $9,500.

Board Member Bill Reed initially balked at the proposal, saying he thought the original study was supposed to do the job. But Martin explained that while the IES study has provided important data, other tests are needed to determine how to adjust the heating and ventilation system to maximize savings.

Those savings will be significant over the life of the system, he said.

Superintendent Ted Thonstad supported the proposal, noting that last year the high school used 45,000 gallons of heating oil. Saving just 10 percent of that at current prices would save the district $5,000 in one year, he said.

The board approved the proposal without dissent. Board Member Eric Dolson was absent due to illness.