The West Irondequoit Board of Education voted May 29 to proceed with the energy performance contract (EPC) procurement process and accepted the consulting recommendation on a preferred energy services approach after reviewing four proposals.

Mister Brennan and consultants from CPL described the RFP evaluation and interview process. Four firms — Energy Systems Group (ESG), Johnson Controls (JCI), Amaresco and Day Automation — submitted bids. CPL said all four were capable partners but recommended selecting the firm the evaluation team judged best on technical and implementation criteria.

CPL’s presentation explained the EPC model: an ESCO performs a comprehensive energy audit, designs recommended energy conservation measures (ECMs), installs and commissions equipment, and guarantees energy savings. If savings fall short, the ESCO is contractually responsible for the shortfall. Under the district’s chosen model, the district retains ownership of installed equipment at project completion.

Board members asked about the timeline, procurement process and how the guaranteed‑savings metric would be validated. CPL said a project development agreement will be executed with the selected ESCO; a full facility audit follows and a guaranteed savings schedule is finalized before construction. Consultants estimated construction might begin in spring 2026 if procurement and design proceed on the planned timetable.

Board President Sullivan (presiding) and district staff noted the RFP generated strong interest and that committee interviews included student participants. No local funding increase was expected for the capital work because the local share would be funded from the projected energy savings; the district reported having no need to borrow for summer cash flow.

The motion to proceed passed in the meeting. Staff will continue with the project development agreement and detailed audit with the chosen ESCO, and return to the board with the finalized performance contract for approval.