Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Energy Procurement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Uvalde CISD joins energy cooperative, OKs programs to lower utility costs for district and patrons
Summary
The board unanimously approved joining the Moat Casey interlocal purchasing cooperative to lock energy rates starting 2030, and accepted immediate CoolSaver and affinity programs that offer discounted residential electricity and free AC tune-ups funded by grants.
The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District board unanimously approved joining the Moat Casey interlocal purchasing cooperative and a companion resolution to secure future electricity rates and launch district and community energy programs.
Moat Casey representatives told the board the district's current contract with an electric provider runs through May 2030 and the cooperative agreement would "forward lock in rates to begin in June 2030," while immediately making available two customer-facing programs: an affinity retail program and a CoolSaver efficiency program. The CoolSaver program includes an AC tune-up offer and services for qualifying patrons and district-owned units.
The nut graf: trustees approved the interlocal contract to stabilize long-term energy costs and provide immediate energy-related benefits to employees and district residents, while staff said infrastructure financing and efficiency projects could be tied to energy billing in future years.
Presenters described program specifics and estimated savings. Lloyd Graham described expected customer savings and benefits for employees and residents, saying, "Very long story short, 800 square foot apartment or a house, about $600 a year. 2,000 square foot home depending on insulation and usage about 12 to $1,500 a year." Juan of Valley Energy Sources said the promotional rate for patrons is "7.62¢" per kilowatt-hour as of the presentation.
Program details announced to the board included: a CoolSaver AC tune-up offer that can service up to 200 units per campaign, an estimated program cost of about $80,000 funded through grant allocations (presenters cited IRA/Inflation Reduction Act funds distributed via AEP), and the district’s option to pursue integrated efficiency projects — HVAC, roofing, lighting — financed through the cooperative and recovered via the district’s energy billing mechanism in later years.
Trustees asked about contract exit options and market risk; presenters said the commodity agreement would not begin until the current contract ends and includes blend-and-extend provisions to respond to market changes. Trustees voted to join the cooperative; Trustee Suarez moved, Trustee Flores seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
The district will begin the administrative steps required under the interlocal agreement and make program details available to employees and the community.
