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Energy service firms urge 20-year payback option to expand school performance contracting
Summary
A project developer told the Senate Finance Committee that allowing school performance contracts to be repaid over 20 years, up from the current 10-year threshold, would let Vermont districts finance larger energy and infrastructure upgrades through energy savings performance contracting (ESPC).
Eric Lafayette, a project developer with Energy Efficient Investments, told the Senate Finance Committee that energy savings performance contracting could help Vermont school districts address aging infrastructure without upfront capital.
Lafayette said ESCOs perform up-front, investment-grade audits at no cost, identify energy conservation measures and finance, design and verify projects. "Energy savings performance contracting...is a solution to address aging infrastructure and deferred maintenance at our K through 12 schools while making them more efficient, cost less to operate, and reduce our overall carbon footprint," Lafayette said.
He explained ESCOs package measures such as roof, window and mechanical work, building automation and LED lighting into contracts where projected energy savings cover payments. Lafayette told the committee ESCO work often triggers other…
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