Wilkes Community College representatives on Nov. 3 asked Ashe County commissioners for informal support to proceed with procurement for a no‑cost energy‑savings performance contract that uses guaranteed utility savings to pay for facility upgrades.

Dr. Rogers, president of Wilkes Community College, told the board the college has more than $15 million in near‑term facility needs across its campuses and spends roughly $1 million a year on utilities. Graham Lewis of Schneider Electric explained the state program’s structure: the vendor implements upgrades (for example, lighting, HVAC and building automation), those measures reduce utility and operations costs, and the guaranteed savings are used retroactively to repay the project investment. If annual savings fall short of the guaranteed amount, the contractor must make up the difference, Lewis said.

Schneider Electric’s analysis, presented to the board, projected approximately 23–27% utility savings across the college’s campuses and an ability to finance up to about $5.5 million in facility upgrades. The model is typically structured over 15–20 years, Lewis said, and state statute requires projects to be self‑funding except for state or federal incentives. Dr. Rogers added that the Alleghany campus is not part of this proposal because the college does not own that building.

College staff said they would return to commissioners next year with a formal resolution; the resolution template will ask the county not to reduce utility funding levels that the college then uses to repay the project. Commissioners indicated informal support during the presentation (nodding/consensus) and asked staff to continue through the state procurement process. No formal county vote was taken at the Nov. 3 meeting.

Commissioners and college representatives also discussed workforce connections: the college has reworked applied engineering and skilled‑trades programs at the Ash campus, is operating a commercial driver’s license (CDL) program with Caldwell Community and Technical College, and said project components could include student engagement and educational activities.

The college and Schneider Electric said more precise savings and contract terms will be available after the full procurement and state review.