Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facilities Energy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Denton ISD audit shows 14% rise in utility costs; electricity drove most of the increase
Summary
An energy‑audit presentation at the Nov. 11 board meeting said FY2025 utility costs rose about 14% districtwide; roughly $1.3 million of a $1.5 million year‑over‑year increase was attributed to higher electricity rates even as consumption fell.
Denton — Denton ISD’s energy audit, presented at the Nov. 11 board meeting, found a roughly 14% increase in districtwide utility costs for fiscal year 2025, primarily driven by electricity-rate increases.
The presenter reported that approximately $1.3 million of the $1.5 million year‑to‑year increase was due to electricity; gas and water changes were smaller. The district has 62 buildings across which consumption trends were tracked, and presenters said electrical consumption actually decreased due to operational changes such as adjusting schedules and using "optimum start" settings so equipment does not ramp up simultaneously.
Presenters credited geothermal systems and solar installations for lowering usage at newer schools but said rate increases at the utility level were the main driver of higher bills. They noted two significant water‑system leaks (at Blanton and Braswell) contributed to temporary spikes and that Martinez’s solar output data has not yet been integrated into the reporting system.
Trustees praised facilities staff for ongoing monitoring and rapid repairs; staff said they will continue work to minimize usage but have limited control over utility rate changes.
What this means: District leaders said ongoing operational changes have cut consumption but rising rates increased costs, leading the district to pursue energy‑efficiency measures and track solar integration as a long‑term mitigation strategy.
