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School board authorizes procurement to pursue energy and water‑savings contract with Schneider Electric
Summary
After a presentation from Schneider Electric, the Union County School Board voted to direct the administration to begin a competitive procurement for energy and water‑savings contractor services; the company estimated roughly 26% energy savings and guaranteed annual savings over $150,000 based on preliminary data.
Union County School Board members voted unanimously to direct district staff to begin a competitive procurement for energy and water‑savings contractor services after a presentation from Schneider Electric.
Maline Hyatt of Schneider Electric told the board the company is an "energy services company" that designs, engineers, funds and implements infrastructure and technology projects for school districts. Hyatt said preliminary analysis estimates "roughly a 26% reduction in energy and utility and operational costs," which she said would amount to "over $150,000 annually" and more than $4 million over the course of a partnership, subject to final scope and verification.
Hyatt cited a statutory delivery model and referenced "South Carolina code 4852670" as the statutory framework the company uses. She described Schneider Electric's offer as a bundled package that can include design, construction management, grants and incentives support, performance guarantees and long‑term service and training for district staff.
Procurement staff explained the recommended next step is to convert the market research and presentation into a public solicitation: an RFP posted to the district's business opportunities page, with outreach to ensure adequate competition and compliance with local and state procurement policies. A board member asked whether certain district properties (for example, the Lockhart site) had been included in the preliminary data; staff said some data gaps exist and would be addressed during the design phase.
The board then voted to "direct the administration to move forward with the procurement of energy and water savings contractor services." The motion was seconded and approved by roll call with all present members voting yes.
What happens next: administration will prepare procurement documents and advertise the RFP, collect competitive proposals and return to the board with recommended contract options and final projected savings for board consideration.
