Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Energy Project topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Schneider Electric outlines $10.8M energy and infrastructure proposal for Union County schools; board to vote in April
Summary
Schneider Electric and a municipal advisor briefed the board on a proposed $10.8 million energy and infrastructure project that would add solar at multiple sites, upgrade security and HVAC, and aim for roughly 33% energy cost reduction; the presenters asked the board to consider approval at the April meeting to secure a $1.9 million federal solar tax credit.
Representatives of Schneider Electric briefed the Union County School Board on a proposed comprehensive energy and infrastructure project intended to modernize school facilities and reduce operating costs. Melon Hyatt and Quint Mather of Schneider Electric, joined virtually by Mike Gallagher of Compass Municipal Advisors, outlined a phase‑one scope that includes security upgrades, building automation, solar installations at multiple sites, mechanical work at the high school, transformer replacements, and water‑conservation measures.
Presenters said the district currently spends about $770,000 annually on energy (about $1.15 per square foot) and that the proposed upgrades are expected to lower that to roughly $1.00 per square foot. "We're looking at a 33% reduction in energy cost or close to $260,000 annually," the presentation stated, and presenters estimated "almost $7 million in savings" across the lifetime of the partnership. They also said a $1.9 million federal solar tax credit would be available if the board approves the project on the April timeline and panels can be secured in time for the credit.
Mike Gallagher described financing options that would place the project within the district's existing debt structure and allow payments to be made from realized savings or other capital sources; he compared the structure to past installment purchase revenue bonds. Board members asked for timing details and whether the board could vote earlier; presenters recommended final approval in April to meet tax credit deadlines. No formal vote was taken tonight; administration said a contract would be ready for the April meeting.
What happens next: Schneider Electric and district staff will finalize contract documents and financial details over the next few weeks and return to the board in April for a final vote.
