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Staff flags energy‑use trends and higher utility rates in general fund review
Summary
Budget staff told the committee the district’s energy‑use intensity (EUI) has declined due to efficiency and new buildings but rising electricity prices have driven up dollar costs; River Grove’s new fully‑electric building shows a lower EUI despite higher kWh consumption.
During the general fund review, Mr. Kessel presented an eight‑year energy summary and an energy‑use intensity (EUI) index that adjusts for square footage. He said the district’s EUI trend shows improvement—driven by efficiency measures and new, more efficient buildings—while the district’s electricity price rose from roughly 10¢/kWh in fiscal 2017 to about 15¢/kWh in fiscal 2025, increasing total dollar costs.
Committee members asked whether the EUI improvements at River Grove are due to systems and design. Mr. Kessel said the lower EUI for River Grove is likely attributable to the building’s overall energy‑efficient design (insulation, higher‑rated windows and cooling measures), not just the mechanical systems, but he did not provide deeper technical details on measures or modeled savings during the meeting.
