October of 2005 the Cairo-Durham CSD implemented an energy conservation plan. The plan was very basic and focused on turning off electrical equipment and lights not in use, lowering heating setpoints to 68 degrees, raising cooling setpoints to 74 degrees, making sure boilers are properly tuned, and making sure air handlers and unit ventilators are operating properly.

This summer cooling setpoints in unoccupied (non-office) areas were either raised to 78 degrees or turned off. As a result of the actions taken during June, July, and August, combined electric usage for the High School/Middle School, Cairo Elementary, Durham Elementary, and the Relocatable Classroom was 37,275 kWh less than the same time frame in 2005. At an average cost of 8.221 cents/KWH this equates to a savings of approximately $3064, typically enough to cover most of the cost of one month of electric usage at Cairo Elementary.

Electric usage July 04- July 05 for the High School/Middle School, Cairo Elementary and Durham Elementary was 2,081,950 kWh. July 05- July 06 electric usage for these buildings was 1,850,220 kWh, a reduction of 231,730 kWh a savings of approximately $19,000.

Over the last year there were dramatic reductions in fuel usage attributable to the slightly warmer winter in 05-06 as compared to 04-05 and the actions taken in October 2005. Total fuel oil usage in 2004-2005 was 86,521 gallons (03-04 was over 93,000gallons). Total fuel oil usage in 2005-2006 was 68,112 gallons, a reduction of 18,409 gallons. At the current state contract price for #2 fuel oil of $1.81 this was a savings of over $33,000!

This program will continue to be successful with the full cooperation of administrators, teachers, custodial staff, students and building users.