The Energy Resource Center: On-Site Technical Assistance and Training Programs for Texas School Districts

Abstract

Created by the 68th Session of the Texas Legislature, the Energy Resource Center for Texas Schools (ERC) is the primary source of facility management services for Texas School districts. The purpose of the ERC is to assist school districts in controlling a major operational expense -- the cost of energy -- through tailoring and implementing services to meet "real world" needs. On-site services available from the ERC range from basic training in analyzing utility bills, tracking energy consumption and costs, and evaluating school energy performance to providing professional technical assistance in identifying and implementing lower cost energy investments. A design assistance program now available from the Center provides energy evaluations at crucial steps in the design process of new facilities to insure that energy-conscious strategies are considered by the architectural firm under contract. Audiences targeted for ERC services include board members, superintendents, directors of maintenance, plant operators, business managers, and energy managers. Assistance provided through workshop settings includes instruction in setting up board-directed energy programs and the sponsoring of network meetings for school energy managers in several areas of the state. Communication is maintained with school energy contacts through the ERC's bimonthly newsletter, Texas School Energy Notes, which is sent to all school districts in the state.