School District Signs $1 Million Energy Performance Contract With TAC

Alexander City, Ala. — Alexander City Schools, which operates five schools, signed a performance contract worth more than $1 million with TAC Energy Solutions to improve operations and efficiency at all of its campuses.

The project, which is scheduled to be completed this year, is expected to reduce total energy costs by 27 percent, or about $116,000.

The contract addresses several problems at the district’s central plant, including a failing central office mechanical system, a lack of central building controls, high humidity and outdated lighting.

A performance contract usually includes the design, construction, commissioning and performance evaluation under one fixed price. Typically, a contract includes a minimum energy savings amount and TAC pays the difference if that amount is not reached.

“As our facilities have aged, a variety of mechanical systems have needed to be updated to improve comfort and efficiency,” says Tommy Bice, superintendent at Alexander City Schools. “Unfortunately, we have lacked the funds to keep up with replacing this equipment. The great benefit of this performance contract is that we can use the dollars we are already spending for utilities to complete these projects.”

The contract with Alexander schools includes lighting retrofits in classrooms and hallways at select campuses and all seven of the district’s gyms. Variable air volume box retrofits and the installation of variable frequency drives are expect to improve efficiency, along will a new chiller and rerouted air ducts at the central office. Humidity sensors will be installed to improve comfort at the campuses.

“Students and staff at Alexander City schools will enjoy a better learning and working environment,” says Wes McDaniel, vice president at TAC energy solutions. “For example, by installing humidity sensors, we will effectively manage the high humidity issue in the school building that is the result of their location on Lake Martin.”

TAC says the improvements would not be possible for Alexander City Schools without a performance contract.