As a retired energy and sustainability program manager for the Salt Lake City School District, I spent 15 years making our 40 schools more efficient, resilient and cost-effective. I know first hand how tight budgets can be and how every dollar saved on energy costs is a dollar that should be put back into the classroom. That’s why preserving clean energy tax credits and programs like Direct Pay under the Inflation Reduction Act are so critical.
My work leveraged these incentives following the $29.5 million Energy Saving Performance Contract passed by the Salt Lake City School Board in 2020, which included a district-wide upgrade to LED lighting and installation of 2,500 solar panels across six schools, among other water efficiency and HVAC improvements, projected to save $23 million over 20 years. Already, energy use intensity is down 22%, and CO2 emissions have dropped 30%!
The Salt Lake City School District was the first district in the country to receive a $1.2 million investment tax credit from the IRS, covering 30% of solar installation costs. This funding assisted with the installation of an additional 4,300 solar panels, which are now fully operational. The district moved ahead with this second phase, expecting an additional IRS Direct Pay of nearly $2 million. However, that reimbursement is now being held up by the current administration. Given this uncertainty, numerous school districts are holding off on their decision to pursue similar projects.
These projects reduce utility costs and help districts like Salt Lake City do more with limited resources. School districts are such an easy target for energy efficiency and energy production initiatives, yet without the investment tax credit, many won’t have the financial means to take advantage of these opportunities.
I urge Utah’s congressional delegation to stand up for our school communities by preserving these vital energy programs.
Greg Libecci
Park City
Related Stories