Santa Maria High School District recognized for energy efficiency efforts | Local News

The SMJUHSD board received a certificate of recognition for their work and a check for $6,150 as a direct utility rebate for energy-efficient pool covers recently installed at Righetti High School.

Over their lifespan, the specialized pool covers are projected to save 15,252 therms, translating to an estimated $11,500 in additional long-term cost savings for the school district.

“The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District has shown an unwavering commitment to energy efficiency improvements across its many schools and district buildings,” said Michael Boyer, president and CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. “This partnership proves that focusing on sustainable community value and resource mobilization directly benefits our local schools, our environment, and our taxpayers.”

Boyer presented the certificate and rebate check to the district alongside John Rohner, district manager for SoCalGas.

The Chamber said that the pool rebate is just one piece of a highly successful, multi-year collaboration between the two organizations through the Public Sector Regional Energy Pathways Program, funded by SoCalGas and administered throughout the tri-counties by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber.

SMJUHSD has been able to implement extensive efficiency upgrades through the program over the past several years.

SoCalGas funded $4,800 in no-cost installation work completed by Synergy across district high schools and support buildings; including high-efficiency water heaters, pipe insulation, aerators, spray valves, and low-flow showerheads.

Annually, these no-cost upgrades conserve 17,932 therms, slashing the district’s annual utility expenses by an estimated $13,449.

Cumulatively over a five-year period, the school district’s commitment to energy efficiency has saved 104,912 therms, delivering a total of $89,634 in combined energy savings, rebates, and no-cost upgrades, according to the Chamber.