Plants and Facility Services

 

Cost Saving Initiatives

 

We are always looking for ways to cut costs and operate more efficiently.  These initiatives help keep costs in line and/or produce savings.  Escalating energy costs and increased use of technological tools create a higher power demand.  It is important to know that we see fiscal responsibility as an ongoing challenge.  Below, I have listed some of the initiatives that may be of general interest.

• 2000: Installed electronic locks for use by volunteer youth sports groups to forego the need to have custodians open the buildings on weekends.
• 2000: CL&P funded lighting upgrade.  Totally funded program that added occupancy sensors and retro-fits from T-12 fixtures to T-8 fixtures.
• 2006: Radon testing done in all schools.  Program totally funded by State as a result of our work with Tools for Schools.  Radon testing was required by 2008.  Cost savings of approximately $20,000.  No elevated radon detected.
• 2006: Lowered ceiling in GHR cafeteria.  This was done as a solution to the noise problem in that room.  Cost: under $13,000.  Savings in heat and lighting: approximately $4,600/year.
• 2007: Changed gym lights at all schools.  Funded through zero interest loan from CL&P, paid from energy savings – approximately 30 months.  Savings after payback: approximately $19,000/year.
• 2007: Energy efficient windows installed as part of cafeteria upgrade.
• 2008: Participation in Load Response program.  Ability to shut down enough power when called upon to do so when the Northeast power grid is stressed (typically initiated once or twice a year when temperatures in excess of 95-100 degrees).  To begin receiving monthly checks of over $3,000.
• Ongoing: Performing more work with “in house staff” rather than contracting out work.  Efforts under way to acquire specialized skills to realize significant savings in this area.  These efforts by maintenance staff are the result of a willingness and desire from this group, to do more with the money we have available: an example of town residents making special efforts to help the general cause.