DALLAS - TAC is implementing an $800,000 performance contract for the Connally Independent School District (ISD) in Waco, Texas. TAC will design and construct energy conservation-related projects at eight school facilities. The project will be funded through the resulting energy savings and utility company rebates.

According to TAC, projects covered in the Connally performance contract include replacement of rooftop air conditioning units, implementing a district-wide water conservation project, expanding the existing energy management system, and performing an extensive lighting retrofit in all of the district's buildings. The lighting and mechanical improvements also qualified the district to receive approximately $50,000 in rebate money from the local utility.

The facilities impacted by the performance contract encompass more than 530,000 square feet and include the high school, two middle schools, and four elementary schools. The installation will provide an estimated annual energy savings of $90,000, says TAC. The target completion date is December 2004.

"This performance contract allows Connally ISD to make a variety of important facility improvements, some of which had been postponed due to lack of money," said Dean Meyer, president of TAC Americas. "The program will be funded using guaranteed energy savings and utility company rebate dollars that are a direct result of the efficiency improvements implemented in this project. This means that no additional taxpayer funds are required. Besides reducing energy costs, these improvements will enhance the comfort level and lighting quality in the facilities, reduce deferred maintenance, and decrease the need for capital dollars in the future."

"Connally ISD is excited to be able to complete a project that will reduce our utility costs and to use the savings to fund key improvements to our facilities," said Ben Saage, associate superintendent for business, Connally ISD. "This alternative financing source was essential because it would not have been possible to fund these projects through the district's normal operating budget."

According to Saage, Connally's main concern was replacing the 30-year-old rooftop air conditioning units at the high school.

"Connally ISD will not only obtain new mechanical equipment funded through annual energy savings, but also an improved learning environment," said Meyer.

For more information, visit www.tac.com.

Publication date: 05/10/2004