Daniel T. Connor
Superintendent

227 Main Street
Goshen, NY 10924
(845) 615-6720

Budget News

Electricity control will save district $10,000 to $15,000 per year

District installs occupancy sensors to better control lighting

January 27, 2011 - As part of continuing efforts to increase the efficiency of its energy consumption – as well as decrease expenditures – the Goshen Central School District recently installed occupancy sensors throughout the district in order to better control lighting within its facilities.

The district purchased 130 dual technology sensors – passive infrared/ultrasonic – for their reliability, adaptability and user acceptance. The sensors were installed in various areas of the district, the majority being classrooms, and will provide occupancy-based automatic control. Simply put, the sensors will automatically turn off the lights when the room is not occupied. The cost of the sensors and associated equipment was approximately $25,500.

However, the district successfully applied for and will receive a rebate of $50 per sensor, or a total of $6,500, as an incentive reimbursement from the NYSERDA, or New York State Energy and Research Authority, “Energy Smart Schools – Existing Facilities Program.” According to the models utilized, the increased lighting control will save the district approximately $10,000 to $15,000 per year.

“Conservatively, at today’s electric rates, this decrease in electricity costs will show a return-on-investment in less than two years,” said Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds James Riley. “Afterwards, it will provide the district with outright savings every year.”

Buildings and Grounds employees were able to provide the installation of the sensors, working around the regular school day schedules with little or no disruption.

Installation of the occupancy sensors was the first phase of a larger project to better control the district’s energy consumption. Future plans include addressing lighting control in large areas, such as the district’s six gymnasiums; upgrading exterior security lighting controls; installing an energy monitoring/management and network system; and integrating variable speed/high efficiency motors and controls.

As funding becomes available, the district will proceed with the projects that indicate the largest or most rapid return on investment, and are most beneficial to the educational process.

According to Riley, the district is exploring possible funding sources that may allow the district to proceed with these projects during a time when district, State and Federal budgets are severely constrained.