The Arlington ISD's energy management efforts were highlighted at the World Engineering Conference in Washington, DC. Conference attendees learned about the successes of the AISD Energy Committee and how to replicate similar programs in other school districts, governmental entities and businesses across the country.

On Sept. 5, the Board of Trustees authorized the administration to secure an additional extension to the electricity contract, which currently ends in May 2016. The district was able to secure additional contract terms while the market is generally low and prior to an expected significant shift upward in pricing in future months. The district will save more than $130,000 during the extension term and more than $7 million compared to our 2012 rate.

Through diligent efforts of several employee groups this summer, the district realized its lowest electricity usage in June compared to the previous five years and a 26 percent lower July consumption than the previous lowest July. This resulted in a cumulative 2012-2013 consumption of under 1 megawatt-hour for the first time in recently recorded district history.