Superintendent's Weekly Message

October 25, 2023

Dear Hollister High School parents, students, staff and community:

Since the implementation of campus energy efficiency projects in July 2017, San Benito High School District has achieved savings of more than $2.1 million. What’s more, that decrease in energy consumption translates to the following green equivalencies: removing 355 cars off the road; preserving 46,284 trees from deforestation; and powering 201 American homes.

More Savings to Come

Rob Reading, Climatec Business Development Manager, on Tuesday presented a report about San Benito High School District’s campus energy efficiency projects. The report provided information on Phase I energy savings performance to date and the status of Phase II scope of work, completion, commissioning, and permission to operate dates. The more than $2 million in savings does not include the rooftop solar on the Career Technical Education building or the ground-mount array which recently came online on the south side of campus. Both are now producing power and helping to offset energy costs.

Campus Solar Arrays Start Producing

Phase 1 energy efficiency projects included solar arrays in the Baler Alley parking lot, as well as a new energy efficiency system and LED lighting throughout campus; Phase 2 included more energy efficiency systems on the south side of campus and the addition of the two solar arrays on the south side of campus. 

Avoiding Future Cost Hikes

This past weekend, PG&E made its transformer updates on campus. PG&E changed its metering structure in April 2023, but individuals or entities who made that deadline are grandfathered into lower rates. As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act, school districts as of Jan. 1, 2023 are eligible for a direct payment of up to 30 percent of the cost of the solar project, which Reading said is expected to result in a “multiple six-figure check coming back to the district.”

Going Green 

Our district’s ongoing energy efficiency efforts not only have ongoing and long term financial benefits for our school and community, but they create a more resilient energy infrastructure on campus. We are proud that this commitment to sustainability was recognized earlier this year when Hollister High School was announced as one of just 14 schools in the state to have earned a 2023 California Green Ribbon Schools award.

We are proud to have decreased our electrical consumption and implemented campus efficiencies that make for a more comfortable and efficient learning environment. Our partners at Climatec have ably guided us through this effort that provides a modern and sustainable source of energy, allowing the save money while being a good environmental steward. These efforts are an ongoing reminder that every day is a great day to be a Baler.

Sincerely,

San Benito High School District Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum