Energy costs to schools could rise significantly throughout the winter. Some of the reasons for increased costs include the supply verses the demand for electricity in the region due to problems in California, colder weather during the fall and winter, and regional pressure on natural gas supplies. When there are increases to electrical and gas rates, Utah students, teachers, staff, and administrators can be proactive and take action to stave off high bills. This not only helps your district to save funds for education needs, but also helps improve the situation for all of Utah. When Utah's total demand for electricity and gas are under control, you are not likely to see prices escalate so sharply.
Many schools leave their lights on for an extra hour or two every afternoon after school.
This can raise electrical costs for lighting 12 to 15 percent. Turn all the lights off in the school as soon as school is out. And, ask the custodians to turn on and off lights as they move through the school from area to area during the cleaning time. Keep lights off when no one is in a room. It takes less energy to restart a lamp than to leave it running.