Representatives from Black Hills Energy recently presented the Aspen School District with a rebate check of $33,342 in recognition of the district’s commitment to energy-saving upgrades. This rebate was granted as part of the Black Hills Energy Small Business Direct Install Program, which aims to support businesses in becoming more energy efficient.
The Aspen School District plans to utilize the rebate funds to cover several months of energy costs and further enhance its energy-efficient initiatives. According to Joe Waneka, the Facilities Director at ASD, the district received the rebate primarily due to the installation of a new boiler that operates at an impressive efficiency rate of 92%, a significant improvement from the previous boiler’s 65% efficiency rate.
Under the Black Hills Energy program, there is a range of measures that qualify for rebates, including HVAC upgrades, weather stripping, pipe insulation, and boiler replacements. Waneka stated that by investing the rebate money into more energy-efficient products, ASD aims to secure additional rebates in the future, creating a cycle of savings and efficiency improvements.
In a news release, Waneka emphasized the numerous benefits of the rebate program, highlighting the fact that the energy savings resulting from the new boiler directly contribute to the district’s ability to invest in classroom programs. Ultimately, the district sees this initiative as a triple win scenario, where cost savings from energy efficiency initiatives are reinvested for further enhancements, benefiting both the environment and educational programs within the Aspen School District.