Energy Efficient Schools Initiative

Current Status
Speakers and Governor appointing members of the Council

First meeting scheduled for January 5th

Current Members
Billy Stair - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Montgomery County Mayor Carolyn Bowers – Local Governments
Representative Les Winningham - School Systems
Rick Thompson - Architects (Chattanooga)
Tipton County Executive Jeff Huffman - Local Governments (Covington)
Jim Keiffer - Tennessee Valley Authority (Nashville)
Samuel D. “Donnie” Leggett - Natural Gas and Oil (Moscow, TN)
Commissioner Tim Webb - Education (ex-officio)
Deputy Commissioner Paul Sloan - Environment and Conservation (ex-officio)
Commissioner Matthew Kisber - Economic and Community Development (ex-officio)

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are schools the only eligible public buildings?

A: Yes, however, the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Energy Division has a separate and similar program for schools and other public buildings. http://state.tn.us/ecd/energy_lgelp.htm

Q: When can my school system apply for a grant/loan?

A: The Council is charged with developing the applications as well as establishing the criteria for eligible projects. As soon as the Council is appointed, meets and develops the criteria then they will begin accepting applications. Please continue to check this website for updates on this topic.

Q: What types of energy improvement projects will be eligible?

A: The Council will appoint a Technical Advisory Committee composed of experts in the field of energy efficient design and technology. This committee will be put details together regarding types of eligible projects for the Council to approve. At a minimum, guidelines will be established for lighting and HVAC improvements as well as projects that have been warranted with a pre-determined energy use. However, all schools seeking projects must first have an energy audit performed by a qualified professional that is either chosen or approved by the Council.

Q: How are we going to know whether the projects worked?

A: The Council and the Technical Advisory Committee will establish methodology to follow-up on all projects to verify what energy efficiencies were achieved.

Q: How much money does the Council have to grant/loan?

A: The Council received a $90 million transfer from the Lottery for Education account in July and could potentially receive another $10 million at the end of the fiscal year.

Public Chapter