An effort to improve energy efficiency throughout the D.C. Everest Area School District buildings will mean more than lower utility bills for the district. It also meant that Wisconsin Public Service delivered a nice big check to the district’s administration.

Wisconsin Public Service, or WPS, and Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, awarded D.C. Everest School District $94,339.55 to assist with the costs of implementing several energy-saving measures.

The district installed efficient steamers, refrigerators, condensing boilers and occupancy lighting in seven of its district buildings. As a result of the improvements, the district expects to reduce energy use by more than 45,465 kilowatt hours and 117,552 therms within the first year.

“D.C. Everest displayed great project management and was to maximize its energy savings through the Focus on Energy and WPS programs and partnerships,” said David Voss, Focus on Energy representative.

“I’m impressed with the school district’s commitment to making energy-saving upgrades,” said Fred Westphal, WPS account executive. “For several years now, they have partnered with WPS and Focus on Energy to identify savings opportunities and to take advantage of incentives like the multiple project bonus program that WPS offers at most of their facilities.”

Voss and Westphal presented the check on Nov. 22 to Jeff Belott, D.C. Everest supervisor of maintenance operations.

“I am pleased that the public can see what is being done at D.C. Everest to reduce energy usage,” Belott said. “With the support of the Everest School Board, we have been able to make necessary upgrades in our buildings. These energy efficient upgrades and money saved will allow us to allocate more funds directly to the classroom.”

Contributed by Kelly Zagrzebski, community relations representative with Wisconsin Public Service.