SALEM, Ore. (AP) — An audit from the Oregon secretary of state’s office finds schools missed out on $40 million worth of energy savings by failing to choose the most cost-effective measures to reduce energy costs
The audit released Tuesday looked at 6,859 measures identified from 2002 to 2010 in energy audits in 111 school districts as part of a program enacted by the Legislature in 1999.
The analysis found many school buildings identified as energy hogs were not getting the improvements they needed, and some districts chose measures that will take longer to pay back than the life of the improvements. Some districts were also slow to take advantage of the funds available.
The Oregon Department of Energy’s acting director, Bob Repine, said the agency is working to improve the program.
