PSD Recognized for Significant Year 2 Energy Cost Savings

The Puyallup School District (PSD) is recognizing a second year of measurable results through its PowerED Energy Management Program. The program focuses on reducing energy use, improving operational efficiency, and managing public resources responsibly across district facilities. 

Through participation in the Puget Sound Energy Commercial Strategic Energy Management (CSEM) program, which focuses on reducing energy consumption, improving operational efficiency, and responsibly managing public resources across district facilities.  

Earlier this year, the district was recognized at Lumen Field for our Grant Year 1 savings and achieved substantial energy savings during Grant Year 2 (September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025). Over the course of the year, district buildings reduced energy consumption by 1,211,301 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy and 27,858 therms of natural gas.  

PSE estimates that these reductions resulted in approximately $356,000 in avoided energy costs over the first two years of program participation. As a result, the district will receive approximately $64,000 in electricity-related incentive funding for this grant period. Natural gas reductions contributed an additional $36,200 in avoided costs and $11,700 in incentive funding this year. Over both years, total incentive funding is expected to reach $162,000. 

Supporting responsible use of public resources 

Energy efficiency plays a   in reducing the everyday operating expenses of school districts. Lowering energy consumption in buildings across the district, the PowerED program helps reduce utility expenses that supports thoughtful stewardship of taxpayer-funded resources.  

Savings from reduced energy use support the district’s compliance with the Washington Clean Buildings Act and helps limit operational cost pressures and prioritize resources that directly benefit students and classrooms.  

How the PowerED Program Works 

The PowerEd program brings together district staff from the Maintenance and Capital Projects team and program partners at McKinstry to identify opportunities to improve energy use in day-to-day operations. These efforts include: 

• Monitoring and adjusting building energy systems 
• Improving heating, cooling, and lighting efficiency 
• Identifying operational improvements that reduce energy waste 
• Training staff and students on energy management best practices 
• Tracking performance data to measure results over time 

Through the CSEM partnership with Puget Sound Energy, the district receives technical support, training, and financial incentives that help encourage long-term energy management practices.  

Districtwide Impact 

The district’s participation in the CSEM program continues to produce measurable results. During the grant period to date, energy management efforts have resulted in more than 62,000 therms of natural gas savings and significant energy reductions across our buildings. Combined incentives and avoided costs from the program are estimated to total more than $356,000 over the life of the grant.  

By combining voter-approved capital levy funding, external grants, and long-term facility planning, the district is working to advance upgrades strategically, reduce the risk of state penalties, and minimize potential impacts to classroom resources and student programs.  

Puyallup School District’s progress under the Clean Buildings Act reflects years of facility planning, responsible use of voter-approved capital funds, and a coordinated approach to energy management through the PowerED program. Early submissions and targeted upgrades have positioned the district ahead of key state deadlines while addressing long-standing infrastructure needs across schools.   

The PowerED team will continue pursuing state, federal, and utility grants to help offset the cost of energy improvements. Information about grant requests and awards is available on the district’s website at www.puyallupsd.org/grants.   

The district will also continue working with PSE to identify additional opportunities to reduce energy consumption and operate schools efficiently. Ongoing energy management efforts support safe and functional learning environments while managing operational costs responsibly for the benefit of students, families, and the community. 

*Avoided costs have been estimated using an average rate of $0.14/kWh and $1.30/Therm