JAY – The cost of electricity in Jay schools is expected to nearly double next year.
The school system is looking at about $50,000 more for electricity under a new contract signed by Maine Power Options, said Superintendent Robert Wall on Friday.
That is, if the system continues to use the same amount of kilowatt-hours as last year.
The school system’s contract with Maine Power Options for nearly 5 cents a kilowatt-hour for electricity expires Dec. 31.
The new contract, which begins Jan. 1, is for nearly 10 cents per kilowatt-hour.
With about a $30,000 deficit in diesel fuel and heating fuel plus the approximate $50,000 deficit in electricity, Wall said the system is looking at an overall $80,000 deficit.
“We’re looking at conservation measures, the same as we did with fuel,” Wall said.
Several measures were implemented including: no idling of buses, consolidated team trips, elimination of several bus trips and keeping thermostats at 68 degrees.
“We’re seeking to reduce the amount of usage,” he said.
To offset the deficit, if projections prove true, he said he’d have to look at identifying areas in the budget to cut costs.
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