Since 2019, Hockinson School District has saved approximately 1.35 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy through participation in the Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program and other Clark Public Utilities energy-efficiency incentives. That’s enough energy to power over 100 homes for one year!
Efficient Facilities, Lower Costs
The district’s energy-saving work has focused on replacing aging, inefficient equipment with modern upgrades. Projects have included:
Lighting: LED upgrades for classrooms, hallways, gymnasiums, auditoriums, parking lots, and exterior spaces
Heating and Cooling: HVAC retrofits, heat pump replacements, and updated system controls to follow efficient temperature control schedules
Building Efficiency: Routine weatherization steps such as sealing windows and doors, and updated building schedules to conserve energy when schools are unoccupied
These improvements reduce energy consumption and also save taxpayer dollars by making Hockinson schools more energy-efficient.
Funding the Work
The district’s energy upgrades have been funded primarily through outside support, reducing the cost to local taxpayers. Key contributions include:
Clark Public Utilities: Grants, initiatives, and rebates
Washington State Department of Commerce (DOC): Energy Efficiency Grants awarded in the 2021 and 2025 cycles for $470,000 and $427,474 respectively
In addition, ongoing minor facility repairs and upkeep are supported by the district’s
Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) levy, approved by Hockinson voters in 2022.
Long-Term Savings
Investments in energy efficiency pay off, with energy savings continuing year after year. This is especially important as electricity costs have increased by 37% on average since 2018 in Washington state. Energy costs are just one example of the impact that inflation has had on school district budgets.
“Every upgrade we make has a ripple effect,” said Steve Marshall, Superintendent of Hockinson School District. “It means lower utility bills while providing healthier and more comfortable learning environments for students and staff.”