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Free. Getting something for nothing always sounds like a great idea. While sometimes one needs to be wary of such a proposal, here Putnam Valley Schools are truly spending less and getting more for it. This is a wonderful opportunity to enhance our geothermal footprint and install solar panel arrays as part of an energy proficiency contract with ConEdison. It is a net cost benefit to us all. The High School and Middle School campuses burn no oil as a direct result of the geothermal installation currently in place. Addition of geothermal to the Elementary School as well as the window and door upgrades will cut our oil usage there by two thirds.
As a solar veteran for nearly 5 years, I have been able to cut my payments to ConEdison by 50%. In the summertime, even with the air-conditioner blowing, I pay nearly nothing for my electrical use. The solar array proposal for all three school campuses will reduce the amount of electricity drawn from the utility and produce savings and revenue.
We teach our children to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Whether you're in it for environmental or financial reasons, the end results benefit everyone. I encourage you to vote to support the District’s proposed energy performance contract (EPC). This is an opportunity to reduce operational costs, reduce capital costs, and provide an opportunity to teach our children about both environmental and fiscal responsibility. The next Elon Musk might be in our schools today. We must afford our children this opportunity to learn about the future of technology and energy. Please vote “Yes” on May 16.
Joe Dropkin
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