Berrien RESA is seeing savings — and making some money back — after making energy-efficient upgrades to several of its facilities.

RESA has received just over $20,000 in rebates through a partnership with American Electric Power and the Efficiency United program. It says the rebates follow LED lighting upgrades and other electrical efficiency improvements across multiple buildings.

Facilities Director Troy Boone says the upgrades are expected to cut electricity use by nearly 194,000 kilowatt-hours each year. That translates to an estimated $15,000 in annual utility savings for the district.

REESA Superintendent Eric Hoppstock says the project not only reduces operating costs but also improves the learning and working environment for staff and students.

Representatives from American Electric Power and Efficiency United presented the rebate check during the Berrien RESA Board of Education meeting on March 9. RESA says the rebate money will be reinvested into additional energy-efficient products and materials for future facility projects.

Photo, from left to right: Jackie VanHorn – Berrien RESA Board President; Cathy Tilley – representing AEP and Efficiency United; Chris Johnson – Berrien RESA; and Troy Boone – Berrien RESA.