Coe-Brown Energy Conservation Project

Coe-Brown Northwood Academy has recently embarked on a project that will help to reduce its energy costs and increase energy use efficiency throughout its campus. Using a Public Service Company of NH Small Business Energy Solutions grant of $7600 to pay half of the retrofit cost, Coe-Brown has replaced lights in the Gerrish Gym, the Smith Hall Gym and the Smith Hall lobby with high energy efficient fluorescent fixtures.  The predicted energy savings is 35, 000 kilowatt hours per year with a predicted savings of $4000, and a two year payback for CBNA’s investment.  The work was done by PSNH subcontractor Lighting Retrofit Services of Wilmington MA, who also coordinated the project.  Not only does this project result in substantial energy savings, but has also resulted in substantial improvement of lighting brightness in all areas.  This is the second time that CBNA has taken advantage of a PSNH grant to improve energy use.  Eight years ago the school used a PSNH grant to update fluorescent lighting in all classrooms and public areas in the five Academy classroom buildings, which has resulted in significant energy savings through the years.  The PSNH Small Business Energy Solutions Program is available to business and municipal customers with demand of fewer than 100 KW.  Projects are funded through the Systems Benefit Charge, which is a small fee on each customer’s electric bill.  The program pays up to 50% of installed projects’ costs, as long as each project passes a benefit/cost test. Because of these opportunities, CBNA looks forward to a lighter, brighter more energy efficient future.