OPALCO handed out two big checks on Lopez last week: $43,675 to the Lopez School District for its HVAC project and $37,567 to the Lopez Village Market for energy efficiency measures installed in the new store.

OPALCO has a full menu of energy efficiency rebates available to commercial and residential members. OPALCO partners with Bonneville Power Administration’s Conservation Program and Portland Energy Conservation, Inc.’s EnergySmart Program (www.peci.org) on bigger commercial projects.

In her presentation of the checks, Energy Services Assistant Manager Anne Bertino explained, “Energy efficiency and conservation are the keys to keeping our rates lower as we move into a tiered rate structure with Bonneville Power Administration.”

General Manager Randy Cornelius added, “OPALCO applauds the Lopez School District and Lopez Village Market for their commitments to energy efficiency. As bigger power users, their efforts will make a bigger positive impact on our overall efficiency and load management as a co-op.”

The school district is estimating a savings of 200,342 kWh, or about $14,825 each year. “We believe that the school should be a community leader in energy conservation measures,” stated Superintendent Linda Martin. “Our futures depend on thoughtful stewardship of our limited resources.”