More School Districts Using Energy Efficiency Program To Exceed Revenue Limits

A growing number of school districts are voting to exceed revenue limits for energy efficiency projects, while state lawmakers seek a ban on the program that lets them do it. 

The Revenue Limit Exemption for Energy Efficiencies program lets school boards vote to borrow money beyond revenue limits set by the state to pay for things such as new boilers or more efficient lighting. The idea behind the program is that energy efficiency upgrades will pay for themselves and help districts save money on utility costs. 

Nearly twice as many districts have used the program this year than during the same timeframe in 2016.

The Revenue Limit Exemption for Energy Efficiencies program was created in 2009 and got little attention early on, according to research by the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance.