Morgan County school board members sat up and took notice when an energy management company executive told them they could expect to save over $6.5 million over 10 years by participating in a comprehensive energy management plan.

Cenergistic Inc. representative Truman Atkins, a retired school system superintendent from Georgia, reviewed his company’s energy management plan at a school board work session on Sept. 12..

“We are the energy conservation company powered by technology, supported by data and driven by unparalleled expertise,” he said. “Over a quarter century, our programs have saved school districts an average of 26 percent of their total utility costs.”

He pointed out that Limestone County Board of Education saved 34 per cent or $9,906,274 over a 164-month period; Jasper City Schools, 29 percent or $651,166 over 34 months; and Muscle Shoals City Schools, 25 percent or $1,116,829 over 48 months.

“Your savings are guaranteed to exceed all investment in the program,” he pointed out. “No client has ever lost money implementing our program.”

He said school systems that participate in the plan are assigned a team of highly-experienced energy professionals whose job is to launch and sustain a successful program. Cost-saving options are negotiating better pricing, installing more efficient equipment and making changes to consumption practices.

Atkins estimated that Morgan County Schools would realize savings totaling $6,592,000 over 10 years. Of that amount, $1,916,633 would be paid to Cinergistic.

Board member Billy Rhodes expressed an interest in pursuing a contract with the company.

“Anytime you can come up with savings in that amount, it’s worth looking into,” he said.

Superintendent Bill Hopkins Jr. agreed that the matter should be studied and discussed at a future work session.