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Paid internship program helps schools save money, save energy, meet code

WENATCHEE – A team of high school interns is on a treasure hunt for energy savings around the Wenatchee Valley. So far, their work shows the potential to cut electricity use up to half at large facilities, including Wenatchee High School.

The Advanced Energy Management Program is a paid internship that provides real-world training in energy efficiency. The interns – all sophomores at Wenatchee High School – use data from Chelan PUD’s advanced metering system to identify opportunities to reduce energy in the buildings.

The students also conduct on-site visits, scouring unoccupied classrooms, kitchens, attics and hallways searching for equipment that is running unnecessarily, equipment failures, thermostat settings adjustments, and lighting control opportunities. Over the last six months, the students audited about 10 facilities, including JC Penney, North Central Educational Service District, Town Toyota Center, Confluence Technology Center, Foothills Middle School and several Wenatchee elementary schools.

The results are a win-win-win. Students receive on-the-job training and a part-time job. Their clients save money on their electricity bills, maintenance and operations. The saved energy increases the PUD’s capacity to sell surplus electricity and help keep rates low in Chelan County.

The internship is funded by a partnership between Advanced Energy Management, Wenatchee School District and Chelan PUD. Chelan PUD pays 6.5 cents per kilowatt hour saved.

“These students are developing skill sets that could change the trajectory of their lives, whether they choose a career in energy or another field,” Advisor Taunya Brown said. “They’re writing proposals, creating spreadsheets and charts, and presenting professional case studies. Their work is impressive.”

At Wenatchee High School, the students suggested turning off the school’s big air handlers, fans and other equipment when the building is unoccupied. The changes reduced energy use by 54%. If the school can sustain those energy savings, it could save the district about $2,282 a week, or over $100,000 a year.

The students’ work is also helping Wenatchee School District comply with Washington State’s Clean Energy Act buildings performance standard, which requires commercial building owners to meet certain energy-saving benchmarks for facilities larger than 20,000 square feet. Nine Wenatchee school buildings qualify. That means the school district must meet energy-saving targets starting with its largest building, Wenatchee High School, in 2026 or face a financial penalty estimated at $433,000 a year.

“Empowering our students to make tangible energy savings not only prepares them for the future but is a game changer for our schools and community right now,” Wenatchee School District Superintendent Kory Kalahar said. “These students are not just hunting for energy savings; they're paving the way for a sustainable tomorrow.”

The AEM Energy Champions were named Future Technology Leader(s) of the Year at the NCW Tech Alliance 2024 Innovator Awards ceremony. Back L-R: Gael Nunez Sanchez, Nathan Vargas, and Aaden Juarez. Front L-R Isabella Garcia, Marisol Nava Araujo, Stephanie Salgado Ontiveros, Ximena Guerra Carillo and Sloane Eppich Talbot.

The Advanced Energy Management Champions pose for a photo with Chelan PUD commissioners following their presentation to the board Monday. The presentation featured several examples of substantial energy savings they’ve helped achieve at large facilities, including Wenatchee High School.

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