DNR loans Carl Junction R-1 $1 million for energy efficiency project

(From the Missouri Department of Natural Resources)

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Energy Loan Program has awarded a low-interest loan of $1M to the Carl Junction R-I School District to assist with an energy efficiency project that includes upgrading school buildings to LED lighting.

The project, which is expected to benefit more than 3,800 Missourians, is anticipated to result in annual energy savings of approximately $117,918. The applicant will repay the loan with money saved on energy costs as a result of the energy efficiency project. In addition, the project will reduce electricity use by more than 896,191 kilowatt hours (kWh), avoiding nearly 626 metric tons of carbon dioxide pollution, which equates to removing 149 passenger cars from the road for a year.

“The Energy Loan Program is a great help to communities across Missouri.” Governor Parson said. “These energy efficiency projects allow local leaders to maximize their budgets while protecting the environment.”

“Communities have a duty to be good financial stewards and reduce energy usage where possible,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “Well-designed energy efficiency projects make a huge impact by enabling those communities to lower energy consumption and redirect funds to other projects to benefit residents.”

Since the Energy Loan Program's inception in 1989, the department's Division of Energy has awarded more than 620 loans representing more than $118 million in completed energy efficiency projects and more than $235 million in estimated cumulative energy savings. Through the Division of Energy, low-interest loans are provided to public schools, public higher education institutions, and local governments to help reduce energy costs. Loan financing may be used for various energy-saving investments such as insulation, lighting systems, heating and cooling systems, combined heat and power, pumps, motors, aerators, renewable energy systems and other measures that reduce energy use and cost.

To learn more about the Energy Loan Program, please visit dnr.mo.gov/energy/grants-loans or contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Division of Energy at 573-751-2254 or toll-free at 855-522-2796.