Hampton School saves big through PCJ energy intervention projects
THE HAMPTON School in St Elizabeth has saved close to $5 million on its electricity bills through the successful execution of two energy intervention projects at the institution by the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ).
Under a $62-million Solar PV Project implemented at 15 schools islandwide to reduce public-sector energy bills, the PCJ installed a 10kWh solar photovoltaic (PV) system at Hampton in 2015. The system, which includes 42 solar panels, three grid-tied inverters and a data logger, cost $3 million. Since installation, the intervention has reduced the school’s energy consumption by 28,457.19 kWh, which has resulted in savings of more than $830,000 on electricity bills.
The PCJ also executed a $6million light-emitting diode (LED) lighting upgrade project at the institution in 2016, which has generated savings of more than $3.9 million.
REDUCE ENERGY COSTS
At a handing-over ceremony recently, principal Rosanne Lounges said, “I am very happy and grateful that Hampton School is among the beneficiaries of energy intervention projects carried out by the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica. On behalf of the board of management, our staff, and students, I want to thank the PCJ for its contribution to our school’s development.”
Dr Peter Ruddock, the PCJ’s manager of renewable energy and energy efficiency, said, “The projects carried out at Hampton School are part of the PCJ’s efforts to reduce public-sector energy cost through renewable energy and energy efficiency interventions.”
He continued, “We are pleased with the results of the projects as both undertakings have generated savings and cut back on expenses that would have otherwise been incurred by the school. I want to encourage everyone to play their role in ensuring that the projects are maintained so that the school can continue to reap savings for years to come.”