Red Lake Falls Schools Receive Rebates For Lighting And Geothermal Updates

Two Red Lake Falls schools received rebates from Otter Tail Power Company for upgrading to new energy-efficient technologies.

J. A. Hughes Elementary’s lighting project included installation of light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures, replacing fluorescent and metal halide lighting. “The school also installed occupancy sensors throughout most of building,” said Otter Tail Power Company Energy Management Representative Roger Garton. “This provides the ability for lights to shut off automatically in unoccupied areas.” Otter Tail Power Company provided rebates for each new light and occupancy sensor installed, totaling $17,750.

The geothermal heating system at Lafayette High School originally was installed during the building’s construction in 1997, according to Red Lake Falls Superintendent Jim Guetter. “It was a great decision then and has been well-maintained by our custodial staff,” said Guetter. “With a new heat pump design and an electronic control system, the district now will save even more energy and money.” The total rebate amount of $110,800 included 41 heat pumps as part of the new geothermal heating system.

Otter Tail Power Company’s Minnesota Conservation Improvement Program provides rebates, grants, education, special programs, and financing to encourage individuals and businesses to use electricity wisely. Learn more about this program on our Ways To Save page. 

Photo caption: Red Lake Falls Superintendent Jim Guetter accepts rebate checks from Otter Tail Power Company Energy Management Representative Roger Garton for energy conservation projects completed at J. A. Hughes Elementary and Lafayette High School.