Augusta considers paying schools that conserve energy

Schools are having to find ways to save money in these days of economic stress and high utility bills.

In Augusta...some officials say the best way for schools to bring down their power bills...give them money.

A plan under review would reward each school with ten percent of the money saved on utilities each month...That money could go to school supplies...the schools' general fund budgets...or other uses...

School officials urge teachers, staff and students to turn off lights and computer monitors when not in their classrooms.

The school system's power bill last year was $6 million dollars.

Officials say power use is already down ten percent this year, but rate increases have prevented financial savings.

Under the plan, the goal would be to cut utility usage by 20-30 percent this year.

The schools are already living with a temperature control policy implemented this year.

The thermostat in each school must remain at 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter.