Berkeley County Schools (BCS) remains a state leader in energy efficiency thanks to its long-standing partnership with CMTA Energy Solutions. Since the launch of its energy savings projects in 2016, BCS has made remarkable strides in reducing energy use and saving taxpayer dollars while creating healthier learning environments for students and staff.
According to CMTA’s latest Energy Savings Report, Berkeley County Schools has achieved:
47% reduction in electrical consumption – decreasing from 46.3 million kilowatt-hours to 24.6 million since 2016.
55% reduction in natural gas use – dropping from 470,000 therms to 212,000 therms.
These results are based on data collected from the two-year utility average of 2015–2016 and represent significant and sustained energy savings across BCS facilities.
Berkeley County Schools also continues to lead the state in energy performance. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® Certification Program, the district represents the largest percentage of K–12 facilities in West Virginia to earn a perfect ENERGY STAR score—with six of the seven top-performing schools statewide.
Financially, these energy efficiency measures translate into substantial savings for the district. For example, last year alone Berkeley County Schools saw:
$2.61 million in energy savings based on the rates established at the time of the project contract (escalated at 3% per year).
$2.53 million in energy savings based on actual utility rates during the reporting period.
These savings not only cover project payments but also generate additional funds that can be reinvested into school facilities.
Superintendent, Dr. Ryan Saxe, praised the partnership’s long-term impact, stating, “Our work with CMTA has allowed us to make real, lasting improvements in our schools—not just through energy savings, but in creating more comfortable, modern, and sustainable spaces for learning. We take great pride in leading the way for energy efficiency in West Virginia while being good stewards of our community’s resources.”
The final phase of the district’s energy projects, completed in 2024, is already producing measurable savings, with full reporting to come once all project work concludes.