The Energy/Utilities Program is responsible for tracking utility usage at over 200 schools and administrative sites.  This included managing utility savings for electricity and natural gas, water and sewer services, and recycling and waste disposal for San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD).  In 2026, SDUSD is expected to average $37 million in annual utility charges.

The Energy/Utilities Program team is committed to effectively managing taxpayer funds by providing leadership in resource conservation efforts.  These efforts include strategies for reducing grid energy consumption and water usage, increasing recycling levels, managing solar photovoltaic production and battery energy storage operational cycles, and deploying electric vehicle charging. 

Projects in support of these strategies include:

•   Monitoring and controlling energy use for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems

•   Monitoring and controlling energy use for interior and exterior lighting

•  Managing solar photovoltaic energy generation, use, and costs

• Managing battery energy storage charge deployment

• Managing electric vehicle charging for fleet vehicles

• Managing driver enrollment and charge pricing at SDUSD sites

•  Domestic water and sewer, irrigation water costs management

• Drought restriction management

• Verifying utility use / rates and identifying billing errors with suppliers

• Providing technical and data support for student energy conservation competitions

•  Implementation of an SDUSD wide recycling and waste management program

• Providing support to SDUSD’s Facilities, Planning, and Construction department on bond projects and other undertakings.

•  Providing support for various targeted grants focused on efficient energy use within the TK-12 public school sector.

For more information, please contact:

Chris Palis

Energy/Utilities Program Supervisor

cpalis@sandi.net

619-260-5487