Riverside Unified approves energy‑management contract that district says will pay for itself

The Riverside Unified School District Board on Jan. 15 approved a multi‑year energy‑management agreement with Synergistic LLC that district staff said will be paid from guaranteed utility savings.

Sam Preci, executive director presenting the item, and Carrie DeBose of Synergistic described a program combining an on‑site energy specialist, data analytics, and an operations playbook. DeBose said the vendor’s software and audits will identify energy waste, recommend equipment or scheduling changes, and support maintenance staff. "The program is 100% funded by the savings, and we guarantee that," DeBose said.

Synergistic said the first six months of service are fee free so savings can begin to accrue before program fees apply. The vendor presented a five‑year gross savings estimate of about $4,199,100 and a program investment of $2,100,100, yielding a projected net savings of about $2,100,100 over five years.

Trustees asked about capital project budgets for recommended equipment changes. Trustee Lee said the board should know whether identified improvements — such as pump or motor upgrades — would require capital allocation; staff said projects would be evaluated then matched to the district capital plan. Student board member Grace Lee asked whether students or classrooms would notice operational changes; the Synergistic presenter said the goal is that "students won't notice a difference" and that improvements should manifest as more comfortable, healthier buildings.

Trustees approved the agreement after a motion and second; staff said Synergistic will provide monthly reporting, semiannual board updates, and access to an energy‑accounting platform intended for district finance and operations teams.

The board heard that district annual utility expense is roughly $8 million, and the program includes student engagement curriculum modules and tools for school‑level audits as part of the service package.