Pasadena ISD OKs multiple 2022 bond contracts; pilot energy project shows six‑figure savings

The Pasadena Independent School District Board on April 23 approved multiple construction contracts tied to the 2022 bond program and heard a presentation on an energy-efficiency pilot that the district says will reduce electricity demand charges.

Contract approvals included plumbing, CTE classroom and lab improvements and the Parks Elementary replacement project; trustees approved each item by motion and voice vote. Representatives from contractors attended and briefly answered questions before the votes.

Ally Energy Solutions presented results from a power‑factor correction pilot at Pasadena Memorial, reporting an increase in power factor from roughly the low‑ to mid‑80s to about 97–98% after the December installation of capacitor banks. Ally projected about $133,000 in annual savings from the pilot site and identified roughly $350,000 of potential savings across district facilities pending further verification. The vendor said the work is performance‑based and that the district’s CenterPoint billing data was used to measure demand‑charge reductions.

Trustees approved proceeding with additional projects, and staff characterized the work as cost avoidance aligned with bond goals. Several final change orders and allowance authorizations for roof and related work were also approved, and the board passed a resolution authorizing the use of eminent domain to condemn property related to district needs.

What’s next: Staff will coordinate contract administration and monitor energy project performance to verify savings across additional campuses.