Editorial: Conservation pays

Tuesday, July 6, 2004 | 8:55 a.m.

Little things like turning off lights and computers when not in use, and powering down air conditioners at night, helped the Clark County School District shave $2 million off its summer power bill last year. Flicking a few switches and setting a few dials may sound easy, but considering there are 289 schools, and that most people hardly give electricity a second thought, it actually took a lot of effort to achieve such savings.

Success, in part, was due to a conservation inspector on the district's payroll, who checked schools after hours to guard against any unnecessary power use. This year the inspector will have help. The Clark County School Board, as part of an overall expansion of the district's conservation program, authorized four more inspectors. We agree with the district's energy manager, Dale Scott, who said, "Imagine the savings we're going to see with a full staff. It's going to make a tremendous difference."

The energy conservation program, launched just two years ago, has already paid for itself many times over. Other initiatives include shutting down the nine-month campuses entirely during July, and only using them sparingly in June and early August. The school district is setting a good example for all businesses and governments -- and for all of us at home. Now turn off that light you're not using.