Case Study: Kenton County School District achieves $11M+ in energy cost avoidance and a 4% district‑wide energy reduction with Brightly Software

Kenton County School District Receives ENERGY STAR’s 2018 Partner of the Year Award

Kenton County School District, the sixth-largest district in Kentucky with 10 elementary schools, three middle schools, three high schools and two academies, faced rising energy costs and lacked the tools for a data-driven conservation program. After relying on manual spreadsheets and no dedicated energy lead, the district needed better visibility and a way to control growing energy expenses across its aging building inventory.

They implemented a robust energy management solution with interval data recording and easy reporting, paired with an Energy Savings Performance Contract and a district-wide behavior and education program (E=WISE). The software enabled building-level ownership, faster reporting (hours to 15–20 minutes) and project validation; outcomes include over $11 million saved since 2005, a $5 million ESPC (LED, HVAC and roof upgrades), a 4% reduction in source energy since 2016, and recognition as ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year.

Kenton County School District

Chris Baker

Energy Systems Coordinator