Palouse on hold for energy audit

Garth Meyer, Gazette Reporter | Dec 30, 20150

The city of Palouse awaits an evaluation of its energy use after two scheduled visits by Apollo Systems of Spokane were postponed on account of snow.

The contractors had cold-called Palouse in November to ask about taking a look at the town’s systems to check for inefficiencies. The no-cost service may be followed by contract work to correct what they might find.

After the Palouse City Council approved the pitch Dec. 8, City Clerk/Treasurer Mike Bagott scheduled a morning for Apollo engineers to arrive for a day’s work.

Snow fell, however, and Public Works Director Duane Griffin was needed on the snow plow.

In turn, the visit was postponed, then a week later due to snow again. Griffin needs to be available to show around the Apollo representatives.

The Spokane company’s usual approach is to check out a town’s energy systems, mainly electric lights and pumps for sewer and wells.

“It’s kind of anything in the city that uses energy,” Bagott said.

If the engineers do locate a significant deficiency – and the town agrees to make changes – Apollo could sign a contract without the project(s) going out for bid, because the company is listed on the state’s Department of Enterprise Services ledger.

Bagott indicated that the main incentive for the town is cost control.

Engineers need one day to do their evaluation.

“I think we’ll be surprised if they find anything real significant,” said Bagott. “Then again, you never know.”

If ultimately work is to be done, Bagott expects it would happen next year.

Grant possibilities may be available from the state.

For now, the town waits.

“Hopefully Mother Nature cuts us a break next week,” Bagott said.