Final check for $100,000 energy efficiency rebate for MCC

The City of Independence and Independence Power and Light presented a $30,000 check to MCC Chancellor Mark James for energy efficiency improvements made at MCC-Blue River this morning. An additional $70,000 has been received from Kansas City Power & Light for improvements made at other campuses, for a total rebate of $100,000.

"The project cost was $1.8 million with a projected savings of $300,000 annually,” said Darrel Meyer, the director of facility services at Metropolitan Community College. The lighting energy conservation project included the replacement of light bulbs and ballasts for over 24,000 light fixtures in all district facilities, as well as bulbs and ballasts in many of the exterior walkway and parking lot fixtures.

"Lighting levels in MCC buildings and parking lots were not decreased," Meyer noted, "and in some cases actually increased." In fact, parking lots at MCC-Blue River are now safer at night than ever before due to the whiter, brighter lighting.

l to r: IP&L Director Leon Dagget, Independence City Manager Robert Heacock,
Mayor Don Reimal, Chancellor Mark James, Director of Facilities Darrel Meyer.

Independence Mayor Don Reimal, City Manager Robert Heacock, and IP&L Director Leon Daggett presnted the rebate to Chancellor Mark James and MCC Director of Facilities Darrel Meyer, along with compliments for MCC-Blue River's energy saving leadership in its communities.