Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to examine the Town’s energy usage for Town facilities for the period January 1, 2010 through September 18, 2013.

Background

The Town of Caroline is located in Tompkins County. The Town is governed by the Town Board, which comprises the Town Supervisor and four elected Board members. The Town’s 2013 budgeted appropriations for all funds are approximately $1.7 million.

Key Finding

• By incorporating renewable energy technologies and efficient building placement and design, the Town Board has reduced the amount of energy purchased and the greenhouse gas emissions for Town facilities. Since April 2010, the Board has generated 48,584 kilowatt-hours (kWh), of which 22,202 kWh were utilized by the Town, resulting in savings of $2,500, or a 36 percent reduction in energy purchased. The remaining 26,382 kWh (48,584 minus 22,202) were sold back to the energy provider, resulting in additional savings of $3,000. The Board also has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 76,000 pounds, which is equivalent to annual greenhouse gas emissions from seven passenger vehicles, or carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity use of five homes for one year.

Key Recommendation

• There are no recommendations for this report.