Imperial Irrigation District Awards More than $1.1 Million in Energy Grants to 20 Local Educational Institutions

The Imperial Irrigation District, a California public power utility, recently announced the award of more than $1.1 million in grants to 20 local educational institutions through its new Grants for Energy Modernization in Schools (GEMS) program.

Launched earlier this year, the GEMS grants are part of IID’s commitment to support energy efficiency in education.

Public, private, and charter K-12 schools were encouraged to apply for this competitive grant to upgrade their heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, enhancing learning environments, reducing energy consumption, and cutting operational costs.

“This is an exceptional way to give back to the community that not only supports education, but helps reduce energy demand through the use of energy-efficient equipment,” said IID Board Chairwoman Gina Dockstader. “We are pleased to support schools in creating more comfortable environments for students and educators.”

The 2025 GEMS grant distribution totals $1,120,000. Eight applicants will each receive $35,000 for single-site projects, and 12 school districts, with multiple qualified sites, will each receive $70,000.

Funding for the program is sourced from the state-mandated Public Benefits Charge.

Together, these projects are expected to save approximately 454,636 kilowatt-hours of energy and reduce CO2 emissions by 238,237 pounds annually.

Imperial’s Faith Academy School was a recipient of a $35,000 grant. Cindy Bruce, principal of the K-8th school, said the grant will fund the replacement of three rooftop air conditioning units, which will better cool all classrooms while reducing energy demand.

“The new units will help the classrooms be more conducive to study, improving the educational process, helping our students concentrate more on their school duties,” Bruce said.

The Central Union High School District plans to replace multiple outdated air conditioning units at four of its school sites, saving on ongoing energy usage.

“Partnering with the IID on this and other projects is a huge benefit to the school district, the students, and our community by maintaining safe and efficient facilities,” said Jeff Sturdevant, Director of Facilities, Maintenance & Grounds. “We look forward to our ongoing partnership with the IID.”

The Imperial County Office of Education echoed those statements.

“ICOE is delighted to be a recipient of the Grants for Energy Modernization in Schools,” said Antonio Romayor Jr., Chief Operations Officer. “The $70,000 in funding will replace aging HVAC units at multiple Calexico, Brawley, and El Centro school sites. We thank the Imperial Irrigation District for their continued strong partnership and for supporting our students and teachers.”

$35,000 GEMS grant recipients include: