NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University recently received a significant financial boost of $409,646 from Evergy, the institution's electrical energy supplier, in recognition of its successful energy-efficient projects over the past five years. The presentation took place during the Thursday Board of Regents meeting at the University, where Dan Haslag, Northwest’s assistant vice president of facility services, expressed gratitude for Evergy's support, stating, "Evergy’s incentive rebates have allowed Northwest to accelerate a variety of projects aimed at increasing energy efficiencies."

Northwest's participation in Evergy’s Business Energy Savings Program since 2019 has led to the completion of nearly two dozen energy-efficient projects. The University utilized the rebates to implement upgrades such as LED lighting installations in several campus buildings and energy audits and retro-commissioning of HVAC systems in key residential and academic facilities. Scott Kuhlemeyer, Northwest’s director of capital programs, highlighted the positive impact of these initiatives on the campus community, stating, "We are very grateful to Evergy and their energy savings program as it has allowed Northwest to stretch our budgets for improvements to our deferred maintenance backlog, while also enhancing the aesthetics, comfort and quality of learning and living spaces for our students."

Looking ahead, Northwest Missouri State University is embarking on a major capital project this spring, with an estimated cost of no more than $105 million. The project is anticipated to span two to three years, marking the largest capital endeavor in the institution's history.