Hooksett Schools Superintendent Charles “Phil” Littlefield is looking at what the district has been spending on energy costs and is more than a little worried. With sky-high gas prices sure to set in this winter, the picture isn’t looking any brighter, either.

“The problem we’re facing is that a year ago when we were developing budgets, we all knew we’d have some increases in energy rates, but I don’t think anyone anticipated a near doubling of those costs,” Littlefield said. “What we’re trying to do now is figure out what we can do to mitigate the impact of those costs on the organization.”

No firm plans are in place to lower costs, but Littlefield and the Hooksett School Board are discussing ways – like replacing older model light fixtures with more energy efficient ones – to save money in the long run. Simpler practices, such as making sure windows are sealed during winter months and that computers are shut down at the end of the day, will also help, he said.

“Part of this is setting an example in schools of the responsible use of energy,” Littlefield said. “Our kids play a vital role in this. We don’t want to be draconian about this and we don’t want to be overly aggressive with people, but we do want to identify ways to be more efficient and incorporate those ways into a learning environment.”

Littlefield estimates the school system spends about $200,000 on electricity alone per year. This figure does not include heating the district’s schools. He said if they can cut that bill by even 5 percent, it could save the taxpayers thousands of dollars.

“My goal in the end is to break even,” he said. “I don’t want to have to spend anymore than we did a year ago and I want to be able to absorb the energy increases through efficiency. Whether that’s possible or not, I don’t know. But we’ll see.”