ID S1354

School districts' boards of trustees are empowered to establish, develop, own, maintain, operate and contract for thermal heating and cooling energy generation and distribution systems using biomass, geothermal, or solar renewable energy.

School districts operating thermal energy systems may use, sell, or exchange excess hot or chilled water not needed by the district, with revenues used for the district's benefit.

Sales of excess thermal energy must be conducted pursuant to a written contract approved by board of trustees resolution.

School districts are authorized to issue bonds to acquire, develop, and renovate school facilities for establishing, creating, and developing renewable energy systems as described in the new statute.