Schools as power generators

Soaring energy costs have everyone looking at imaginative ways to cut costs. An increasing number of Illinois school districts are examining not only how they can cut energy costs but also become net generators of electricity.

Wind energy isn't going to work everywhere, but they're pretty sure it's going to work in their favor in the Erie school district northeast of the Quad Cities. And the Petersburg Porta school district in Sangamon County, west of Springfield, is taking a look as well. Other school districts are considering the option too, said James Mann, director of the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation.