Using (and Storing) Energy from Sky

January 27, 2021

Middlesex Co. Public Schools welcomes two electric buses to its fleet

During a special ceremony last week, one of two electric school buses for Middlesex County is plugged in, for the first time, to the charging station at St. Clare Walker Middle School. Ceremony participants include, from left, Middlesex Board of Supervisors Harmony Village Representative Reggie Williams, Middlesex High School freshman Charlie Roley, Middlesex School Board Chairman Claudia Soucek, Vice Chairman Richard Shores and Superintendent Peter Gretz. (Contributed)

by Tom Chillemi –

Anew era dawned on Monday, Jan. 25, when two electric school buses made their first runs carrying students to and from Middlesex County Public Schools (MCPS).

Powered by clean renewable energy, the bus batteries are charged using electricity from solar collectors located at Middlesex Elementary School.

In 2018 MCPS became Virginia’s first school division to have all schools powered by on-site renewable electricity. Middlesex is the only school division in Virginia to be fully powered by on-site solar, according to Superintendent Peter Gretz.

“MCPS has made great efforts to enhance sustainability, responsible stewardship of the county resources, and innovative solutions to improve our operations. The electric bus program is part of that effort,” said Dr. Gretz.

Beyond renewable energy, electric buses come with an educational component. “They provide our students with direct exposure to applicable science they are learning and a rapidly growing career field,” said Dr. Gretz.

The buses will save the county about $700 a month, they are cleaner, and easier to maintain…