Wood chip boiler cuts Phillipsburg schools heating costs

A new boiler that runs on wood chips is saving big money in Philipsburg schools, where the district’s January heating expense plunged to a mere $467 compared to a bone-chilling December bill of $8,000.

If a Forest Service plan works out, the so called biomass burners that are fueled by forest and mill wood scraps could be put to use in other institutions and homes.

Superintendent Mike Cutler couldn’t be more pleased with the savings and the system that was funded by a $350,000 Fuels for Schools project grant from the Forest Service, plus $300,000 from the district. The district’s portion was made through a 10-year loan.

The goal of the Fuel for Schools http://www.fuelsforschools.org/ program to demonstrate just how cost effective the biomass burners are. After folks see the big money savings, they hope the idea will catch on, and the incentive offered through the program will no longer be needed.

By Vera Haffey of The Montana Standard

Full Story: http://www.mtstandard.com/articles/2005/02/02/newsanaconda/hjjejhjhjcgejd.txt