(1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, each school district shall conduct an energy audit of its facilities. This energy audit may be conducted by contract or by other arrangement, including appropriate district staff. Performance-based contracting shall be the preferred method for implementing and completing energy audits.
(a) For each district facility, the energy consumption surveys shall be completed no later than December 31, 2001, and the walk-through surveys shall be completed no later than October 1, 2002. Upon completion of each walk-through survey, the district shall implement energy conservation maintenance and operation procedures that may be identified for any district facility. These procedures shall be implemented as soon as possible, but not later than twelve months after the walk-through survey.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, if a walk-through survey has identified potentially cost-effective energy conservation measures, the district shall undertake an investment grade audit of the facility. Investment grade audits shall be completed no later than June 30, 2003, and installation of cost-effective conservation measures recommended in the investment grade audit shall be completed no later than December 31, 2004.
(2) A school district that, after December 31, 1997, has completed energy audits and implemented cost-effective conservation measures, or has contracted with an energy service company for energy audits and conservation measures, is deemed to have met the requirements of this section for those facilities included in the audits and conservation measures.
(3) A school district that after reasonable efforts and consultation with the department is unable to obtain a contract with an energy service company to conduct an investment grade audit or install cost-effective conservation measures recommended in an investment grade audit, is exempt from the requirements of subsection (1)(b) of this section.