Energy Manager of the Year Nominees

Jeff Pulkinen

Dickinson ISD

I am pleased to nominate Jeff Pulkinen, Director of Energy Management at Dickinson Independent School District (ISD) in Dickinson, TX, for the TEMA Energy Manager of the Year Award. With over 30 years of dedicated service to Dickinson ISD, including 14 years in the Energy Management role, Jeff has been a catalyst for significant, measurable improvements in energy efficiency, conservation, and sustainability for the district. His leadership, innovation, and mentoring efforts make him an exemplary candidate for this prestigious award.

Energy Savings and Efficiency Achievements:

Under Jeff’s leadership, Dickinson ISD has consistently demonstrated outstanding energy savings, both in terms of cost and energy use per square foot. Since the inception of the district’s energy management program in 2011, Dickinson ISD has achieved a 30% reduction in energy costs, and they continue to maintain these savings year after year. Currently, the district operates at a cost of just $1.03 per square foot, including water charges, and has an impressive Energy Use Index (EUI) of 29.6 KBTU/sqft. This consistent reduction in both Cost/Sqft and Use/Sqft showcases Jeff’s exceptional ability to drive sustainable energy practices that have resulted in long-term, quantifiable success.

Leadership and Involvement in TEMA and the Energy Management Community:

Beyond his leadership within Dickinson ISD, Jeff has been an active participant in TEMA and the broader energy management community. His service includes multiple officer positions, such as Member at Large, Chapter Representative, and President of the GCC Chapter. His leadership also led to Dickinson ISD’s recognition as Energy Program of the Year by TEMA in 2022 and Outstanding School District for Energy by The Texas Energy Summit in 2023.

Fulfillment of Energy Manager Roles and Strategies:

Jeff excels in fulfilling the 18 roles of an energy manager, overseeing energy audits, identifying savings opportunities, and ensuring energy procurement aligns with district goals. He leads the district’s Behavior Management Program and manages the Building Automation System (BAS) to ensure ongoing efficiency improvements. His Demand Management strategies also help mitigate demand charges, generating revenue through load-shed programs.

Fostering a Culture of Energy Conservation:

Internally, Jeff has fostered a culture of energy conservation, conducting regular audits, providing feedback, and incentivizing campus participation. Externally, he is a respected speaker at TEMA events and the Texas Energy Summit, contributing his expertise to the wider energy management community.

Commitment to Professional Development and Mentorship:

Jeff’s commitment to professional development is further reflected in his participation in the TEMA Mentor/Mentee Program, where he mentors emerging leaders in energy management. His work has not only benefited Dickinson ISD but also helped shape the development of other energy managers across Texas.

Conclusion:

Jeff Pulkinen’s leadership, innovation, and mentorship make him an outstanding candidate for the TEMA Energy Manager of the Year Award. His contributions to Dickinson ISD and the broader energy management community truly exemplify the qualities of this prestigious recognition.

Ethan Ravey

Alvin ISD

Summary of Achievements

Ethan Ravey has demonstrated outstanding leadership in energy management, delivering substantial cost savings and operational efficiencies for Alvin ISD. His innovative strategies have resulted in over $800,000 in electricity cost savings through the successful implementation of a block and index pricing model. Additionally, Ethan has been instrumental in managing the district's 4CP reductions, achieving an impressive 81% reduction versus peak demand on IDR meters. This strategic demand reduction has led to approximately $730,000 in annual savings on demand charges, further showcasing his expertise and commitment to financial stewardship.

Strategy and Implementation

Under Ethan’s leadership, Alvin ISD adopted a block and index pricing model, enabling the district to purchase energy in structured blocks at fixed prices while allowing excess usage to be priced at Real Time Index rates. Additionally, unused energy was sold back at Real Time Index pricing. By leveraging advanced modeling techniques, Ethan and their consultant, Van Brunt & Associates, Inc. analyzed historical interval loads and real-time price trends to optimize block purchases and protect against price volatility.

To further maximize savings, Mr. Ravey implemented a strategy using different-sized blocks for each time period (5x16, 2x16, and 5x8) per month, aligning energy purchases with expected district load patterns. This approach ensured that block purchases were optimized, minimizing exposure to Real Time Index pricing while maintaining operational efficiency.

Beyond the success of block and index pricing, Ethan has played a pivotal role in reducing the district’s 4CP demand charges. By carefully monitoring energy consumption patterns and implementing proactive load reduction strategies during critical peak periods, he has successfully achieved an 81% reduction in peak demand on IDR meters. This achievement has resulted in approximately $730,000 in annual savings on demand charges, significantly reducing the district’s overall electricity costs.

Stakeholder Engagement and Decision-Making

Ethan’s strategic initiatives have been carefully vetted and implemented with full support from district leadership, including the COO, CFO, and Superintendent. He has worked closely with the district’s energy management team to integrate energy-saving measures seamlessly into daily operations, ensuring minimal disruptions while maximizing efficiency. His expertise in HVAC controls, demand management, and operational sustainability has positioned Alvin ISD as a leader in energy efficiency among school districts.

Impact and Results

Through Mr. Ravey’s commitment, data-driven approach, and ability to align energy management with district operations, Alvin ISD has achieved over $1.5 million in annual savings across commodity and demand charges. His leadership in energy efficiency and cost management makes him an outstanding candidate for Energy Manager of the Year.

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Manny Villalobos

Cypress Fairbanks ISD

A Catalyst for the Industry

Manny Villalobos has demonstrated exceptional leadership in energy management, achieving an impressive 11,392,867 kWh reduction in energy consumption at CFISD—a 6.8% savings from 166,580,581 kWh in 2023 to 155,187,591 kWh in 2024. His ability to implement data-driven energy strategies has significantly reduced operational costs while enhancing sustainability, setting a benchmark for public school energy efficiency.

Excellence in Energy Management

Manny embodies the 18 key responsibilities of an energy manager, effectively overseeing:

✔ Strategic Energy Planning – Aligning conservation initiatives with long-term sustainability goals.

✔ Data-Driven Optimization – Implementing real-time energy tracking to monitor and improve efficiency.

✔ Operational & Financial Impact – Ensuring cost-effective facility management through energy-efficient practices.

✔ Sustainability & Compliance – Promoting environmentally responsible energy solutions district-wide.

Strategies for Success

Manny’s leadership has transformed CFISD’s energy management through:

Advanced Energy Monitoring – Utilizing real-time tracking to optimize energy use.

Collaboration & Innovation – Engaging facility managers and external partners for continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement – Effectively communicating results to district leadership, securing ongoing support.

Beyond his achievements, Manny mentors’ junior energy managers and collaborates with HISD, FBISD, and other districts to share best practices. His commitment to continuous learning and professional development has made him a leader in Texas’ energy management community.

Conclusion

Manny’s record-breaking energy savings, strategic leadership, and dedication to mentorship make him an outstanding candidate for Energy Manager of the Year. His work at CFISD serves as a model for school districts seeking sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions.

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