Nearly $200 million set aside in California to update school HVAC systems remains unspent
California's CalSHAPE program has $194 million unspent for upgrading school HVAC systems to mitigate extreme weather disruptions. Environmental activists and lawmakers are debating whether to continue the program or return funds to utility companies.
California's CalSHAPE program, created in 2020, aims to upgrade school HVAC systems to reduce disruptions from extreme weather. Despite $194 million allocated, the program has stopped doling out funds amid concerns over utility bills. Environmental activists argue the funds should be used as intended, while lawmakers suggest returning the money to utility companies to address energy affordability. A bill amendment is being considered to keep the program alive beyond its December expiration. If it fails, unspent funds will be returned to utility companies without ratepayer credits. The program has not distributed funds in 2024, and amounts previously awarded to schools ranged from $20,000 to over $2 million.
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