Ida Public Schools in Michigan receives a $3,577,160 check!

IDA, MI., May 2026 — Ida Public Schools in Michigan celebrated the receipt of a $3,577,160 reimbursement check for installing a ground-source heat pump system at Ida Middle and Ida High Schools. The new ground-source heat pumps replaced the district’s outdated heating system—nearly 50 years old and with no air conditioning — and provides affordable and reliable heating and cooling for the building.

The district partnered with Veregy, who also identified opportunities to improve air sealing and insulation in both buildings to improve the building’s efficiency and reduce heat loss. In fall 2022, Veregy conducted a comprehensive energy audit, installing monitors throughout both buildings, tracking temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels. The data revealed what the students and staff have been experiencing for years: by mid-morning on hot days, classroom temperatures exceeded 90°F with humidity nearing 90%.

But by utilizing the tax credits, the district was able to install a ground-source heat pump system for $1.5M less than the cost of replacing the aging boilers with new gas-fired boilers—an option that would not have included air conditioning.

After completing the project in 2025, the district partnered with Rehmann to prepare their IRS filing, which was submitted on March 16, 2026. On April 13, 2026, the district received $3,577,160 for the ground-source heat pumps.