School district gets discount on propane, but with a caveat

DE PERE (WITI) -- The bitter cold we've seen this winter has caused the De Pere School District to make some adjustments.

Heritage Elementary School has been running on propane because of an agreement between the De Pere School District and Wisconsin Public Service.

In exhange for lower rates, the district must use an alternate energy source during times of high demand.

That means pre-kindergarten through fourth-graders have been eating sandwiches, delivered pizza and breakfast while the ovens rest.

"We did need to bring in a truck on Friday so that we were able to have food that we needed for (Monday's) menu," Food Service Director Deb Pockl said.

Wisconsin Public Service says 28 of its customers -- mainly businesses and schools have signed up for the curtailment program.

Savings include 5% on natural gas and 25% on certain service charges.