Xcel Energy has awarded a $1.4 million grant to the Salida School District to support the transition to electric transportation. The funding will be used to purchase electric school buses and install charging infrastructure.
The project includes the acquisition of two electric school buses along with two fast-charging stations, which will be installed at the district’s bus barn. In addition to reducing emissions and operating costs, the new buses will provide an added layer of energy resilience for the district.
The electric buses are equipped with vehicle-to-building technology, allowing them to supply backup power to school facilities during outages. In the event of a power interruption, the buses can support critical systems such as lighting and security, helping maintain safety and essential operations.
District officials say the project represents a major step toward sustainability while also strengthening emergency preparedness for the school community.
