Rooftop HVAC units at a local school were upgraded through IID’s GEMS Program to improve energy efficiency, comfort, and reliability for students and staff.

Eligible school sites in the Imperial Irrigation District (IID’s) service area can receive up to $35,000 or more in grant funds for qualifying energy-efficiency projects, through the District’s popular Grants for Energy Modernization in Schools (GEMS) Program.

Last year, IID awarded more than $1.1 million to 20 local schools across the Imperial and Coachella Valleys through this competitive grant opportunity, supporting energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades that improve learning environments, reduce energy demand and enhance classroom comfort.

The program helps schools redirect energy savings back into educational resources while creating healthier, more comfortable learning environments for students and staff.

“Programs like GEMS allow IID to reinvest in our schools while promoting energy efficiency and long-term savings,” said IID Board Chairwoman Karin Eugenio. “These improvements make a meaningful difference for students, teachers, and school districts.”

Through the GEMS Program, IID provides funding to public, private, and charter K-12 schools within its service territory to modernize HVAC systems and invest in energy-efficient upgrades.

The GEMS program is funded through IID’s state-mandated Public Benefits Charge.

Important GEMS Grant Dates

• Application Opens: Monday, February 2, 2026
• Application Deadline: 5 p.m., Friday, February 20, 2026
• Award Notifications: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
• Project Completion Deadline: Friday, October 2, 2026

 Schools interested in applying for the GEMS Program are encouraged to visit www.iid.com/gems.