Branson R-IV, Springfield Public Schools, and Tarkio R-I have been awarded more than $9.3 million in federal funding through the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Direct Pay program to support groundbreaking geothermal projects developed by Veregy. These projects will provide long-term energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and advance district-wide sustainability goals while providing healthier, more comfortable learning environments for thousands of Missouri students.
Veregy, a nationally recognized decarbonization company, is the project developer for these initiatives, bringing state-of-the-art engineering, construction, and clean energy expertise to the districts which are leading the way in Missouri, demonstrating how IRA resources can be leveraged to make bold infrastructure upgrades that strengthen community resilience.
Nationwide, tens of thousands of dollars in Direct Pay funds are flowing to Veregy customers for solar and geothermal projects. While Direct Pay incentives for solar are set to phase out at the end of 2026, geothermal projects will continue to be supported through the program, ensuring that schools have ongoing opportunities to invest in one of the most efficient and reliable clean energy technologies available.
“Direct Pay funding is a transformational opportunity for schools,” said Al Willis, Veregy Central Vice President. “By offsetting project costs, this program allows districts to take meaningful steps toward decarbonization while making long-term investments that benefit students, educators, and entire communities.”
For K–12 schools, this funding is especially critical. Public districts often face tight budgets and competing priorities, making large-scale infrastructure improvements challenging. By unlocking IRA Direct Pay funds, districts like Branson, Springfield and Tarkio not only reduce their energy and operating expenses but also set an example for sustainable stewardship of taxpayer resources.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to leverage federal Direct Pay funding to make this significant investment in our schools,” said Dr. Nate Moore, Superintendent of Branson R-IV School District. “Partnering with Veregy allows us to implement geothermal energy solutions that not only reduce our operating costs, but also create healthier, more comfortable learning environments for our students. The long-term impact of these projects means more of our resources can remain focused on what matters most—supporting student success.”
With these geothermal projects underway, the districts are building a cleaner energy future while delivering immediate and lasting benefits to their schools. Veregy’s work across the nation shows the power of pairing trusted energy project development with innovative funding mechanisms, ensuring schools can thrive both financially and sustainably.
