NORTH ATTLEBORO - The school department will attempt to lighten its utility bills through an energy conservation program that could save the town up to $3.4 million over the next 10 years.

The school committee has agreed to hire Energy Education, an energy management consultant that offers a program to change employees's energy use habits.

While the program comes with a cost of $393,600 - which will be paid in monthly installments over the next three years - that cost is expected to come out of what the district saves on its utility bills.

Energy Education provides similar services to 817 schools across the country, and those schools have generally seen a 15 percent to 30 percent savings on utility bills, according to Charles Fasnacht III, president of the company's Northeast division.

According to Fasnacht, the South Kingston, R.I., school district has saved 31 percent on its energy costs during the last six years and Pawtucket has saved 24 percent over the past 40 months. Fasnacht said none of its clients have ever budgeted special funding for the program - the fee has always been paid from savings that result in the utility budget. If the program doesn't work, he said North Attleboro will get its money back.

"If we fall short - if you invest more than you save - we will write you a check for the difference," Fasnacht said.

The program will not require the district to purchase any special equipment and it will not require changes that will affect school children.

Energy Education will train a member of the school department's staff to implement changes and track whether any money is saved.

The energy manager would receive a stipend of about $20,000 paid by the school department, and would be responsible for making regular appearances in the building on nights and weekends to ensure that lights and computers are shut off, in addition to making recommendations on other conservation measures.

Fasnacht said, for example, a cafeteria worker who might typically turn on kitchen equipment shortly after arriving for work could save energy by switching on items like steam tables just in advance of the 42 minutes the equipment needs to heat up.

Energy Education estimates the district could save $4 million over the next 10 years. Subtracting the consultant's fee and district costs, including software and the energy manager's stipend, the district would save $3.4 million over its costs.

District Business Manager David Flynn said the company has excellent references.

"I've talked to people I know in other districts who I trust aren't going to give me a sales pitch," he said. "They said they have absolutely realized savings, and that it's worked for them."