This paper offers a general perspective of school energy use based on national surveys and a state of North Carolina perspective based on the public school laws that can have energy impact. Data from two surveys conducted in 1972-73 and 1974-75 are analyzed. Findings show a shift away from oil and a shift from direct use of coal to use of electricity generated from coal. Districts greater than 5,000 pupils use proportionately much greater amounts of coal and propane. A study of average energy costs per pupil compiled for selected years from 1969-78 shows energy costs over the period have increased almost 322 percent. Not all of the energy cost increase over the period 1972-78 was due to increased fuel costs. Some data exist showing pre- and post-desegregation transportation costs. Other energy costs are due to the lack of life cycle costing in schools built in the 1950s and 1960s. Measures that school districts can take to save energy are discussed. The last section of this paper contains a brief description of North Carolina laws and their potential impact on school systems within the state. (Author/MLF)