Energy Efficiency education classes continue throughout service territory

No school, no problem. That’s the summertime attitude of Energy Efficiency Education Representative Tamara Proctor and her team.

Last year, the company kicked off a program that provides education and energy conservation materials to fourth- and fifth-grade students. The program is still going strong this summer at camps all over the company’s service territory.

The most recent stop involved 230 kids at the Boys and Girls Club of Hancock County.

“We’ve held lessons for 1,400 children at 16 sites this summer,” Proctor said. “We’ve had kids as young as two and as old as 18 learn smart energy habits. For a lot of these students, this might be the first time they’ve ever thought about energy efficiency. We’re hoping they’ll use these lessons at home with their parents and siblings.”

Proctor opened the day by speaking with a lively group of kindergarteners about energy-saving tips like turning lights off when not in use, periodically changing air conditioning/heating filters and not using too much water while brushing their teeth. The groups also learned how much faster an electricity meter turns when an incandescent bulb is used compared to a CFL bulb.

All the children received goodie bags that contained an activity book, a shower timer, energy efficiency reminder stickers and information cards for parents.

“This fall, we hope to visit 40 more schools,” Proctor added. “Schools may be eligible for mini grants based on student participation.”

Each student that attends the school presentation takes home an energy efficiency kit, including several CFL bulbs, an LED nightlight and a questionnaire on their family’s energy habits.

If 75 percent of the class returns the questionnaire, they’ll be eligible for a $250 grant from the company.