Energy Efficiency Education team closes busy summer schedule
Energy Efficiency Education Representative Tamara Proctor and her team made stops at 15 summer camps throughout the Mississippi Power service territory.
From late May to the end of July, more than 1,000 summer campers learned how energy works and how they can help save energy usage in their homes.
“We’ve had kids as young as 2 and as old as 18 learn smart energy habits,” Proctor said. “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.”
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 teeth were relayed to the campers. The groups also learned how much faster an electricity meter turns when an incandescent bulb is used compared to a CFL bulb.
Each child received goodie bags that contained an activity book, a shower timer, energy efficiency reminder stickers and information cards for parents.
Now the focus turns to setting the schedule for visiting fourth- and fifth-graders at elementary schools through the fall and spring.
“During the 2015-16 school year, we visited 42 schools and gave away 5,072 energy efficiency kits,” Proctor added. “At those visits, the students also get and energy efficiency kit. If 75 percent of the students return the questionnaire, they are eligible for a $250 grant per grade from the company.”
Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and environmentally responsible energy for more than 186,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Mississippi Power earned the 2015 ReliabilityOneTM Award for outstanding midsize utility for excellence in storm restoration and recovery efforts as well as being a leader in reliability, customer service and safety. Visit our websites at www.mississippipower.com and www.mississippipowernews.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and YouTube.