In its 20th year, the PowerHouse™ Energy Investigation Program continues to challenge students to discover simple, easy ways to conserve energy and save on their families’ utility bills. Developed by the Lower Colorado River Authority, the program was sponsored by Fayette Electric Cooperative, San Bernard Electric Cooperative, and the City of Bellville for the sixth grade students in Bellville Junior High School.
Students entered data about their personal habits into an online program that connects their actions to the impact they have on the environment and natural resources. They then received a report with practical solutions that they can use and share with their families so they can save money on their monthly utility bill and help the environment at the same time.
During the interactive presentation, the 192 students in Sharon Schroeder and Amberly Howard’s classes discovered that LED lights consume 80-90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer. They also learned that a programmable thermostat can be one of the most effective investments for their homes. Both of these offer energy savings on their families’ utility bills.
“The students love the PowerHouse program. It brings real life experiences into the classroom that they can relate to. This is a program we look forward to each school year,” said Ms. Schroeder.
“I learned that LED’s can help me save hundreds of dollars and may last 30 to 40 years,” said Nicolas Carlile.
“The fifth cooperative principle is ‘Education, Training and Information’. Fayette EC and the other co-sponsors share a vested interest in the education of students in schools located in or near their service territories,” said FEC Marketing and Training Coordinator Catherine Poppe. “This program demonstrates that this principle is being fulfilled in the schools where the PowerHouse energy investigation program is presented.”