Energy efficiency education program reaches 2,300 students in 2023
Local program to continue in Longmont for the 2023-24 school year
FORT COLLINS, Colo., – Building upon its pilot program in 2022, the Think! Energy with Efficiency Works education program achieved significant success in 2023, engaging more than 2,300 fourth grade students in Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland, exceeding the goal set for 2023.
A total of 10 schools in St. Vrain Valley Schools participated in the program, engaging 535 students in the Longmont area.
“We work to bridge the gap between school learning and our students’ real life,” said Michelle Pearce, fourth grade teacher at Flagstaff Academy charter school in Longmont. “The kits we were provided from the Think! Energy with Efficiency Works program allowed our students to take what they learned about responsible energy use and apply it at home. They truly enjoyed taking measurements before and after applying the tool kit in their homes. They were also excited to report back to the class on what they installed. The kits allowed them to experience first-hand what they learned this year, providing a richer learning experience.”
The program’s curriculum included interactive activities to teach students about energy sources (including renewable energy), presentations on how energy and water is used in our daily lives and tips on how to conserve energy and water. Each participating student received a conservation kit, which included LED light bulbs, faucet aerators and a high efficiency showerhead. The students were encouraged to install these items in their homes, experiencing firsthand the impact of efficient choices.
“The energy industry is evolving every day as we work towards a cleaner energy future,” said Bryce Brady, who oversees Efficiency Works programs as the Energy Solutions Manager at Platte River Power Authority. “Platte River understands that the success of this evolution depends on partnerships and education. This program exemplifies the power of partnerships and how important education will be to sustain the shift to a cleaner energy future.”
The collaboration between Platte River Power Authority, Longmont Power & Communications and St. Vrain Valley Schools was critical to the program’s success. The Think! Energy with Efficiency Works program will continue for fourth grade students in the 2023-24 school year.
Efficiency Works programs are available to residential or commercial customers of Estes Park Power and Communications, Fort Collins Utilities, Longmont Power & Communications and Loveland Water and Power. To learn more about how you can participate, contact your utility or visit www.EfficiencyWorks.org.
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Efficiency Works
Efficiency Works unites the energy efficiency offerings of the northern Colorado utilities of Estes Park Power and Communications, Fort Collins Utilities, Longmont Power & Communications, Loveland Water and Power, and Platte River Power Authority. Efficiency Works offers a variety of products and services to help customers save energy, water and money.
Longmont Power & Communications
Longmont Power & Communications has been Longmont’s municipally-owned electric utility since 1912, with a dedicated, innovative team that connects the community to affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible electric services. We are “Power For Life®, empowering our community’s transition to a sustainable, carbon-free future. To learn more, visit www.longmontcolorado.gov/lpc.
Platte River Power Authority
Platte River Power Authority is a not-for-profit, community-owned public power utility that generates and delivers safe, reliable, environmentally responsible and financially sustainable energy and services to Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland, Colorado, for delivery to their utility customers.
