Two Bedford County schools served by Duck River Electric, Community High School and Liberty Elementary School, were recently each awarded a $10,000 grant through Tennessee Valley Authority’s School Uplift program.

“This program not only enhances school facilities but also builds energy awareness among students, equipping them with smart energy habits they carry into their homes,” said DREMC President and CEO James Wright. “School Uplift encourages energy improvements that save schools money while fostering energy efficiency education.”

School Uplift’s year-long energy management training program helps school districts make smart energy choices that improve the classroom learning environment and save money through decreased energy use. Through the program, participating schools compete for $10,000 to $200,000 grants by cutting their energy waste through behavioral changes and by engaging students, faculty, staff, and the community.

Tight budgets and aging buildings leave many schools facing a difficult decision between funding learning programs and making needed facility upgrades. Since 2021, TVA has invested $13 million in School Uplift grants and helped over 440 schools solve that problem and save on their energy bills.

“School Uplift is another way we’ve partnered with TVA to invest in our community,” said Nathan Taylor, DREMC member and community engagement liaison. “We are so excited that Community High School and Liberty Elementary School earned grants, which will enable administrators to improve facilities and make the school more efficient, healthy, and comfortable for teachers and students. The faculty, staff, and students worked hard during the school year to achieve their goals and qualify for the grants.”

According to School Uplift advisors, on average, participating schools across the TVA region have saved nearly 10% on their annual energy bills from behavior changes alone. When savings from grant-funded energy upgrades are added, this year’s School Uplift participants have estimated total energy savings of 5.33 GWh.

“We’re proud of the winners of this year’s School Uplift grants,” adds Taylor. “They have dedicated their time and efforts to reducing energy waste and building a stronger future for our schools and community.”

TVA EnergyRight and DREMC will continue recruiting K-12 schools for future school years. For more details about the program and to express interest in enrolling your school, visit EnergyRight.com/school-uplift.