Spreading the wealth: TVA’s School Uplift energy program benefits area schools 

HARTSELLE – School systems throughout the Tennessee Valley were asked to show their energy-saving prowess, and those that responded were awarded with funding for school improvements.

The Tennessee Valley Authority, through a partnership with utility companies, awarded grants totaling more than $3 million to 106 schools in the region. The grants are for energy and learning improvements.

A replay of the announcement is available on the TVA EnergyRight YouTube site.

North Alabama schools, along with grant amounts and utility service, receiving money included:

• Hazel Green High, $210,000, Huntsville Utilities
• Scottsboro Junior High, $210,000, Scottsboro Electric Power Board 
• Barkley Bridge Elementary, $10,000, Hartselle Utilities
• Hartselle Junior High, $10,000, Hartselle Utilities
• Hollywood Elementary, $10,000, North Alabama Electric Coop 

“We are very thankful for the TVA grant we received,” said Dr. Brad Cooper, principal of Hartselle High. “This money provided opportunities to increase our school technology that otherwise may not have been possible. With the funding, we were able to purchase a mobile touch panel tv system that can be used by our teachers for various activities.”

These grants are awarded as part of TVA’s nationally recognized School Uplift program – which has saved participating schools an average of 10 percent on their energy bills annually through behavioral changes alone. When combined with energy savings from grant-funded upgrades, this year’s participants will save an estimated 9 GWh of energy or the amount of electricity used by 1,241 homes in one year.

“TVA and our 153 local power company partners have worked to make a positive impact on the communities we serve, and we are especially proud of the impact of our School Uplift program since children are our most important asset,” Monika Beckner, vice president, TVA Energy Services and Programs, said in a news release. “Reducing energy costs makes more dollars available for educational purposes and improving the quality of the learning environment for both students and teachers helps give every child the opportunity to succeed.”

In 2021, TVA launched the School Uplift program to invest in students’ futures by offering energy efficiency training and grants that not only reduce energy costs but improve the quality of the learning environment. 

All grants received at public schools are much needed and is already helping to enhance the classroom experience.

In March, the program was named an Energy Star Partner of the Year, the highest level of EPA recognition for partners that excel at energy management and meet various criteria, such as demonstrating best practices and organization-wide energy savings.

For information about TVA’s School Uplift program, click here.