TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY
TVA Awards $2.6 Million to Help Make Schools Safer, More Energy Efficient

Highlights

• TVA enhances education by awarding $2.6 million in grants to 64 schools across the Southeast for HVAC upgrades and energy efficiency training to improve the learning environment.
• This funding, which is awarded as a part of TVA's School Uplift program, will save schools about 10% on their energy bills.
• TVA has invested $7.28 million and helped 118 schools save on their energy bills through the School Uplift program to date.

Schools across the Southeast region will have more money back into their budgets and cleaner air within their facilities thanks to $2.6 million in grants from the Tennessee Valley Authority. These grants are awarded as part of TVA's School Uplift program, which is expected to save 64 schools across six states an average of 10% on their energy bills this year.

Monday's live announcement was attended by hundreds of students and administrators who were eager to learn their school's grant amount. The grants ranged from $10,000 to $410,000 and the amount was dependent on the score each school achieved by cutting their energy waste. The grant scoring also incorporates a needs-based assessment of each school's facilities to determine which buildings could achieve the greatest energy savings.

 "For nearly 90 years, TVA and our 153 local power company partners have worked to make a positive impact on the communities we serve, and our children are our most important asset," said Monika Beckner, vice president, TVA Energy Services & Programs. "Making classrooms healthier and more comfortable for both students and teachers helps give every child the opportunity to succeed. We're inspired by the winners of this year's School Uplift grants and proud of their dedication to reducing energy waste and building a sustainable future for us all."

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. To date, TVA has invested $7.28 million and has helped  118 schools save on their energy bills. The estimated energy savings resulting from School Uplift upgrades and behavior change is equal to the carbon dioxide equivalent of 26,300 metric tonnes, or more than 29.5 million pounds of coal.

The 2023-2024 School Uplift program will kick off this summer with 125 new schools already enrolled and on their way to saving energy and helping students across the Valley thrive.

School Uplift is one of many TVA programs focused on improving outcomes for students in the region. This year, TVA awarded $1 million in STEM Grants, helping more than 136,000 students develop STEM skills and promoting financial skills by managing one of the largest student investment programs in the nation.

Learn more about TVA's School Uplift program at energyright.com/business-industry/school-uplift/.

Note:

State of Tennessee's Energy Efficient Schools Initiative partnered with TVA and has invested $1.86 million in School Uplift to support Tennessee schools. Click here to see the list of winning schools and grant amounts. Contact your school's principal for a quote and more information about the program.

The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation's largest public power supplier, delivering energy to 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA was established 90 years ago to serve this region and the nation by developing innovative solutions to solve complex challenges. TVA's unique mission focuses on energy, environmental stewardship, and economic development. With one of the largest, most diverse, and cleanest energy systems - including nuclear, hydro, solar, gas, and advanced technologies - TVA is a leader in our nation's drive toward a clean energy future.

TVA is a corporate agency of the United States, receiving no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation. Learn more at Energy System of the Future. 

Contact

Scott Fiedler
Public Relations
safiedler@tva.gov
423-751-7883

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