The nation’s largest public power provider is awarding a total of $350,000 to reduce power bills at 12 Mississippi schools.
Education centers in Mississippi join more than 100 of their peers in neighboring states receiving a share of a $3.3 million pool from the Tennessee Valley Authority. The power provider is handing out the money as part of its School Uplift program.
According to officials, the program is a year-long initiative that trains K-12 schools within TVA’s service area to reduce energy waste through behavior changes, improving energy efficiency, and lowering utility bills. The program is believed to have saved participating schools an average of 10% on their energy bills annually through behavioral changes alone.
“TVA and local power company partners are committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve through School Uplift,” Ray Knotts, TVA senior director of demand management, said.
“By reducing energy costs, we’re making more funds available for education and creating a better learning environment for students and teachers that helps give every child the opportunity to succeed.”
Officials say funding ranged from $10,000 to $210,000 and was awarded based on the score each school achieved by cutting their energy waste and engaging their school community, and a needs-based assessment that determined which facilities could achieve the greatest energy savings. The following Mississippi schools have been awarded funding:
- Coffeeville High School ($210,000)
- Northshore Elementary School in Brandon ($25,000)
- North Delta School in Batesville ($25,000)
- Corinth High School ($10,000)
- Highland Bluff Elementary School in Brandon ($10,000)
- Oakdale Elementary School in Brandon ($10,000)
- Pisgah Elementary School ($10,000)
- Grace Christian School in Louisville ($10,000)
- Kemper Academy ($10,000)
- Coffeeville Elementary School ($10,000)
- Strayhorn High School ($10,000)
- Davidson Elementary School in Water Valley ($10,000)
TVA launched the School Uplifted program in 2021 and has invested roughly $13 million to help over 440 schools across seven states reduce their energy bills.