More than 2,700 fourth-grade students learn the value of effective energy use
Building upon its pilot program in 2022, the Think! Energy with Efficiency Works education program achieved significant success during the 2023-24 school year, engaging more than 2,700 fourth-grade students. The program is available to fourth-grade students in the communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland. Nearly 65 percent of all fourth-graders in Platte River Power Authority’s (Platte River’s) service territory participated last year.
“When the program started in 2022, we had a few schools participate,” says Bryce Brady, manager of distributed energy solutions for Platte River. “We’re incredibly proud of the program’s growth in just two short years, especially during this transformational time in the energy industry.”
The Think! Energy program serves schools within the Estes Park, Poudre, St. Vrain Valley and Thompson school districts. The program supports State of Colorado curriculum requirements and includes interactive activities to teach students about energy sources (including renewable energy), presentations on how energy and water are used in daily life and tips on how to conserve energy and water. Each participating student receives a Take Action conservation kit, which includes LED light bulbs, faucet aerators and a high-efficiency showerhead.
A total of 2,721 kits were distributed to teachers and students. Students were encouraged to install the items in their kits and incorporate behavioral changes at home, like thermostat setbacks, with the involvement of family members. These types of hands-on activities allow the students to experience the impact of efficient choices firsthand. Teachers with 80 percent or greater classroom participation in the program receive a $50 grant to help with classroom expenses.
“The collaboration with our owner communities’ school districts has been instrumental to the program’s success,” says Adrien Kogut, supervisor of distributed energy resources and lead coordinator of the program for Platte River. “The Think! Energy program demonstrates the power of collaboration and the importance of engaging young people in our energy future.”
The Think! Energy with Efficiency Works program will continue for fourth-grade students for the 2024-25 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 efficiencyworks.org.