HAZEL GREEN, Ala. — Huntsville Utilities announced today that Hazel Green High School, was awarded a $210,000 Building Energy Upgrade and Learning Environment grant through Tennessee Valley Authority’s School Uplift program.
Tight budgets and aging buildings leave many schools facing a difficult decision between funding learning programs and making needed facility upgrades. Since 2021, TVA’s $7.87 million School Uplift program has helped 225 public schools in the seven-state region solve that problem.
School Uplift’s year-long energy management training program helps public school districts make smart energy choices that improve the classroom learning environment and save money through decreased energy use. Participating schools compete to earn grants by cutting their energy waste through behavioral changes and by engaging students, faculty, staff, and community.
“Huntsville Utilities has a wonderful working relationship with TVA, and School Uplift is yet another way we work together to invest in our community,” said Wes Kelley, President and CEO of Huntsville Utilities. “We are thrilled for Hazel Green High School on earning this grant, which will enable the improvement of facilities, making the school more efficient, healthy, and comfortable for educators and their students. The faculty, staff, and students committee to prioritizing energy efficiency over the last school year earned this award through their focus and hard work.”
According to a press release, participating schools, on average, have saved nearly 10% on their annual energy bills solely through behavior changes. When savings from grant-funded energy upgrades are added, this year’s School Uplift participants have estimated total energy savings of 9 GWh or the amount of electricity used by 1,241 homes in one year.
“Every dollar invested in our schools helps districts allocate resources to where it matters most – educating our children,” said Monika Beckner, vice president of TVA’s Energy Services & Programs. “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.”
