Student Energy-Smart Efforts Pay Off

Schools in TVA EnergyRight's School Uplift Program Receive Grants to Support Classroom Comfort and Efficiency

More than 100 schools across the Valley region are celebrating new investments in their campuses after being awarded grants through TVA EnergyRight’s School Uplift program at a live, virtual event May 8.

Designed to help school systems facing tight budgets and aging facilities, the program provides financial support and hands-on behavioral guidance to reduce energy waste and redirect savings back into classrooms.

Since its launch in 2021, TVA has invested $13 million and assisted more than 440 schools across the region through School Uplift. Many schools struggle to balance the cost of essential educational programs with much-needed building improvements, an issue the program aims to relieve by combining energy management training with the opportunity to earn grants ranging from $10,000 to $210,000.

The year-long training initiative teaches school districts how to make smarter energy decisions through low- or no-cost behavioral changes.

Students, teachers, staff and community members work together to reduce unnecessary energy consumption – and the most successful participants earn grant funding for further facility upgrades.

The impact has been measurable. On average, participating schools cut about 10% of their annual energy costs simply through behavioral adjustments. Combined with improvements funded by School Uplift grants, participating schools this year estimate total energy savings of 5.5 GWh – enough to power hundreds of homes for a full year. Over the past six years, the School Uplift program has helped participants save over $4.8 million annually by implementing low-cost energy management techniques

“Every dollar invested helps schools allocate resources to what truly matters – providing quality education for our children,” said Ray Knotts, Senior Director of TVA's Demand Management. “We’re proud of the winners of this year’s School Uplift grants, who are dedicated to reducing energy waste and building a stronger future.”

With energy savings now contributing to more comfortable classrooms and healthier learning environments, School Uplift continues to help schools stretch their budgets while supporting long-term improvements in educational spaces across the Valley region.