Getting Schooled in SEM: Case Studies in Engaging Public School Communities

As a mission-driven public utility, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) collaborates with partner utilities and other stakeholders to design and test new models for energy efficiency programs that support quality of life in the communities it serves.

With schools, TVA saw an opportunity for districts to realize energy savings and achieve non-energy benefits to the learning environment by applying strategic energy management (SEM) principles. In February 2020, TVA launched School Uplift, a cohort-style training program targeting opportunities to reduce energy through low- and no-cost behavioral and operational changes. Participation in the program helps schools save money so they can reallocate their limited resources where it matters most: educating children.

Since 2020, School Uplift has helped over 220 underserved schools save an average of 10% on energy costs and has directly touched more than 120,000 students through creative program design, SEM training, high impact grants, community engagement, and organizational partnerships.

This presentation will highlight case study examples of School Uplift Program successes and learnings intended to inform, encourage and inspire other energy service providers to consider SEM-based school programs as a unique and effective way to engage a harder-to-reach customer segment.