Lori Brown
BS, MS, EdS, EdD
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) | Program Manager, School Uplift Program
Speaker
Track M: Sustainable Development
Session M3: Energy Programs Supporting Sustainable Development
September 27, 2024 | 9:00 am - 9:30 am
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.
Speaker Bio
Lori Brown was named the Program Manager in the Energy Right for the Communities Team in January 2024. Lori’s primary responsibility is the day-to-day management and refinement of the award-winning School Uplift Program within the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
Lori joined TVA two years ago, helping communities and customers throughout the North Region of the Tennessee Valley as a Community Relations Specialist. She has a wide and diverse network of school and community leaders, as well as key stakeholders in the Tennessee Valley. Lori brings tremendous experience in working with the K-12 education space and post-secondary. Prior to joining TVA, Lori was a long-time educator and administrator. She culminated her career as the Director of College, Career, and Technical Education.
Lori attended Middle Tennessee State University, earning her BS, MS, and EDS in educational curriculum, instruction, and leadership (pre-K through higher education). She received her Ed.D., in Educational Administration and Policy Analysis from East Tennessee State University.
