More than a dozen schools across five states will have more money back into their tight budgets and cleaner air within their facilities thanks to $2.2 million in energy efficiency grants from the Tennessee Valley Authority. Bledsoe County Middle School in Pikeville and Warren County High School in McMinnville are among 16 schools to receive the energy efficiency grants, which TVA says will save the schools an average of 10% on their energy bills.
TVA announced the list of schools awarded as part of a three-year, $7.3 million School Uplift pilot, a free year-long training program that helps public schools cut their energy waste through behavioral changes by engaging students, faculty and staff.
The grants further increase schools’ energy savings and safety by providing building upgrades such as LED lights and HVAC replacement – which could include UVGI lights to address COVID-19 issues. TVA grants ranged from $100,000 to $400,000.
TVA says last year, 11 schools earned grants and collectively saved $119,000. One specific school, Alvin C. York Institute, in Jamestown, Tenn., saved over $43,000 annually.