PEC Press Release - Pedernales Electric is again joining other electric cooperatives across the country in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Tour program. For its 2010 Youth Tour Contest, PEC is asking area high school students to write an essay considering renewable, green energy and its possible impact on Pedernales Electric and the state of Texas.

“Exploring renewable energy sources and technologies is an important initiative for both PEC and our country as a whole,” said PEC Communications Manager Michael Racis. “This year our Youth Tour Contest asks students to explore future possibilities within the energy sector. With PEC’s goal of reducing future residential and commercial electric use by 20 percent and receiving 30 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020, it is important we encourage local youths to thoughtfully consider green energy use and sources.”

Essays and applications are due by Oct. 26, 2009, and all eligible applicants will receive free “green” MP3 speakers. Twelve finalists will be selected to present their essays at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center on Nov. 21. An independent panel of judges will select six students as winners of an all-expense-paid June 2010 trip to Washington, D.C., to tour historical sites and meet local political representatives. Six alternates will receive $100 awards for their participation.

Students are eligible to participate if they have a parent or legal guardian who is a PEC member or receives PEC electric service at their residence. Contest applications are available at PEC offices, area high schools and our web site, www.pec.coop. For more information about the 2010 Youth Tour Contest, visit us online or call toll-free 1-888-554-4732.