Sixth-grade students in the classes of Donna Ashley at Blanco Middle School have become energy achievers, committing to make small changes at home that will lower energy consumption, save money and reduce their impact on the environment.

The sixth-graders participated in the PowerHouse energy investigation program, sponsored by Pedernales Electric in partnership with the Lower Colorado River Authority.

“The PowerHouse program was great!” said Ashley. “The students enjoyed exploring the way energy is used in their homes and the impact those choices have on the environment. Parents also benefited from the energy report, which included suggestions for conserving energy and lowering their electric bill.”

More than 70 students conducted energy investigations at home with their parents, and the PowerHouse program then generated a four-page, personalized report for each student identifying sources of wasted energy in their homes.

Students learned that habits such as turning off lights, shutting refrigerator doors and preparing their homes for winter by weather-stripping doors and windows can save natural resources and save money on monthly electric bills.

“The PowerHouse program is teaching students that, by making simple changes, each of us can save money and help reduce the overall demand for water and electricity,” said PEC Communications Manager Michael Racis. “PowerHouse is an innovative program that teaches kids about the resources used to produce electricity and how that electricity gets to their homes from the power plant. It helps them understand how their households’ energy use can affect our environment.”

In this first year sponsoring the program, PEC is presenting PowerHouse at 12 Central Texas schools. About 3,000 students will learn about how their families use electricity, their impact on the environment and how to conserve.