Tennessee schools benefit from TVA’s School Uplift program
The Tennessee Valley Authority has announced 98 schools across the region will soon be more energy-efficient due to its School Uplift program. Over $2.3 million in funding has been distributed for energy and classroom upgrades to 75 schools in Tennessee, with 28 being in electric co-op service areas.
“Every dollar invested in our schools helps districts allocate resources to what truly matters – providing quality education for our children,” said Monika Beckner, vice president of TVA’s energy services and programs. “We’re proud of the winners of this year’s School Uplift grants, who are dedicated to reducing energy waste and building a stronger, more sustainable future.”
The announcement was made live online and was attended by thousands of students and administrators. Participating schools received anywhere from $10,000 to $210,000 based on the score each school achieved by cutting their energy waste and engaging their school community. A needs-based assessment determined which facilities could achieve the greatest energy savings.
One of the biggest winners this year was Mountain Electric Cooperative. Four schools in the service area were recipients with Laurel Elementary School in Laurel Bloomery, Tennessee, and Freedom Trail Elementary School in Newland, North Carolina, both receiving a $210,000 Building Energy Upgrade and Learning Environment grant. Doe Elementary School in Doe Valley, Tennessee, and Cranberry Middle School in Newland, North Carolina, also won a $10,000 learning environment grant.
“We are so excited that our schools earned these grants, which will enable administrators to improve facilities and make the schools more efficient, healthy and comfortable for teachers and students,” said Sally Snyder, MEC’s director of member services. “The faculty, staff and students committed to prioritizing energy efficiency over the last school year and earned this grant through their hard work. This community has faced so many challenges since September due to the catastrophic damages by Hurricane Helene, and this was some much-needed good news! We live in a resilient part of the country that continues to rise above obstacles to succeed.”
Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation also had an award recipient in its area. Austin Peay Elementary in Covington, Tennessee received the $10,000 learning environment grant.
“We are thrilled to see Austin Peay Elementary benefit from this grant,” said Clint Malone, STEMC’s incoming president and CEO. “TVA’s School Uplift program goes beyond financial support—it’s a true investment in the future of our communities. As the local electric cooperative, we are proud to champion initiatives that align with our core principles and uplift the next generation.”
Other Tennessee electric co-ops with schools that received funding include Appalachian Electric Cooperative, Caney Fork Electric Cooperative, Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation, Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative, Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, Holston Electric Cooperative, Middle Tennessee Electric, Plateau Electric Cooperative, Pickwick Electric Cooperative, Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation and Volunteer Energy Cooperative.
Since 2021, TVA has invested about $8.2 million and helped 323 schools save electricity. Through the School Uplift program, TVA invests in students’ futures by offering energy efficiency training and funding to reduce energy costs and improve a school’s learning environment. On average, the program has saved participating schools an average of 10% on their energy bills annually through behavioral changes alone. This year’s participants will save an estimated 5.5 GWh of energy.
TVA is seeking 120 new schools in the 2025-2026 School Uplift program. Public and private schools in TVA’s seven-state service area are encouraged to apply. For more information visit energyright.com/school-uplift.
