TVA Invests $2.3 Million To Make 98 Schools Safer, More Energy Efficient

The Tennessee Valley Authority announced Tuesday that 98 schools across its Southeast region will reduce their power bills and have healthier air thanks to over $2.3 million in funding for energy and classroom upgrades. This funding is part of TVA’s nationally recognized School Uplift program – which has saved participating schools an average of 10 percent on their energy bills annually through behavioral changes alone. This year’s participants will save an estimated 5.5 GWh of energy.

“TVA and local power company partners are committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve through School Uplift,” said Monika Beckner, vice president of TVA Energy Services and Programs. “By reducing energy costs, we’re making more funds available for education and creating a better learning environment for students and teachers that helps give every child the opportunity to succeed.”   

Tuesday’s live online announcement was attended by thousands of students and administrators who were eager to learn their school’s funding amount. Funding ranged from $10,000 to $200,000 and was awarded based on the score each school achieved by cutting their energy waste and engaging their school community, and a needs-based assessment that determined which facilities could achieve the greatest energy savings. 

In 2021, TVA launched the School Uplift program to invest in students’ futures by offering energy efficiency training and funding to reduce energy costs and improve a school’s learning environment. To date, TVA has invested about $8.2 million to help 323 schools save on their energy bills.   

TVA is looking to enroll up to 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. 

Learn more about TVA’s School Uplift program here.

This year’s award winners are listed below: