Power Pledge Challenge kicks off October Energy Awareness Month

More than 3,500 sixth through eighth grade students in Alaska will learn about energy efficiency next month and compete for prizes as part of the Power Pledge Challenge. Utilities and organizations host the statewide challenge as part of Energy Awareness Month recognized every year in October.

In the Challenge, students complete a hands-on activity from the AK EnergySmart curriculum, learn how to calculate energy usage, and ways to reduce usage at home. Students then conduct an online home energy audit with their families and identify specific actions they will take to use energy more efficiently.

Over the past six years, this challenge has grown from 700 students in Anchorage, to more than 3,500 throughout the state competing for regional and statewide prizes. The statewide prize includes $2,200 worth of energy-related classroom supplies.

Last year’s statewide prize winning teacher, Susan Tifental from Hanshew Middle School in Anchorage, said “The energy awareness lesson brought to the schools by the Power Pledge Challenge partners is an excellent introduction to the seventh grade energy unit. Students are interested and engaged in the activities due to their relevant, local content. They especially liked learning about the energy consumption of the light bulbs in the Arctic Star.”

There are still spots available for teachers to sign up in all eight regions. The presentation dates are below. Contact Colleen Fisk at [email protected] to sign up for a presentation.

Fairbanks: September 16 – 20

Mat-Su/Eagle River: September 16 – 27

Homer/Kenai: September 30 – October 4

Kwigillingok: October 1 (tentative)

Nome: October 7 – 11 (tentative)

Anchorage: October 7 – 17

Juneau: October 8 – 31

Seward: October 31 – November 1 (tentative)

Alaska Village Electric Cooperative Communities: Various October and November

The Power Pledge Challenge is supported by Alaska Electric Light & Power, Alaska Energy Authority, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Chugach Electric Association, City of Seward, Golden Valley Electric Association, Homer Electric Association, Kwigillingok Power Company, Matanuska Electric Association, Anchorage Municipal Light & Power, Nome Joint Utility Services, and Renewable Energy Alaska Project.