Partnering to help weather challenges and supporting STEM in schools

First, I want to take this opportunity to thank local power companies, TVA’s directly served customers, and all Alabamians, as we worked together to minimize the impacts to our power grid during Winter Storm Elliott last December.

TVA’s ability to meet the challenges of this event was directly related to the active participation and collaboration of many. Thousands of public power workers –both at TVA and local power companies – canceled holiday plans and went to work 24/7 to help keep the electric system in balance. TVA’s directly served and industrial customers went above and beyond to reduce their consumption, and Alabamians responded to the call to reduce their energy usage as well.

Even though we saw tremendous collaboration as we faced the challenges the storm caused, for the first time in TVA’s 90-year history, we had to implement emergency plans that directed a reduction in power consumption. We never want to impact anyone’s energy at any time, so we are conducting a thorough review of the factors that contributed to the need to take this action. We are committed to sharing lessons learned and the corrective actions we’re taking to implement those learnings.

As the winter season continues, we encourage everyone to take steps to save money and energy, including:

• Opening your blinds and curtains during the day, especially when it is sunny, and close them at night.

• Keeping the air circulating by setting your ceiling fan to clockwise.

• Turning your thermostat down to 68 degrees at bedtime, and bundling up in warm blankets.

Secondly, I have good news to share about several Alabama schools. As you may recall from one of my previous columns last fall, TVA encouraged teachers to submit applications for STEM grants to help them create innovative, hands-on activities in science, technology, math and engineering subjects.

TVA’s STEM Grant program is a partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers Incorporated, a TVA retiree association, and Battelle Education, established to spark interest in young people to pursue STEM-related careers.

This school year, $1 million was awarded to educators, and a total of 32 schools in Alabama received grants of up to $5,000 for each STEM program.

To highlight one of the STEM programs in our service area, teachers and students at Cold Springs Elementary, in Bremen, Alabama, served by Cullman Electric Cooperative, will create an outdoor classroom with raised vegetable beds, animal habitats, water filtration systems, and weather stations.

This innovative outdoor classroom, like other hands-on activities made possible by STEM grants, will help students develop crucial skills such as teamwork, resourcefulness and problem-solving, all

Congratulations to the following schools, served by electric cooperatives in north Alabama, that received grants:

Arab Junior High School

Asbury Elementary School

Cold Springs K – 8

Collinsville School

Crossville Elementary School

Crossville Middle School

Henagar Junior High School

Ider High School

Lawrence County Gifted

Plainview High School

Sylvania High School

Tanner Elementary while showing them firsthand that science, technology, engineering, and math are both fun to learn about and vital to understanding the world around us.

Since 2018, the STEM grant program has provided nearly $5 million in grants, supporting approximately 600,000 students in the valley region.

Thank you to all who helped us reach out to schools and encouraged them to submit applications.

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