In Washington, we work with schools to provide energy efficiency education to sixth-graders through the "Be Smart" program. Launched three years ago by the Northwest Community Action Center (NCAC) and funded by Pacific Power, more than four million kilowatt-hours of energy have been saved thanks to the students’ diligence in helping pass along the importance of energy conservation at home.

That’s enough energy to supply all the needs of 300 homes for one year.

The program is taught in more than 50 classrooms that meet poverty guidelines. The guidelines are based on the numbers of free and reduced lunch programs.

"As a community action agency, we wrestle with the problem of how to help lower-income households pay their power bills," explained Tera Piñon Program Coordinator and Instructor of the NCAC and "Be Smart’s" architect. "We realized that we had to get at the reason why the households were consuming so much energy."

The program teaches the energy conservation classes to 6th grade science and math classes, using a curriculum developed by the Be Smart program at NCAC that meets all Washington education requirements. The NCAC developed the curriculum, trained certified teachers and helped conduct three days of lessons. The classes educate students about all aspects of energy: where it comes from, its availability, benefits, and the environmental and monetary costs of its use.

"After we brainstorm ways students save energy at home, we teach them how to read their power bill," Piñon said. "We also teach them about compact fluorescent lights, taking shorter showers, turning off lights, weatherizing, and even using Energy Star products and Energy Guides on appliances."

Next the students bring in their power bills each month to track usage. The program gives out incentives, recognizing the top savers at every school. Prizes include energy-saving devices and a pizza party at the end of the school year for the class saving the most electricity.

"We had several kids not only go home and teach their parents, but they showed their grandparents, aunts and uncles how to save energy as well," said Piñon.

"These students are learning lifelong skills that will serve them well," said Clark Satre, regional community manager for Pacific Power. "Working with educators and our customers, we’re helping to raise a whole new generation of conservation-minded consumers."

Be Smart educates about 1,600 sixth-graders each year.