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

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – 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% 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:

$200,000 Winner Quotes

“The TVA School Uplift Program has been a game-changer for Perea Elementary. In addition to improving our energy efficiency, it has been amazing to watch our scholars engage in the program components to learn more about ways to reduce their energy footprint, share their learning, and hold each other accountable. We’re deeply grateful for the impact it’s made on our school community.” Tia James, Perea Elementary Principal

“The School Uplift energy grant is a game changer for our school. It allows us to better utilize space and effectively teach our students about energy efficiency.” Dr. Stephanie Coffman, South Haven Elementary Principal

Kate Duncan Smith, DAR High School, is proud to announce its selection as a recipient of the 2025 Building Energy Upgrade Grant, awarded by TVA to advance energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives across its facilities. This funding represents a major milestone in DAR’s commitment to creating healthy, safe, and sustainable learning environments for both students and educators.

The grant comes on the heels of DAR’s successful participation in the School Uplift program, where key lessons were learned around energy conservation, operational efficiencies, and the value of engaging school communities in sustainability efforts. From low-cost behavioral changes to impactful infrastructure upgrades, the program served as a launching pad for long-term energy planning.

Planned Projects Include:

• Installation of high-efficiency HVAC systems and LED lighting across multiple campuses
• Upgraded building insulation and energy management systems
• Solar panel integration feasibility studies
• Development of student-led sustainability clubs and curriculum resources

These projects are expected to significantly reduce utility costs and improve indoor air quality—directly impacting student focus, attendance, and teacher satisfaction.” Larry Bolin, DAR School Principal

"Our IAHS Energy Team enjoyed educating our staff and students on the importance of energy conservation while going through the School Uplift program. We are extremely excited to be the recipients of the $200,000 Energy Upgrade Grant and plan to use it to install new thermostats and motion-sensor lighting to help us conserve energy. Thank you, TVA for promoting such a great program and for choosing IAHS as grant recipients." Dr. Karen Gray Itawamba Agricultural High Principal