1. Why was the Students For Energy Efficiency (SEE) program developed?
2. Do students really get to perform energy efficiency assessments of their schools?
3. Once I assess the potential for energy efficiency improvements, where can I find the funding to implement the changes?
4. Can Idaho Power’s Easy Upgrades and Custom Efficiency incentive programs be used to help improve the return on investment (ROI) of implemented projects?
5. I missed the sign-up period. Will this program be offered again?
6. How is the Students for Energy Efficiency program different that the energy assessments being performed at all Idaho schools by the Idaho Office of Energy Resources (OER)?
7. How do I register my students for the SEE program?

1. Why was the Students For Energy Efficiency (SEE) program developed?

The Students for Energy Efficiency program, or SEE, is the result of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission Order #30760 dated March 27, 2009.

The order directed the appropriate disposition of the proceeds from the sale of Idaho Power’s sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission allowances in calendar year 2007 for development and implementation of an energy education program in Idaho Power’s Idaho service area.

Idaho Power developed the concept of SEE and contracted with Sawtooth Technical Services to develop the curriculum and assist Idaho Power staff in presenting the program to interested high school teachers and students in the Idaho portion of Idaho Power’s service area.

2. Do students really get to perform energy efficiency assessments of their schools?

Absolutely! The students receive training in the use of equipment, provided to the schools by Idaho Power, and the proper procedure for conducting assessments of lighting levels, appliance wattage usage, occupancy durations and times, etc. After the training the students and teachers perform an assessment of their entire school building and prepare a report of their findings for use by school administration.

3. Once I assess the potential for energy efficiency improvements, where can I find the funding to implement the changes?

Idaho Power offers incentive payments for energy efficiency improvements in school buildings. Additionally, schools will be encouraged to apply for federal stimulus funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and other programs.

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4. Can Idaho Power’s Easy Upgrades and Custom Efficiency incentive programs be used to help improve the return on investment (ROI) of implemented projects?

Yes. Schools are encouraged to apply for these incentive payments once a plan is developed detailing installation of technologies and other improvements such as de-lamping, replacement with more efficient lights and ballasts, etc.

5. I missed the sign-up period. Will this program be offered again?

Idaho Power plans to offer the program again in the fall of 2010. Review the Program Overview (PDF) for more information.

6. How is the Students for Energy Efficiency program different that the energy assessments being performed at all Idaho schools by the Idaho Office of Energy Resources (OER)?

SEE is an on-site assessment of energy usage performed by high school students and teachers. Idaho Power provides a four-hour training session and equipment specific to performing energy assessments of lighting, plug load, building envelope and some HVAC systems.

Students, under the guidance of a teacher sponsor, report their energy usage findings and make recommendations on reducing energy usage and operating costs at their school. In some cases, junior high and even elementary schools may be assessed if more than one student group is formed at a high school.

The OER project targets heating and cooling system tune-ups and new digital monitoring systems for each of Idaho’s 703 school buildings. The project also will fund larger improvements such as new heating and cooling systems, new lighting and controls, additional insulation, and water system efficiencies in selected buildings. Energy audits for each school building, performed by professionals, will help OER identify the most cost-effective use of funds for these larger improvements.

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7. How do I register my students for the SEE program?

Idaho Power’s Customer Relations & Energy Efficiency Department manages SEE. Contact John Bernardo at 208-388-5543 or jbernardo@idahopower.com or David Thornton at 208-388-5691 or dthornton@idahopower.com to register or request additional information.