Dec 14 2015
Nearly 5,000 Chicago fifth grade students are becoming Super Energy Savers through a joint education program offered by ComEd and Peoples Gas. Super Savers, a FREE science, engineering and mathematics (STEM) based curriculum, developed for fifth grade students, will teach thousands of students about the importance of energy efficiency, and equip them to share money- and energy-saving tips with their families.
The annual program launched today at Jose de Diego Community Academy, located on Chicago’s near north side, where Commissioner Miguel del Valle of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and representatives from ComEd and Peoples Gas were on-hand to deliver Super Savers kits to the school’s fifth grade students.
Jose de Diego fifth grade teacher Pam Alexandroff believes the program is a fun and educational way to get kids to think about concrete ways they can help the environment. “The Super Savers Program is a fun, practical way for kids to teach their own families how to save energy at home,” she said. “They can see for themselves how small steps can lead to big changes in energy usage.”
The Super Savers kit, which supports state and national education standards and benchmarks, comes complete with teacher education materials, lesson plans, activity books, and other engaging activities. For instance, students will receive three compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), an energy-saving showerhead, kitchen faucet aerator, digital thermometer, shower timer, and more, to help implement classroom lessons at home. By installing the energy-saving products included in the kit, students and their families can learn together how to save energy and water, which also could lower utility bills.
“ComEd is committed to empowering our customers to save energy and money on their electric costs. In partnership with Peoples Gas, we are pleased to bring this engaging program to public schools across our service area to help students, our future customers, learn more about how to use energy wisely,” said Fidel Marquez, senior vice president of Governmental and External Affairs, ComEd.
“Seeing fifth graders learn and demonstrate energy efficiency and water conservation is an important part of putting STEM skills into practice,” said Michelle Rindt, vice president – Customer Service, Peoples Gas. “We are excited to continue working with ComEd to bring this program to elementary schools across Chicago.”
The Super Savers program is a joint effort between ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. The program was designed specifically for Illinois Public Schools.
The annual savings produced by the overall program are projected to save more than 632,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity and close to 66,000 therms, enough to power 72 homes for a year.