Cullman Electric Cooperative Partners with TVA to Award $25,000 Grant to Vinemont High School Through School Uplift Program
Cullman Electric Cooperative announced today that Vinemont High School was awarded a $25,000 Learning Environment grant through Tennessee Valley Authority’s School Uplift program.
Tight budgets and aging buildings leave many schools facing a difficult decision between funding learning programs and making needed facility upgrades. Since 2021, TVA has invested $8.2 million in School Uplift grants and helped over 323 schools solve that problem and save on their energy bills.
School Uplift’s year-long energy management training program helps school districts make smart energy choices that improve the classroom learning environment and save money through decreased energy use. Participating schools compete to earn $10,000 to $200,000 grants by cutting their energy waste through behavioral changes and by engaging students, faculty, staff and community.
“I know the staff at Vinemont High School worked extremely hard to win this grant,” said Tim Culpepper, CEO of Cullman Electric Cooperative. “It is an outstanding accomplishment, and we look forward to seeing these funds used to benefit their students. The staff at Cullman Electric Cooperative works every day to improve the quality of life for our members and the communities we serve. We appreciate TVA’s partnership in helping us achieve our goals by not only generating and delivering the electricity we use, but also for providing programs like School Uplift that will benefit thousands of students and families across the TVA service area.”
On average, participating schools have saved nearly 10% on their annual energy bills from behavior changes alone. When savings from grant-funded energy upgrades are added, this year’s School Uplift participants have estimated total energy savings of 5.5 GWh or the amount of electricity used by 808 homes in one year.
“Every dollar invested in our schools helps districts allocate resources to what truly matters – providing quality education for our children,” said Monika Beckner, vice president of TVA’s Energy Services & Programs. "We’re proud of the winners of this year’s School Uplift grants, who are dedicated to reducing energy waste and building a stronger, more sustainable future.”
Cullman Electric Cooperative is a member-owned cooperative serving more than 48,000 member accounts in Cullman, Winston, Lawrence and Morgan counties.
The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to more than 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA has one of the most diverse energy systems – including nuclear, hydro, solar, gas, and advanced technologies. To prepare for the future, TVA is making significant investments in its power system toward new generation and transmission. TVA provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation. Learn more at TVA.com.