Idaho Power Co. proposes spending $500,000 on energy education projects in southern Idaho

Idaho Power http://www.idahopower.com/ enters energy education discussion
Proposals would expand on existing company programs

Idaho Power Co. proposals for spending $500,000 on energy education projects in southern Idaho schools dovetail nicely with suggestions from other groups, those involved in a workshop Thursday in Boise said afterwards.

The state Public Utilities Commission is considering whether to spend the money on energy-efficiency education at schools in Idaho Power’s service territory. The funds are left over from the sale of sulfur dioxide emission allowances last year.

The utility brought forward three areas of its programs it thought could be expanded for two years, using $250,000 a year. About $90,000 would pay for tying a home energy audit program more closely to the classroom. Student teams could use $85,000 to examine energy use at their schools and present possible efficiency measures to district administrators and others. And $75,000 could build on a program that puts solar panels on top of school buildings and uses them as an educational tool. The school in Castleford was the first to benefit from the solar program, and the panels will soon be installed at 11 schools total.

By Nate Poppino
Times-News writer

Full Story: http://www.magicvalley.com/articles/2009/01/12/news/local_state/152715.txt