The next generation of Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) customers can learn how to save energy and money through a new program called the Schools Energy Education Program (SEEP).
 
The free program, offered to students in grades four through seven within I&M’s Indiana service territory, is designed to educate and inspire students to develop behaviors that lead to making smart energy choices to support a sustainable future.
 
The program includes classroom presentations and activities to help students learn information on energy efficiency and renewable/alternative energy sources, money-saving tips and the benefits of establishing energy preservation habits. Classroom learning is reinforced through take-home activities and energy efficiency kits. The kits include five energy-saving items the students and their families can use at home.
 
  “I&M is pleased to make this program available to educators. Not only do students learn how to use energy wisely through fun and engaging activities, the whole family can get involved and start saving energy right away with the take-home materials,” said Kim Reeder, manager of consumer programs for I&M. “Using energy efficiently is the most cost-effective way to meet future energy supply needs with the added benefit of delaying the need to build additional power plants.”
 
SEEP is part of the suite of energy efficiency programs, called SMART Programs offered by I&M. SMART is an acronym for Saving Money And Resources Together. Other SMART Programs available for I&M Indiana customers include residential programs for recycling older refrigerators and freezers, in-store discounts on CFLs at local retailers, weatherization assistance for low income households, home energy audits and programs for business customers.
 
In 2009, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission made energy efficiency education programs for schools a requirement for electric utilities doing business in the state as part of an initiative to achieve an annual energy savings goal of 2 percent   through 2019.
 
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, a collaborative network advancing energy efficiency in the Midwest, and Applied Proactive Technologies, Inc. (APT), a Springfield, Massachusetts based company that specializes in working within industries to facilitate movement toward energy efficiency administers the educational program on behalf of I&M.
 
Indiana schools within the I&M service territory may get more information about the program by calling 877-693-7827 or by visiting indianamichiganpower.com/save.