Sixth-grade students at San Saba Middle School have transformed into energy efficiency experts, committing to making simple changes at home that will lower energy consumption, save money, and reduce their impact on the environment.

These sixth-graders from Kristi Rankin’s science classes recently participated in the PowerHouse™ energy investigation program, sponsored by the City of San Saba.

After students conduct an energy investigation at home with their parents, the PowerHouse program generates a four-page personalized report that identifies energy waste in their homes. They learn that their own bad energy habits like keeping lights on, leaving the refrigerator door open, or setting the thermostat too low on hot summer days can waste natural resources and cost their families additional money on monthly electric bills.

“The PowerHouse program helps students realize how much it takes to have lights, air conditioning, and water heaters on in their household,” said Roger Verette, City of San Saba. “They find out that by using compact fluorescent lighting and changing thermostats to energy efficient settings, they can help save on their families’ utility bills.”

“I liked PowerHouse because I was told how much electricity I and my family used,” said Vincente Vega, student.

“One thing that I loved about PowerHouse is that we learned how to use energy wisely,” said Alexa Patino, student.

Since 1998 more than 41,000 students have learned how to use less energy and conserve natural resources, thanks to PowerHouse presentations in 48 schools with 28 utility sponsors. LCRA, which developed the program and offers it to its wholesale customers to sponsor, expects an additional 5,500 students during the 2008-2009 school year.