More Than 10,000 Illinois Students and Teachers to Learn About Energy Efficiency
Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program and ComEd’s Smart Ideas Program sponsor Think! Energy presentations
Naperville, IL (November 8, 2011)—“What is energy?” “What is a renewable source of energy?” “Did you know 51 percent of Illinois’ electricity comes from coal?” These are the kind of questions fifth graders in Northern Illinois will be asked as part of Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program and Commonwealth Edison’s (ComEd) Smart Ideas Elementary Energy Education Program.
Now underway, the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program and ComEd’s Smart Ideas Program will be sponsoring Think! Energy presentations at 118 Illinois elementary schools. Think! Energy encourages children to think about smart energy use, talk about energy and take action.
“We have found that getting children excited about energy efficiency motivates entire families to save energy,” said James Jerozal, General Manager, Energy Efficiency for Nicor Gas. “That’s why we make our Elementary Energy Education Program fun and engaging.”
Energy efficiency made fun
Think! Energy with Nicor Gas and ComEd works with Northern Illinois schools to improve the energy literacy of both teachers and students and foster positive energy efficiency behaviors. The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program has partnered with ComEd this year to reach more than 10,000 students and teachers—doubling the number of participants from the 2010-2011 school year.
“Reaching significantly more students this year will help us to achieve greater results in advancing important energy efficiency behaviors in our community,” said Jerozal. “Plus, our hands-on activities make it enjoyable for kids to learn about energy. They are eager to apply what they learn in the classroom at home.”
As part of Think! Energy with Nicor Gas and ComEd, energy efficiency experts will visit classrooms and spend from 45 minutes to an hour teaching students about energy and the importance of saving natural gas, electricity and water resources at home and at school. Interactive lessons include a teacher guide, posters and educational energy games.
Outside of the classroom
One of the key components of Think! Energy is optional homework. The 2011 EcoPulse (survey of Americans’ views on green products) reports that 71 percent of kids who talked to their parents about environmental issues influenced behavior changes at home.
Participating students and teachers in the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program will receive free energy conservation kits that include a high-efficiency shower head, shower timer, kitchen and bathroom aerators and a digital thermometer to help make their household more energy efficient. Participating students and teachers in the jointly-funded program with Nicor Gas and ComEd will receive all of the above items plus three compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Students will work with parents or guardians to install the items, complete an energy activity book and document how simple, low-cost efficiency measures will result in energy savings.
After installing the devices, families are asked to complete a household report card. Students who return completed report cards to their teachers can help their classroom receive up to a $100 mini-grant.
Extra credit
Nicor Gas and ComEd residential and business customers can take advantage of deeper energy savings opportunities through Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Programs and ComEd’s Smart Ideas Program. Cash-back incentives are also available. For details, visit www.NicorGasRebates.com and www.ComEd.com/homesavings.
About Think! Energy
Think! Energy is a registered trademark of the National Energy Foundation (NEF). NEF is a unique 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and cultivating an energy-literate society through educational programs. NEF recognizes the importance and contribution of natural resources to our economy, national security, environment, and quality of life. Think! Energy is available to schools at no cost and is part of the Nicor Gas and ComEd Elementary Energy Education Program. For more information on Think! Energy, visit www.thinkenergy.org/states/illinois.
About Nicor Gas
Nicor Gas is one of the nation's largest gas distribution companies. Owned by Nicor Inc. (NYSE: GAS) a holding company, Nicor Gas has provided safe and reliable natural gas services for over 50 years. The Company serves more than two million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information on Nicor Gas, visit www.nicorgas.com.
About ComEd
Commonwealth Edison Company is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), one of the nation’s largest electric utilities with approximately 5.4 million customers. ComEd provides service to approximately 3.8 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population. The Smart Ideas Program is funded by ComEd customers in compliance with Illinois Public Act 95-0481. For more information on ComEd, visit www.ComEd.com.
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Peter Raisch
608-288-9000 ext. 141
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