News Release
WMECo Announces Fundraising Opportunity for Elementary Schools in Service Territory
Goal to double the number of participating schools this year
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., January 19, 2012 – Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo) unites education, energy savings and fundraising in a program designed for elementary students, offered at no charge in support of Mass Save. The program was introduced in 2011 and schools have raised a combined $32,892 to date.
In participating schools, students in kindergarten to grade eight learn about energy efficiency and conservation through an interactive lesson. Following the lesson, students receive a fundraising kit and are encouraged to support their school by selling energy-efficient products—like CFL bulbs and power strips—provided for the program. Schools retain 100% of the funds generated from sales.
In addition to the money raised in sales, the communities of participating schools can also benefit by integrating the products into homes and facilities. The Roberta G. Doering School in Agawam not only raised $11,000 that will bring special enrichment classes and field trips to the school, but also achieved a 3,885,000 kilowatt hour (kWh) annual energy savings within its community.
Cheshire Elementary School raised over $9,500 by selling enough products to save 2.5 million kWh—and $500,000 in energy costs—within the community over the life of the light bulbs that were sold.
Nine schools in WMECo’s service territory hosted a total of ten fundraisers last year. Eight schools have already committed to participating in the program this year, helping WMECo reach its goal to double the number of participating schools in 2012.
Fundraising committees interested in taking advantage of this opportunity can contact Bonnie McEwan at 413-355-0079 or bonnie.a.mcewan@lmco.com to learn more and schedule a program.
WMECo sponsors this program as part of its commitment to educate customers about ways to conserve energy and save money on utility costs.
Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo), a Northeast Utilities company (NYSE:NU), transmits and delivers electricity to 210,000 customers in 59 cities and towns. For more information, please visit our website: