Bluebonnet Donates Funds to the Texas Solar for
Schools Program

February 28, 2007

(GIDDINGS, TEXAS) Students at Bastrop Intermediate School will let the sunshine in during the next school year: they'll be saving energy and learning about solar power at the same time, thanks to a partnership with Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA).

The Texas Solar for Schools Program is provided through the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) and the U.S. Department of Energy, and 40 percent of the project costs are covered by Federal Funds. The program is being introduced locally this year by Bluebonnet and LCRA who provided additional funds for the project at Bastrop Intermediate.

As one of the newest participants in the Texas Solar for Schools program, Bastrop Intermediate is installing a one-kilowatt (kW) system this month that will generate photovoltaic, or solar, electric power for use by the school in the coming years. Students will learn about renewable energy technology, how it works, and why it matters when the school introduces new hands-on curriculum next year.

Bastrop Intermediate math and science teachers will receive training and interactive Web-based curriculum that is aligned with state educational guidelines. Students will be able to track performance of similar systems in schools across the nation.

Merv Doherty, principal at Bastrop Intermediate said, “We are very excited to collaborate with these entities to have this educational project at our school. Teachers and students will see how solar energy connects to the real world for all subjects.”

By investing in projects such as this, Bluebonnet is able to work towards its goal of reducing its environmental impact while providing reliable, affordable electricity. Bluebonnet's commitment to the environment and the communities it serves is a driving force behind being a part of this statewide project.