PA Environment Digest

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council has recognized PECO with the 2012 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence for PECO’s Energizing Education Program. The award was presented during a ceremony at PEC’s Annual Dinner in Harrisburg on April 18.

PEEP is an environmental education program designed to teach Philadelphia-area school students about the science of energy, renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, and energy efficiency both at home and at school.

The program was designed in partnership with the National Energy Education Development Project (NEED), the nation’s leading provider of energy education programs and materials for schools, and The Franklin Institute, a renowned leader in the field of science and technology.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized by the State and Governor Corbett for a program that has such an educational and environmental impact,” said Liz Murphy, PECO vice president of Governmental and External Affairs. “This program teaches students more than just how to be an environmental steward; it helps them understand the importance of being a smart energy consumer.”

A “hands-on,” project-based curriculum, PEEP explores the relationship between energy efficiency and conservation and environmental preservation. Teachers complete a two-day workshop where they receive a curriculum overview, and then bring their learning back to their classrooms.

Following the classroom curriculum, teachers and students take on an environmental field trip, and students participate in a school energy audit and receive home energy audit kits. Each school also receives $1,500 in funding from PECO for a community energy efficiency project.

The PEEP program began in 2009 with five local schools participating. In 2010, that number doubled, and in 2011, 14 schools signed on with a total of 1,668 students participating.

The Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence recognizes companies and organizations that encourage and promote environmental stewardship and contribute to the conservation of Pennsylvania’s environment.

With a principal focus on math, science and environmental education, PECO supports programs that encourage students from all backgrounds to stay in school, develop their talents and continue their education beyond high school.

Since 1969, the company has sponsored the Philadelphia Academies' Academy of Applied Electrical Science, and contributes more than $150,000 annually in scholarships for limited income students at local colleges and universities--a great investment in our future workforce.

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