The next generation of AEP Ohio customers is learning how to save energy and money through a new program called e3smart^SM. The program, offered to students in grades five through 12 within the AEP Ohio service territory, is designed to bring math and science learning home to reduce energy demand and usage. The curriculum meets Science Standards at the State and National levels and was recognized as an Outstanding Energy Education Project by the Ohio EPA in 2008.

One hundred thirty nine schools out of the service territory's 239 public and private school districts are participating in the inaugural year. Approximately 13,500 students are receiving in-class instruction from their teachers and will be provided with a kit of fourteen types of items for installation and use at home.

Students have begun to apply classroom learning at home to understand how they use energy for lighting, electronics and appliances, space heating and cooling, building envelope (insulation and fenestration) and water heating. Then they install devices from the kits or simply change behaviors to improve efficiency. Schools and families incur no cost to participate in the program, which is being implemented by the Ohio Energy Project.

To be eligible to participate in e3smart, a school must be located in the AEP Ohio service territory. For more information, contact Sherry Hubbard (sjhubbard@aep.com), AEP Ohio education and training coordinator for the Energy Efficiency/Demand Response team.

"After leaving the workshop I soon realized that I had around 60 IL bulbs in my home. After calculating the savings I replaced all of my indoor bulbs. This should save me somewhere around $3500 over the life of the bulbs. In addition I also installed a motion sensor light switch in a room that frequently has its light left on." Maysville Middle School teacher

"This was an excellent workshop and I am excited to finally get started. I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this innovative statewide project. I feel honored to have been selected for this project and look forward to learning more and getting our students at Bexley involved!" Bexley High School teacher

"I am planning to move the teaching of my energy unit to November/December because I am very excited to begin. There will be information in our school newsletter about our lessons so other families in the district may consider making some of the energy-saving changes in their homes as well." Hopewell-Loudon Elementary School teacher

"I didn't even know that there was such a gadget as the furnace whistler. What an awesome invention and a great way to reduce costs in my own home. I loved the fast-paced learning and the way all of the materials were presented throughout the day. The stations were a lot of fun to travel to and find out new ways to make such simplistic changes in our homes for the betterment of everyone involved in the project. It was a heart-warming and welcoming experience as soon as I walked in the door at the beginning of the workshop. Everyone involved in the workshop was friendly, helpful, and always had a smile on his/her face throughout the entire day." Newcomerston Middle School teacher

"I attended my first training, for E3 Smart today. My reactions are: Wow! Holy cow! Amazing! and Well done!. The content presented was thorough and excellent. The materials were, like last years, phenomenal. I have never been to a professional development event that was so practical and useful, with so many handouts. All presenters were absolutely knowledgeable and able to share their information in an easily understood manner. I left feeling eager to share all I had learned with my colleagues." Hayes Elementary School teacher

• Energy & Kids- AEP Ohio is providing energy conservation kits to Ohio students.

"Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR" is a national campaign encouraging all Americans to join with millions of others and take small, individual steps that will help the environment. Interesting in purchasing e3smart kits for home, school or group? Call 800-831-8383 or email JKiesel.