'PSE is dedicated to supporting the development of future energy-saving technologies, applications and education," said Cal Shirley, vice president of Energy Efficiency Services for PSE. 'We find that one of the best places to provide that support is through energy education. This is vital to helping us meet our energy efficiency goals and to protecting the environment."

The EEAW was awarded $15,000 to use for its energy education programs, and ICW will receive $10,000 per year for three consecutive years to support research projects related to improvements in power and energy use. This is on top of the $500 sponsorship the EEAW received last year and the support ICW has received over several decades from PSE.

Both recipient programs have a legacy of partnership with PSE, but the relationships have moved from a traditional sponsorship arrangement to a more collaborative show of support from the Energy Efficiency Services division of the utility.

'Our commitment to saving energy transcends our own programs. We have chosen to back these two organizations again this year and going forward because their dedication to energy efficiency is truly remarkable," explained Shirley.

'The collaboration between PSE, the Office of Superintendent Public Instruction, and EEAW has been rewarding for all participants," says Abby Ruskey, executive director of EEAW.

The organization relied on PSE funding and support in the past year to launch the Sustainable Design Project, a project-based learning program for K-12 students to address real world problems in their schools and communities, including energy conservation and clean technologies.

'Students are eager to be part of the solution while businesses, agencies and other community leaders wish to partner with schools and mentor young people," added Ruskey. 'This model is a lens into the future of education."

Greg Scheiderer, vice president of government and public relations at ICW, said, 'Companies like PSE look for programs such as ours that have tangible business outcomes and also provide real-world work and learning opportunities for students."

Last year, Scheiderer's organization used the funding from PSE to support a research project conducted by Seattle Pacific University students who tested an alternative lighting source, an environmentally controlled LED (light emitting diode) system.

'Research projects like these could ultimately turn out to be the think tank that patents the next lifestyle-changing technology for our customers," added Shirley.

PSE's Energy Efficiency division has already donated a total of over $20,000 this year to energy education and research programs at Washington State University, Seattle University, Hopelink, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers), and the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council.

In addition to supporting independent organizations like these, PSE has had its own in-school education program for 15 years.

A recent addition to the hallmark Powerful Choices middle school program called 'Cool School Challenge: Kids for Climate Protection" was designed to create a competition around reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A wide array of rebates and incentive programs are also available from the utility for residential and commercial customers who want to reduce their overall energy consumption.

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