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The National Energy Foundation (NEF) received the Inspiring Efficiency Education Award from the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) for Think! Energy Michigan. The collaboration, supported by the Michigan Department of Education, has reached over 300,000 students and their families since it began in 2010.

The program began in 2010 with Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, and the members of Efficiency United, and has since grown to include to include 24 companies. SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company, Lansing Board of Water & Light, Holland Board of Public Works have joined Think! Energy Michigan with others participating as funding allows. Altogether, the combined service territories of these organizations cover nearly the entire state of Michigan.

Gary & Robin waiting to receive the Inspiring Efficiency Award for Education

Gary Swan (VP – Development) & Robin Reinarts (Senior Program Director – MI) wait to receive Inspiring Efficiency Education Award.

Think! Energy Michigan Presented Education Award

Robin & Gary receiving Inspiring Efficiency Education Award

“I think more time should be spent on energy education and awareness.” – Adam Cooper, Institute for Electric Innovation

Think! Energy empowers students to be leaders in energy efficiency at home.

Professional educators from NEF lead students in an in-class energy experience, focused on natural resources and efficient energy use. This, coupled with every student taking home energy efficient devices, has a big impact at home. One Think! Energy partner reported evaluated savings of nearly 1,500,000 kWh in one program year. In perspective, that is enough electricity to power the average home in the united states for 316 years!

For this reason, NEF is honored to be recognized with an Inspiring Efficiency Award. NEF received the Education award at the 2018 Midwest Energy Solutions Conference held in Chicago, IL on February 8, 2018.

The work conducted in Michigan is essential to achieving NEF’s mission. Therefore, we are dedicated to helping Michigan students and their families understand energy and use it wisely. In 2012, NEF demonstrated this commitment by opening an office in Novi, MI* to conduct all the Michigan work.

*since moved to Milford, MI

Robin with Inspiring Efficiency Education Award

Robin Reinarts, Senior Program Director overseeing our Michigan education programs.

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