LCRA's POWERHOUSE energy investigation program teaches middle school students and their families about the effects of energy use on natural resources and the environment. Utilities sponsor the program for schools within their service areas.

Through POWERHOUSE, students get a hands-on understanding of energy consumption by becoming energy "detectives." Using a walk-through guide, students investigate and record their households' energy-using features. The results of their investigation are entered into the POWERHOUSE software program, which analyzes the data and produces a personalized profile showing patterns of energy use and some energy-saving tips. Finally, back in the classroom students review their personalized home energy profile, play games, and take part in an interactive review of the program information.

Since introducing the program in 1998, the POWERHOUSE investigation program has taught more than 60,000 middle and elementary school students how to use less energy and save natural resources, thanks to POWERHOUSE presentations in 59 schools with 30 wholesale customer sponsors.

During the 2010-2011 school year, over 6,000 students learned how to use less energy and save natural resources, thanks to POWERHOUSE presentations in 59 schools with 30 sponsoring utilities. Click here for photos of schools that have participated in LCRA's POWERHOUSE energy investigation program for the 2011-2012 school year.