Thomas Jefferson Middle School students got a swift lesson in ways they can save money for their parents on the energy bill, and it includes more than just turning the lights off when they're done.
Joe Schmitz with Three Rivers Energy Cooperative brought four different types of light bulbs that can be purchased at any hardware store.
The first was an incandescent spherical bulb, one of the least efficient using roughly 60 watts and among the most costly to run. The swirly-shaped compact fluorescent bulbs use 13 watts, the flat LED light bulbs use 10 watts and the new, round LED light bulbs use 8 watts and can last up to 22 years, he said.
They're a simple, energy-saving trick families can buy right now, Schmitz said, and the energy efficient light bulbs are typically only a few dollars more than the inefficient bulbs.
If students' families are in the market for a new device, he encouraged them to look at the energy-saving sticker placed on technology that plugs into a wall. TVs and other devices have a yellow sticker detailing how much it costs to run per year, making it easier to make an informed decision on ways to save money.
As far as conserving energy, Schmitz made the argument to turn devices off when they're not being used.
Avoiding cranking up the heat or air conditioning is another way to save each month without much effort, he said.
Schmitz also took students through the different types of energy Three Rivers uses. The Missouri-based company serves mostly rural customers where home and business owners can select their energy company.
Last year, 68 percent of Three Rivers' energy came from coal, 12 percent came from wind, 12 percent came from natural gas and 8 percent from hydro-power.
Each month, the percentage of energy from each source fluctuates depending on the availability of it.
In April, 20 percent of the energy used was wind power from Iowa and Nebraska windmills that are half a football field taller than the Capitol building, he said.
He wrapped up his presentation by encouraging students to ask their teachers to apply for Three River's Green Tree Partnership program.
If selected, the program donates $500 to communities for the purchase and planting of trees.