Energy Hog Goes to North Dakota

This year, more than 4,000 students across North Dakota will learn about energy efficiency and environmental stewardship through the Alliance's immensely popular Energy Hog program, an elementary education program designed to teach kids about the importance of saving energy.

Funded by the Office of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in the North Dakota Department of Commerce, the North Dakota chapter of this nationwide program will introduce elementary school students to a “real, live Energy Hog” whose rascally ways personify opportunities for saving energy in the home. The program also supports classroom teachers as they tease out these issues of energy and responsibility.

Though wildly entertaining, the Energy Hog teaches an important lesson about energy waste - especially relevant to residents of North Dakota who are likely to see a hike in home energy costs this winter. Responding to these and similar issues of energy consumption within the state, the Office of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency promotes energy efficiency in both the public and private sectors, while also facilitating the development and use of renewable energy sources in North Dakota.

The Energy Hog program believes that one of the best ways to spread the message of energy efficiency is through the youngest members of the household. Jim Boyd, interim manager of the state Office of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, agrees: "North Dakotans of all ages can impact our environment by practicing energy efficiency. There are several easy steps we can all take right now, and it is important to teach children about them."

By warning their parents about this mischievous Hog and his bad habits, North Dakota school children are doing their part to make their state and country more energy efficient.