Energy utility gives students a charge

Smart Cities Connect has named Austin Energy one of its Smart 50 Awards honorees, which are given to cities and startup companies that conduct innovative and influential programs in categories such as mobility, urban infrastructure and community engagement. Austin Energy was recognized for its EVs for Schools program, which educates students on the benefits of electric vehicles. The program – conducted in collaboration with EcoRise, ChargePoint and Smart Charge America – provides teaching kits to all Austin Independent School District schools, with charging stations installed at Akins, Lanier and Travis high schools and Kealing Middle School that can be used by staff, students and visitors for $4.17 per month. Students will collect usage and other data from the charging stations in an effort to illustrate the benefits and sustainability of electric vehicles. Winners in all five categories will be announced April 1 at the organization’s conference in Denver.