POWERGRAMS

Hydro Engineer Kenneth Odom has talked with school kids before about his job at Alabama Power dams. But their reaction is nothing like the wide eyes he sees when they watch his hydroelectric generator model turn on a lightbulb. "I hope they gain some appreciation for how electricity is actually made; that it doesn't just come out of a socket in the wall," Odom said. "I want them to know the real source of the electricity." Odom showed his 2-foot by 2-foot model to fourth-graders at three elementary schools in Escambia County. Many Alabama counties hold water festivals in the spring to coincide with fourth-grade science curriculums. Alabama Power's involvement in water festivals can be expanded to do more, some employees said, like showcasing the company's conservation and stewardship efforts, and enticing students to consider engineering and technical trades. "Our reservoirs are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission through a very intense public licensing process," said Herbie Johnson, general manager for Hydro Services. "These children reflect future Alabama Power customers and stakeholders who will have a voice in the FERC relicensing process. It's crucial we connect with them at an early age and educate them on the importance hydropower plays in our environment, communities and the production of clean, low-cost energy. "This outreach is invaluable," said Johnson, whose department provided funding to build Odom's model. Diane Holmes is sold on the hydro generation demonstrations. "The presentation made by Mr. Odom was wonderful," said Flomaton Elementary Principal Holmes. "The students seemed to hang onto every word and loved seeing the end result of an actual lightbulb come on by the use of the water and generator." Holmes voiced what Alabama Power officials have anticipated from their long-standing efforts to engage students at schools statewide. "Hopefully, some of our students have sparked a desire for a career in the engineering or environmental- related industry after this very educational and fun day," she said. While Alabama Power Service Organization volunteers and other Alabama Power employees have through the years worked at water festivals around the state, Odom's Escambia County presentations may have marked the first mini-generator presentations. Jason Carlee, field services supervisor for Environmental Affairs, hopes it's not the last such demonstration. "Water festivals are a great opportunity to educate students about the benefits of hydroelectricity as well as Alabama Power's environmental and conservation efforts," Carlee said. "Future water festival lessons can be expanded to include topics such as threatened and endangered species protection, MODEL SHOWS STUDENTS HOW WATER TURNS TO POWER By Gilbert Nicholson Generating Interest 41 Odom demonstrates hydroelectric generator for students at Flomaton Elementary and other Escambia County schools. Photo by Diane Holmes

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