Submitted by Amber Schilberg
(January 7, 2026) — The Energize Connecticut℠ Sponsors (Eversource and Avangrid, Inc. subsidiaries United Illuminating (UI), Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), and Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG)) have announced that registration is now open for the 21st annual eesmarts™ Student Contest.
Through the eesmarts Student Contest, K-12 students are encouraged to discover how energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable solutions can impact our world through grade-level-appropriate prompts. Contest registration is open until March 20, 2026 and project submissions are due on March 27, 2026.
“For two decades, the eesmarts Student Contest has underscored the sponsors’ commitment to education, environmental stewardship and driving progress toward a clean energy future,” said Eversource Director of Energy Efficiency Stephen Bruno. “We’re proud to champion initiatives like this that are equipping the next generation of leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to turn innovative ideas into real-world solutions that advance sustainability and energy efficiency.”
“Whether through art, writing, or hands-on projects, every year students throughout Connecticut show us that the smallest energy-saving ideas can spark meaningful change,” said Marissa Westbrook, Senior Manager of Conservation and Load Management at UI, SCG, and CNG. “Their ingenuity and problem-solving skills displayed through their projects remind us that building an energy-conscious future starts with simple positive energy habits at a young age—and a willingness to imagine what’s possible. I have no doubt that this year will be the same and am excited to see all the students’ inventive ideas.”
Student prompts for Grades K-8 include a poster (Grades K-2), limericks (Grade 3), an outdoor billboard (Grade 4), a fictional story with an energy-saving character (Grade 5), a persuasive letter (Grade 6), a comic strip (Grade 7), or a social media post (Grade 8).
High school-age students (Grades 9-12) are asked to produce a persuasive image in words or pictures, such as a short poem (125 words or less) or a cartoon strip (12 cells or less) that advocates for an energy-saving or sustainability topic. Entries will be evaluated based on scientific validity and concise and convincing imagery.
All work must be completed by the individual submitting the entry. No group projects will be accepted. Finalists in all categories and grade levels will be honored at a special awards ceremony to be held in May, 2026 at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford. Winners will receive a certificate and a gift card. For more information about the contest, please visit EnergizeCT.com/student-contest.
