Registration Open for UI Annual Home Energy Challenge

Students and families in UI territory are invited to participate in at-home energy challenge in celebration of Energy Awareness Month

ORANGE, Conn. - October 1, 2026 - In recognition of the start of Energy Awareness Month, United Illuminating (UI), a subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc. and proud sponsor of Energize Connecticut℠ (EnergizeCT), announced today that registration is now open for the Annual Home Energy Challenge. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade and their families are invited to participate in the fun and friendly competition to demonstrate the value of insulation in improving a home's energy efficiency. 

"At UI, we know that empowering students with knowledge is an important step toward creating a more energy-efficient future," said Frank Reynolds, President and CEO of UI. "The Home Energy Challenge gives students the opportunity to learn how insulation and energy efficiency can make a meaningful difference in their homes. By exploring these concepts and sharing what they learn, students can help inspire their families and communities to make smarter energy choices."

The UI Home Energy Challenge and accompanying lessons give students a chance to be an energy detective by hunting for air leaks around their home and exploring how insulation impacts energy use in the home. Through hands-on learning, data collection, and analysis, students will see how energy efficiency starts with simple smart choices.

"The Home Energy Challenge brings energy efficiency to life by giving students and their families an opportunity to see firsthand how insulation can affect comfort and energy use in their homes," said Marissa Westbrook, Senior Manager of Delivery CLM at UI. "Through this hands-on experience, students can connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world solutions and share practical ideas with their families that can make a difference every day."

After registering, participants will receive a detective tool kit provided by UI including the materials needed to conduct the challenges - program guide, weather stripping, caulking strips, thumbtack, a pencil and tissue paper. Winning submissions will receive a $350, $200, or $100 Amazon gift card.

The registration deadline is October 21, 2026. Submissions must be received by October 30, 2026. The UI Home Energy Challenge is open to all families with kindergarten through 12th grade students in towns served by UI. A list of eligible communities can be found here.

The UI Home Energy Challenge is an initiative of EnergizeCT, which is a joint effort by Eversource and Avangrid, Inc. subsidiaries UI, Connecticut Natural (CNG), and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), as well as the Connecticut Green Bank, to improve the energy efficiency of homes and businesses throughout the state. All EnergizeCT initiatives, including the UI Home Energy Challenge, are paid for through a charge on customer bills.

For more information and to register, please visit https://www.homeenergychallengeui.com.

Media Contact:

Angela Baccaro

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