The Surry-Yadkin EMC electric cooperative this spring helped 21 local teachers learn about the technology used to generate and deliver electricity.

As part of its STEM Seminar (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), the cooperative hosted teachers from Surry County and Mount Airy city schools for “The Path of Electricity” seminar. Electric co-op professionals explained fuels employed in generating electricity and technology for transmission, distribution and delivery. They provided instructional tools and materials to help teachers incorporate industry topics into their lesson plans. The group also visited Surry-Yadkin EMC’s Fairview Substation to visualize some of the concepts.

Greg Puckett, Surry-Yadkin EMC’s general manager and executive vice-president, said the session gave teachers “the opportunity to experience the impact of our investment in new distribution technologies,” including new communication tools and metering technology that helps members analyze their energy usage.

Surry-Yadkin EMC is actively involved with local schools, providing resources to administrators, power line demonstrations to students and grants to teachers for creative classroom projects.