Registration is Open for UI’s Spring Home Energy Challenge
Families are invited to participate in the at-home contest designed to make different types of energy concepts approachable for students of all ages
ORANGE, Conn. —April 8, 2026 — United Illuminating (UI), a subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc. and proud sponsor of Energize Connecticut℠ (Energize CT), announced today that registration is now open for its Spring Home Energy Challenge. This year, students in kindergarten through 12th grade and their families are invited to take part in a friendly competition exploring solar energy.
“At UI, we believe energy education is one of the most powerful ways to build a cleaner, more responsible future,” said Frank Reynolds, President and CEO of UI. “Programs like the Home Energy Challenge make different types of energy concepts approachable and spark real curiosity, giving students the confidence to think critically about how energy is produced and used. It’s an opportunity for the next generation to explore science in a hands‑on way and understand the impact of using energy wisely.”
The UI Home Energy Challenge and accompanying lessons give students a chance to examine the transformation of the sun’s radiant energy (light) to thermal energy (heat). Through hands-on learning, data collection, and analysis, students will also learn how energy efficiency starts with simple smart choices.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to education, innovation, and community impact. The Home Energy Challenge gives students the opportunity to explore energy in a hands-on environment while encouraging creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. It helps them understand that they have a role to play in shaping how energy is used in their daily lives,” said Marissa Westbrook, Senior Manager of Delivery Conservation & Load Management at UI. “Through this Home Energy Challenge, we want families and students to receive the hands-on knowledge of how these systems work and why they matter – while having fun. By engaging with them early, we hope to educate and empower students to be an advocate for energy solutions in their communities and build a brighter future.”
After registering, participants will receive a tool kit provided by UI including the materials needed to conduct the challenges, such as a program guide, a pizza box, thermometer and solar beads. Winning submissions will receive a $350, $200, or $100 Amazon gift card. Submissions are due by April 29, 2026. The UI Home Energy Challenge is open to all families with K-12 students in towns served by UI in Connecticut. A list of eligible communities can be found here.
The UI Home Energy Challenge is an initiative of Energize CT, which is a joint effort by Eversource and Avangrid, Inc. subsidiaries UI, Connecticut Natural Gas (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 Energize CT initiatives, including the UI Home Energy Challenge, are paid for through a charge on customer bills.
For more information and registration, please visit www.homeenergychallengeui.com.
Media Contact:
Angela Baccaro