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Electricity Sparks Energy Education for Local Students

March 1, 2025

In January and February, Stearns Electric Association visited more than 1,800 students at 33 schools throughout Central Minnesota for our annual Energy Education presentations on efficiency and electrical safety. 

Each session introduces students to the fundamentals of electricity – covering generation fuels, conductors and insulators, and how power reaches homes, farms, businesses and schools. Following this, our lineworkers demonstrate a live electric home and farm model, allowing students to witness firsthand what happens when people, vehicles or equipment come into contact with electricity. 

Stearns Electric lineworkers Blake Thompson and Jake Thoennes co-presented this year’s program alongside Communications and Marketing Supervisor Whitney Ditlevson and Member and Employee Engagement Coordinator Katie Anderson. 

“We begin each presentation with an overview of energy and electricity before moving on to the safety portion,” Ditlevson explained. “It’s exciting to see the students connect what we teach them in the first half with what they observe in the live demonstration.” 

“You can feel the excitement in the classroom before the live safety display begins,” Anderson said. “Their reactions to the first arcs and sparks are always a highlight for us. The linemen do a great job keeping the focus on safety while still making the presentation engaging for the kids.” 

While the live safety demonstration is often the most memorable part of the presentation, the key takeaway is the importance of being safe and smart around electrical equipment. 

The most crucial safety lesson we teach students is what to do if their vehicle comes into contact with electrical equipment. They learn that the safest option is to stay inside the vehicle unless a fire occurs. 

“When we are done with the demonstration, we hope the students understand the dangers of electricity,” Thoennes said. “I really enjoy educating the kids in electrical safety knowing they can use this knowledge for the rest of their life.” 

“Teaching students how to be safe around electricity is so important, and we hope they go and share this knowledge with their families and loved ones,” Thompson added.

Each presentation concludes with a fun interactive segment where one student is chosen to dress like a lineworker, followed by a Q&A session.

“I love hearing their questions and seeing how their young minds process the information,” Thompson said. “Their curiosity and unique explanations always make the presentations a great experience.”

Stearns Electric Association values community involvement and prioritizes safety for our employees, members and the public. Through our Energy Education program, we reinforce these key messages with the hope that students will carry their knowledge of energy efficiency and electrical safety home to their families.

For more information on our annual Energy Education programming, please visit stearnselectric.org.