Workshop on solar power is Wednesday, the HeatShare 5K run comes up Saturday

Austin Utilities is celebrating Public Power and Public Natural Gas week, Oct. 1-7, with a number of activities planned.

Austin Utilities joins more than 2,000 other community-owned, not-for-profit electric and gas utilities that collectively provide utility services to over 47 million Americans.

“Public Power and Public Natural Gas Week gives us the chance to emphasize the advantages of the locally-grown, locally-owned energy we deliver to our citizens,” said Mark Nibaur, general manager. “Our service is reliable and safe because of the pride we take in Austin and serving our friends and neighbors.”

Austin Utilities invites community members to participate in a variety of events in October. There will be facility tours today at 1 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. that start off the week.

Other activities include:

• Wednesday, Oct. 4 — 10-11 a.m. or 6-7 p.m. — Free workshop “Community Solar.” An overview of solar electric and heating systems. This workshop answers many basic questions about how well solar works in Minnesota, where to start, costs, incentives and maintenance.

• Thursday, Oct. 5,  2-6 p.m. — Winter Readiness Open House. The open house teaches about tools and services available to help you manage winter energy costs. Free LED for attendees.

• Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m. — HeatShare 5K or 1 Mile Run/Walk.

The first year of this fundraising event. All funds raised stay in the Austin community to support the Salvation Army HeatShare program.

• Wednesday, Oct. 11, 1-2 p.m. or 6-7 p.m. — Free workshop “Energy Saving 101.“ Learn common sense ways to decrease energy use and save money on utility bills.

Participants receive a free gift bag of energy-saving products and can sign up for a House Call Energy Audit ($300 value) for a reduced co-pay of $25.

Free cookies are also available in the lobby of Austin Utilities all week; and a free gift is available for all customers who stop in and visit the utility in October.

Public power utilities are community-owned, locally controlled and operated on a not-for-profit basis. Each utility is a little different, depending on population, geography, structure, and the community’s values and goals. This ability to tailor local control, reliable customer service, affordable rates, and economic development to the local community is the foundation of public power’s success.

For more information on events, go to: www.austinutilities.com.