Submitted by Liz Gunderson, PPCS, with Paul J. Seeling, Sun-Argus/Woodville Leader
ELLSWORTH, WI – The third annual “Powered by Electricity” four-hour (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) event was held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at UW–River Falls North Hall parking lot. Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS), St. Croix Electric Cooperative (SCEC), the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Office of Sustainability, and Hope for Creation, co-sponsored this National Drive Electric Week event that provided fun for all ages. Grownups got to play with the big toys taking three different models of electric vehicles (EVs) for test drives: a Chevy Bolt, Ford F150 Lightning, and Tesla Model S. Younger attendees were treated to bucket truck rides, yard games, and activities from the River Falls Library. The weather was a bit warm, but that didn’t stop many people from attending “Powered by Electricity” again this year.
The event included presentations by industry experts on the topics of solar installations, available rebates, and the EPA’s electric bus program. In addition to the EV showcase, there were two moderated roundtables with EV drivers discussing their experiences.
One of those participants was Dave Sowatzke of rural Spring Valley, Wisconsin, who was on hand with his 2016 Model S Tesla to answer questions and share his EV experiences.
“I love it!” he said emphatically. Sowatzke reported that he has the small battery package that gives him a range of about 220 miles per full charge. He does the charging primarily at home in about seven hours. Dave chose to buy an EV out of environmental concerns.
The EV showcase included Tesla models S, 3, X, and Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E’s, F150 Lightning, and Transit Van; Chevy Bolt and Bolt EUV; Rivian R1T and R1S; Hyundai Kona, Kia EV6; and Volvo C40. PPCS member Robert Hanson also brought an electric tractor and motorcycle to share in the showcase.
There were also electric bicycles to try as people could cruise around in the large UW-RF parking lot.
“Collaborating with SCEC, UW-River Falls, and Hope for Creation has enabled us to expand this event each year,” said David Chavie, PPCS manager of energy innovation and operational technology. “As more electric vehicles, tools, and equipment become available, we’re proud to be able to host an event to showcase all these technologies.”
There were brats, hotdogs and vegan chili available as a fundraiser for the St. Croix Valley Sexual Assault Team that serves five counties with 24/7 comprehensive sexual assault service (SART).
Door prizes were drawn every 20 minutes with grand prize drawings held at the end of the event. The grand prizes were an EGO Power+ 16″ Chain Saw Kit (SCEC members only), a DeWalt 2X20V MAX 21.5” Brushless Cordless Push Mower (PPCS members only), and an EGO Power+ 21” Single State Snow Blower Kit (public).
Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services is an electric cooperative located in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, offering electric utility services to homes and businesses. As a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services is committed to excellence, innovation, and integrity, and is dedicated to helping its communities live better.
St. Croix Electric Cooperative (SCEC) was incorporated on Nov. 5, 1937, as a result of five farmers, who were determined to bring electricity to rural St. Croix County, Wis. On May 24, 1939, electricity was delivered to the first account. Today, the Cooperative operates nearly 1,780 miles of distribution lines that serve more than 11,000 member accounts in rural St. Croix and portions of surrounding counties. SCEC strives to positively impact its community through Commitment to Community grants, scholarships, and offering members rebates and solutions to conserve energy. Information is shared with members through the April annual meeting; “Energy Lifestyles Magazine”; online at scecnet.net; and via social media.
Look for the fourth annual “Powered by Electricity” next year about this same time.
