People Crowd Energy Awareness Expo

Friday, October 24, 2008

On October 22, 2008, the Salvation Army once again hosted the fifth annual Energy Awareness Expo in its gym at their 27th Avenue West location in Duluth.

Minnesota Power’s Al Lian, one of the event organizers, called the day “a big success.”

And he was right.  The Expo attracted nearly 1,600 people throughout the day.  The major sponsors of the event are the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA), Minnesota Power and the City of Duluth’s ComfortSystems.  The purpose of the event is to encourage low-income people and families to pre-qualify for fuel assistance.  Attendees also receive information on ways to reduce their utility bills through conservation, and can learn about billing services offered by their utilities.

“This is another opportunity for the ComfortSystem to show it cares about its customers,” said City of Duluth Gas and Energy Coordinator Eric Schlacks. 

Postcard invitations were sent to about 2,800 people meeting AEOA low-income guidelines. Those who came to the event under the “bring a friend” provision were invited to fill out applications for the AEOA designation – and to take advantage of energy-saving ideas, products and refreshments.

The Energy Expo has grown to include several additional agencies and energy-related organizations, from fuel oil providers to representatives of state agencies. New vendors at the Expo included the United Way, Health Care Access, and the Community Action Unit.

Health Care Access is a service that helps people deal with insurance-related issues.  Local television news crews were on hand, as were representatives from the City of Duluth.  Prominent individuals in attendance included the Office of Energy Security’s Marilou Cheple and St. Louis County Commissioner Steve O’Neil.  ComfortSystems was well represented by Tricia Mattson, Edna Ulrich, Holly Anderson, and Eric Schlacks.

Those who attended the Expo received free compact fluorescent bulbs, energy efficient LED holiday lights, a set of outlet and switch gasket insulators, a brush to clean refrigerator coils, and window shrink wrap kits. In addition to the free hot lunch provided, attendees saw exhibits and demonstrations, and were able to sign up for free home energy check-ups, and other services related to energy.  ComfortSystems held a door prize drawing for five lucky people to each receive a carbon monoxide detector, programmable thermostat, and a low-flow showerhead.