RIVER FALLS – Electrically powered vehicles, tools and other equipment are becoming increasingly popular, and people can learn more about the move toward greater reliance on electrical power and its impact on sustainability at an upcoming free event at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. 

The fourth annual Powered by Electricity is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, in parking lots Pay 1 and Q next to UWRF’s North Hall, 410 S. 3rd St., River Falls. The UWRF Sustainability Office partners with the St. Croix Electric Cooperative, Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services and nonprofit Hope for Earth to put on the event. 

The event will include an electric vehicle showcase at which people can learn about electric vehicles (EVs) from the owners of those vehicles and test drive vehicles themselves. Attendees can hear from experts familiar with electric power during a round table discussion. 

Demonstrations of electrically powered tools, lawn mowers, and other equipment also will occur. Children’s activities are scheduled along with a food truck and drawings for prizes. In addition, numerous organizations will sponsor exhibits. Electric vehicles will be available to shuttle people to and from Bacon Bash in River Falls. 

“This event highlights an abundance of opportunities to embrace the future through small and large actions,” said Mark Klapatch-Mathias, UWRF sustainability coordinator. The collaboration between the four event sponsors “allows for a diverse series of displays, from leaf blowers to solar to vehicles to motorcycles to lawn mowers and more.” 

The event occurs in conjunction with National Drive Electric Week, a national effort to raise awareness about the benefits of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. 

Powered by Electricity is a part of the movement toward greater use of electric power happening across the U.S., said David Chavie, director of energy innovation for Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services.   

“Pierce Pepin Cooperative embraces this type of public event because it is a great demonstration of the energy transition happening across the country,” Chavie said. “The event gives people a hands-on experience of the tool and technology advancements that are available now to help them power their daily lives more efficiently, sustainably, and often more enjoyably.” 

Adopting more sustainable practices continues to be a goal and an area of emphasis at UW-River Falls, Klapatch-Mathias said. This event is one more example that sustainable practices are happening frequently beyond campus as well, he said. 

For more information about the event, call 715-425-4333 or email sustainability@uwrf.edu

Submitted by UW-River Falls