Public Power Week run from October 3-9.
With the onset of Public Power Week next week Homestead Electric Services (HES) joined more than 2,000 public power utilities from across the nation to explain the importance of public power and its contributions to local citizens. Public Power Week, now in its 24th year, began October 2nd through the 11th.
To kick off Public Power Week, HES hosted a free BBQ picnic that was open to the public on Saturday, October 2 at Harris Field. There was music, BBQ picnic style food, children’s activities, demonstrations, and information on how to save electricity and save money. Also Vice-Mayor Judy Waldman presented a proclamation to Homestead Energy Services’ Director Barbara Quiñones and her staff in recognition of the importance of public power and the benefits it provides local residents.
In preparation to celebrate Public Power, HES had also been sponsoring a poster contest for local students in the 5th grade. Over 200 students participated from 10 different public schools. The schools that participated included Gateway Environmental , Mandarin Lakes, Chapman, Florida City, Coconut Palm, Campbell Drive, Leisure City, and Peskoe Elementary schools. Students were given the option of picking one of the following three categories for their poster project: Energy Conservation/Efficiency, Staying Safe around Electricity, and Electrical Hurricane Preparation. All entries received a certificate of participation. A $100 savings bonds was given to all 1st place winners in each category, $75 Savings Bonds was given to all 2nd place winners, and $50 to third place winners. The student with the best overall poster received a $200 Savings Bond. The winners were announced at the Public Power Week picnic.
Selected student posters were on display in the City Hall Council Chambers throughout the month of October. Not only did this public campaign help bring awareness to energy issues, but the top twelve posters will eventually become an energy calendar where proceeds will go to a local charity.
