|
(Photo Album) (Video)
 The City of Redding held its Annual Services and Energy Fair June 23, 2007. With more than 4,000 participants eager to learn about energy conservation, the Fair also provided opportunities for the public to learn about the many services provided by the City of Redding.
Disposable plastic water bottles were not given out to thirsty participants, but instead, the Redding Water Utility passed out almost 5,000 reusable water bottles that had been pre-washed and filled with City water. The total cost for the water used to fill all of these bottles was just 83¢. Two-thousand fair attendees stood in lines for Energy Star double rebates, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL), and cloth grocery bags offered by Redding Electric Utility. These items were designed to “Lower Your Carbon Footprint” (a theme echoed throughout the Fair) which is a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced in tons or pounds of carbon dioxide.
Many City departments participated, and with over 50 vendors, participants learned about the benefits of solar, water conservation, and energy efficient windows. HVAC services, appliance vendors, and energy efficient pool pumps were displayed and available for sale at reduced costs or with additional incentives.
 The California Energy Commission (CEC) held a booth to promote conservation education and renewable energy. CEC Information Officers Lana McCallister and Chris Graillat hosted the State’s booth and had this to say about their experience in Redding. “The Redding community is very knowledgeable about energy, how to conserve it and how to be more energy efficient in general. The Redding Energy Fair strikes an excellent balance between having fun in the game area with promoting and educating the community about the benefits of energy conservation. Conservation, renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are clearly of paramount concern to the Redding Electric Utility as evidenced by this outstanding community event. We hope to come back next year.”
Conservation seminars were offered twice during the event, which discussed the basics of how to determine your individual carbon footprint and ways to reduce your footprint through energy conservation. There was an overview of the City’s recycling program and a discussion on water-wise gardening, with tips on how to encourage your plants to survive Redding’s summer heat. A pancake breakfast was cooked up for all, kids were entertained with games and prizes, bucket truck rides offered views of the City, and prizes were handed out throughout the event. All in all, those that attended walked away with their reusable bags, water bottles, and appetites full.
 Redding Electric Utility (REU) held the 2007 Science Bowl on Saturday, March 3rd at Simpson University. The Science Bowl was a full day of mind bending questions and answers and intense competition. After watching these young adults compete, we can feel elated about our future being in their hands. The day opened with a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by Kelsy Schiemann and Allison Reith. Next, REU's Director Jim Feider led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance and then discussed Global Warming and the limited supply of natural gas and oil. Mr. Feider proposed a challenge to these gifted young people, he asked the high school students who were competing to find alternative fuels to provide electricity and power cars in the future to keep the United States strong and prosperous. Next, Pat Keener, REU’s Energy Services Manager, and Lyle Hurley, REU’s Power Control Manager, started the event. They discussed inventions and innovations from the 1960’s and 1970’s. They asked if anyone could remember the 78 rpm vinyl disk? Surprisingly, most of these young adults did! Next, the different schools performed their team cheers and showed off their great costumes.
 The competition began with 24 teams from local high schools who competed in an extremely fast-paced, game-show-style competition by quickly answering highly technical questions in the categories of astronomy, biology, physics, chemistry, computer technology, earth and general sciences, and current events in scientific and technical disciplines. By morning’s end, the teams had been narrowed down to 8 for the afternoon competition. While enjoying a great lunch, provided by Simpson University, Bryan Cope announced the 8 teams for the afternoon finals and Pat Keener announced the winners of the School Spirit, Best Costume, and Team Spirit competitions. School Spirit was awarded to Enterprise’s Team 1, who performed a rendition of the Village People's YMCA, changing the words to EHS, and yes, they had the costumes too! Lassen triumphed in a couple of areas . . . they were awarded Best Costume for their superb Ninja costumes and Team Spirit for handing out stickers to opposing teams that read "Be a friend of Lassen," how creative!
 After lunch, the ambitious, final 8 teams moved on to compete for that cherished first place, which included an all expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. to participate in the National Science Bowl competition. The double elimination competition was extremely spirited; spectators could actually feel the tension escalating as the afternoon progressed. The final 8 teams were gradually narrowed down to 4 remaining teams. The team which finished in third place was Chico’s Team 1. In the final match were Foothill’s Team 3 verses Shasta’s Team 1. After a close final match, Shasta High School won the regional title for the second straight year. The winning team consisted of students Ethan Copitch, Reuben Britto, Brian Kittrick, Harjus Birk, and A.J. Cottengim. The team was coached by Shasta High instructors Leo Perez and Brandon Good. To view additional photos of this event, please click here.
 2006 Lighted Christmas Parade
Redding Electric Utility (REU) participated in the 2006 Lighted Christmas Parade with the float theme, "Country Western Christ-mas." J. C. Berry was kind enough to lend us his trailer again this year. The flatbed had a sleigh going up a hill and the trailer had a Christmas barn party. Many REU employees helped build the float and fun was had by all. REU is proud to be a part of our community! REU, your "Community Owned, Locally Controlled" Utility, wishes you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Years. Check out the slide show to see the float pictures.
Safety Demonstrations at Area Schools
REU has developed a full safety and energy conservation program designed for students from elementary school to high school that clearly demonstrates the importance of safe use of electricity and where the dangers may exist. Students can learn many facts about electric safety and the value of practicing the safe use of electricity in their homes. The program can be easily worked into a general science curriculum for the aid of students and teachers in our community. |
