Just a couple of weeks ago, Hurricane Ida brought torrential rain, wind and flooding to much of the Gulf Coast and eastern United States. At one point, more than one million people in the path of the hurricane were living without power. Electricity powers just about everything that we have come to depend on in life. Over the past several years, the term beneficial electrification has become an industry topic. We’ve spent the last 20 – 30 years trying to focus on energy efficiency and energy reduction. However, much of the focus has turned toward reducing fossil fuels including reduction of fossil fuels for energy generation. Out of this movement sprung beneficial electrification, which is the use of electricity for things that otherwise would use fossil fuels as the means to provide energy. While most would say that all electricity provides benefit, the focus on highlighting uses of electricity to decarbonize our world has become quite mainstream.

One of the fascinating parts about electrification is all the new innovations that are entering the market. A couple of years ago, I purchased a leaf blower and lawn trimmer both powered by a battery. Since then, batterypowered lawn mowers and chainsaws are available. We now have robots that vacuum our floors, and it won’t be long before we see lawn robots become more affordable. I for one will enjoy not having to change the oil or fill up a 5-gallon gas can only to spill half of it on the mower. These are just some of the innovative products that are reducing our dependency on fossil fuels, but more importantly are helping us get work done more efficiently.

On Sept. 25, Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services will hold an inaugural event called “Powered by Electricity” at our headquarters, located at the corner of U.S. Highway 10 and State Highway 63 in Ellsworth. We celebrate National Cooperative Month in October, National Drive EV Week the last week of September, and our Member Appreciation event is normally held this time of year; we are combining these into one great event for all members and the community. During our Powered by Electricity event, community members will have a chance to see electric vehicles, battery-powered tools, electric golf carts, an electric bike, and many other items that use electricity. We are also excited to showcase an all-electric bus. The event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. will also include food trucks and activities for kids. Stop on by; see how electricity is powering many of the things we use each day and take a tour of the bus. See you there!