Sitka’s first Electrification Expo was held at Harrigan Centennial Hall on the 18th of March, 2023. The event is the largest public event that Transition Sitka has organized, and we would thank everyone who attended.
Eighteen businesses and organizations provided information or answered the questions of around 150 attendees. We were very happy to have the support of the Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP), Sitka Sound Science Center, Alaska Heat Smart, Sitka Carbon Offset Fund, Yellow Jersey Bicycles, Baranof Island Housing Authority and the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, the City and Borough of Sitka’s Electric Department, Alaska SafeTech, Sitka Construction, Brown’s Refrigeration, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, Mark Houston (The Comforts of Home), University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service, Sitka Rainpower, Sitka Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Tongass Federal Credit Union, the Renewable Energy Alaska Project, and Dave Nicholls who wore several hats including his work with the University of British Columbia on Net Zero Cities.
The variety of expertise and interest in the room made the first electrification expo a great success, even before the public arrived. Our table guests were able to make connections and network, while our local heat pump suppliers/installers were exactly what 90% of attendees were there to see. Tongass Credit Union, the largest in SE Alaska, was also able to showcase its new heat pump loans to Sitkans. Mark Houston was able to schedule and complete 12 energy audits in his brief visit to Sitka, and will be back in late April to undertake additional audits. Phone (907) 244-4250 to schedule an audit during his next visit!