This story is part of The Salt Lake Tribune’s ongoing commitment to identify solutions to Utah’s biggest challenges through the work of the Innovation Lab.
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It’s called “electrification,” and it’s about powering with electricity instead of burning fossil fuels to drive vehicles and heat buildings. Electrification has become a central element in the transition to clean energy across the globe.
The Salt Lake Tribune, Rocky Mountain Power and the University of Utah are inviting Utahns to a “community conversation” at the U. to learn more about electrification and the changes that are underway and those still to come.
“Down to the Wire: Electrification and the Clean Power Transition” is a free event that will be held in the Rocco C. Siciliano room (Room 1900) in Gardner Commons at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2. Parking is free in an adjacent lot. If you would like to attend. please RSVP at https://bit.ly/tribunedowntothewire.
Participants will include Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, an enthusiastic supporter of electrification; James Campbell, director of innovation and sustainability at PacifiCorp/Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Rocky Mountain Power’s parent company; and Samuel Jensen Augustine, director of infrastructure, capital improvements and sustainability at the U. Tribune renewable energy reporter Tim Fitzpatrick will moderate the discussion.
Among the questions to be addressed:
• How will electrification address the Wasatch Front’s air quality problems? How will it change Utah’s carbon footprint?
• What are the costs and what are the savings for individual Utahns in moving to electrification?
• How does electrification improve indoor air to eliminate burning at the furnace, the water heater and the stove in homes?
• Does Utah have enough electric cars available, and how can the state get more?
The panel also will take questions from the audience. If you would like to submit a question in advance, please send it to Fitzpatrick at fitz@sltrib.com.
If you are interested in how Utahns will power the future, please come and learn more.
Tim Fitzpatrick is The Salt Lake Tribune’s renewable energy reporter, a position funded by a grant from Rocky Mountain Power. The Tribune retains all control over editorial decisions independent of Rocky Mountain Power.
