Deerhaven family event draws a large crowd
On a beautiful, clear and brisk Saturday, December 6, over 1,500 area residents attended GRU's Open House at the Deerhaven Generating Station to "Experience Electricity in the Making." Attendees had the opportunity to take guided walking tours of the power plant and bus tours of the plant grounds. These were so popular that extra tours were added.
The purpose of the event was to give our customers an opportunity to personally observe the fascinating process that turns raw fuel into electricity. In addition to the tours, booths were on display that provided information on many topics including GRUgreenSM Energy and electrical safety, solar energy options and wild life care.
Adding to the festive family atmosphere were activities such as bucket truck rides, a mini-train for kids, a Space Walk, juggling, face painting and balloon animals. Gainesville Fire Rescue provided emergency rescue demonstrations, and GRU displayed its Prius Hybrid Vehicle and Electruck for public examination. A live remote by Kiss 105.3 and appearances by UF's Albert and Alberta added to the cheerful event. A ceremony near midday recognized the winners of our Student Art Contest for GRU's 2004 Customer Calendar, and copies of the calendar were distributed free to everyone.
Pizza from Domino's and hot dogs from GRU's March of Dimes volunteers kept people fed, and drawings for numerous prizes all day long helped keep up the excitement. The grand prize winner took home tickets to watch the Gators play Iowa in the Outback Bowl on New Year's Day. GRU is the Official Energy Sponsor of the Florida Gators.
Thanks to RTS for providing the bus tours and GPD for helping with the flow of traffic.
Many participants told us that they appreciated our giving them the opportunity to "Experience Electricity in the Making" and we want to thank everyone who attended for making this an exciting and rewarding day for us.
This Open House was part of our continuing communication with our customers about Future Power. As we continue our community outreach on meeting Gainesville's future energy needs, it's important to know what our customers think.
In the workshops we held on Future Power in September and October, attendees let us know what are important considerations to them in meeting this need. These are their considerations:
- Environment
- Health and Safety
- Cost Effectiveness
- Reliability/Self Sufficiency
- Effcient Use of Resources
- Emerging Technologies
- Economic Benefits
We are taking all of these considerations seriously, and are working diligently to determine the best solution for our community.
Options to consider
Future Power Workshop Presentations