Energy Expo

After much consideration, we've made the difficult decision to cancel the Energy Expo this year. Every year, we look forward to connecting with our young future ratepayers at the Energy Expo and sharing the fun and exciting things we do at PUD 3. Over the course of the coming weeks, we will explore other ways to engage the community to celebrate Public Power Week.

Sometimes KNOWING IS HALF THE BATTLE!

A man and a woman wearing goggles and giving the "thumbs-up" hand sign.

Electricity can be confusing, but we’re here to help!

Each year during Public Power Week (first full week of October) all Mason County 5th graders are invited to the PUD 3 Johns Prairie operations center to learn about the basics of electricity and how the utility plays a part in their lives. Come join us for a fun-filled trip with Professor Energy and Hydro Girl among many other PUD heroes. It is a hands-on, fast-paced event with many interactive displays about the utility and how our homes and businesses use energy. Teachers and homeschool parents can schedule to bring their 5th graders for a fun learning experience!

Here are just a few of the displays and presentations we'll have available:

‘Touch a Truck’ – Kids can have the chance to check out a line truck and speak with a lineman about their exciting career.

‘Power Pole’ – See a scaled model of a power pole up close.

‘Hydro Wheel’ – Generate real hydro power with a scaled model of a pelton wheel hydro generator.

‘Safety Demo’ – Shocking Susie shows kids how to be safe around electricity.

‘Fishy Facts’ – Learn about one of the largest wildlife recovery efforts in history and how it impacts PUD ratepayers.

‘Downed Wire’ – Shows how difficult it is to tell the difference between electrical wire and phone/cable/fiber.

‘Free Electrical Samples’ – Kids can make their hair stand on end by touching the Van De Graff static electricity generator, as well as learn about basic principles of electricity.

‘Monster Wattage’ – What costs more to run: an X-box or a hairdryer? Learn what home appliances use the most energy.

‘W.O.W.’ – Wireless on Wheels – see a scaled model of a communication tower up close.

‘Infrared Station’ – Learn how we use infrared technology to identify hotspots on the electrical system, preventing damage before it occurs.

‘Fiber Optics’ – See how fiber optics work - how a cable gets spliced and be able to communicate through the fiber with headsets.

Calling All Mason County 5th Graders!

If you're a 5th grade teacher or homeschool parent in Mason County and would like to participate in the next Public Power Week Energy Expo, please fill out the application form here.

For further questions, contact Asia Cline, Communications & Community Relations Coordinator at asia.cline@masonpud3.org or (360) 426-8255 x5254.

In 2020, we invited Mason County's 5th grade students for a special presentation at our Energy Expo during Public Power Week to take part in a fun and exciting field trip about all things energy: from generation to efficiency; from telecommunications to safety.

Here’s a TV commercial for our 2014 version: