Energy Expo to be held during 2014 fair

VW independent/submitted information

Last winter sent energy costs soaring, but the Van Wert County Fair’s newest exhibition was created to give area residents options on ways to save money on energy in the future.

The county’s first energy expo (NRG XPO), sponsored by Trillium CNG and Iberdrola Renewables, will feature vendors of alternative and sustainable energy products as well as information about how to apply for grants, manufacturer and tax rebates. It will also showcase area innovations in the green energy industry and put the community in touch with the experts who have the knowledge and experience to assist in making the use of residential and small business energy solutions a reality.

The NRG XPO tent is being organized by the Van Wert County Economic Development Office after the county commissioners were approached earlier this year with the idea and recognized immediately that there was a need in the county for leadership and education in this subject area.

“We want to feature all the potential that exists in the alternative energy arena,” said Economic Development Director Sarah K. Smith. “Van Wert County is already recognized for their work with Iberdrola’s Blue Creek wind farm and, soon, Trillium CNG on the national scale, but there is still so much education and enterprise in this field at a local level.

“We aim to showcase and present an avenue to provide information to our residents and people who struggle with energy-related expenses and inquiries everyday,” Smith added. “If there is a way to help anyone figure out how they can save money and do it in an environmentally friendly way, we want to do that.”

Smith said the NRG XPO would feature guest speakers and demonstrations on Saturday-Monday of the fair week (August 30. 31, and September 1).

So far, exhibitors include Eco Jiva–solar energy; Midwest Electric; Haviland Energy; the Ohio Soybean Council; Energize Engineering; the Ohio Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), Superior Energy Solutions; Van Wert Recycling; local composting educator Dawn Marshall; Weatherization; Iberdrola and Trillium CNG.

Those interested in participating or securing vendor space can contact the Economic Development Office at 419.238.6159.