Join us for a conversation on electrification at the University of Utah

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.

[Subscribe to our newsletter here.]

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.