Austin Utilities is celebrating Public Power and Public Natural Gas week today through Saturday along with more than 2,000 other community-owned, not-for-profit electric and gas utilities that collectively provide energy to over 47 million Americans.

“Public Power and Public Natural Gas Week gives us the chance to emphasize the advantages of the locally owned and operated energy systems we deliver to our citizens,” Austin Utilities Genera Manager Mark Nibaur said in a press release. “Our service is reliable and safe because of the pride we take in Austin and serving our friends and neighbors.”

Austin Utilities invites community members to participate in a variety of events in October. Activities include:

•At 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Austin Utilities office at 400 Fourth St. NE, Utilities will host “Energy Saving 101” to give people a chance to learn common sense ways to decrease energy use and save money on utility bills. Participants receive a free gift bag of energy saving products and can sign up for a House Call Energy Audit ($300 value) for a reduced co-pay of $25.

•Then at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 14, Austin Utilities will host a free workshop called “Solar for your Home or Business” at its office. The talk will give an overview of solar electric and heating systems and will answer many basic questions about how well solar works in Minnesota, where to start, costs, incentives and maintenance.

Austin Utilities is a municipal utility serving about 12,300 electric customers, 10,300 natural gas customers, and 9000 water customers. Its mission is to offer utility products and services in a safe, reliable and responsible manner in order to enhance the quality of life in our community. For more information on Austin Utilities visit their website at www.austinutilities.com.