More than 850 people shrugged off a light rain and the lure of Vikings-Packers football to attend the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant Community Open House on October 2 at the USA fleet member’s training center.
Individuals and families flocked to the Open House from Monticello and dozens of cities in central Minnesota and the Twin Cities region. Visitors of all ages learned about nuclear energy and the role Monticello and Xcel Energy plays in the delivery of electricity to Minnesota customers. They participated in a series of lively exhibits and demonstrations, such as building a magnet and using a fire extinguisher appropriately.
Xcel Energy displayed home efficiency and electrical safety exhibits, as well demonstrations in the Control Room Simulator and booths detailing plant improvements dictated by new regulations prompted by the Fukushima nuclear event in Japan.
There were mementos to take home, and hot dogs, chips and cookies were served.
“The presenters were able to take complicated topics and bring them down to the understanding of a child while still answering complicated questions from many adults,” said Pinewood Elementary teacher Becky Schmitz, who along with several of her colleagues assisted in the Open House. “I had at least 10 students who came to me while getting off the buses and told me about something they had done or learned last night. It sparked so much interest . . . what a great job everyone did.”
The event’s goals were to create a dialogue with the community and educate members of the public about nuclear energy and the Monticello facility. Feedback from attendees was extremely positive.
“I plan to encourage our troop to come again next year,” declared one Boy Scout advisor who accompanied his troop of 15 scouts and leaders to the Open House. “Not a single scout was bored – it is very hard to keep their attention if the subject matter is not interesting. I wouldn’t be at all surprise if one of them joins Xcel Energy after college.”
Top: Monticello instructor Ron Newberry explains the Control Room Simulator. Middle: Left, families were quite interested in flat panel monitors explaining risk scenarios. Center, Monticello Training Manager Tom Shortell briefs a visitor. Right, Energy Efficiency is explained. Bottom: Al Knaus coordinates fire extinguisher demonstration. Center, Monticello elementary teachers helped out at the exhibits. Right, Brett Weller discusses radioactivity.