Idaho State University College of Technology hosts energy forum; promotes Energy Awareness Month

A recent proclamation from Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter once again deemed October as Energy Awareness Month in Idaho and placed a renewed focus on energy conservation and efficiency. In conjunction with this proclamation and the ongoing educational pursuits at the Idaho State University Energy Systems and Education Center (ESTEC), the ISU College of Technology will host a special energy forum.

The forum will be held Tuesday, Oct. 18, and include participation from the energy industry, local and state government officials.

Governor Otter's proclamation follows a similar designation by the U.S. Department of Energy which selected October as National Energy Awareness Month. The governor's proclamation is important for all Idahoans because reliable, ample and affordable energy is critical to the state’s economic prosperity and high quality of life.

The special event will start at 10 a.m. in the Roy F. Christensen Building and commence with a reading of the Energy Awareness Month proclamation by Representative Elaine Smith, who is a member of the Idaho House Energy and Technology Committee.

Following Smith's reading of the governor’s proclamation, Karl Bokenkamp, Director of Operations Strategy for Idaho Power, will give a short presentation to students in the ESTEC program.In his role at Idaho Power, Bokenkamp focuses on unifying Idaho Power’s operational strategy, promoting sustainability and positioning the company for future growth in a rapidly changing market. Bokenkamp's visit to ISU will focus on powering Idaho's future in recognition of Energy Awareness Month.

Following his presentation, Bokenkamp will also host a question and answer session with students.In addition to Idaho Power’s presentation, Marsha Wright, Regional Business Specialist with the Idaho Department of Labor, will discuss the growing number of careers in the energy industry. Tens of thousands of Idahoans currently work in a long list of energy-related jobs around the state.

The state of Idaho says the need for a highly-trained and skilled workforce is critical to meet the future and prospective energy needs. Wright will also detail the growing demand for a trained labor force and what is currently being done to meet that need. Wright's presentation correlates with a separate, but also recent proclamation by Governor Otter that deemed Oct. 17 – 21 as Careers in Energy Week.

Tours will be available of the Energy Systems and Technology Education Center following Tuesday morning's forum.