This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Public Power Week contest asks LPC customers to put their best to verse
LONGMONT, CO – In today’s fast-paced world, short and simple carries the day. So for the 2017 Public Power Week contest, Longmont Power & Communications is asking its customers to submit haiku – short 17-syllable verses broken into three lines – that celebrate Longmont’s community-owned power and how they use it.
“Haiku are perfect for the internet age – they’re quick to write, quick to read, and usually bring a smile,” said Scott Rochat, LPC’s public relations and marketing specialist. “They’re as simple as public power is for millions across the country: endless possibilities at the flick of a switch.”
Public Power Week (Oct. 1-7) celebrates the more than 2,000 towns and cities across the United States that own and operate their own electric utilities. That includes LPC, which offers an average service reliability (the electric “up time”) of nearly 99.999% and the second-lowest residential electric rates in the state out of 58 utilities. In 2016, those low rates saved Longmont $27.3 million compared to the average Colorado community.
For those who prefer to let a picture equal a thousand words – well, three lines – contestants can instead submit a photograph or illustration that shows what they love about public power, which should include an explanatory caption. A random drawing will be held from all entries, with the winner receiving a gift basket that includes a Kindle Fire, a $50 gift card good at downtown stores, and other LPC prizes.
Contestants must be LPC customers. Haiku entries should be submitted in the traditional form – five syllables in the first line, seven in the second line, and five in the third line – and be about a use of public power that you love. For example, a love of high-school football might inspire:
The Friday night lights
Shine on football champions,
Public power scores!
Both written and photo/picture entries should be emailed to [email protected], or sent in a private message to the Facebook page for Longmont Power & Communications – NextLight. Entries may also be mailed to the Longmont Service Center, 1100 S. Sherman St, Longmont, CO 80501. All entries must be received before the end of the day on Oct. 7, and may be used in future publicity.
All ages are welcome to compete. There is no entry fee. The winner will be drawn at random and must collect their prize by Oct. 31 at the Longmont Service Center, where their picture will be taken for a prize announcement.
Anyone with questions about the contest may call 303-651-8793. Details will also be posted on the LPC website at https://www.longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments-e-m/longmont-power-communications/public-power-week-contest-2017.
Contact: Scott Rochat
Longmont Power & Communications
303-651-8793 (office)/ 720-600-8295 (cell)
About Longmont Power & Communications
Longmont Power & Communications is a community-owned, non-profit electric and broadband services utility that operates under the direction of Longmont City Council. Established in 1912, our goal is to deliver electric and communications services that provide outstanding value to our customer–owners. In 2014, we began to build and operate the NextLight fiber-optic broadband system, which has made Longmont the first “gigabit city” in Colorado. To learn more, visit www.LongmontColorado.gov/lpc.
