Homer Electric Association is offering southern Kenai Peninsula residents an opportunity to get the latest information on energy saving appliances and weatherization techniques.

HEA will host an Energy and Conservation Fair from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center. Admission is free.

HEA held a similar event in Kenai last weekend.

As it did in Kenai, the fair will feature 18 vendors who will display a variety of energy conservation related products including appliances, construction materials, heating sources, lighting options and alternative energy information.

"The goal of the fair is to let our local vendors, who have a great deal of knowledge about energy saving-devices, distribute this information to HEA members. Energy conservation is important to HEA and the bottom line is that it can save our members money," said HEA spokesman Joe Gallagher.

The fair also will feature door prizes, popcorn and other refreshments.

In addition to the vendor booths, the fair will include a series of workshops that will focus on weatherization and rebate programs.

Representatives from Wisdom and Associates will conduct workshops on how to make energy-efficient upgrades to your home.

The Alaska Housing Finance Corp. also will conduct workshops on how to take advantage of the state's weatherization and rebate program.

"We know that people would like in-depth information on upgrades, so we partnered with Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AFHC) and Wisdom and Associates to hold ongoing workshops throughout the day," Gallagher said.

"A lot of people are making improvements as part of the energy rebate program, but you want to do them properly," said Robert Moss, an energy auditor with Wisdom and Associates.

"As an example, targeting air tightness for the energy bill is good, but if you do too much you can end up with condensation or mold."

The AHFC workshop will focus on "Energy Rebate and Weatherization Programs," and provide detailed information on how to apply and receive state grants and rebates for energy efficiency work done in your home.

Workshops offered Saturday include:

Session 1: 10-10:45 a.m. (repeat at 1 p.m.); "Making Home Energy Upgrades Pay - Cost Effectiveness of Homer Improvements"; presenter, Wisdom and Associates Inc.

Session 2: 11-11:45 a.m. (repeat at 2 p.m.); "Energy Rebate and Weatherization Programs"; presenter, Alaska Housing Finance Corp.

Session 3: Noon-12:45 p.m. (repeat at 3 p.m.); "The House as a System - Keeping Homes Safe and Healthy When Energy Upgrades are Made"; presenter, Wisdom and Associates Inc.

Pat Hannan of Soldotna said he attended last weekend's fair to explore his options going into winter.

"The price of gas here is so high, I've heard horror stories of people spending $200 to $300 a month to heat their home, so I wanted to come learn about alternative heating methods," he said.

Hannan said he found the information on wood-heated boilers very useful.

"The vendor was very informative," he said. "They cost about $5,000, but it seems like they would pay for themselves after just a couple of years."

Vendors and patrons alike said they found the fair a useful community resource.

"What's good about a show like this is getting all the serious-minded questions," said Jeff Warton of Spenard Builders Supply. "People here are seriously interested in saving energy and money."

Gallagher said based on the success of this inaugural fair, HEA would be pursuing similar events in the future.

"We're really happy with the turnout we've had, especially since this was our first one, so we may plan to do these annually," he said.