Anyone curious about where Ames’ power comes from and how the power plant works can come to the Ames Power Plant open house Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Every October, the city of Ames hosts its annual one-week power plant open house, said Marwin Bogue, plant superintendent.

Bogue said the open house allows Ames residents to see exactly where their power comes from.

“We are very happy to have people see what is going on in our utility,” Bogue said.

The city has been having open houses since 1996 when the plant had its 100th anniversary, he said.

Bogue said all electric departments will be at the open house, ready to answer any questions citizens may have on anything from billing and service to power generation or how the plant is preparing for Y2K.

Clare Bills, director of public relations for the city, said Ames has a city-owned utility, distinguishing it from a commercial utility.

“We hope that our citizens would be interested in the process of electricity,” she said.

At the open house, visitors can go on staff-guided and self-guided tours through most of the plant, with staff stationed on the self-guided tour route to answer questions.

“Many people go to see the demonstration on electric safety,” Bills said.

Bills said that in the past the open house has attracted anywhere from 300 to 500 people, including families, engineers, engineering students and even scout troops.

There are many things for children to do and see at the open house, she said. The plant will be giving rides in power line lift buckets, which Bills said provide for an especially beautiful view at this time of year.

“There are free gifts and door prizes, as well as cookies and juice,” she said.