Here's a little help with making those resolutions...
1. Set your thermostat to 68 degrees in winter and 78 degrees in summer. If that's too much for your comfort, pledge to lower it 2 degrees during heating season and raise it 2 degrees during cooling season.
2. Avoid paperwork! Adopt electronic billing to eliminate postage, reduce paper use and shorten that stack of documents at home waiting to be filed.
3. Check your air filter each month when your MLGW bill arrives. For customers using flat filters, change monthly. Customers using pleated filters can often go as long as three months between changes.
4. Vow to reduce your home's energy use by 10% in 2010. Complete the Home Profile and My Appliances question sets under My Account at www.mlgw.com, and then act on the recommendations. Based on recent customer survey results, customers can save an average 1,700 kWh--that's $136 a year--by making simple changes in habits and low-cost improvements.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Winter One-Stop
Just a few reminders from our Winter One-Stop:
Living comfortably during a Memphis winter can be challenging, but it does not have to be costly.
What are some of the easiest ways to stay warm and save?
If you are looking for some easy and free ways to save energy and money this winter, follow these steps:
Low cost efforts:
More costly, but savings can be much greater:
Living comfortably during a Memphis winter can be challenging, but it does not have to be costly.
What are some of the easiest ways to stay warm and save?
If you are looking for some easy and free ways to save energy and money this winter, follow these steps:
1. Set your thermostat at 68° or lower when you’re home. Every degree below 68° can save four percent on your heating bills.
2. Wear layered clothing and thick socks to keep warm, then set your thermostat even lower.
3. At bedtime, lower your thermostat and add extra blankets.
4. Lower or turn off thermostat when leaving your home for four hours or more.
5. Close garage doors, cover foundation vents, and close off vents and doors to seldom-used rooms.
6. Keep curtains and blinds closed at night and on cloudy days; open curtains on sunny days for warmth.
7. Place rolled-up towels inside against bottom of exterior doors and window sills to block wintry drafts.
8. Adjust your water heater temperature to 120° or “warm.” It still provides hot water and avoids scalding. You can lower it when not in use, too.
Low cost efforts:
1. Buy a programmable thermostat and program in lower temps when needed.
2. Make sure central heating air filters are replaced every 30-90 days.
3. Caulk cracks around windows and doors.
More costly, but savings can be much greater:
1. Install storm windows and doors.
2. Add more insulation in your attic.
3. Install new energy-efficient furnace or water heater with Energy Star endorsement.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Bagged Leaves and Christmas Tree Disposal
The City has collected over 2,000 truck loads of leaves; however, public demand for removal in 2009 has been greater than in previous years.
To assist residents who may not wish to wait for curbside collection, Public Works has opened two free bagged leaves drop-off locations:
1. 304 Collins Street (between Poplar Ave. and Sam Cooper Blvd)
2. The northwest corner of Airways and Lamar
The sites will be open December and January, Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. except on holidays.
Monitors will be present, but residents must unload the bags.
Also, the sites will accept Christmas trees after the holiday, but nothing else.
To assist residents who may not wish to wait for curbside collection, Public Works has opened two free bagged leaves drop-off locations:
1. 304 Collins Street (between Poplar Ave. and Sam Cooper Blvd)
2. The northwest corner of Airways and Lamar
The sites will be open December and January, Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. except on holidays.
Monitors will be present, but residents must unload the bags.
Also, the sites will accept Christmas trees after the holiday, but nothing else.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
MLGW's efforts to reduce bad debt
The Memphis Daily News ran an article today about MLGW's efforts to reduce bad debt through the use of collection services. The article also touches on various payment and assistance programs offered by MLGW. ABC 24 is also doing a story on this issue this evening. Chris Stanley spoke with both media outlets and covered the following key messages:
--Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division is seeking to hire a company - or companies - to help recover millions of dollars its customers owe. MLGW has issued a request for proposals to firms that can provide collection services, and bids are due next month.
--Over the past year, MLGW has reported $17 million in uncollected customer debt. That’s about 30 percent higher than the utility’s unpaid debt from three years ago. The current total is up from $15.2 million in 2008, $11.6 million in 2007 and $12.7 million in 2006.
--MLGW does not have a dedicated department to help collect debt right now.
--MLGW has about 30 percent of its residential customer base in arrears at any given time. The utility company also has several factors determining when utilities can and can’t be shut off. The factors include weather conditions, staffing levels and moratoriums.
--MLGW has a handful of programs it touts as a means to help struggling consumers pay their monthly bills. Among them is the ability to make payment arrangements online by visiting www.mlgw.com/payarrange.
--MLGW also has a program called “Budget Billing,” designed around the goal of allowing customers to pay the same fixed amount on their utility bills every month. An average is taken from a customer’s utility bills over two six-month periods from the previous year - April to September and October to March - and that average is supposed to be what’s paid.
--MLGW’s move to better coordinate its debt collection is something that ultimately will help ratepayers by helping us to stave off rate increases.
The Daily News article can be found here.
--Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division is seeking to hire a company - or companies - to help recover millions of dollars its customers owe. MLGW has issued a request for proposals to firms that can provide collection services, and bids are due next month.
--Over the past year, MLGW has reported $17 million in uncollected customer debt. That’s about 30 percent higher than the utility’s unpaid debt from three years ago. The current total is up from $15.2 million in 2008, $11.6 million in 2007 and $12.7 million in 2006.
--MLGW does not have a dedicated department to help collect debt right now.
--MLGW has about 30 percent of its residential customer base in arrears at any given time. The utility company also has several factors determining when utilities can and can’t be shut off. The factors include weather conditions, staffing levels and moratoriums.
--MLGW has a handful of programs it touts as a means to help struggling consumers pay their monthly bills. Among them is the ability to make payment arrangements online by visiting www.mlgw.com/payarrange.
--MLGW also has a program called “Budget Billing,” designed around the goal of allowing customers to pay the same fixed amount on their utility bills every month. An average is taken from a customer’s utility bills over two six-month periods from the previous year - April to September and October to March - and that average is supposed to be what’s paid.
--MLGW’s move to better coordinate its debt collection is something that ultimately will help ratepayers by helping us to stave off rate increases.
The Daily News article can be found here.
Depleted funds end Memphis, Shelby County used tire program
From today's Commercial Appeal...
Depleted funds end Memphis, Shelby County used tire program
By Amos Maki
After just three days in operation, the Memphis-Shelby County Tire Redemption Program will end today after an overwhelming community response drained the $100,000 in funding.
"We're victims of our own success," said Shelby County Commissioner Steve Mulroy, who created the program along with City Council chairman Harold Collins.
People in line by noon today at Mac's Tire Recycling Center at 3000 Elvis Presley will still be given vouchers to redeem for payment, but that will end the program, which began Friday. People who show up after noon today will not get a voucher, but they can still dispose of their tires at the facility.
Mulroy said his passion for the program was "untiring" and that he and Collins would probably ask the council and commission for more funds to continue the program when they reconvene in January.
Under the program, which was designed to get citizens to clean up illegal tire dumps that mar many inner-city neighborhoods, Memphis and Shelby County residents could get $1 for each used tire they disposed of properly.
On Friday, there was a two-hour wait to enter the tire facility and 14,000 tires were collected. Collins said that as of 8 this morning, over 40,000 tires had been collected.
"It provided some much-needed help to residents who were struggling to make ends meet, and it helped clean up our neighborhoods," said Collins. "Those are things government can do if it is done right."
Depleted funds end Memphis, Shelby County used tire program
By Amos Maki
After just three days in operation, the Memphis-Shelby County Tire Redemption Program will end today after an overwhelming community response drained the $100,000 in funding.
"We're victims of our own success," said Shelby County Commissioner Steve Mulroy, who created the program along with City Council chairman Harold Collins.
People in line by noon today at Mac's Tire Recycling Center at 3000 Elvis Presley will still be given vouchers to redeem for payment, but that will end the program, which began Friday. People who show up after noon today will not get a voucher, but they can still dispose of their tires at the facility.
Mulroy said his passion for the program was "untiring" and that he and Collins would probably ask the council and commission for more funds to continue the program when they reconvene in January.
Under the program, which was designed to get citizens to clean up illegal tire dumps that mar many inner-city neighborhoods, Memphis and Shelby County residents could get $1 for each used tire they disposed of properly.
On Friday, there was a two-hour wait to enter the tire facility and 14,000 tires were collected. Collins said that as of 8 this morning, over 40,000 tires had been collected.
"It provided some much-needed help to residents who were struggling to make ends meet, and it helped clean up our neighborhoods," said Collins. "Those are things government can do if it is done right."
EPA offers energy-saving strategies via 'Green Homes' Web site
The Environmental Protection Agency has created a new Web site to assist homeowners, buyers, and renters in finding and maintaining a green home. The Green Homes site, epa.gov/greenhomes, goes room by room to pinpoint places where residents can reduce energy waste through efficient energy and water usage, renewable energy, green home building materials and household products, and recycling from home construction and household activities. For those in the market to buy or build a home, the site also gives advice on how to select the most environmentally friendly location.
The Web site front page gives a diagram of a typical home layout, which visitors can click on any room to find out about different energy savings options. Choosing the bedroom, for example, brings a page that recommends an array of Energy Star electronics, gives information on different green furnishings, and illustrates what to look for in choosing the flooring. This room-by-room overview is then followed by broader information on lighting, cleaning, and even shopping for the home to reduce energy usage.
Other parts of the home analyzed for energy and water efficiency opportunities include the kitchen, bathroom, living room, office, laundry room, basement, garage, attic, roof and yard.
"The use of energy is related to virtually everything we do, or have in our homes," the agency said. "Obvious uses include using electricity to run appliances, electronics, and air conditioners, etc.; less obvious uses include consuming energy to purify and produce and convey water to our homes, and to make the products we purchase for use in our homes. If we take steps to green our homes, we can reduce energy use, save money, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and help to fight global warming and climate change."
Tips are not just limited to homeowners who have the ability to make major changes to their residences, but also to renters. A checklist of options to make a rental property energy and water efficient is offered, as well as an overview on how to convince landlords to help green their properties.
The EPA plans to maintain the site as an umbrella portal for information on residential environmental issues from it and other federal agencies. More information is available at the Green Homes Web site, www.epa.gov/greenhomes.
The Web site front page gives a diagram of a typical home layout, which visitors can click on any room to find out about different energy savings options. Choosing the bedroom, for example, brings a page that recommends an array of Energy Star electronics, gives information on different green furnishings, and illustrates what to look for in choosing the flooring. This room-by-room overview is then followed by broader information on lighting, cleaning, and even shopping for the home to reduce energy usage.
Other parts of the home analyzed for energy and water efficiency opportunities include the kitchen, bathroom, living room, office, laundry room, basement, garage, attic, roof and yard.
"The use of energy is related to virtually everything we do, or have in our homes," the agency said. "Obvious uses include using electricity to run appliances, electronics, and air conditioners, etc.; less obvious uses include consuming energy to purify and produce and convey water to our homes, and to make the products we purchase for use in our homes. If we take steps to green our homes, we can reduce energy use, save money, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and help to fight global warming and climate change."
Tips are not just limited to homeowners who have the ability to make major changes to their residences, but also to renters. A checklist of options to make a rental property energy and water efficient is offered, as well as an overview on how to convince landlords to help green their properties.
The EPA plans to maintain the site as an umbrella portal for information on residential environmental issues from it and other federal agencies. More information is available at the Green Homes Web site, www.epa.gov/greenhomes.
Monday, December 21, 2009
New York Utility Offers “Green Allowance” to Kids
Cool program featured in the American Public Power Association's (APPA) newsletter...
Glendale Water & Power is first in nation to offer 'Green Allowance' energy conservation program for kids
Glendale Water & Power in California will soon debut Green Allowance, a new Web-based service designed to give kids the tools and motivation to champion energy conservation and help them to earn a "green allowance." The free program, available to students in Glendale schools starting early next year, is being developed through a first-in-the-nation agreement between the Southern California Public Power Authority (of which GWP is a part) and Green Allowance LLC in New York.
The program includes an innovative and kid-friendly Web site which provides practical ideas and customized assignments for children — showing how they can save energy and, in turn, save money. Youngsters are encouraged to make a deal with their parents to share the savings on their electric bill — savings that are calculated and programmed to show up on their home computers every billing cycle. The Green Allowance program Web site is scheduled to be launched this month. (See the demonstration Web site at www.greenallowance.com.)
Green Allowance's program, with a tagline of "Save the Planet, Get Paid" guides kids through making the deal with their parents and executing the projects. Parents will receive regular updates tracking the progress. The Green Allowance program will help to educate the whole family on the value and potential of the smart grid technologies and real-time data — part of a major infrastructure upgrade under way for all Glendale utility customers, GWP said.
"This program is different than anything we've ever done," said GWP General Manager Glenn Steiger. "By integrating actual energy consumption data right into the program, kids can see the fruits of their labor — and get rewarded by their parents. We're thrilled to be the first in the nation to make this innovative program available to our customers."
The partnership between GWP and Green Allowance is funded through Glendale's Public Benefits program. Additional SCPPA members are planning to offer the program in the future.
"Conservation is a top priority for our member utilities, and changing behavior is key to making it happen," said SCPPA Executive Director Bill Carnahan. "Green Allowance is designed to actually influence societal change. We know kids are already passionate about their environment. By speaking directly to them and giving them the tools and motivation they need to conserve, we're creating a whole new generation of energy conservationists."
"It's very exciting to work with GWP and SCPPA — they're leading the way in energy conservation," said Paul Reale, CEO of Green Allowance. "Green Allowance makes energy conservation come alive for kids by showing them right on their computers how much energy and money they're saving. We have the potential to save American consumers $1 billion a year with Green Allowance. This partnership with GWP and SCPPA is the first step toward that goal."
Glendale Water & Power is first in nation to offer 'Green Allowance' energy conservation program for kids
Glendale Water & Power in California will soon debut Green Allowance, a new Web-based service designed to give kids the tools and motivation to champion energy conservation and help them to earn a "green allowance." The free program, available to students in Glendale schools starting early next year, is being developed through a first-in-the-nation agreement between the Southern California Public Power Authority (of which GWP is a part) and Green Allowance LLC in New York.
The program includes an innovative and kid-friendly Web site which provides practical ideas and customized assignments for children — showing how they can save energy and, in turn, save money. Youngsters are encouraged to make a deal with their parents to share the savings on their electric bill — savings that are calculated and programmed to show up on their home computers every billing cycle. The Green Allowance program Web site is scheduled to be launched this month. (See the demonstration Web site at www.greenallowance.com.)
Green Allowance's program, with a tagline of "Save the Planet, Get Paid" guides kids through making the deal with their parents and executing the projects. Parents will receive regular updates tracking the progress. The Green Allowance program will help to educate the whole family on the value and potential of the smart grid technologies and real-time data — part of a major infrastructure upgrade under way for all Glendale utility customers, GWP said.
"This program is different than anything we've ever done," said GWP General Manager Glenn Steiger. "By integrating actual energy consumption data right into the program, kids can see the fruits of their labor — and get rewarded by their parents. We're thrilled to be the first in the nation to make this innovative program available to our customers."
The partnership between GWP and Green Allowance is funded through Glendale's Public Benefits program. Additional SCPPA members are planning to offer the program in the future.
"Conservation is a top priority for our member utilities, and changing behavior is key to making it happen," said SCPPA Executive Director Bill Carnahan. "Green Allowance is designed to actually influence societal change. We know kids are already passionate about their environment. By speaking directly to them and giving them the tools and motivation they need to conserve, we're creating a whole new generation of energy conservationists."
"It's very exciting to work with GWP and SCPPA — they're leading the way in energy conservation," said Paul Reale, CEO of Green Allowance. "Green Allowance makes energy conservation come alive for kids by showing them right on their computers how much energy and money they're saving. We have the potential to save American consumers $1 billion a year with Green Allowance. This partnership with GWP and SCPPA is the first step toward that goal."
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Smallest User
Last night, the first in a series of stories aired on Channel 5 that highlights a new energy conservation program that MLGW is co-sponsoring. The initiative will show residential and business customers how to reduce their energy consumption.
Next month, MLGW, TVA, the University of Memphis and others will kick off a year-long competition between the Evergreen and Cooper Young neighborhoods designed to reduce energy usage for 2010. Based on the hit television show “The Biggest Loser”, the campaign is called “The Smallest User."
Throughout 2010, regular segments will air on Action News 5 that shows customers how to conserve energy and how these two neighborhoods are doing in the competition. The neighborhood that has the biggest savings will be declared the winner.
We will be posting updates about “The Smallest User” program throughout 2010.
Click here for the story or see below:
MEMPHIS, TN (WMC-TV) - "The Biggest Loser" is one of NBC's most popular reality shows. Now, MLGW is bringing a similar match up to the Mid-South in the form of an energy competition between two neighborhoods.
"We thought this would be an innovative, fun, creative way to get the two neighborhoods together to duke it out," said MLGW's Tom Chamberlain. "See which can reduce energy the most."
It's called "The Smallest User," and residents who are a part of the Cooper Young Development Corporation and Evergreen Historic Neighborhood Association will compete.
MLGW will add up all the power bills from the two communities and will monitor utility usage in both neighborhoods for 12 months in 2010. The winner is the community that makes the most reduction in utility usage from 2008.
"As we start 2010, each month we'll get results for that particular month," Chamberlain said. We'll compare that to the month from 2008 to see if there is a reduction."
Katy Leopard will represent the Evergreen Neighborhood in the competition. She says huge electric bills can be overwhelming.
"It's two or three hundred dollars and then we can have a big month in the winter or summer where it'll peak at four (hundred)," she said.
MLGW is already offering Leopard and her family tips on how to save. - tips MLGW officials hope will help raise awareness when it comes to energy conservation.
The competition will begin on January 1st. The winning neighborhood will receive a trophy and small cash prize.
Next month, MLGW, TVA, the University of Memphis and others will kick off a year-long competition between the Evergreen and Cooper Young neighborhoods designed to reduce energy usage for 2010. Based on the hit television show “The Biggest Loser”, the campaign is called “The Smallest User."
Throughout 2010, regular segments will air on Action News 5 that shows customers how to conserve energy and how these two neighborhoods are doing in the competition. The neighborhood that has the biggest savings will be declared the winner.
We will be posting updates about “The Smallest User” program throughout 2010.
Click here for the story or see below:
MEMPHIS, TN (WMC-TV) - "The Biggest Loser" is one of NBC's most popular reality shows. Now, MLGW is bringing a similar match up to the Mid-South in the form of an energy competition between two neighborhoods.
"We thought this would be an innovative, fun, creative way to get the two neighborhoods together to duke it out," said MLGW's Tom Chamberlain. "See which can reduce energy the most."
It's called "The Smallest User," and residents who are a part of the Cooper Young Development Corporation and Evergreen Historic Neighborhood Association will compete.
MLGW will add up all the power bills from the two communities and will monitor utility usage in both neighborhoods for 12 months in 2010. The winner is the community that makes the most reduction in utility usage from 2008.
"As we start 2010, each month we'll get results for that particular month," Chamberlain said. We'll compare that to the month from 2008 to see if there is a reduction."
Katy Leopard will represent the Evergreen Neighborhood in the competition. She says huge electric bills can be overwhelming.
"It's two or three hundred dollars and then we can have a big month in the winter or summer where it'll peak at four (hundred)," she said.
MLGW is already offering Leopard and her family tips on how to save. - tips MLGW officials hope will help raise awareness when it comes to energy conservation.
The competition will begin on January 1st. The winning neighborhood will receive a trophy and small cash prize.
Speaking of crime fighters...
A group of linemen working out of MLGW's Brunswick Service Center are now being called the “Brunswick Apprehension Team,” or BAT for short. They make an invincible protection force as they proved in the early morning hours of Monday, Nov. 30.
The BAT crew was returning to their home base at Brunswick Service Center from a service call when one of the crew noticed a pair of bolt cutters on the ground near the fence that surrounds the BSC. Naturally protective of their customers as well as the tools and equipment with which to do their jobs, the out-of-place bolt cutters raised a red flag of suspicion in front of the crew. Then the crew spotted two men who were obviously up to no good. The linemen gave chase to the intruders and cornered two would-be thieves until investigators arrived.
“Linemen are always concerned with safety and watching out for one another,” said the General Supervisor in Electric Distribution—Brunswick. “A line crew is the ultimate team. Any tool not in its proper place is a warning. When the crew realized what was going on, they sprang into action as a team.”
Because of the quick action of BAT, MLGW suffered only a $329 loss in damaged fence wire. The subjects responsible for the attempted theft would have gotten away with more than $4,600 in copper wire and $1,200 in tools. These men saved the Division—and its customers—$5,800 worth of equipment in just a few minutes time. They got involved, and they made a difference.
And the identity of the leader of BAT? The true Batman? Members of BAT won’t say, only that the crew works together as a team under the leadership of the crew leader. So the only logical conclusion is this: Just as Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, and George Clooney have all played Batman in the movies, the role of Batman in real life has been played well by several men. They will be honored as MLGW Heroes at the Dec. 17 meeting of the MLGW Board of Commissioners.
The BAT crew was returning to their home base at Brunswick Service Center from a service call when one of the crew noticed a pair of bolt cutters on the ground near the fence that surrounds the BSC. Naturally protective of their customers as well as the tools and equipment with which to do their jobs, the out-of-place bolt cutters raised a red flag of suspicion in front of the crew. Then the crew spotted two men who were obviously up to no good. The linemen gave chase to the intruders and cornered two would-be thieves until investigators arrived.
“Linemen are always concerned with safety and watching out for one another,” said the General Supervisor in Electric Distribution—Brunswick. “A line crew is the ultimate team. Any tool not in its proper place is a warning. When the crew realized what was going on, they sprang into action as a team.”
Because of the quick action of BAT, MLGW suffered only a $329 loss in damaged fence wire. The subjects responsible for the attempted theft would have gotten away with more than $4,600 in copper wire and $1,200 in tools. These men saved the Division—and its customers—$5,800 worth of equipment in just a few minutes time. They got involved, and they made a difference.
And the identity of the leader of BAT? The true Batman? Members of BAT won’t say, only that the crew works together as a team under the leadership of the crew leader. So the only logical conclusion is this: Just as Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, and George Clooney have all played Batman in the movies, the role of Batman in real life has been played well by several men. They will be honored as MLGW Heroes at the Dec. 17 meeting of the MLGW Board of Commissioners.
MLGW donates $1,000 to help solve crimes against employees
MLGW is making a $1,000 donation to Crime Stoppers (528-CASH [2274]) in an attempt to obtain information leading to the arrest of those responsible for three separate robberies of MLGW employees.
In what appears to be crimes of opportunity, four MLGW field personnel were robbed in three separate incidents within a week’s time in early September. The first robbery occurred as two MLGW employees were working in a ditch to fix a gas leak when they were approached at gunpoint by several males. The second incident happened when a Customer Service Technician was hit on the head by a robber while in the process of reconnecting a customer’s utility services and in the third case, another Customer Service worker was carjacked while on duty.
Fortunately, no one was hurt, and no major property was lost as the utility discourages its employees from carrying anything of value while on the job. However, MLGW is taking the matter very seriously.
“These robberies and other acts of violence against our employees are of great concern to the company, and we’re doing everything we can to catch and prosecute these folks,” said Melvin Bibbs, Section Supervisor of Corporate Security.
MLGW wants to help publicize the robberies of these field employees and to solicit information that will help solve these crimes. Individuals who have information that will help solve these crimes are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 528-CASH (2274).
In what appears to be crimes of opportunity, four MLGW field personnel were robbed in three separate incidents within a week’s time in early September. The first robbery occurred as two MLGW employees were working in a ditch to fix a gas leak when they were approached at gunpoint by several males. The second incident happened when a Customer Service Technician was hit on the head by a robber while in the process of reconnecting a customer’s utility services and in the third case, another Customer Service worker was carjacked while on duty.
Fortunately, no one was hurt, and no major property was lost as the utility discourages its employees from carrying anything of value while on the job. However, MLGW is taking the matter very seriously.
“These robberies and other acts of violence against our employees are of great concern to the company, and we’re doing everything we can to catch and prosecute these folks,” said Melvin Bibbs, Section Supervisor of Corporate Security.
MLGW wants to help publicize the robberies of these field employees and to solicit information that will help solve these crimes. Individuals who have information that will help solve these crimes are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 528-CASH (2274).
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Give the Gift of Energy-Efficiency!
Our friends at Dominion Energy have a great, energy-related gift list. Take a peek:
* Remote controlled power strip
* LED porch light
* Help your friends go green while on their iPhone and consider some of these green apps
* Go green with an online magazine gift subscription or maybe even a gift card for kindle downloads.
* Eco-friendly office supplies like recycled copy paper, biodegradable break room products and reusable storage containers.
* Uncommongoods identifies which products are eco-friendly.
* Find energy leaks in your home with a thermal leak detector
* Or give the gift of energy with MLGW Gift of Comfort
* Remote controlled power strip* LED porch light
* Help your friends go green while on their iPhone and consider some of these green apps
* Go green with an online magazine gift subscription or maybe even a gift card for kindle downloads.
* Eco-friendly office supplies like recycled copy paper, biodegradable break room products and reusable storage containers.
* Uncommongoods identifies which products are eco-friendly.
* Find energy leaks in your home with a thermal leak detector
* Or give the gift of energy with MLGW Gift of Comfort
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
For you late night bill payers...
MLGW's Customer Care Center telephone switch and the automated phone system will be temporarily down for equipment upgrades on December 18, 2009, from 8 p.m. to midnight.
During this period, MLGW's Emergency Line (528-4465) and Electrical Outage Hotline (544-6500) will be active and will process customer calls. However, during this time period, customers will not be able to process self-service requests through the automated phone system; these phone numbers (544-6549 and 820-7878) will be out of service.
During this period, MLGW's Emergency Line (528-4465) and Electrical Outage Hotline (544-6500) will be active and will process customer calls. However, during this time period, customers will not be able to process self-service requests through the automated phone system; these phone numbers (544-6549 and 820-7878) will be out of service.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
On TV
Channels 3 and 24 are airing stories this evening regarding colder weather. Here are the key points from today's stories/interviews:
-- As a reminder, MLGW does not cut off customers if the wind chill is expected to be 32 degrees or below over a 24 hour period.
--In addition, the Annual Moratorium begins next Tuesday, December 15. During this time, customers will not be cut off if they do not pay a bill, however they are still responsible for charges occurred during this time.
--Customers needing to make payment arrangements can do so online at www.mlgw.com/payarrange
--MLGW reminds customers to use space heaters safely by keeping them away from flammable objects and not to use them overnight. Customers are also reminded to open cabinet doors and turn both hot and cold water on to a drip to help prevent pipes from freezing.
In addition to the weather stories, Channel 24 is also airing a story regarding utility theft. The number of investigated cases of utility theft has increased this year as has the amount of money the MLGW Revenue Protection department has recovered. Customers are reminded to call 321-6969 to report any suspected cases of utility theft.
-- As a reminder, MLGW does not cut off customers if the wind chill is expected to be 32 degrees or below over a 24 hour period.
--In addition, the Annual Moratorium begins next Tuesday, December 15. During this time, customers will not be cut off if they do not pay a bill, however they are still responsible for charges occurred during this time.
--Customers needing to make payment arrangements can do so online at www.mlgw.com/payarrange
--MLGW reminds customers to use space heaters safely by keeping them away from flammable objects and not to use them overnight. Customers are also reminded to open cabinet doors and turn both hot and cold water on to a drip to help prevent pipes from freezing.
In addition to the weather stories, Channel 24 is also airing a story regarding utility theft. The number of investigated cases of utility theft has increased this year as has the amount of money the MLGW Revenue Protection department has recovered. Customers are reminded to call 321-6969 to report any suspected cases of utility theft.
How Do You Compare?
A friend of mine recently expressed some concern over her holiday energy consumption. (She has a kiln in her house!) Whether you are doing extra baking (pottery, cookies, etc.) or have lots of holiday lights up, you can see how your energy usage compares with our My Account online feature.
There is a "How Does My Home Compare" bar chart on the My Account dashboard. Green is good and red is bad, middle of the bar is average. It varies with each bill, based on the user's consumption. You can change the view from "Total" to "Electric Only" and "Gas Only." If you click on the "Home Energy Center" tab, you can see the same bar chart--but showing annual use. Values are expressed in dollars.
The comparison is based on info that you have previously supplied about your home size, its age, fuel types, usage habits, etc. So the "compared to" average is a more accurate reflection than looking at say, your sister's or your neighbor's bill.
I'm proud to say my total is always pegged to the left/good/green side. Sign up for My Account and see if you've been "good" before Santa loads up his sleigh!
There is a "How Does My Home Compare" bar chart on the My Account dashboard. Green is good and red is bad, middle of the bar is average. It varies with each bill, based on the user's consumption. You can change the view from "Total" to "Electric Only" and "Gas Only." If you click on the "Home Energy Center" tab, you can see the same bar chart--but showing annual use. Values are expressed in dollars.
The comparison is based on info that you have previously supplied about your home size, its age, fuel types, usage habits, etc. So the "compared to" average is a more accurate reflection than looking at say, your sister's or your neighbor's bill.
I'm proud to say my total is always pegged to the left/good/green side. Sign up for My Account and see if you've been "good" before Santa loads up his sleigh!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Winter Safety Practices
Tonight’s local forecast predicts temperatures dropping into the mid 20s, which means there is a danger of water pipes freezing and bursting and a chance that customers will use supplemental heating sources, such as space heaters, to stay warm.
MLGW reminds customers to make sure space heaters are positioned away from walls and flammable objects. It is also important for customers not to sleep while a space heater is on.
Water pipes can burst anytime temperatures are below freezing. A burst water pipe or water heater is considered to be an emergency situation and could pose a danger of flooding the building. MLGW asks customers to open cabinet doors and turn both the hot and cold water on to a fast drip to help prevent pipes from freezing. In addition, make sure your inside pipes and outdoor water spigots are insulated.
Cold temperatures also increase the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure that all natural gas appliances, such as your water heater and furnace, are vented outside to prevent carbon monoxide for entering your home. Keep chimneys and flues clear of all debris, and use gas space heaters only according to manufacturer's instructions.
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, seek medical assistance immediately and move the victim, if possible, to a well-ventilated area, then call MLGW's 24-hour emergency number, 528-4465.
MLGW reminds customers to make sure space heaters are positioned away from walls and flammable objects. It is also important for customers not to sleep while a space heater is on.
Water pipes can burst anytime temperatures are below freezing. A burst water pipe or water heater is considered to be an emergency situation and could pose a danger of flooding the building. MLGW asks customers to open cabinet doors and turn both the hot and cold water on to a fast drip to help prevent pipes from freezing. In addition, make sure your inside pipes and outdoor water spigots are insulated.
Cold temperatures also increase the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure that all natural gas appliances, such as your water heater and furnace, are vented outside to prevent carbon monoxide for entering your home. Keep chimneys and flues clear of all debris, and use gas space heaters only according to manufacturer's instructions.
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, seek medical assistance immediately and move the victim, if possible, to a well-ventilated area, then call MLGW's 24-hour emergency number, 528-4465.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Rethinking Trash Into Inspired Art
Treehugger has an awesome slideshow from the Smart Art competition held in San Francisco. Artists were challenged to redesign discarded items into art and everyday functional items.
There are speakers made from old suitcases, a dress made from old Crown Royal bags, a lawn made from aluminum scrap, the awesome planters below, and more! Check it out.
My only question--can you water the plants without ruining these?
There are speakers made from old suitcases, a dress made from old Crown Royal bags, a lawn made from aluminum scrap, the awesome planters below, and more! Check it out.
My only question--can you water the plants without ruining these?
Monday, December 7, 2009
How do you steer this thing?
NPR did a story on cargo bikes this morning, and I want one--assuming it's easy to steer. $3000 + Memphis Drivers = We probably won't see one around here anytime soon. One can dream though!
Picture a vehicle that can carry around your kids and groceries efficiently, and doesn't burn any fossil fuels. But there's one drawback: You have to pedal it yourself.
Cargo bicycles are specially designed bikes that can haul several hundred pounds. Long popular in Europe, they're starting to make their way into the United States.
On a recent afternoon in Portland, Ore., Carie Weisenbach-Folz picked up her two kids, ages 5 and 2, from school. But instead of loading them into the usual minivan, she's using a cargo bicycle.
Between the handlebars and front wheel, there's a stylized wheelbarrow-type box, with a sturdy see-through cover. Bicycles like this can cost a lot — over $3,000.
"Random people walk up to me at the grocery store" to ask her how much her bike cost, says Weisenbach-Folz.
"Well, how much is the cost of gas? And how much is insurance? And how much do you pay for a parking spot?"
Weisenbach-Folz bought her bike at Clever Cycles, a shop specializing in utility bikes that can carry a load.
Asked what kind of cargo people are looking to haul, store owner Todd Fahrner said "children, and groceries. Families are probably 70 percent of our customers."
Most cargo bikes are made overseas, in Europe or China. But in recent years, a few manufacturers have sprung up in the United States — including one in northeast Portland.
Philip Ross and Jamie Nichols started turning out bikes for their company, Metrofiets, about a year ago. They were inspired by European models, but adapted the design to make it easier to tackle the hills of Portland.
"It has a slightly different geometry," Ross said. "And we were able to shave off about 30 pounds from the frame, without affecting the amount of weight we could carry."
Their workshop is pretty small, with a waiting list of nearly a year for a bike. And the bulk of Metrofiets' customers aren't families — they're businesses.
"They can absolutely get rid of one of their fleet vehicles, and use one of these bikes, within a certain geographical area around their shop or business," Ross said.
Metrofiets has built a custom cargo bicycle for a floor refinisher to carry his sander, and another for a brewery to transport their beer kegs. And they're not the only ones predicting a rise in business cargo biking.
"The urban freight issue is one where I think cycling has a huge role to play, and which at the moment is really relatively untapped," said Andy Clarke, head of the League of American Bicyclists.
Clarke predicts that bicycle commuting will continue to rise, as well. Today, more than 750,000 Americans bike to work. That may seem like a small number, but it's an almost 50 percent jump since the 2000 census.
Clarke credits several factors for the rise: higher gas prices; concerns about health and climate change; and bike-friendly initiatives included in recent transportation bills.
"Sometimes we take the love affair with the car, that we think we have, to a bit of an extreme," Clarke said. "We really have a love affair with the quickest, easiest, most convenient way of getting around."
But it's not always so simple, according to Cotten Seiler, who teaches American studies at Dickinson College. Seiler, who wrote a book about American society's relationship with driving, says that how Americans use cars is about more than just a rational weighing of the pros and cons.
"It's highly emotional, it's psychologically charged, and it gives us a sense of identity," Seiler said. "The utilitarian choice about how to get from point A to point B is often obscured by all of these other emotional and psychological resonances that cars have for us."
Seiler sees Americans starting to let go of some of these attachments to their cars. He says it can be an uphill battle, especially in cities that don't have the density or infrastructure to support cycling.
But in bike-friendly cities like Portland, bike builders and riders are hoping that the cargo bicycle can become the new minivan.
For commuters like Carie Weisenbach-Folz, it's already happened.
Picture a vehicle that can carry around your kids and groceries efficiently, and doesn't burn any fossil fuels. But there's one drawback: You have to pedal it yourself.
Cargo bicycles are specially designed bikes that can haul several hundred pounds. Long popular in Europe, they're starting to make their way into the United States.
On a recent afternoon in Portland, Ore., Carie Weisenbach-Folz picked up her two kids, ages 5 and 2, from school. But instead of loading them into the usual minivan, she's using a cargo bicycle.
Between the handlebars and front wheel, there's a stylized wheelbarrow-type box, with a sturdy see-through cover. Bicycles like this can cost a lot — over $3,000.
"Random people walk up to me at the grocery store" to ask her how much her bike cost, says Weisenbach-Folz.
"Well, how much is the cost of gas? And how much is insurance? And how much do you pay for a parking spot?"
Weisenbach-Folz bought her bike at Clever Cycles, a shop specializing in utility bikes that can carry a load.
Asked what kind of cargo people are looking to haul, store owner Todd Fahrner said "children, and groceries. Families are probably 70 percent of our customers."
Most cargo bikes are made overseas, in Europe or China. But in recent years, a few manufacturers have sprung up in the United States — including one in northeast Portland.
Philip Ross and Jamie Nichols started turning out bikes for their company, Metrofiets, about a year ago. They were inspired by European models, but adapted the design to make it easier to tackle the hills of Portland.
"It has a slightly different geometry," Ross said. "And we were able to shave off about 30 pounds from the frame, without affecting the amount of weight we could carry."
Their workshop is pretty small, with a waiting list of nearly a year for a bike. And the bulk of Metrofiets' customers aren't families — they're businesses.
"They can absolutely get rid of one of their fleet vehicles, and use one of these bikes, within a certain geographical area around their shop or business," Ross said.
Metrofiets has built a custom cargo bicycle for a floor refinisher to carry his sander, and another for a brewery to transport their beer kegs. And they're not the only ones predicting a rise in business cargo biking.
"The urban freight issue is one where I think cycling has a huge role to play, and which at the moment is really relatively untapped," said Andy Clarke, head of the League of American Bicyclists.
Clarke predicts that bicycle commuting will continue to rise, as well. Today, more than 750,000 Americans bike to work. That may seem like a small number, but it's an almost 50 percent jump since the 2000 census.
Clarke credits several factors for the rise: higher gas prices; concerns about health and climate change; and bike-friendly initiatives included in recent transportation bills.
"Sometimes we take the love affair with the car, that we think we have, to a bit of an extreme," Clarke said. "We really have a love affair with the quickest, easiest, most convenient way of getting around."
But it's not always so simple, according to Cotten Seiler, who teaches American studies at Dickinson College. Seiler, who wrote a book about American society's relationship with driving, says that how Americans use cars is about more than just a rational weighing of the pros and cons.
"It's highly emotional, it's psychologically charged, and it gives us a sense of identity," Seiler said. "The utilitarian choice about how to get from point A to point B is often obscured by all of these other emotional and psychological resonances that cars have for us."
Seiler sees Americans starting to let go of some of these attachments to their cars. He says it can be an uphill battle, especially in cities that don't have the density or infrastructure to support cycling.
But in bike-friendly cities like Portland, bike builders and riders are hoping that the cargo bicycle can become the new minivan.
For commuters like Carie Weisenbach-Folz, it's already happened.
DOE APPROVES TENNESSEE’S ENERGY STAR APPLIANCE REBATE PROGRAM
DOE APPROVES TENNESSEE’S ENERGY STAR APPLIANCE REBATE PROGRAM
Eligible Appliances Include Heating and Cooling Units; Program Slated to Launch on Earth Day 2010
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development today announced approval by U.S. Department of Energy for Tennessee’s State Energy and Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program (SEEARP). Tennessee will receive $5.9 million for the program’s rebates and administrative costs and will be funded by federal dollars through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The program will be administered at the state level through ECD.
“This funding provided by the Recovery Act will help Tennessee families lower their utility bills and have a positive impact on the environment,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “This will be a welcome addition to Tennessee’s ongoing energy conservation initiatives.”
Eligible appliances will include air source heat pumps, central air conditioners and room air conditioners with the Energy Star® designation. A rebate of $250 will be available for the air source heat pumps and central air conditioners, while room air conditioners will be eligible for a $40 rebate. The target date for the launch of the program is Earth Day, April 22, 2010.
“Tennessee has one of the highest per capita rates of residential electricity consumption in the U.S.,” said Matt Kisber, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. “By encouraging the use of Energy Star® heating and cooling systems, we’ll help Tennessee families reduce their energy use and save on their heating and cooling bills each month.”
Statewide, the estimated energy savings for delivery and installation of qualified heating and cooling products is approximately 16 million kilowatt hours per year. A reduction in energy use of that size translates to a yearly savings of almost $1.4 million in energy costs for Tennesseans and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere by 32 million pounds annually.
Eligible Appliances Include Heating and Cooling Units; Program Slated to Launch on Earth Day 2010
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development today announced approval by U.S. Department of Energy for Tennessee’s State Energy and Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program (SEEARP). Tennessee will receive $5.9 million for the program’s rebates and administrative costs and will be funded by federal dollars through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The program will be administered at the state level through ECD.
“This funding provided by the Recovery Act will help Tennessee families lower their utility bills and have a positive impact on the environment,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “This will be a welcome addition to Tennessee’s ongoing energy conservation initiatives.”
Eligible appliances will include air source heat pumps, central air conditioners and room air conditioners with the Energy Star® designation. A rebate of $250 will be available for the air source heat pumps and central air conditioners, while room air conditioners will be eligible for a $40 rebate. The target date for the launch of the program is Earth Day, April 22, 2010.
“Tennessee has one of the highest per capita rates of residential electricity consumption in the U.S.,” said Matt Kisber, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. “By encouraging the use of Energy Star® heating and cooling systems, we’ll help Tennessee families reduce their energy use and save on their heating and cooling bills each month.”
Statewide, the estimated energy savings for delivery and installation of qualified heating and cooling products is approximately 16 million kilowatt hours per year. A reduction in energy use of that size translates to a yearly savings of almost $1.4 million in energy costs for Tennesseans and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere by 32 million pounds annually.
Friday, December 4, 2009
No HazMat Suit Necessary
The James L. Netters Business Center was briefly evacuated this afternoon after a fan motor within the HVAC system malfunctioned. That produced a burning smell that went through the building's HVAC system. As a precaution, fire department officials evacuated the building. Both Memphis Fire Department and MLGW crews ensured the building was safe before employees returned to work.
Ring My Bell
MLGW employees are ringing the bell for the Salvation Army on the corner of Madison and Main between now and Christmas. Come say hi!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Recycled Jeans
There's a new business on South Main focused on recycling jeans. No, they aren't making eco-friendlyinsulation--they're giving new life to old jeans by freshening them up with colorful fabric and inspirational messages. Best of all, Thigh High Jeans donates 50% of its profits to charity. (Check the website for details.) They also accept jean donations, so think of them when you clean out your closet.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Cork Reindeer
So maybe you put your tree up the day after Thanksgiving. You could probably still use one more ornament, right? Wannabe Wino posted this cute reindeer she made from old wine corks, and I wanted to pass it on as an eco-friendly tree trimming/gift idea.
Here's what you need to recreate this little cutie:
4 corks (2 that are of equal size for the legs)
1 brown pipe cleaner
1 red puff ball (nose)
1 larger brown puff ball (tail)
Decorative ribbon for neck and body if desired
Twine to make the hanger
2 googly eyes
Glue gun
Here's what you need to recreate this little cutie:
4 corks (2 that are of equal size for the legs)
1 brown pipe cleaner
1 red puff ball (nose)
1 larger brown puff ball (tail)
Decorative ribbon for neck and body if desired
Twine to make the hanger
2 googly eyes
Glue gun
Angels
This year we adopted 100 Salvation Army Angels (60 children and 40 seniors). I love seeing the gifts all lined up in the lobby.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Local Solar Power
You may have noticed the story in the CA's Sunday's digital green edition on solar panels. Last week, installation of a 4 kW solar array was completed at the Memphis residence of Gib and Nancy Wilson. This is the second home in Shelby County participating in Generation Partners, along with 4 businesses and organizations. Generation Partners is a TVA program available to MLGW customers who wish to install on-site renewable generation and sell green power back to TVA, with credits applied to their monthly MLGW bill.
Here are a few facts, in case your curiosity was piqued:
1. At 4 kW, this is the largest residential, grid-tied installation in Shelby County. (The U of M's sustainable design home, TERRA, has 2.1 kW of generation. It was completed in February 2009.) Grid-tied is an essential distinction, as there may be other customers generating power for use on their property but not participating in Generation Partners so MLGW is uninvolved.
2. 100% of the solar power the home will generate will be placed in MLGW's electric grid and purchased by TVA at a premium of $0.12 per kWh above the monthly residential electric rate including FCA. (For November revenue month, the combined incentive rate is $0.1975 per kWh--about 250% of the current residential electric rate.)
3. This is the first installation under the new version of TVA's program, which allows solar power to bypass the facility entirely and go directly to grid. All 5 previous installations first consume the solar power on-site then send any excess to the grid, which was the only method allowed under the previous version of Generation Partners.
4. Mr Wilson indicated the system cost $28,129, on par with national averages of $7.00 to $10.00 per watt installed. He will receive a 30% Federal tax credit when he files income taxes, a one-time $1,000 TVA completion incentive and the monthly generation credits to help offset his investment. Assuming an average incentive rate of $0.21 per kWh over the 10-year term of the Generation Partners agreement and assuming 5,800 kWh annual generation (based on NREL estimates), his simple payback is 15.35 years. The payback would be shortened by rate or FCA increases that subsequently increase his generation incentive.
5. The six Generation Partners participants in Shelby County--Sharp Manufacturing Company, Memphis Botanic Gardens, Memphis City Schools/Carnes Elementary, Sparco Computers/Sparco.com and the two residences--collectively account for 114 kW of grid-tied solar generating capacity. Their solar output is roughly equivalent to the annual electric use of 10 average Memphis households. In addition, several customers have already submitted plans for new solar installations in 2010. (BRIDGES hosts a 24 kW solar array that operates as part of TVA's Green Power Switch generation mix; however, TVA funded this installation so it is not part of Generation Partners and BRIDGES does not receive generation credits.)
6. The Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that, for each kW of system capacity installed, solar arrays in our region can expect to generate between 1,300 and 1,600 kWh of power per year (average 1,450 kWh). Hence, a 1 kW system would generate between 8% and 10% of the average local household's annual energy use at an initial cost of $7,000 to $10,000 per kW.
7. For details about Generation Partners, including processes and documents, visit the Green Power Switch section of MLGW's website.
Here are a few facts, in case your curiosity was piqued:
1. At 4 kW, this is the largest residential, grid-tied installation in Shelby County. (The U of M's sustainable design home, TERRA, has 2.1 kW of generation. It was completed in February 2009.) Grid-tied is an essential distinction, as there may be other customers generating power for use on their property but not participating in Generation Partners so MLGW is uninvolved.
2. 100% of the solar power the home will generate will be placed in MLGW's electric grid and purchased by TVA at a premium of $0.12 per kWh above the monthly residential electric rate including FCA. (For November revenue month, the combined incentive rate is $0.1975 per kWh--about 250% of the current residential electric rate.)
3. This is the first installation under the new version of TVA's program, which allows solar power to bypass the facility entirely and go directly to grid. All 5 previous installations first consume the solar power on-site then send any excess to the grid, which was the only method allowed under the previous version of Generation Partners.
4. Mr Wilson indicated the system cost $28,129, on par with national averages of $7.00 to $10.00 per watt installed. He will receive a 30% Federal tax credit when he files income taxes, a one-time $1,000 TVA completion incentive and the monthly generation credits to help offset his investment. Assuming an average incentive rate of $0.21 per kWh over the 10-year term of the Generation Partners agreement and assuming 5,800 kWh annual generation (based on NREL estimates), his simple payback is 15.35 years. The payback would be shortened by rate or FCA increases that subsequently increase his generation incentive.
5. The six Generation Partners participants in Shelby County--Sharp Manufacturing Company, Memphis Botanic Gardens, Memphis City Schools/Carnes Elementary, Sparco Computers/Sparco.com and the two residences--collectively account for 114 kW of grid-tied solar generating capacity. Their solar output is roughly equivalent to the annual electric use of 10 average Memphis households. In addition, several customers have already submitted plans for new solar installations in 2010. (BRIDGES hosts a 24 kW solar array that operates as part of TVA's Green Power Switch generation mix; however, TVA funded this installation so it is not part of Generation Partners and BRIDGES does not receive generation credits.)
6. The Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that, for each kW of system capacity installed, solar arrays in our region can expect to generate between 1,300 and 1,600 kWh of power per year (average 1,450 kWh). Hence, a 1 kW system would generate between 8% and 10% of the average local household's annual energy use at an initial cost of $7,000 to $10,000 per kW.
7. For details about Generation Partners, including processes and documents, visit the Green Power Switch section of MLGW's website.
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