Solar at Home

On Wednesday, I tagged along with our Memphis Energized crew to interview Gib Wilson and his wife, Nancy. The Wilsons are our first residential customers to install solar panels on their home.

The Wilsons moved into their East Memphis home in 1993, but it was built in 1936. It was the original farm house on the larger property that is now developed. What this means is that it is on higher ground than the surrounding neighborhood--a key element in making it suitable for solar panels. There are many surrounding trees, but they don't interfere. (Gib did have to have one tree cut down.) The Wilsons made multiple renovations on the property and already had a new roof--another key element for installing solar panels.

"I'm just an average guy who's interested in the technology," says Gib. He originally got the idea to install solar panels on his roof from shows on Planet Green. Then he did some internet research. An article in the Commercial Appeal mentioned a solar panel installer in Millington, so Gib eventually contacted him, and six months later the panels were installed.

The solar panels are on the back of the house, and no one can even tell that they are there. They are mounted on concrete cinder blocks, so it isn't necessary to drill holes in the roof.

The Wilsons installed 20 200watt panels that produce a direct current (DC). The DC is converted to an alternating current (AC) via a converter mounted on the side of the house. That in turn is connected to a meter that records the number of kilowatt hours that they produce.


The MLGW Meter Reader reads both the MLGW meter and the solar meter. The credits from the solar meter are deducted from the overall bill. Since installing the panels last November, Gib says he's earned $900 in credits. He is quick to point out that he is far from being "off the grid" and that he isn't able to produce near enough energy to cover all of his monthly usage.

"The sun produces about 100 kwh per month, so we're using 1/3 of our energy from sun, and 2/3 from the street," says Gib, who is happy with those numbers. For him is it less about cost savings and more about it being the right thing to do.

"As an accountant, it's tough to justify the investment even with the 30% government credit, $1000 from TVA upfront, and the .12 we earn for every kwh." He's getting a 5% return on his $19,000 investment, which isn't a bad way to look at it. "Investment is not the true motivation," he says. "Producing power from sun is a cleaner better way than from a coal plant."

Stay tuned for next month's Memphis Energized segment with Gib and learn about the other energy efficient upgrades he and Nancy have made to their home.

Downtown Grid Gets Smarter

Thanks to a Department of Energy grant, MLGW’s Downtown Network distribution automation project, referred to as a “smart grid,” is making steady progress. MLGW is building a fiber-optic communications system throughout downtown and the medical center to support present and future business and operational needs.

A monitoring, control and analysis system for the area’s power distribution network is being developed, and underground ‘innerduct’ is being installed to carry fiber-optic cable for the network’s distribution automation system. Benefits include enhanced safety for our crews, improved efficiency of operation and maintenance, fewer outages due to equipment operation errors and targeted preventive maintenance.

MLGW will be able to model the system with “real-time” data to improve its design and emergency response. The project, which is being implemented by MLGW employees using internal resources, represents an unprecedented opportunity to move MLGW to the forefront of utilities in understanding and controlling its systems to deliver the best service to our customers, now and into the future.

Employees who Care

MLGW employees care. Simple, but true. During the summer’s dangerous, life-threatening heat waves, MLGW employees kept an eye out for at-risk customers. On August 4, meter reader Robert Fayne discovered an ill, bedridden customer and her physically disabled husband on oxygen who had no utilities in sweltering conditions.

Fayne was very concerned and called Customer Metering to notify them of the customer’s condition and to inquire about any available assistance. He felt
that if nothing was done, the outcome would be tragic.

MLGW Customer Metering employees spoke with the social agency clerk in the Credit Operations area who inquired about utility assistance through the Shelby County Community Services Agency (CSA). Meter reading foreman Robert Williams went by the home to arrange a meeting between CSA and the customer, who was unable to walk or get to CSA’s office, and MLGW employees arranged for transportation. Utility assistance was set up, and power was restored that day.

A few days later, MLGW employees at Netters Business Center collected
$225 to get an 82-year-old disabled customer’s utilities restored. During the
heat wave, MLGW employees knocked on doors to check up on at-risk customers, and helped install donated air conditioners as well. MLGW employees care about our customers, and these are just a couple of examples of our employees going the extra mile.

VOX

We captured six awards today at the Public Relations Society of America VOX luncheon! The Baby Steps Campaign won five awards for Public Service Campaign, TV Presentation Under 5 Minutes, Audio Only Presentation, Audio Only Script, and Video Script. In addition, this little blog won a VOX Gold award.

Looking for the Trolley?

Channel 3 is doing a story today about the temporary suspension of MATA trolley service between Midtown and Downtown. The suspension of services is due to our discovery of stray currents from the trolley system that were affecting MLGW underground services. In the interest of system reliability and safety, MLGW and MATA agreed that downtown to Midtown trolley service should be suspended until repairs and further testing can be done on the trolley system. The service was suspended on Sept. 13. In the meantime, MATA has replaced the trolley service with a bus service.

Scared by Your Utility Bill?

Slaying Energy Vampires Can Save Americans Millions!

This Halloween, watch out for lurking energy vampires. These are the electronics and adapters that consume electricity when they are not being used. Power adapters and phone chargers are easy vampires to spot, and also easy to slay. Every energy vampire you vanquish saves you money, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and helps in the fight against climate change.

The average U.S. household spends $100 per year to power devices while they are off (or in standby mode). On a national basis, this standby power accounts for more than 100 billion kilowatt hours of annual U.S. electricity consumption and more than $10 billion in annual energy costs.

These simple steps can protect our homes and offices from energy vampires:

. Unplugging power adapters or battery chargers when equipment is fully charged or disconnected from the charger.

. Using a power strip that can be switched off when electronics and appliances are not in use.

. Looking for the Energy Star label when purchasing products.

Here's a handy graph from Good Magazine to help you pinpoint the Energy Vampires in your house. (Click to enlarge.)



And here's a short, but informative video:



Slay Energy Vampires by visiting Energy Star.

Weekend Project

This weekend boasts numerous fun activities like the River Arts Fest and the Indie Memphis Film Festival. But if you REALLY want to have fun, why not drain a gallon of water from your water heater? It will remove built up sediment and allow your water heater to operate more efficiently, thus saving you money. Is there anything more fun than saving money?

The Natural Handyman has a very in-depth discussion of why draining the tank is important and gives step by step instructions, as does The DIY Network and Ask.com.

Please read the how-to's carefully before attempting this. It definitely seems like a "tankless" job.

Nighty Night

This just in--the absolute easiest way to save energy is by getting more sleep!



Read the story over at Treehugger: What's the Carbon Footprint of Sleep?

Photo by Allen Elliotte

Pit Bull Attacks

Fox ran a story on Pit Bull attacks last night that includes an interview with a MLGW employee who saved a 13 year old from a pit bull last week. Click the title to see the video.

Dog Attacks Growing Problem
Study Finds Half of Attacks Stem from Pit Bulls

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - There have been multiple pit bull attacks in our community, even a death attributed to dog attacks. After researching the city's numbers on dog bites, its clear there's a problem.

"Yeah I got stitches," said Tony Woods who was attacked by a pit.

At 13 years old, Tony Woods is scarred for life. He has 16 stitches on his leg now after a pit bull attacked him on Denver Street in Frayser last week.

"It was just loose and it got me," said Woods.

MLGW employee, Billy Diotte happened to be working in the area when he saw the attack.

"The big pit bull cam across and it just tackled him, it literally attacked him," said Diotte.

The MLGW worker said he was the only adult around, big enough to take on the pit. He rescued the boy.

"I got out of the truck went over kicked him tried to get him off I had pepper spray so I took pepper spray and sprayed dog, me and everybody else, we got the dog off that way."

Diotte said that wasn't the end of the dog's rampage. He said the pit then took off down the street towards another kid. He said the dog's owner finally reeled it in.
So we went to talk with the owners.

"(Reporter) is any adult here? Your mom's at work? Is this the house where the pit bull attacked the kid a couple weeks ago? Is there anyone who can talk with us about that?"

No adult was home.

The teenage girl who answered the door said she wasn't home at the time of the attack but confirmed the dog was now at the pound. The 13-year old being bitten is just the latest in the string of dog attacks plaguing Memphis.

In July, 71-year-old William Parker died from a heart attack after he was bitten by two pit bulls running loose near his home near Manassas in the medical district.

In April, 8-year old Hailey King was attacked by a pit bull on her birthday.

The city of Memphis records show there were 388 dog bites in 2009.

Of those, almost half were pit bull bites. Others include German Shepherds and Chows.

Those numbers are right in line with national figures. According to www.dogbitelaw.com, 23 Americans died from dog attacks in the last 7 months.

More than half the deaths were caused by pit bulls. Others included Rottweiler, German Sheppard and Siberian Husky.

"The dogs seem to be getting worse every year," said Diotte.

Diotte, who's on the streets of Memphis everyday, said he sees pit bulls running wild, on almost every call he responds to for MLGW. In fact, as we were shooting this interview on North Bellevue, 2 pit bulls were roaming the streets.

Diotte said the pits seem to be the aggressors.

"I've never heard another species of dog that would eat a kid or attack for no reason just to attack. I've never seen a story about any other kind of dog doing that," said Diotte.

"(Reporter) what do you think the answer is? (Diotte) outlaw them. That's my opinion or make them get a permit."

Outlaw pit bulls?

Mario Chiozza, who runs a pit bull rescue in Memphis, said that's ridiculous.

"It's not a whole breed. Don't blame the whole breed on irresponsible or neglectful owners," said Chiozza.

Chiozza said most dog bites are the result of abused or neglected dogs. He owns 3 pits including Savior, who was thrown from a pickup truck driving down I-40 last year. Yes, a dog thrown onto the interstate at full speed in the middle of traffic!

"We need responsible dog owners, period. Whether pit bulls, Sheppard, whatever it is," said Chiozza.

Chiozza has countless examples of abuse and neglect in Memphis. He just rescued an 8-month old pit bull that kids threw in a storm drain.

"It was stuck there 3 days. Now this is the kind of abuse and neglect you're getting here," said Chiozza.

Chiozza said Memphis has a law that requires all dogs to be on leashes but admits it's hard to enforce. He said strays are out of control and animal control officers are severely out numbered. He hopes a new Memphis ordinance, requiring all dogs to be spayed and neutered will help curb attacks.

But the bottom line, he said it comes down to responsible owners.

"We need more animal control officers, better record keeping going after these people and holding these people accountable," said Chiozza.

The mother of the 13-year old, bitten last week, said her son's injuries could have been a lot worse. She agrees with Chiozza and also thinks owners need to be held responsible.

"If they can't take care of them, they don't need them," said Margaret Upchurch.

MLGW Hosts Gas Safety Meeting for Public Officials

We're inviting local elected and appointed public officials to a meeting to discuss the issue of natural gas safety in the Memphis and Shelby County community. The meeting will be held Tuesday, October 19 at MLGW’s David F. Hansen Administration Building at 220 S. Main St.

The meeting will address the community’s natural gas safety and awareness, and how public officials’ decisions and planning for land use, incident response, and disaster prevention and preparedness impact the safety of the community. The recent San Bruno explosion, reports of other natural gas accidents and disasters around the country, and the ensuing news coverage stress the importance and timeliness of natural gas and pipeline safety and public awareness.

WHAT: Natural Gas Safety Meeting for Public Officials
WHEN: Tuesday, October 19, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: MLGW’s David F. Hansen Administration Building, 220 S. Main St.
WHO: Public Officials, as well as local media.

The meeting will also cover subjects such as MLGW’s gas systems; contractor and excavator responsibilities; Tennessee One Call, 811 and the “Call before You Dig” law; and transmission pipeline location, marking and the proximity of development. For more information on the meeting, please call MLGW Communications and Public Relations at 528-4557.

Cruisin for Kids

This Sunday, MLGW employees will be riding their motorcycles to raise money for LeBonheur Children's Hospital.

The ride starts at Harley Davidson Bumpus at noon and is open to everyone. If you'd like to join us, come make a $25 donation ($40 with passenger). We'd be glad to have you!

Get more info here or contact Brian Holland at 626-5556.

Yellow Pages Opt Out Info

I don't know about you, but when I am in need of a phone number, I turn to my computer, not the giant phone books that get dropped on my door every few months. (Unfortunately I don't have quite enough to make a sofa!)

If you also wish that they wouldn't keep sending yellow pages to you, I have good news. You can now opt out! Go to Yellow Pages Opt Out, enter your zip code, and then follow the directions. It took me about two minutes.

Photo courtesy of the UK Guardian

Lower Costs Coming Your Way

Due to the fuel cost adjustment passed by TVA for November, our residential customers will see a decrease of approximately $4.13 (as compared to October).

From TVA's site:

For billing periods beginning November 1, 2010, TVA's fuel cost adjustment will change from the current amount of 1.127 cents per kilowatt-hour to 0.735 cents per kilowatt-hour.

For September, lower fuel and purchased power prices helped to offset sales that were higher than forecast and hydro generation that was lower than forecast. Higher September temperatures contributed to sales that were 6 percent higher than TVA's forecast. Hydro generation was 31 percent lower than forecast and had to be replaced with higher cost resources. The good news was coal, purchased power, and gas prices were 12 percent below the forecast, causing the decrease in the fuel cost adjustment.

Winter Moratorium for Senior & Disabled Customers

The Winter Moratorium program has been in place for more than two decades and prevents cutoffs for registered customers during the months of December, January and February. Participants are still responsible for paying their utility bills during this time, but in the event that the bill exceeds the customers’ means, the customer will not be disconnected. If there is a balance left at the end of the February billing cycle, registered customers can qualify for a short term payment plan.

There are no income restrictions for the Winter Moratorium program. However, applicants cannot have an outstanding balance on their utility bill on November 28 when the program begins. The deadline for application is November 15. Simply download the Winter Moratorium application found here, fill it out and mail to:

Credit and Collections
Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division
PO Box 430
Memphis, TN 38101-9969

Applications are also available at the Aging Commission, Meritan, MIFA, MLGW Business Offices, or by calling 544-MLGW.

Note: Please remember to include proof of age (copy of driver's license, birth certificate or another legal form of ID) to send along with your application if you qualify because you are age 60 or over. If you are applying because of a handicap, please remember to send in the proper certification information along with your application.

TVA contracts to buy more wind-generated power

From the Chattanooga Times Free Press...

The Tennessee Valley Authority announced today it is contracting with a wind farm in Kansas to add more renewable power to its power generation mix.

TVA signed a 20-year agreement with Caney River Wind Project LLC today to deliver wind power to the TVA region from a facility to be built in Elk County, Kan. The farm will have 111 turbines across some 14,000 acres. Generation is expected to begin in 2012.

"This contract puts TVA another step closer to fulfilling its vision to be one of the nation's leading providers of low-cost and cleaner energy by sharpening our focus on renewables and energy efficiency, relying more on nuclear power, continuing to improve air quality, and relying less on coal," TVA Senior Vice President John Trawick said in a prepared statement. "Wind energy is an increasingly valuable part of our generation portfolio."

With this contract, TVA will have added up to 1,581 megawatts of wind power resources to its generation portfolio since issuing a request for proposals in December 2008 for as much as 2,000 megawatts of renewable energy. The additional wind generation under contract is more than what a single nuclear reactor will generate for TVA, although the wind turbines will operate less frequently.

TVA's current renewable energy mix totals 4,443 megawatts from hydroelectric, wind, solar and methane sources. In addition, TVA's nuclear plants contribute 6,900 megawatts of emission-free electricity to the power grid.

Caney River Wind Project LLC is a direct subsidiary of TradeWind Energy, based in Lenexa, Kan. The wind farm will be constructed, owned and operated by TradeWind partner Enel North America, a subsidiary of Enel Green Power, Italy's largest power company.

Get Started NOW on Winter Weatherization

Photo courtesy of Shelby Farms Park

There are plenty of things you can do in the winter to try to save a little on your heating and utility bill. But the best savings come from efforts you make before cold weather gets here. Pre-season weatherization is more extensive, but yields greater results. Here are some early weatherization ideas:

• Put more insulation in your attic (R38-rated and above) or under floors (R13+).

• Save big by installing storm windows and storm doors.

• Install a new energy-efficient furnace or water heater with Energy Star endorsement.

• Have vinyl siding installed on your home’s exterior with insulation between the new and old siding.

• Find and caulk cracks around outside doors and windows. Weatherstrip around doors.

• Install a programmable thermostat.

• Make sure central heating air filters are clean or replaced regularly.

Generation Partners

The White House has announced plans to install solar generation (photovoltaics, also called PV) and solar water heating at the White House.

From the press release: "These two solar installations will be part of a Department of Energy demonstration project showing that American solar technologies are available, reliable, and ready for installation in homes throughout the country."

If you are interested in installing your own solar panels, you can join TVA's Generation Partners program, which pays you for each kilowatt-hour of green power you generate. Generation Partners does not include solar water heating. However, Federal Tax Credits cover both PV and solar water heating. At 30% of installed costs, these credits expire in 2016, so they are separate from the list of other energy improvement credits that expire on 12/31/2010. (Learn the details about the tax credits at energytaxincentives.org).

MLGW has two residential customers currently participating in Generation Partners, plus two more with solar arrays under construction. Several businesses already participate and a few major projects will be announced shortly.

Here's a video from TVA that gives detailed information on the program.



Find more details about Generation Partners, including the application process and documents, at mlgw.com/greenpower near the bottom of the page.

Trash Cans & Recycle Bins

Photo by Gary Bridgman

The City is changing its rules for trash collection. This story in the Commercial Appeal states that people who need a second bin must soon pay $5 per month extra.

The article states, "The new program could also encourage recycling since there will now be a cost for extra waste."

I hope this is true. Ever since the City started allowing curbside recycling of cardboard, greyboard, paper (including junkmail), newspapers, magazines, etc. I have had a very hard time filling up my big green bin. In fact, I had to request a second recycling bin.

In California the recycling bins are the size of our trash bins.

For a reminder of what can and can't be recycled curbside in Memphis click here.

Preparations Continue for Smart Grid Demo

With the Memphis City Council’s recent approval of the primary contract for MLGW’s Smart Grid Demonstration, work continues on the 1,000-meter project which will demonstrate the operational, customer service and consumer benefits of digital technology.

New electric smart meters are currently being manufactured to MLGW’s specifications. Those meters will be delivered in late 2010 and then installed at the homes of selected volunteers. (All volunteers have received notification regarding their participation status.) Half of the volunteers will also receive an In-Home Display, a digital device that will show real-time electricity usage information, as well as trends and cost projections based on usage throughout the billing period.

MLGW’s programming staff is developing applications that will receive and store the time-based meter readings, which will be collected daily. This data will be used for billing and also for participants to view their time-based information online through a new component that will be added to My Account in January 2011.

Visit our website for updates about this exciting demonstration

Mobile Alerts--Sign up and save!

Receive $1 off admission to Busy Women's Expo (Nov.12-14) by clicking here and signing up for MLGW's Mobile Alerts program. You will receive text messages notifying you of billing due dates or impending cut-offs. All you will need is your 16-digit MLGW account number and access code - found on your MLGW bill- in order to sign up. A valid e-mail address is required in order to send the electronic coupon that you will need to print.

First come, first served. Limited number of coupons.

Deadline Approaches for Free Pilot Inspection Services

There’s only a few days left for customers to get a free pilot light inspection. The service is free for everyone until Oct. 5.

MLGW inspection appointments worked Oct. 5 through Dec. 31 will be assessed a $27 fee that will be billed to the customer’s account. The service fee of $27 covers up to three gas heating appliances; each additional gas appliance will incur a $14 fee.

If utilities are listed in a customer’s name and they are 60 years of age or disabled, the service will be provided at no charge after Oct 5th as long as they present the MLGW representative with verification at the time of service.

Customers can call 820-7878 to set up an appointment.