Electronics Recycling Opportunity

The use of computers, televisions and other electronics continues to grow. As demand increases and technology evolves, we replace older electronics and the volume of electronic waste increases.  Do you have computers, laptops, monitors, printers, cell phones and other electronics that are obsolete?  Not sure what to do with them? 

You can do your part in conserving valuable resources and refurbish used electronics than to dispose of them in landfills. It prevents valuable materials from going into the waste stream.

Take them to the Electronics Recycling Event at the Central Peninsula Landfill on Saturday, December 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The landfill is located at Mile 98.5 Sterling Highway in Soldotna. Click HERE for more information.

Stay Warm & Save Energy This Winter

by Madeline Keimig, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives

On top of staying warm throughout the winter months, a lot of people worry about saving money and energy. According to a poll by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, four out of 10 consumers are worried about money this holiday season.

The average family spends $2,024 a year on energy; nearly half of that goes towards heating and cooling costs. Stay warm and save energy with these helpful winter tips:

·         Pick smarter lightbulbs. Decorate for the holidays efficiently with strands of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).  Using LED holiday lights for 12 hours a day cuts seasonal lighting costs by 90 percent when compared to traditional incandescent holiday lights.

·         Check furnace filters. Be sure to clean or replace your heating and cooling system’s air filter. At a minimum change the filter every three months; a dirty filter clogs the system, making the system work harder to keep you warm.

·         Install a programmable thermostat. Is your home alone most of the day? Programmable thermostats can knock up to10 percent off heating bills with the ability to automatically turn temperatures down 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hours a day.

·         Insulate water heaters and pipes. Wrap water pipes connected to the water heater with foam, and insulate the water heater, too. To save about $75 annually, consider lowering the water heater temperature from 130 degrees to 120.

·         Bundle up your home. The more heat that escapes from cracks, the more cold air enters, causing your system to work harder and use more energy. Use an incense stick to spot air leaks. When it’s windy outside, hold a lit incense stick near your windows, doors, and electrical outlets. If the smoke blows sideways, you’ve got a leak that should be plugged with weather-stripping, caulk, or expandable foam.

·         Use a low-flow showerhead. About 14 percent of your energy bill funds water heating. Low-flow showerheads can minimize water use by up to 50 percent—a helpful change, especially when extended family members visit for the holidays.

Want more ways to save? Take the home energy savings tour and see how little changes add up to big savings at www.TogetherWeSave.com. 

Sources: Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, ENERGY STAR, U.S. Energy Information Administration, Consumer Reports

Madeline Keimig writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives, the national branding program for 700-plus electric cooperatives in the U.S.

Energy Watch: Public Awareness for Energy Emergency

October 30, 2012:  Between 6 pm and 8 pm this evening, the Energy Watch Campaign is asking southcentral Alaska residents to voluntarily reduce their energy consumption. The annual test is aimed at preparing for the the possibility of a problem with delivering natural gas.

Energy Watch is a collaborative effort between the Municipality of Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula Borough, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, and regional utility organizations.

To learn more about the Energy Watch campaign, click HERE.

Mark Your Calendar : HEA's Energy & Conservation Fairs

 

Make plans to attend Homer Electric's Energy and Conservation Fairs hosted next month in Kenai on November 3rd at Kenai Middle School from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and in Homer on November 10th at West Homer Elementary from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The fairs foster an environment for members to seek information, services and products that encourage energy efficiency, conservation, and sustainability – all under one roof! Workshops, demonstrations, and speakers will be on hand with energy solution topics and programs.
This is a family friendly event with children's activities and "Louie the Lightning Bug's Conservation Voyage," complimentary food, giveaways and informational booths. Join us for this annual event!

For more information on the event, go to HEA Energy & Conservation Fair.  To view photos from the event, go to

http://heaenergyconservationfairkenai.shutterfly.com

 

 

 

 

October is National Cooperative Month

Join Homer Electric in celebrating cooperatives in Alaska and across America during National Cooperative Month.

Every October, cooperatives are recognized for the qualities that make the business model unique: local democratic control, commitment to supporting the communities they serve and improving quality of life, special benefits and services, and the return of margins (the co-op term for profits) back to members in the form of capital credits.

Homer Electric is one of more than 900 electric cooperatives, public utility districts and public power districts serving 42 million people in 47 states. Electric cooperatives were formed because rural communities were struggling for lack of investment. Neighbors banded together and lit up the countryside when no one else would. That’s what we celebrate each October.

Energy Efficiency & Conservation Student Contest

 

Homer Electric is  proud to sponsor our 3rd Energy Efficiency & Conservation Student Contest for grades kindergarten through eight. HEA invites students to enhance their skills in science, writing and technology by entering the contest held in conjunction with the 2012 Energy & Conservation Fairs in November. 

The contest categories are:

• Kindergarten, Grade 1 & 2 - Coloring contest
• Grade 3 & 4 - Energy limerick poem
• Grades 5 & 6 - Song lyrics or game
• Grades 7 & 8 - Script for a play/TV show

Entries and registration form should be postmarked no later than October 26, 2012. For more information on contest rules, prizes and to download an entry form, go to HEA Energy Efficiency & Conservation Contest link.  Contact Tanya Lautaret at 283-2305 or tlautaret@homerelectric.com for details.

Generator Safety

Late autumn, winter, and early spring are times when the threat of inclement weather and other unexpected interruptions cause extended power outages. Many of us, including our friends, family and neighbors, have considered purchasing or borrowing portable generators to use in the event of such a power outage.

For the safety of you and your family, along with our field personnel, Homer Electric encourages you to be aware of generator safety and operation.

Generator Connections
Thorough knowledge about residential wiring is a must. The number one concern is to avoid "backfeeding" which is the result of improperly installing the generator and endangers the lives of our line workers and other emergency personnel. A generator must always be grounded before connecting to the building load. The safest thing to do is to consult with a qualified electrician and consider installing a transfer switch.

HEA strongly encourages all residential customers to have a properly licensed electrician install the equipment necessary to connect emergency generators, whether permanently mounted or portable, to their home's electrical system. All installations must meet the National Electrical Code.

For more information on generator safety, view HEA's Home Generator Safety brochure.