Mar 19, 2021 | Community Involvement
Mike Bezick’s day-to-day routine as a journeyman, doesn’t normally include helping a stranded customer. But one cold day this winter, that’s exactly what he did.
As Mike drove back to our Lehigh Service Center during a fresh snowstorm, he discovered a vehicle that slid off the roadway into a tree. Mike stopped to see how he could help.
After assessing the situation, he confirmed the driver was conscious but recognized he could not exit his vehicle. The tree was blocking the drivers’ door. Mike, concerned for his safety, immediately called 911 to report the accident. Then he stayed with the driver, keeping him calm, until the emergency responders arrived.
Our employees are always willing to offer a helping hand, whether that means volunteering in their local communities, or stopping at the scene of an accident. Mike embodies our corporate values. And we’re proud of the courage and kindness he displayed as he helped a customer in need.
Mar 11, 2021 | Reliability
We’re committed to investing in innovative solutions to deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy services to our customers.
Here’s the latest example:
We began piloting Dynamic Line Rating technology to get real-time information on conditions that affect transmission line performance – like wind speed and line temperature. We can use this information to increase the amount of electricity that is delivered over existing lines. This helps us make the most out of our current lines and more precisely identify when lines need to be replaced, which keeps rates affordable for customers.
We recently installed sensors on our Juniata-Cumberland and Harwood-Susquehanna 230kV lines, and we’re actively working on our next installations.
“We are leading the way in our operating region with this technology, and I couldn’t be more excited about how we are using it to improve reliability and decrease cost,” said senior engineer Eric Rosenberger.
Stay tuned for updates on our use of Dynamic Line Rating technology and other innovative investments so we can continue delivering safe, reliable and cost-effective solutions for you.
Feb 26, 2021 | Energy Efficiency
Curb appeal can help sell houses, but did you know your landscaping also can improve your home’s comfort and reduce your energy bills year-round?
On average, a well-designed landscape saves enough energy to pay for itself in less than eight years. Appropriately placed trees, shrubs, fences and other landscaping features require less maintenance, reduce water use, cut heating and cooling costs, reduce the toll on your house from wind and sun, and lower noise and air pollution.
While our part of the country is classified as a cool region, leaving us concerned with harsh winters, it’s important to consider the climate immediately surrounding your home, called a microclimate, which could be sunnier, windier or wetter than the region’s climate. That would affect your landscaping choices.
A windbreak is usually made up of one or more rows of trees or shrubs that provide shelter from the wind and protect soil from erosion. They can protect your home from winter winds by lowering the wind chill near your house. Windbreaks also create dead air space to insulate your home in winter and summer. For maximum protection, plant a windbreak at a distance from your home of two to five times the mature height of the trees you select. One study found that planting windbreaks to the north, east and west of your house cuts fuel consumption by an average of 40%.
Trees also protect your home from the heat. Deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in the fall, protect your house from the sun but let in light in the winter. Evergreen trees and shrubs provide continuous shade, so be careful not to plant them too close to the south side of your house or you’ll lose the warmth of the winter sun.
It’s also important to think about the watering needs of your landscaping. Choose plants that require less water, and always water in the morning when evaporation rates are low. Mulching will help reduce evaporation while cutting back on your weeding chores.
As you survey your lawn and garden this spring, think beyond what flowers to put in the planters and consider how properly placed trees, shrubs and plants can save on your utility bills and put some green back in your pocket.
Feb 26, 2021 | Energy Efficiency
Whether it’s an old farmhouse or brand-new construction, your house can develop air leaks over time. That allows heat to escape, which increases your electric bill.
In fact, most existing homes have so many air leaks that it’s like having a window open at all times. Sealing the leaks could save an average of 15% on your heating and cooling costs, but you have to know where to find them first.
Become your own in-house energy detective and start hunting for leaks with this checklist.
On the outside of your house, check for gaps or cracks where different building materials meet. Siding and chimneys, the foundation and brick or siding are often at fault. Also check exterior corners and outdoor faucets.
On the inside, check for cracks and gaps. That includes door and window frames, electrical outlets, switch plates, baseboards, fireplace dampers, wall-mounted air conditioners, attic hatches and recessed lighting, and areas where dryer vents, cable and phone lines pass through walls.
Perform a flashlight test. Pick a likely drafty spot, such as an exterior door. Ask someone to shine a flashlight through potential gaps from inside when it’s dark outside. Stay outside and see if light seeps through. Then, plug the gaps.
Take the dollar-bill test. Shut a door or window on a dollar bill. If you can easily pull it out, you probably have an air leak.
Try the paper test. Hold a piece of paper where there might be a leak, such as around an electrical outlet or window frame. The paper will move if there’s a draft.
Check insulation. Properly insulated walls help keep the warmth inside your home. Energy.gov offers a detailed list of how to evaluate your insulation and determine if it needs to be improved.
If you discovered any air leaks, the next step is to seal them. When gaps are less than a quarter inch wide, and located between stationary building components and materials, caulking is your best bet.
Use weatherstripping for components that move, such as doors and windows. Be sure to choose the weatherstripping that will withstand the friction, weather and temperature changes associated with its location.
Spending the time to find and repair air leaks will make your home more comfortable and save you energy and money.
Feb 24, 2021 | Energy Efficiency
It’s been a whole year since the pandemic shifted our daily activities, interactions, and the way we work and attend school. We have some tried–and–true tips that will help you save energy and money no matter how much longer we’re all staying safe at home.
In the kitchen
Here are a few of our favorite ENERGY STAR® tips, to help you save energy as you prepare those delicious home-cooked meals.
Let there be light: Make sure all your light fixtures have LEDs, which use less energy and last much longer than traditional bulbs. And here’s an easy one: When you leave the kitchen, turn off the lights.
Clear the vents: Make sure all your air registers or floor vents are clear of furniture so the air can circulate freely. If your home has radiators, place heat-resistant reflectors between the radiators and walls.
Scrape to save: You can save water by scraping your dishes clean instead of rinsing them before placing them in the dishwasher. And, only run the dishwasher when it’s full.
Flip the fridge: Older refrigerators can use 20% more energy than ENERGY STAR® certified models. So, if your fridge is a relic, consider an upgrade. Also, if you have an old refrigerator running in the garage or basement, think about making a change.
Fix those faucets: Hot water leaking at a rate of one drop per second can waste up to $35 in electricity per year. Plus, leaks obviously waste water and, let’s be honest, can be annoying. Fix those faucets and save!
Electronics
Taking these simple steps to make your home more energy efficient can save you money whether you’re working from home or back to business as usual.
Screensaver = energy waster. Your computer and monitor are still fully powered when a screen saver turns on. Save energy by enabling sleep mode on these devices or shut them down when you’re not using them.
Use power strips. Household electronics tend to draw small amounts of power when they’re on standby mode. Power strips make it easy to power down your workstation with the flip of a switch. Smart power strips sense and cut power when electronics go into standby mode. It’s a small investment that could save you money in the long run.
Let the light in. Keep the blinds and curtains in your home open. Letting more sun in will help keep your home warm so your heating system doesn’t have to work quite as hard. Plus, natural light from your windows is great for all those video calls. 
For more energy saving tips, visit savewithppl.com
