Programmable thermostat too complicated? Get a new one

By: Energy Efficiency Program Manager Cory Fuehrer

By: Energy Efficiency Program Manager Cory Fuehrer

By: NPPD Energy Efficiency Program Manager Cory Fuehrer As a Cornhusker, we love being top-ranked in the nation. However, there’s top ranking we need to be very concerned about: As per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) 2023 report, Nebraska ranks third in the country for radon prevalence, with about 59% of the more than 8,500 radon tests in the state exceeding the EPA's action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Nebraska’s average radon level was 6.0 pCi/L. After smoking, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and is responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths annually. What is radon? It is an element and naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium, thorium, or radium breaks down in soil, rocks and water. Since the air pressure inside is usually lower than pressure in the soil around our homes, offices, schools and other buildings, it enters through cracks in floors, walls and construction joints, as well as through gaps around service pipes, electrical wires and sump pits. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Radon levels are usually highest in the basement or crawl space. Levels tend to be higher in the winter than in the summer. They can also spike during heavy wind, rain, or snowy weather. It’s easy to test your home’s radon levels. You can hire a professional tester or do it yourself with a kit you buy at a hardware store or online. Start by contacting the Nebraska Radon Program at (402) 471-0594 or visit www.dhhs.ne.gov/radon. If radon levels in your home are high, you can take steps to lower them. The most common and effective method is to have an active vent pipe system installed, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. A small but efficient fan operates continuously to reduce radon levels 50 to 99%. Fortunately, Nebraska’s ranks fifth in the nation for lowest residential electric rates (12.13¢ per kilowatt-hour). That means the small fan costs less than $3 per month to operate. It’s a small price for safety and well-being! If you have an active system, you should check on a regular basis to make sure the system is working correctly. Most active systems have a manometer, which confirms proper operation. While fans may last for five years or more — manufacturer warranties tend not to exceed five years. At some point, they will require repair or replacement. The EPA has designated January as National Radon Action Month, a time to raise awareness about radon and promote testing and mitigation. If you’d like more information about radon and what can be done to mitigate it, check out this EPA guidance, “A consumer’s guide to Radon Reduction”. In partnership with Nebraska Public Power District, Southwest Public Power District is dedicated to providing the electricity needed to maintain your home or business safely, effectively and efficiently. To identify additional ways you can become “EnergyWise”, contact Southwest Public Power District or visit www.energywisenebraska.com.

Southwest Public Power District will be closed Wednesday, January 1st, 2025, in observance of New Year’s Day. Normal business hours will resume Thursday, January 2nd, 2025. If you need assistance, please call (308)285-3295 to speak with an on-call representative.

Southwest Public Power District will be closed Wednesday, December 25th, in observance of Christmas. Normal business hours will resume Thursday, December 26th. If you need assistance, please call (308)285-3295 to speak with an on-call representative.

By: NPPD Energy Efficiency Program Manager Cory Fuehrer If you’ve ever lived through a few Nebraska winters in an old house with single-pane windows, you’ve likely observed the exquisite and ornate artwork by “Jack Frost”. Painted overnight, this left-behind artistry of frosty, fern-like patterns seemed to magically appear on the interior side of windows on the coldest of winter mornings. Window frost has become far less prevalent in current times due to the advancement of double-glazing. These designs may be pretty, but they’re not something you should be happy to see! Rather, it’s a warning that your home is literally losing heat right out the window. While window replacement may be the best solution in the long run, it’s usually the most expensive. If new windows aren’t in the budget, here are a few suggestions that come with a lower price tag: Storm windows If you’re still in a home that only has single-pane windows, give strong consideration to installing storm windows. This will cut the transfer of heat through your single panes in half. While acrylic or plexiglass units may cost as little as $80 per window, expect to pay $125 to $415 per replacement, plus $30 to $80 per hour for professional installation. Window insulation kits If storm windows are still outside of your budget or if your double-pane windows seem drafty on cold, windy days, install window insulation kits. Mounted on the interior or exterior, per window costs start around $6 and can usually be self-installed. Though you won’t be able to open your window until it’s removed, it effectively seals the window and stops air leaks. Insulated Shades According to the U.S. Department of Energy, insulated cellular shades are typically considered to have the highest R-values of all window coverings. The air pockets in the honeycomb cross-sections act as insulators, increasing the R-value and reducing the conduction of heat through the window. During the heating season, tightly installed cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by 40% or more. While high-end models may cost as much as $250 per window, less-expensive models that are just as efficient start around $25. Caulking/sealing Collectively, air leaks from and around windows can contribute up to 30% of a home's heating needs. Obviously, sealing these leaks provides huge energy savings! Homeowners generally pay about $50 per average-size, double-hung window to be professionally caulked. However, many find this project easy enough to do themselves. In that case, the average window will require a little less than a tube of silicone-based caulk at a cost starting around $9. Especially in older homes, the gaps between the window frame and window cavity were not properly sealed during installation. While “retro sealing” requires removal of the interior trim, low expansion foam does not distort or bow window and door frames when applied properly and provides an exceptional seal. Costs range from $1.25 to $4 per linear foot when hiring a professional, while a Do-It-Yourself project could cost as little as $0.05 to $0.20 per linear foot. Locks and latches Here’s the simplest, least expensive way to increase window efficiency: use the sash locks or latches. For double-hung and sliding windows, this tightens the sashes together. With casement windows, the sash is tightened into the frame. Either way, air leakage is reduced or eliminated. If your windows don’t have sash locks, most hardware stores offer them at prices starting around $15. Southwest Public Power District, in partnership with Nebraska Public Power District, wants to help you keep warm this winter season as effectively and efficiently as possible. To find additional ways to save energy every day, contact Southwest Public Power District or visit www.energywisenebraska.com.

If you’ve always wanted a fireplace but never needed the hassle, it could be time to buy an electric version. Electric fireplaces can help heat a room and add a bit of ambience. And they look much nicer than a simple space heater. Because electric fireplaces require only floor space and a power outlet, they’re a great option for apartments or condos. If you’re in the mood for faux fire, consider: • If you move frequently, an electric fireplace could be a good investment. Most are portable and are relatively easy to move. • The look of the “flames” in an electric fireplace is much more natural than it used to be. Still, don’t expect too much. The “fire” is created by special light bulbs that simulate flickering flames, but even fireplace sales reps say there’s no comparison with the real deal. • That said, manufacturers have come up with some artful designs using light, glass, rocks and other elements. Even if the fire doesn’t look authentic, the fireplace is a conversation starter and can be mesmerizing.

Effective January 1, 2025, Southwest Public Power District will implement an overall 2.4% rate increase to the customers of the District. During the Southwest Public Power District board meeting held on November 20th, 2024, management with help from a third-party rate consultant, presented to the Board of Directors a current Cost of Service study. The Board of Directors reviewed the study and approved the new retail rates as recommended by management. Over the past 12 years, SWPPD customers have received safe and reliable electricity without experiencing an overall annual customer rate increase in energy usage. In fact, since 2019, a Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) credit has been passed through from our energy provider making kilowatt hour (kWh) rates even cheaper than they were twelve years ago. Aside from a customer charge increase on single phase service in 2022, this will be the first increase in kWh usage since 2013. Over this same period of time, inflation has risen by 33% with the majority of these increases coming in the past 4 years. Since 2022, we have seen an increase of between 30% to more than 100% in the costs of material items such as wire and transformers. We are also forced to keep more material on hand since it is taking longer to acquire those materials. These increases are the driving force that continues to pressure the District to maintain our financial integrity while at the same time, supporting the necessary maintenance and upgrades of the electric plant. Some projects have even been delayed in an effort to reduce costs, but that is proving to be only a short-term fix. A recent study from Cooperative Electric Energy Utility Supply Inc (CEEUS) shows that over the last 4 years, transformers are 99% more expensive today. Conductor has increased 62% while crossarms and poles cost over 103% more today. . Southwest Public Power District has been able to cope with rising inflation and expenses while still maintaining rates well below the national average. This has been accomplished by an extremely good working relationship between the employees of SWPPD and the Board of Directors keeping well informed and making sound educated business decisions in an effort to maintain the primary purpose for the establishment of SWPPD: to bring safe-dependable-affordable power to our customers. Although no one likes to see the cost of their utilities increase, it is crucial for SWPPD to continue to meet our financial goals and provide you with safe and reliable electricity. The new rates can be viewed on our website at www.swppd.com/rates-payment. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (308)285-3295.

You may have heard that you can extend the freshness of your Christmas tree by mixing bleach, aspirin, soda, syrup or vinegar to the water in the tree holder. If you tried it, you mostly likely found out those remedies simply don’t work. Tree experts say it’s an urban myth that any of those things feed the tree, kill mold that might grow around its base, help it absorb water or simply make it last longer. Adding acidity to the water with soda doesn’t help the tree take in moisture. Sugar acts as a nutrient; in fact, the tree doesn’t need food. It just needs water. And sugar can cause bacteria to grow in the water and make it smell bad. Although some believe bleach may help prevent bacteria like mold, it’s more likely to kill the plant tissue with its hydrochloric acid. The best way to keep your tree healthy and smelling good is to make a fresh cut on the tree trunk right before you dunk it into a tree stand filled with fresh water. Check the water daily to make sure the cut is covered and never exposed to air. Once it’s exposed to air, the trunk will start forming a cap that will prevent the tree from soaking up the water it needs to last all season.