PowerHouse News - April 2010
WPL edition - Volume 14, Issue 4
Celebrating Earth Day 2010
Forty years ago this month millions of Americans rallied together to support the protection of our air, land and water - the first Earth Day. In the last couple of decades, energy efficiency joined the Earth Day call-to-action. When we save energy, we protect natural resources. We reduce our demand for natural fuel sources and cut the greenhouse gas emissions from producing power. As an added bonus, saving energy saves you money!
Doing our part
At Alliant Energy, we're committed to finding energy solutions that protect your wallet and the environment. Here are some of our 2009 accomplishments that will have positive impacts for years to come.
What you can do
Energy efficiency plays a big role in the commitment to green living. Here are our top suggestions for saving energy (and saving money):
Discover energy savings for your home or business with an easy online checkup!
Whether managing the budget for your home or a business, you've probably wondered where your energy dollars are going. The answer is just a few mouse clicks away. Alliant Energy's My Home Comfort Check Up and Business Efficiency Check Up online audits pinpoint energy wasters and opportunities to save.
Snapshot report
Give yourself about 30 minutes to complete the audit, see the results, and review suggested changes. You'll need to supply some basic information about your home or business including:
The program generates a snapshot with quick fixes to help you save energy and money right away.
Detailed results
For a more detailed report, you'll need additional information including:
This report will contain specific no-cost to moderately priced projects that you can refer back to and review your progress.
To begin your energy check up, go to alliantenergy.com/mhcc for your home or alliantenergy.com/businesscheckup for your business. (And when you're finished, remember, turn off your computer!)
*Enroll in Your Account (alliantenergy.com/youraccount) to view your usage history, pay your bill online, and more!
Green your spring cleaning
If your home needs a little freshening up after the long winter, there are a few easy steps you can take to "green" your spring cleaning. Almost everything in your home can be cleaned with plain soap, baking soda, and vinegar. These cleaners are inexpensive, biodegradable, non-polluting and are free of harmful chemicals.
Energy-saving spring cleaning tips
Vacuum out your clothes dryer's lint filter cavity and refrigerator coils. You may also need to purchase a long, flexible brush to clean out the dryer lint you cannot reach with your vacuum cleaner attachments. To clean refrigerator coils, unplug your refrigerator, remove the protective plastic grille under the doors, and vacuum coils with a long, narrow nozzle.
When vacuuming behind your entertainment center, install a smart power strip. This device will shut off power to your electronics when they are not turned on, preventing some of the phantom energy loss that can account for five percent of your energy bill. Tip: do not plug your digital video recorder into a smart power strip. You would lose the ability to record programs when you're not watching TV.
Change your furnace filter and vacuum registers and cold air returns monthly.
Recycle your old, burned out CFLs. Do not throw them in the trash - they can be harmful to the environment. Visit earth911.org to find your nearest recycling center.
For more ideas on how to "green" your spring cleaning, visit powerthinkers.com, Alliant Energy's new Web site for green living tips and easy ways to save energy.
Tell us your story
Alliant Energy is looking for Power Thinkers: People who find small ways every day to conserve energy, protect the environment and save money.
If you've had an energy audit, switched to compact fluorescent light bulbs, organized a carpool or started a backyard garden - you're a Power Thinker. We'd like to hear your story and share it with others.
If you've taken advantage of Alliant Energy's cash-back rewards or energy savings, email your story and contact information to: Powerthinkers@alliantenergy.com.
Your story could be featured on the Power Thinkers Web site.
Spring Storm Safety Tips
Along with flowers and warmer weather, spring can bring something that's not as pleasant - the threat of severe weather. Spring thunderstorms and tornadoes can damage entire neighborhoods within minutes and disrupt electrical or natural gas service. Alliant Energy reminds customers to protect yourself and your family when storms strike.
When the weather looks threatening, turn on the radio, TV or computer and find out if there are storms in the area. Storms can arise quickly, leaving little time for preparation. Have an emergency kit that you can grab at a moment's notice. Your kit should include:
During a power outage, keep these safety factors in mind:
For additional storm safety information, visit us online at powerhousetv.com/stormsafety.
Callback feature informs you when power is restored
When you contact Alliant Energy to report an electrical outage, you can request a call back when power is restored!
Whether you report your outage online or by phone, you can request a call back at the phone number of your choice. When you choose this option, you will receive a callback day or night.
To report an outage online, select the Report an Outage quick link on the right side of the alliantenergy.com home page. Or call our Automated Outage Hotline to report your outage by phone:
Program the number into your cell phone for handy reference
Make every day Earth Day
Support renewable energy
We all want to do something positive about the air we breathe, our environment and the planet we leave behind for the next generation. Second Nature, Alliant Energy's voluntary green energy pricing program, provides an easy, low-cost way to support renewable energy.
Alliant Energy electric customers who join Second Nature pay a monthly contribution, which covers the added expense of harvesting the wind, solar and biomass energy used in the program. There is no special equipment to buy and no lifestyle changes needed to participate in the Second Nature program.
Join more than 16,500 Second Nature participants as we work together to support renewable energy and help preserve the environment.
Q&A
Q. How do I know where I can dig in my yard to plant a tree?
A. With warmer weather around the corner, many homeowners are planning their do-it-yourself lawn and garden projects. Customers are reminded to call 811 prior to any digging project to have underground utility lines marked.
You may not realize that damage from digging can cause an underground gas leak, which can lead to other problems. Striking a single line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages.
Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. Installing a mailbox, putting in a fence, building a deck and laying a patio are all examples of digging projects that warrant a call to 811 at least three working days prior to digging.
The One Call Center will notify utilities in the area to mark the location of underground lines on your property. This service is free of charge. Visit call811.com online for more information about 811 and the call-before-you-dig process.
Call us
For 24-hour customer service, call 1-800-ALLIANT (1-800-255-4268)
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