A helpful guide to creating a wattsmart home

Transcription

1 Bright A helpful guide to creating a wattsmart home $ $ $ $ $ fan on o auto 78 Let s turn the answers on.

2 We are here to help you be wattsmart How to reach us You know you can depend on us for safe, reliable power. You can also count on us for advice on how to use electricity wisely, keep your energy costs down and stay comfortable. It s what we call being wattsmart. This guide is designed to help you understand your electric bill and where you re probably using the most electricity. We ll also give you wattsmart tips on how to identify energy waste, manage energy use and save on your monthly bill. In addition, we ll describe how to use electricity safely and help you find even more information on all these subjects. We re always available to help our customers or to answer their questions. To contact a customer service representative at Pacific Power, please call us toll free at This is the number to call if you d like to: n Ask questions about your bill n Report downed power lines n Find underground power line locating services before you dig n Request new electric service hook up n Receive information on payment plans On the Internet Check out our website at pacificpower.net. While you re there, you can: n Request new electric service, stop service or transfer to a new address n Update your account information n Pay your bill online or sign up for automatic payments n Sign up for renewable energy n Get information on wattsmart programs and advice to save money En Español-La Linea Si se necesita hablar con un representante que habla español, se llama Su llamada será gratuito. To report a power outage, log on to our website or call toll free at

3 Table of contents How you use electricity...2 Residential energy use...2 Your energy usage worksheet...3 What affects your bill?...5 wattsmart tips...6 Heating and cooling...6 Controlling your thermostat...8 Water heating...9 Lighting...10 Compact fluorescent replacement chart...10 In the kitchen...12 In the laundry room...14 Shopping for appliances...15 Standby power strip...15 While you re out...15 wattsmart programs and cash incentives...16 Energy assistance...17 Weatherization easy energy-saving improvements...18 Insulation...18 Caulking and weatherstripping...19 Energy-efficient windows...21 How to read your electric bill...22 How to read your meter...23 Reliability and dependability...25 Customer Service Guarantees...25 Power quality in your home...26 Common power quality symptoms and causes...26 Power quality checklist...26 Safety tips...27 For more information...28 How you use electricity The first step to wise use of electricity is to understand your energy use and habits. The following chart shows some average usage rates: Residential energy use Approximate average monthly kwh* use: Electric heat Electric heat pump Baseboard/zonal/wall/portable heat Central air conditioning Electric water heater (3 people) Other heat (space, block, etc.) Furnace fan Computer/printer Refrigerator-freezer Freezer Clothes dryer ENERGY STAR refrigerator-freezer ENERGY STAR freezer Electric range/oven Flat-panel television Game system Dishwasher Cable TV set-top box Clothes washer Microwave Coffee maker Lights (per fixture) Energy use can vary greatly according to the age or design of the appliance, the age of your home and the number of occupants. In general, new homes and newer appliances will use less energy. *What is a kwh? **** 17 13**** kwh stands for kilowatt-hour. Electric power is measured in watts, like gasoline is measured in gallons. A kilowatt-hour is 1,000 watts of power used for one hour. One kilowatt-hour will power a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours. **Based on a 1,500 square foot home for a six-month period. Homes differ in usage and figures may be higher than those indicated. ***Based on a family of three. Add 100 kwh for each additional person. 1,460** 1,400** 1,000** ****Heating water for appliance use is included in water heater estimate, but not in dishwasher or clothes washer estimates. 2,200** 2

4 Your energy usage worksheet This worksheet will help you understand where electricity is being used in your home. It is calculated based on a 30-day average usage amount. Please keep in mind that heating and air conditioning costs vary and can account for as much as 50 percent of your energy use during peak seasons, depending on the size of your home, climate, construction, efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment, insulation of your home and family living habits. Please complete the worksheet below by filling in the information related to the items you use in your home. Step one This step outlines appliance usage that does not vary greatly regardless of the number of people in the household. Please add up your kwh at the end of this section and transfer the total to step three. Appliance Electric furnace 25 kw, approximately 3,000 sq. ft. home 20 kw, approximately 2,000 sq. ft. home 15 kw, approximately 1,100 sq. ft. home Electric heat pump 2,000-3,000 sq. ft. home 1,100-2,000 sq. ft. home 800-1,100 sq. ft. home Electric central air 5 ton/60,000 BTU (13 SEER) 3.5 ton/42,000 BTU (13 SEER) 2.5 ton/30,000 BTU (13 SEER) Refrigerator-freezer ENERGY STAR refrigerator-freezer Baseboard/zonal/wall/portable heat 15 hours/day, # linear feet 10 hours/day, # linear feet 1 hours/day, # linear feet Freezer ENERGY STAR freezer Furnace fan Clothes dryer Flat-panel television Electric range/oven Game system Dishwasher Number of appliances in house Average monthly x usage kwh x 3,040 x 2,434 x 1,824 x 1,824 x 1,460 x 1,094 x 824 x 576 x 412 x 44 x 35 x 114 x 76 x 7.6 x 43 x 35 x 102 x 37 x 21 x 23 x 20 x 18 Total Appliance Cable TV set-top box Computer/printer Coffee maker Clothes washer Microwave Lights (per fixture) Number of people in household Costs Total kwh from step one Total kwh from step two Multiply by per kwh cost* Add basic charge* Add other charges* Total monthly billing x 17 x 45 x 10 x 13 x 11 x 6 Total estimate kwh of step one ª Average monthly water heater usage estimate in kwh *This information is located on your electric bill (see area 4 on page 22). You can also call toll free at x + + Total Step two Complete step two only if you have an electric water heater. This step shows the average monthly usage of the electric water heater by size of household. Please circle the usage which applies to the number in your household and enter that usage in step three. Step three This step includes the total from all steps. Number of appliances in house Average monthly x usage kwh Grand totals 3 4

5 What affects your bill? Is anything different? Changes in the weather, your lifestyle and conditions in your home all play a part in determining your electric bill each month. Here are some common reasons your bill may be different from one month to the next or what may cause it to be higher than it could be: Weather conditions n Above average summer heat n Below average winter cold Changes at home n New family member or house guest n Installing additional appliances n A change in your work schedule or habits Weatherization n Inadequate insulation in ceiling, floors and walls n Leaks in heating ducts and lack of duct insulation n Inadequate weather-stripping and caulking around doors and windows n Uninsulated windows and doors n Open fireplace dampers Electric space heating n Leaving doors open to unused rooms n Thermostat not set back at night n Using extra space heaters n Heating systems requiring repairs n Dirty furnace air filters that should be changed Electric water heating n Faucet or water heater leaks n Inefficient showerheads n Uninsulated water pipes n Water heater setting above 140º F Refrigerator n Doors that don t seal properly n Dirty refrigerator coils Other areas n Operating an air conditioner n Heating and operating swimming pools, hot tubs or spas n Using large power tools wattsmart tips Now that you know how you re using electricity and what affects your bill, what can you do to save electricity and money? There are five keys to being wattsmart and managing your energy use: 1. Be aware of how electricity is used in your daily life. 2. Turn it off when it is not needed. 3. Improve the efficiency of your home heating and cooling systems. 4. Keep heat inside during the winter and outside during the summer. 5. Take advantage of Pacific Power s services to help you save. See pages for information on wattsmart programs and cash incentives. This section will help you put these wattsmart ideas to work throughout your home. Heating and cooling Heating tips There are many no-cost or inexpensive ways to save energy with your home s heating system. Here are a few to get you started: n Keeping the temperature a few degrees cooler can lower your heating bill and still keep you comfortable. During the day, keep the thermostat between 6º F and 68º F (18º to 20º C). Consider installing a programmable thermostat to set the thermostat back automatically at night. n Seal heating ducts and insulate those that run through unheated spaces. n Check forced air furnace filters regularly and clean or replace them as needed to keep efficient airflow through the system. n Close fireplace chimney dampers since warm air rises quickly up and out open chimneys. Close your damper as soon as you re certain the fire is completely out. n Drapes can add an extra layer of insulation. Keep your drapes closed at night and on sunny days, open up the drapes and blinds to let in the sun s free heat, especially on the south side. n Don t block registers, baseboards, radiators or cold air returns. Air must circulate through and around them for maximum efficiency. 5 6

6 n If you are installing a new system, consider shopping for a heat pump to increase energy efficiency. Look for the Energy Guide label that contains the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), a measure of efficiency during the cooling season, and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) for the heating season. Look for 14 SEER and 8.2 HSPF or higher. Check for available incentives at bewattsmart.com. Cooling tips Your energy use can go up in warm weather, too. Here are some ways to beat the heat and keep energy costs down: n Maintain 78º F (26º C) or higher if you re still comfortable. The higher you set the thermostat, the less it will operate unnecessarily. n Keep air conditioners clean. Air conditioner filters should be cleaned or replaced once a month during use. n Don t block window air conditioners. Make sure no objects including drapes and furniture are in the path of the air flowing in or out. n If you are home during the day, try to reduce the use of heat producing appliances such as the oven, range, dishwasher, washing machine or dryer. n Don t place lamps or TVs near your air conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, and may cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary. n Install a ceiling fan to circulate air above the area where you spend most of your time. You ll feel like it s five degrees cooler. n Run exhaust fans when you shower or cook to vent warm air. n When shopping for a room air conditioner, look for the EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio). The higher the EER, the more efficient the unit. Professional inspections and system tune-ups Have a professional inspect and tune-up your heating or central air system to help save on operating costs and extend the life of the system. A check-up is recommended every year for heat pumps and every five years for other systems. Controlling your thermostat Thermostats, the gatekeepers for your heating and cooling system, should not be re-adjusted frequently. The more you change the setting during the day, the more likely you are to waste energy. Thermostats should be set and used as follows: n Try setting the thermostat at or below 68º F in the winter and 78º F in the summer. n When heating, turn down your thermostat by 5 to 10 degrees when leaving home for the day and when going to bed. When cooling, turn up the thermostat by 5 to 10 degrees when leaving home for the day. n If appropriate for your heating system, install a programmable thermostat to set your thermostat back automatically at night. If you use it to set-back the temperature by 10 degrees for eight hours every night, you will lower your heating bills by 10 percent. Upgrading your thermostat If your thermostat is not performing, you re probably paying more than you need to and aren t as comfortable as you could be. When purchasing a new thermostat look for one that will work with the type of heating/cooling system you use, is accurate within 1º F to 2º F of its set-point, is easy to read and use and fits your lifestyle. n Baseboard, ceiling cable or wall-mounted electric heat: You will need a line-voltage thermostat. Electronic line-voltage thermostats are more precise than mechanical versions. n Forced air electric furnace: You can choose either a programmable thermostat or a traditional manual unit. A programmable thermostat can be set to raise and lower the temperature at different times according to your schedule. n Heat pump: The intelligent recovery system, used in heat pumps, senses temperatures and automatically calculates how to get the temperature you want. This built-in intelligence makes the room temperature feel right to you and your family. 7 8

7 Water heating Your water heater can be a big energy user in your home. Here are some things you can do to help it run more efficiently: n Fix leaky faucets. A dripping faucet can waste 6 to 10 gallons (23 38 liters) of water a day. Repairs can be as simple and inexpensive as replacing a worn-out washer. n Add energy-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators. They reduce the amount of water released from a tap by up to 50 percent, with almost no noticeable difference in pressure. n Set the water heater temperature at 120º F (49º C). Some dishwashers require the temperature to be slightly higher. Consult your owner s manual for your specific model. Caution: Turn the power off at the circuit breaker before changing the temperature on a water heater! n Insulate hot and cold water pipes. If pipes are exposed beneath your home or in an unheated garage, insulate them with special pipe-insulating foam. This will help keep cold water pipes from freezing and hot water pipes hot. n Take a shower instead of a bath. The average bath uses twice as much hot water as a 5-minute shower. n Turn off faucets immediately after use. n If you are looking for a new water heater, buy one with an energy factor equal to or better than.93 EF for a 50-gallon electric or.62 EF for a 40- to 60-gallon gas model. Lighting You can also reap considerable energy savings by making a few changes to your lighting. n Use energy-efficient LED or CFL bulbs to save on lighting costs. These bulbs far outshine previous lighting technologies when it comes to efficiency, performance and lamp life. Find a list of retailers that offer discounted bulbs at bewattsmart.com. n Keep lights off in unoccupied rooms and turn off lights every time you leave a room for more than a few minutes. n To select the right bulb for your needs, look for the lighting facts label when you shop. It s a quick way to compare brightness (lumens), light appearance (warm to cool) and operating costs. n Clean light bulbs and fixtures since dirt can reduce light output by as much as 10 percent. n Install electronic dimmers in areas where they make sense, like the dining room and bedroom. Most LEDs and CFLs are not compatible with dimmer switches. Please check package labels for specially designed dimmable bulbs. n When working at a desk or work bench, use task lighting. Other lights in the room could be turned off or dimmed. * Compact fluorescent light bulbs contain tiny amounts of mercury so proper disposal is important. Find a local retailer that recycles used CFLs or go to Earth911.com. 9 10

8 Lighting controls Photocells (daylight sensors) If you want lighting on at night for safety reasons, consider photocells (daylight sensors), which automatically turn lights on at dusk and off at dawn. For $10 or less, you can buy a screw-in adapter for either inside or outside lights. Also consider timers if lights only have to be on part of the night. Motion sensors A motion sensor can detect movement in an area and turn on lights. These sensors cost about $25 and are handy for areas like workshops or laundry rooms, where you often have your hands full when coming into the room. The sensors will also turn lights off if they haven t detected motion for a certain period of time, usually three to ten minutes. Timers For indoor lights, consider using timers to turn lights on and off when you re away from home. Plug-in timers cost around $10 or less. Inexpensive wall-switch timers can be used to control lights and fans in bathrooms. Computers and electronics You can save energy by purchasing high-efficiency electronic equipment and turning off units when not needed. n Choose an ENERGY STAR model when purchasing your next TV, computer or other home electronic system. n Shut down your computer and monitor when you re not using them. n Enable your computer s power down or sleep mode feature. n Consider using a laptop or tablet instead of a desktop computer. n Use energy-saving controls and turn video game consoles off when you re done playing. In the kitchen Your kitchen is filled with appliances, large and small. By using them efficiently, the savings can really add up. Refrigerators and freezers n Set the temperature of your refrigerator between 37º F and 40º F and your freezer at 0º F for top efficiency and food safety. n Keep condenser coils clean and unobstructed for maximum energy savings. n Locate your refrigerator or freezer away from heating equipment, heat vents and direct sunlight. Provide adequate clearance above, behind and on the sides for good air circulation. n Clean door gaskets with warm water or a detergent that leaves no residue. A tight-sealing door gasket is critical to the efficiency of your refrigerator. n Keep your refrigerator or freezer full, but do not overload it. Place foods slightly apart on shelves, making sure they do not block the unit s interior air vents. n Cover all liquids stored in the refrigerator. Moisture can be drawn into the air, making the unit work harder. n When shopping for a refrigerator, look for energy-efficient models. Refrigerators built prior to 1990 can use two to three times more energy as a high-efficiency one built today. n Top-freezer models are typically the most efficient. n Features like automatic ice-makers and through-the-door water and ice service add 10 to 25 percent to the cost of operation. n Consider getting rid of your old refrigerator or freezer in your garage or basement

9 Dishwashers Washing and rinsing dishes by hand three times a day uses more hot water and energy than one load a day in an automatic dishwasher. Here are some tips for operating your dishwasher efficiently: n Run your dishwasher only when it is filled to capacity, but not overloaded. n Choose the shortest wash cycle that will clean your dishes, and scrape off food before loading dishes into the dishwasher. n Wait to use your dishwasher until night on hot days. You will avoid adding heat in the house during the hottest time of the day. n When shopping for a dishwasher, look for features that will reduce water use, such as booster heaters and smart controls. Look for ENERGY STAR models. In the laundry room Clothes washer n Wash with warm or cold water rather than hot. Rinse all loads with cold water. n Run full loads. Reduce the water level setting for small loads. n When shopping for a washer, look for the following efficiency features: water level controls, suds-saver features, spin cycle adjustment and large capacity. Choose an energy-efficient model you ll use less energy, water and detergent. Check for available incentives at bewattsmart.com. Clothes dryer n Hang clothes outside when it is sunny. n Clean the lint filter after every load. n Run separate loads for fast and slow-drying clothes. n When purchasing a new dryer, look for humidity or moisture drying control, which can reduce costs by 10 to 15 percent. Tumble action reverses the spin direction during the cycle and dries clothes 10 percent faster. Cooking appliances n If you have both a large and a small oven, use the smaller one whenever possible. n Consider using a microwave oven, grill or toaster/broiler instead of the oven. n Cook by time and temperature. Precise timing eliminates repeated opening of the oven door to check on cooking progress. Each time the door is opened, the temperature drops 25º F to 50º F. n Use a slow cooker or crockpot to cook stews and single-dish meals. n When shopping for a new oven, consider a convection oven. These ovens are usually more efficient than conventional ovens because heated air is continuously circulated to reduce the required temperature and cooking times. Self-cleaning ovens are also a good choice because they have more insulation, hold heat better and cost less to use

10 Shopping for appliances Most major appliances come with Energy Guide labels to help you compare the energy use of models and brands you re considering. You can use these estimates to decide which model is right for you. Also check for the ENERGY STAR logo from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ENERGY STAR qualified appliances exceed existing federal efficiency standards. Learn more about ENERGY STAR at energystar.gov. Unplug the thug with standby power strips Chances are standby power is costing you money. Estimates show that 5 percent of electricity used in the United States goes to standby power. You could be making a big step towards energy and money savings by plugging electronics like computers, printers, faxes, televisions and cell phone chargers into a power strip that can be turned off when your electronics are not in use or are fully charged. New smart power strips make saving money and energy easier by sensing when your electronics are idle and cutting off the power flow to them. Devices like the WattStopper and the Smart Strip Power Strip can be ordered online. While you re out Even when you re away, your home is still using electricity. If you are leaving for more than a few days, here are some things you can do to keep energy use down: n When heating, lower your thermostat to 50º F to 60º F. Lower than 50º F you run the risk of frozen pipes in cold weather. When cooling, turn your thermostat up to 80º F to 85º F. n Turn off your water heater if you ll be away for more than three days. Turn an electric water heater off at the circuit breaker panel, or set a gas heater to pilot or low. n Unplug electrical equipment such as TVs, DVD players and computers, because they can draw power even when not in use. 15

11 Weatherization easy energy-saving improvements You may want to consider tackling some of the easier, more inexpensive energy-saving projects around the house. Most local building supply stores stock a variety of insulation, caulking and weatherstripping products. Little energy-efficiency upgrades can add up to big energy savings and increased comfort. Insulation Besides reducing energy loss, proper insulation increases comfort levels by reducing drafts and keeping temperatures more constant throughout your home. Getting started The most important areas in your home to insulate are the attic, floors and walls. Here s what you ll need to know to get the job done: n Decide whether you want to do the insulation work yourself or hire a contractor. Take into consideration that some insulation jobs are easier than others. n If you do the job yourself, follow installation instructions carefully and adhere to proper safety precautions. n If you d like a contractor to do the work, make sure you get several bids. Only hire a licensed, bonded contractor. n Decide what type of insulation you need. This will depend on the area you are insulating. n When purchasing insulation, check the R-value. The higher the number the higher the insulating capability. You can ask a knowledgeable salesperson to help determine the R-value of insulation you need. Recommended insulation R-values: Attics Floors Walls R-38 or greater R-30 or greater R-13 or fill cavity 18

12 Caulking and weatherstripping In addition to inadequate insulation, air leaks are among the largest sources of energy loss in many homes. It pays to find and seal leaks with caulking and weatherstripping. How and where to check for cracks Check your home for hidden air leaks by using a damp hand to detect air movement. Close all doors, windows and fireplace flues and turn off all ventilating fans to make the air leaks easier to locate. The most common places leaks occur are: n Around doors, pocket doors and windows n Behind electric outlets and switches, especially on exterior walls n Through plumbing and electrical penetrations of walls, floors and ceilings n Around recessed lighting and ceiling fans n Along attic access hatches and vertical chaseways leading to attics n Along chimney penetrations through insulated ceilings and exterior walls n Along sill plates and band joists at the tops of foundation walls How to seal air leaks The best way to fix an air leak depends on its size and location. n Caulking: Caulk is usually used on windows and window frames and most effective on gaps less than ¼ wide. Look for caulks that will remain flexible over a 20-year period. If it will be visible, choose a tinted caulk or one that can be painted. n Expanding foam sealant: Foam sealants are usually used on sill plates, chimney penetrations and plumbing and electrical penetrations. If there are large cracks and holes shielded from sunlight and moisture, try expanding foam sealant to fill them. This needs to be added before you insulate. Please buy only products listed as ozone-safe. n Backer rod or crack filler: Backer rod, or crack filler, is flexible foam material sold in long coils, with a variety of diameters available. It can be used to seal large cracks or provide backing in deep cracks to be sealed with standard caulking. n Weatherstripping: Depending on the type of windows and doors you have, you may need spring metal, rolled vinyl or adhesive-backed weatherstripping. Weatherstripping can be purchased by the foot or in kit form

13 Energy-efficient windows A home s heat loss also occurs through the windows. Because they can be expensive to install, new windows are often not considered cost-effective weatherization improvements. If your windows have any of the problems listed below, however, you could save energy by replacing them. n Glass panes are cracked n Frames or seals are damaged n Wood is rotten n Putty is missing n Sashes fit poorly n You can feel the cold or drafts when you are next to them Buy the right window Windows are rated by a U-factor, which indicates the window s insulating ability. When considering replacement windows look for ENERGY STAR qualified windows or those with a U-factor of.30 or lower. The lower the number, the better the window is at preventing the transmission of heat. Storm windows can improve the efficiency of existing singlepane windows but aren t as effective as windows meeting current code standards. Other window tips For a temporary but quick fix, you can purchase storm-window kits consisting of plastic film you tape to the inside of your windows. The kits are available at most hardware stores for $6 to $10 per window. They usually last for one to three years. Finally, you can reduce heat loss through windows by installing insulated curtains or drapes on a window s interior. They help keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer. How to read your electric bill Here s a key to help you find information on your monthly bill. 1 Call us. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 2 See your energy use at a glance your current bill is the sum of your electricity charges and optional charges. 3 Dates and number of days included in your most recent billing period. 4 Here are your current monthly charges, all itemized. 5 Securely pay your bill online at pacificpower.net or mail this stub with your payment in the envelope provided. It shows your payment due date and the amount you owe and provides a place to show the amount you paid. When mailing, please make sure our address Apr 22, 2006 May 25, 2006 May 12, 2006 shows through the return window. 6 Your account number right up front and easy to find. 7 The energy usage comparison chart will help your conservation efforts by showing how much energy you used during the present month as compared to the past 12 months. It also shows an average temperature comparison. 8 Current meter read less previous meter read equals the total kilowatt-hours consumed for the billing period. 9 The latest information and special offers from Pacific Power May 26, 2006 Jun 16, MAY 2006 MAY 2005 Jun 16,

14 How to read your meter Try reading your own meter To determine kwh used, simply subtract the previous day meter reading from the present reading. Start at the bottom of the page. Reading your meter can help you find out when you use the most energy. Record this information and you ll be able to make changes that can save you money. These simple steps show you how: n It s best to read your meter about the same time each day so that you are comparing equal periods. This gives you a true idea of your daily usage. n Many of our customers have a digital meter (pictured at right). To read a digital meter simply read it from left to right, just like reading a car odometer, to track your usage. The digital meter keeps a running total of electricity usage like a car odometer tracks miles. When your digital meter flashes all 8s it is performing a normal self-test function. n If you have an analog meter (pictured at left) read the dials from right to left. When the dial is between two numbers, choose the smaller number. If the dial appears to be directly on a number ( 6 for example), look at the dial to the right. If that dial has passed 0, 6 is the correct reading. If it has not passed zero, 5 is the correct reading. n Now read the number back left to right. In the example, the correct reading is n To determine the number of kilowatt-hours (kwh) used in the last 24-hour period, subtract the last day s meter total from the current day s reading. n Keep a daily record of readings using the table provided on page 24 and you ll know which days your home uses the most energy. You then can evaluate your activities and habits to lower energy use. For Example Day 2 Day 1 June 13 June Day 31 Day 30 Day 29 Day 28 Day 27 Day 26 Day 25 Day 24 Day 23 Day 22 Day 21 Day 20 Day 19 Day 18 Day 17 Day 16 Day 15 Day 14 Day 13 Day 12 Day 11 Day 10 Day 9 Day 8 Day 7 Day 6 Day 5 Day 4 Day 3 Day 2 Day 1 Start here Date Meter reading kwh used 23 24

15 Reliability and dependability Customer Service Guarantees We re focused on giving you our best, so we back our work with Customer Service Guarantees. If for some reason we can t live up to our guarantees, we ll pay you. Our guarantees apply to: n Restoring your power n Appointments n Switching on power n Estimates for new power supply n Billing questions n Meter problems n Planned interruptions To find out more, visit pacificpower.net/guarantees. Power quality in your home Protect your home s wiring and electronics We do all we can to deliver safe, dependable power to your home. But due to a number of factors inside and outside your home, the voltage of your electric service will vary slightly. While most of the time you won t even notice these voltage variations, today s sophisticated electronic equipment can be very sensitive to even small, split-second fluctuations. Power fluctuations are nearly impossible to eliminate, but you can take a few simple preventive steps to help minimize the effects of these disturbances on your appliances and electronics. Causes of power quality problems n Inadequate or poor wiring n Switching on heavy equipment, air conditioners, copiers, power tools; or smaller equipment such as pencil sharpeners, and coffee pots n Loss of power due to weather, accidents involving power lines, blown fuses, utility equipment operation Here are some ways to help look for the source of disturbance. The majority of them occur as a result of a home s wiring. 1. Check wiring and grounding. 2. Move your equipment to a dedicated circuit. Avoid putting sensitive devices like personal computers, modems and DVD players on the same circuit as printers, copiers, furnaces, air conditioners and kitchen appliances. 3. Keep track of disturbances. If disturbances happen, write down the date, time, duration and a description of what occurs. This will help you and us track down the cause. 4. Install a quality surge protector or uninterruptible power supply (UPS). You may also consider main circuit panel protection. For more information on power quality and the right type of protection for your equipment, visit pacificpower.net/protectequipment

16 Safety tips Common sense is important in using electricity safely. Here are some tips to remember. Safety indoors n Replace or repair an appliance if the cord is frayed. n Keep appliances away from water and always make sure your hands are dry when using them. n Use extension cords wisely. Never exceed the cord s load rating. If the cord or its end plugs become hot, unplug the cord immediately and use a heavier cord. Safety outdoors n Look up! Always check for overhead power lines before you climb a ladder, climb a tree, do any work on your roof, install an antenna, etc. FOLLOW THE TEN-FOOT RULE! Always keep yourself and anything you are in contact with at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. n Call before you dig. Before digging holes 12 inches or deeper for planting trees, laying irrigation pipe or setting fence posts, call 811 or your local utility locating service at least 48 hours in advance to locate underground utility lines. n Never touch a downed power line or anything it s resting on. Call us immediately to report the line and keep others away. For more information You can look to these resources for additional information on energy use: U.S. Department of Energy ENERGY STAR Home Energy Saver hes.lbl.gov American Council For An Energy-Efficient Economy Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency National Energy Foundation Energy Trust of Oregon For more information on staying safe around electricity, call for a copy of our Electricity 101 booklet. You can also visit pacificpower.net/safety

17 pacificpower.net 10/ Pacific Power Let s turn the answers on.