EXAMPLE #1

Think of it like this: You wake up in the morning, turn the washing machine on using *5 kW, start the dishwasher using another *5 kW, and jump in the shower using another *5 kW. Altogether, you demand 15 kW within a 15-minute time frame. To help save on your kW, you can first jump in the shower using 5 kW. Then, once you are done, turn on your washing machine, and as that finishes, run your dishwasher. Doing this, you are only using up 5 kW within a 15-minute time frame. Though it will take longer, you are essentially saving on your demand charge. *(Not accurate measurements, just used for simplified explanation)

EXAMPLE #2

Another way of understanding demand and consumption is with a “filling the bucket” analogy. Suppose you want to fill a 5-gallon bucket with water. You can use an inexpensive hose connection to your sink, providing 1 gallon per minute to do it, and it will take 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for a more expensive, larger faucet that provides 5 gallons per minute; it will fill in just one minute. The flow rate is equivalent to demand, and the 5 gallons of water are equivalent to consumption. In this example, filling both buckets has the same “consumption” but very different “demands.”

Step #1

Adjust your thermostat

• Revisit your thermostat settings each season. Lowering the temperature at night or when no one is home is a simple way to cut costs.
• Use a smart thermostat for even greater savings. It automatically adjusts based on your schedule.
• Check with your utility providers for rebates or discounts on smart thermostat upgrades.

Step #2

Lower water heater temperature

Lower your water heater temperature to save money and reduce the risk of scalding burns. Some water heaters are factory-set to 140 F, but most households only need 120 F.

Step #3

Find and fix energy drains

• Unplug appliances when not in use and fully power down devices like computers or gaming consoles.
• Use a smart power strip to shut off multiple electronics at once and stop energy waste at the source.

Step #4

Check your lighting

• Swap out older bulbs, like incandescent or CFLs, for LEDs. They use less energy and last longer.
• Add dimmers or timers to cut down on wasted electricity.
• Choose LEDs with features like daylight shut-off or motion sensors for outdoor fixtures.

Step #5

Seal leaks

Air leaks can waste 10-20% of your home’s energy each year, but they’re often simple to fix. Here’s where to look and how to seal them.

• Check baseboards, floor edges and wall-to-ceiling joints indoors.
• Focus on where different materials meet outdoors.
• Pay special attention to windows, doors, light fixtures, plumbing and outlets.
• Use caulk for gaps around windows, doors and baseboards.
• Add weatherstripping to doors and operable windows.

Stpe #6

Inspect insulation

Check attic insulation:

• Grab your dust mask and tape measure to check the depth of the insulation. It should be at least 12 inches deep, but you may need more depending on the type and your climate. Check EnergyStar.gov for recommended R-values.
• Spread insulation evenly. Loose-fill or blown-in insulation should be fluffy with even coverage, while rolled batt insulation should fit snugly with no gaps.

Inspect exterior walls:

• Check insulation by turning off the power, removing an outlet cover or switch plate and shining a flashlight into the cavity. Many homes built before the 1960s have little to no insulation, and houses from the 1960s-70s often need more.
• Call a professional to blow in insulation (from the outside or inside) if wall insulation is missing.

Don’t forget the basement:

• Ensure rim joists (the area between the top of the foundation and the underside of the first floor) are well insulated in unfinished basements.
• Insulate the underside of the floor between the joists in crawl spaces.
• Add insulation to pipes and ductwork for an extra efficiency boost.

Stanton County Public Power District (SCPPD) will be conducting a
comprehensive inspection of its
primary underground facilities to ensure the continued reliability and safety of its electrical grid. These inspections are part of the district’s proactive maintenance program and are conducted annually, aimed at identifying potential issues before they affect service to our customers.

Underground power lines are a
crucial component of modern
electrical infrastructure. They offer protection from weather-related damage and improve the aesthetic quality of neighborhoods. However, these lines are also susceptible to various issues, such as corrosion,
cable wear, and rodent damage, which can cause outages or safety hazards if left unchecked. One of the most common hazards identified during the inspection process is the customers’ landscaping around the underground facilities.

Often, the landscaping buries the pad mount transformer or plants, and shrubbery prevents our linemen from being able to access the transformer or meter pedestal. A minimum of 10’ of clearance is required in front of all pad mount transformers and meter pedestals. A minimum of 5’ of
clearance is required around the
remaining sides.

To address these challenges,
SCPPD deploys linemen equipped with a thermal imaging camera that can detect problems that may not be visible to the naked eye. This
technology helps identify
overheating cables, faulty
connections, or deteriorating
insulation, which could potentially lead to power disruptions.

Inspections are scheduled to begin late winter/early spring.

The fuel tank is too close to the meter pedestal.

The customer added too much dirt, which buried underground equipment, and there is not enough clearance from the fencing to the equipment.

This is the warning sticker that is on the front of the pad mount transformers, which illustrates clearance requirements.

A shrub was planted directly in front of the transformer. A minimum of 10’ of clearance is required.

A mower hit and broke the fiberglass pad that the transformer sits on. This allows rodents to enter and potentially cause damage.