Scam calls
Power Districts across Nebraska encourage awareness of scam calls.
Over the years, we continue to hear about customers being threatened, and taken advantage of by scammers. All Public Power Districts are aware of the problem and continue to warn citizens. Customers report that these calls usually include demand of payment or the power will be shut off immediately. We do not operate that way.
SCPPD has procedures in place for collecting on past due accounts. You would received written notice first, including information on the outstanding balance and service disconnect date. If disconnect for non-payment is imminent, we will attempt one courtesy call to notify you and try to collect payment or set up payment arrangements to avoid service interruption. The method of payment is up to you. You would still be able to come to the office to drop it off or pay online using your SmartHub app. The courtesy call from SCPPD will come from our staff only: Colleen, Jennifer or Julie.
If you receive a call demanding payment and do not recognize the caller or feel any doubt at all; HANG UP with the caller, and call the office directly to speak to someone about your bill and account status.
Scammers want your money, and they will use any means to trick you into giving it or providing sensitive information so they can take it. They create a sense of urgency or heightened emotional state by making threats such as shut off, IRS audits, imminent arrest, or even child abduction to get you to give them money. Don’t let it happen to you!
Summer Efficiency
As temperatures begin to spike, there are steps you can take to save money on energy bills this summer.
According to the Department of Energy, a typical home uses a whopping 48 percent of energy expenditures just on the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) system. Although a majority of that 48 percent is spent on heating expenses, Americans still spend $29 billion every year to power their air conditioners.
Aside from replacing your central air conditioner with a newer, higher-efficiency model, there are some things you can do to increase efficiency, which can help reduce your energy bills.
Besides weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors in your home (always a good idea regardless of the time of year), Safe Electricity offers the following:
Close curtains, blinds and shades during the day.
Consider installing a programmable thermostat.
Clean the filter and get your unit inspected.
Get a pre-season check up for your system.
Ventilate the attic and check insulation.
Consider changes to your landscaping to add shade.
Make sure your outdoor condenser unit is clean.
Use your clothes dryer and oven during the cooler parts of the day.
Grain Bins
Are you considering building a new grain bin?
Please call the Stanton County Public Power District office to discuss your plans with our Operations Manager. The National Electrical Safety Code sets minimum clearances around grain bins. It requires that any high voltage power lines (over 600 volts) be 18.5 feet above the highest point on a grain been.
Additionally, the Code sets the minimum distance that power lines must be from grain bins, depending on the bin’s height. For instance, a bin that is 15 feet tall must be at least 55 feet from the power lines on it’s loading side, and a bin that is 50 feet tall must be at least 143 feet from power lines on their loading sides, respectively.
New Employee
We would like to officially welcome Korbin Voecks to our team! Korbin has completed the Utility Line Program through Northeast Community College as well as a summer internship with us here at SCPPD. Korbin is a 2020 graduate of Stanton High School. He is the son of Kyle and Tonya Voecks, he has a sister and two brothers and is currently living here in Stanton. It is great to have him as a member of our PPD family!