One Grand St. Coldwater, MI

Transcription

1 BETWEEN THE LINES Dec., 2014 Volume 6, Issue 4 Coldwater Board of Public Utilities COLDWATER MICHIGAN 1861

2 BETWEEN THE LINES QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER The City of Coldwater and Coldwater Board of Public Utilities present Between the Lines, an informative newsletter. Inside you will find news about upcoming events, current projects, local programs/incentives and much more! Any comments or suggestions for the newsletter, please direct to One Grand St. Coldwater, MI DATES TO REMEMBER Dec. 6 Dec Dec. 31-Jan. 1 Jan. 24 Hometown Holidays Parade City & CBPU Offices Closed (Holidays) City & CBPU Offices Closed (New Years) Ice Fest COLDWATER RECREATION Health & Wellness Senior Fitness Cardiocircuit Pilates Joggyoga Special Events Mom/Son Dance Euchre Tournament Sports Youth USTA tennis League Competitive Basketball Recreation Basketball Futsal (Indoor Soccer) Indoor Kickball Dodgeball Indoor Floor Hockey Baseball/Softball Camp Tiny Tots All Sports Sports Performance Camp Recreational Activities Early Release Wednesday Activities Yoga Yoga Relax & Renew Circuit Blast Mom/Son Dance Euchre Tournament Adult Tennis League Volleyball Men s Basketball Floor Hockey Drop-in Soccer HEALTH & WELLNESS SPECIAL EVENTS SPORTS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

3 FROZEN WATER PIPES PREPARATION & PREVENTION Frozen water pipes are not life threatening. However, frozen or broken water pipes do cause damage to homes each winter. If pipes in the walls are not properly insulated, they can freeze and rupture (an eighth-of-an-inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water per day; soaking floors, rugs and furniture). In order to prevent the mess and aggravation frozen pipes cause, one can practice the following steps: Before Cold Weather Locate and insulate pipes that are most susceptible to freezing. These pipes are typically near outer walls, crawl spaces or attics. Wrap pipes with heat tape (UL approved). Seal any leaks that allow cold air inside where pipes are located. Disconnect garden hoses as well as shutting off and draining the water from pipes leading to outside faucets. When it s Cold Let hot and cold water trickle at night from a faucet on an outside wall. Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to reach un-insulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an outer wall. Make sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees. If you plan on going away: (1) have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat is still on to prevent freezing, or (2) drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinkler systems). If Pipes Freeze Make sure you and your family know how to shut off the water in case pipes burst. Stopping the flow of water can minimize the damage to your home. Call a plumber and contact your insurance agent. Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame torch. Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water. If you cannot determine the cause of loss of water pressure during freezing conditions, call the CBPU s water department at (517) between 8am 4pm (M-F). The water service may be frozen underground at the street during prolonged periods of cold weather, especially if there is little snow cover. In this case, the CBPU will make arrangements to thaw the water service. COMPLETE PROTECTION PLAN TAKE COMFORT WITH BEING PREPARED Looking for a Unique Gift for a Loved One This Year? How about a Home Warranty Plan from the CBPU? The CBPU has partnered with Complete Appliance Protection (CP) to design a discounted no deductible Appliance Warranty Program specifically for anyone that is currently a CBPU electric customer. What makes Complete Protection unique to other companies is that they protect everything within the sheet metal skin of the appliance. Whether it is the rack in the dishwasher, the tank in the water heater or the ice maker in your refrigerator, Complete Protection protects every part giving you or your loved ones peace of mind. Complete Protection does not have exclusions for pre-existing conditions, rust, age or lack of maintenance. For one low monthly fee Complete Protection will repair and maintain your appliances, regardless of their age. Kitchen / Laundry $27 Protects the washer, dryer, cook top, oven, dishwasher and refrigerator. Full House $39.95 Protects the washer, dryer, cook top, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, furnace, air conditioner and water heater. Full House Plus $51 Protects the washer, dryer, cook top, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, furnace, air conditioner, water heater, electrical wiring and inbound water pipes. To enroll or get more information in CBPU s Complete Protection Appliance Protection Program plans, call us at

4 COMBINED HEAT & POWER PROJECT CONSTRUCTION UPDATE Progress continues with the construction of the CBPU s future natural gas-fueled generation asset on N. Fillmore Rd. The new plant will be able to produce 13 megawatts (MW) of peak power generation which corresponds with the expansion of Mastronardi Produce s Coldwater greenhouse by 28.8 acres to grow peppers. The project also will provide the capability for the CBPU to partner with Mastronardi Produce to supply carbon dioxide (CO2) and heat for the greenhouse. Michigan s agricultural sector contributes $91.4 billion dollars to the state economy, and more than 923,000 people are employed in the industry. To help maintain the agricultural industry s success year-round, the new plant is expected to be operational in mid-2015 just in time for the fall season s colder weather to set in and when traditional vegetable growing becomes nearly impossible. In regards to construction, the following progress has been made: Exterior perimeter walls and footings have been completed. Interior building footing and piers have been completed. Underground plumbing has been completed. Masonry began in the middle of October. Underground electrical is currently in process. I look forward to this new natural gas-fueled plant to start operating next year as we continue to diversify our energy generation portfolio and provide a unique opportunity to support Michigan s growth in greenhouse agriculture, said Director Paul Beckhusen. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & YouTube for up-to-date information. Scan the QR code with your smartphone to visit today!

5 HOME ENERGY CHECK-UP The Home Energy Check-up is a fast, easy way to increase the energy efficiency of a home and can help customers start saving immediately. Find opportunities to reduce energy use and costs, while improving the comfort of your home! REFRIGERATOR RETIREMENT, REPLACEMENT & RECYCLING REMINDER: Please swap out your existing cable modem if you haven t done so already. For more information, call (517) or visit coldwater.org Is your refrigerator over 10 years old? Does it use over 1,000 kwh? The CBPU will give you $300 towards the purchase of a new, high efficiency refrigerator! *Must meet eligibility requirements. Call today for more information. TELE COMMUNICATIONS SIMPLY EFFICIENT LOWER COSTS HIGHER STANDARD OF LIVING