Peninsula Light Company News

253-857-1567 • newsletter@penlight.org • Produced by Peninsula Light Co.

DON’T FORGET THOSE HIDDEN NUMBERS!

Every month, five randomly chosen account numbers are hidden in Lights. If you spot yours, call Cathy at 253-857-1525 and receive a $50 credit on your next bill.

INSIDE:PenLight 253-857-5950 • PenLight.org • PenLight Office: 13315 Goodnough Drive NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332

Hot Water SolutionsThe cost of heating water consumes almost 20 percent of your household budget, second only to what you spend on heating and cooling. Despite this expense, water heaters are typically ignored until they break, leaving you with no hot water and a flooded basement.

If your water heater is nearing the end of its useful life and you’re thinking of replacing it before disaster strikes, you’ll be happy to know that you have better choices thanks to recent federal regulations that require water heaters to be more energy efficient.

Hybrid Water Heater Hybrid, or heat pump water heaters, use a heat pump to move heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to the water, much like a refrigerator, but in reverse. Hybrid water heaters also have resistance elements to heat water when more hot water is needed than the heat pump can produce. Hybrids use about 60 percent less energy than standard electric water heaters; however, they cost more than electric-only models, but the payback time is short.

One thing to keep in mind is that hybrid water heaters don’t work well in very cold spaces. They need to be placed in an area that stays between 40 and 90 degrees. They also need a lot of space; a minimum of 1,000 cubic feet of space to capture heat from the air and as much as 7 feet of clearance from floor to ceiling.

Rebates Penlight offers a $500 rebate when you replace your old electric tank with a new hybrid heater. Claim your rebate by submitting proof of purchase along with a completed rebate application form, which can be downloaded from Penlight.org. 0370610645366

Holiday Decorating Tips

Hydropower in the Northwest

We’re Thankful for Your Membership “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”In the spirit of this quote by author William Arthur Ward, Peninsula Light would like to express our gratitude for your membership in our electric cooperative. Because of your connection to PenLight, we are able to invest in our community in ways that continue to enhance our quality of life.

As part of the cooperative business model, one of our core principles is “Concern for Community.” While PenLight’s priority is always to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy, we view our role in the community as a catalyst for good to be equally important.

We are purposeful when partnering with local groups to support programs throughout our community. We work closely with local organizations to provide safety demonstrations, support programs that award college scholarships, and provide funding for educational grants.

Ultimately, the larger community benefits from these programs because you empower the co-op through your membership and through your participation in and support of these programs.

When you attend co-op events, alert us to problems or provide suggestions to our employees, you help us improve operations and thereby better serve the larger co-op membership.

Because we are locally governed by members of our community, we are able to get a first-hand perspective on community priorities, enabling us to make more informed decisions on long-term investments, such as community solar programs, equipment and technology upgrades, and electric vehicle programs.

On a more personal note, we appreciate the countless acts of kindness our lineworkers and other employees receive when they are working in severe weather and dangerous conditions. Our employees are thankful for your patience and consideration when we are trying to restore power during challenging situations and prolonged periods.

PenLight was originally established more than 90 years ago to bring electricity to our area when no one else would. The cooperative is a reflection of our local community and its evolving needs. Together, let’s continue making our corner of the world a better place. We can’t do it without you, and for that, we’re thankful for your membership.

Project Help Kickoff

To find the most up-to-date community calendar information, please visit the following resources: • Gig Harbor Tourism and Communications Office – www.gigharborguide.com • Pierce County Library System – www.piercecountylibrary.org/calendar • Harbor History Museum – www.harborhistorymuseum.org/events • PenMet Parks – www.penmetparks.org • Key Pen Parks – www.keypenparks.com/events

• Downtown Waterfront Alliance – www.gigharborwaterfront.org/annual-events • Harbor WildWatch – www.harborwildwatch.org • Key Peninsula News – www.keypennews.com

Holiday Closures: November 12, 22, 23 & December 25

November/December 2018

0892250721423

0886

1810

8458

1

Follow PenLight for the Latest News: facebook.com/PenLightCo twitter.com/PenLightCo

Peninsula Light Co. Newsletter November/December 2018

Energy Efficient Holiday Decorating TipsWith the holidays almost here, many of us are thinking about the costs of holiday decorating and energy savings. Be sure to read these energy efficient decorating tips before you put the finishing touches on that giant lighting display.

Buy LED Lights Incandescent holiday lights are terribly inefficient and, despite careful storage, often emerge only halfway lit. Instead, save a bundle by replacing them with ENERGY STAR®-qualified LED light strands. LEDs use 70% less energy than traditional bulbs, are brighter, eco-friendly and much cooler than incandescent lights. In addition, LEDs last ten times longer, have no filaments or glass to break, and are easier to install without overloading a wall socket.

Rebates Savvy shopping will save you money. Look for local rebates and coupons on ENERGY STAR® qualified lights at your local hardware store. These lights often have a three-year warranty, come in a variety of colors, and have indoor and outdoor models.

Limit Hourly Usage Save a bundle by using timers for lighted decorations. Set the timers to turn on automatically in the evening and to turn off later at night. If you still use traditional incandescent bulbs, this tip is even more important to cut down on energy costs.

Creative and Reflective Decorating Not everything is about strands of lights. Reflective ornaments and tinsel are just as bright at night, so getting creative with your lighting display can multiply your resources for shine. Don't forget the ribbons, wreaths, garland, and reflective menorahs for electricity- free holiday cheer.

Hydropower in the NorthwestIf you’re a resident of the Northwest, chances are you’re familiar with the many benefits of hydropower. Every time you turn on the light switch, make a pot of coffee or charge your electric vehicle, you’re realizing the benefit of hydropower.

Hydropower has always played an important role in the development of our region. Our iconic rivers not only support our livelihood, but are also the primary source of clean, reliable, and affordable energy. It remains the backbone of the Northwest’s clean energy economy. Hydropower is inherently flexible and has helped integrate other newer renewable energy resources into the grid, while ensuring the reliability of the power system through all conditions.

Hydropower is Renewable Each year, rain and snow replenish the supply. Hydropower is the nation’s most abundant source of renewable energy.

Hydropower is Efficient Hydropower plants convert about 90 percent of the energy captured from falling water into electrical energy. By comparison, fossil-fueled plants lose more than half of the energy content of their fuel as waste heat and gases.

Hydropower is Clean 1067210499897 Hydropower produces no emissions; there are no gases or waste products that contribute to air pollution.

Hydropower is Flexible Hydropower can be increased or decreased very quickly to meet changes in demand for power by adjusting the flow of water. This meets a fundamental requirement of all electric grids, which is that demand must exactly match supply at all times to keep the system stable.

Hydropower Allows for the Growth of Other Renewable Resources Hydropower is a great backup for wind and solar power. It can be ramped up to meet demand when the wind is not blowing or the sun is not shining, and dialed down at times of high winds.

Hydropower is Affordable Over the years, dams have consistently provided some of the nation’s most affordable electricity. The fuel–water–is free, which keeps operating costs low and protects against fluctuations in fuel prices.

0552360726018

0744

9300

4731

6

Give the Gift of Warmth Through Project HelpDuring the winter months, living expenses typically increase due to the need to heat our homes because of extreme temperatures. This added expense can make it difficult for families who already struggle to make ends meet. Thanks to Peninsula Light Company, there’s a way our members can help.

Project Help is a program designed to help income-qualifying families with up to $200 of support each year. The program provides funds through a partnership with Key Peninsula Community Services to offset those who need assistance with their electric bill. Project Help operates each year from November through April and is an easy way for members to make tax-deductible contributions to help those in need. Every dollar goes to help your neighbors in need, as PenLight does not deduct any administrative costs. The best part is PenLight will match your donations dollar for dollar.

PenLight members can donate to help their neighbors in one of three ways:

• A one-time gift.

• A recurring monthly donation.

• Rounding up your bill each month to the nearest whole dollar.

Our goal is to encourage one-third of our membership–approximately 10,000 members – to sign up to help our neighbors through the Project Help program. You can help by visiting www.penlight.org/project-help or by calling our Member Services department at 253-857-5950.

Contact us today to learn how you can give the gift of warmth to your neighbors in need this winter.