The Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc.

November 2019Power Line

3040-26306

AMI installations hit halfway mark

More than half of Clay Electric’s members have received the co-op’s new Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters.

Installations are currently taking place in the Salt Springs District and are expected to last until late November, when meters will begin to be set in the Keystone Heights District. The remaining sequence of districts will be Gainesville and Lake City. Installations are complete in the Orange Park and Palatka Districts.

In January, the cooperative employed a licensed contractor, Allegiant Utility Services, to change out existing meters across our service area with advanced meters to improve reliability and to give detailed data about energy use.

You will receive prior notification by mail of when to expect the meter replacement. When Allegiant arrives at your home, an installer will knock at the door to let you know they are there to replace your meter. The contractors will be in uniform and

Continued on back panel

METERSContinued from front

Calendars available this fallClay Electric’s 2020 calendars will be available

this month for members to pick up at the co-op’s six district offices. Quantities are limited.

The 2020 calendar focuses on Clay Electric’s commitment to provide local service with a personal touch — the cooperative difference. The calendar includes important co-op dates and Dan Barnett’s Fishing Times.

will have photo identification cards. Their ID cards and company vehicles display both the Allegiant and Clay Electric logos and are labeled as Clay Electric contractors.

The installers will not need, nor will they request, to enter your home. They will also not request any personal information or payment from you for the meter replacement service, which is free. If you are not home, Allegiant will proceed with placing the new meter.

For more information on the advanced meter project, visit www.clayelectric.com/meter_installation. If you have concerns about anyone claiming to represent Clay Electric, please call your district office.

When temps drop, don’t let bills climb

Looking to lower your electric bills this fall and winter? Use the 10 tips below to conserve energy.

1. Seal air leaks and insulate well to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home.

2. Reduce waste heat by installing a programmable thermostat.

3. Turn off lights when not in use.4. Lower your water heater

temperature. The Department of Energy recommends using the warm setting (120 degrees) during fall and winter months.

5. Unplug electronics like kitchen appliances and TVs when you’re away.

6. Open blinds and curtains during the day to allow sunlight in to warm your home.

7. Close blinds and curtains at night to keep cold, drafty air out.

8. Use power strips for multiple appliances, and turn off the main switch when you’re away from home.

9. Wash clothes in cold water, and use cold-water detergent whenever possible.

10. Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, which use at least 75 percent less energy.

 Power Line is an informational publication of Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. It is distributed monthly with members’ billing statements. If you have questions or comments about Power Line, write Editor Justin Caudell at P.O. Box 308, Keystone Heights, FL 32656; or email: Jcaudell@clayelectric.com. ClayElectric.com offers online services such as payments, and information about the co-op’s programs and services. Clay Electric’s Board of Trustees will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 19 and Wednesday, Dec. 18 beginning at noon in Keystone Heights.

Safety and efficiency tips for all your holiday lighting needsT his year is rapidly drawing

to a close, which means there will be a lot more than porch lights illuminating the neighborhood soon.

If your home is in need of a decorative holiday refresh, here are some tips to take your artistic stylings to the next level. There are two areas to cover: safety and energy efficiency.

If your lights are ground mounted or can be installed standing on the floor or ground, you can skip ahead. However, since most decorations involve some installation at height, you need to do the following:

1. Have a ground crew (one or two people) to steady your ladder and pass up the decorations — an invaluable part of safety and for keeping you supplied with untangled light strings, fasteners and encouragement.

2. Remember to keep a safe distance from your overhead electric service.

3. Don’t overreach. If you cannot get to a point with your body completely centered between the sides of the ladder, get down and relocate it.

4. Don’t overextend the ladder. If your ladder is too short, rent or borrow a longer one. A ladder extended beyond its working limits is dangerous, as is standing on

rungs too close to the top.5. Do not overload circuits by

stringing more light sets together than the manufacturer recommends. Check the packaging for details.

6. Check your wires for breaks and cracks in the insulation that can lead to shorts.

Most of these tips apply equally to inside and outside decorating activities.

Light selection is next. If at all

possible, invest in LED lights this season. Unlike the first versions to hit the market that were characterized by rather harsh and unattractive colors, the newest generation’s colors are reminiscent of the incandescent lights of yore.

Why go the LED route? Longevity and cost of operation are the two key reasons. Unlike incandescent lights, whether the large or mini bulb, LEDs will last for many years.

LEDs have no filaments to burn out. Aside from physically destroying the bulb, the LED is robust. Given the modest number of hours of operation, you can expect LEDs to last seven or more years.

There is also a cost of operation benefit from LEDs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy, and last 25 times as long. Since Christmas lights are on for hours at a time, switching to LEDs will lower your typical electric bill over the holidays.

Truly want to manage the cost of operating holiday lights? Invest in timers to turn the lights on and off automatically. Really into gadgets? Invest in a smart plug for your lights you can program and control from your smartphone.

Once you have your design finalized and installed, leave as much of the outside portion of lights in place. Don’t be that person who leaves the holiday lights on all year; simply disconnect them after the holidays, protecting the plugs and sockets from dirt and debris. Think of the reduced stress and risk if you set and forget your design. With the longevity of the LEDs, you can enjoy this freedom and practically eliminate the risks associated with high-wire seasonal gymnastics.

If at all possible, invest in LED lights this season. Why make the switch? The two key reasons are longevity and cost of operation.