For the loved one in your life who has everything, or is just plain hard to shop for, consider a gift of energy this holiday season.

BWL gift certificates are especially appropriate for students or customers on fixed incomes. They can be purchased in denominations ranging from $10 to $100 and can be used to apply toward a BWL electric or water bill.

To order a BWL gift certificate online, click here.  You can also order a BWL gift certificate 24 hours a day by calling toll-free at 1-877-770-4438.

Thanks to the hundreds of customers who visited with us at the BWL’s EnergyWise kick-off at local Menards stores in late October.

We gave away energy efficient compact fluorescent lights and free advice on how our customers can save on their water and energy bills. Congratulations also to Louise Orr, the winner of a new Energy Star®-rated washing machine raffled off at the event.

Click here to learn more about becoming an EnergyWise customer.

Lansing observed the one-year anniversary of its designation as a Clean City recently with news that it’s far ahead of its target for increasing the number of alternate fueled vehicles on the road. And, the BWL is a big reason for that good news.

We’re part of the Greater Lansing Area Clean Cities Coalition, formed in 1997 to improve air quality by promoting cleaner transportation fuels and technology. A year ago the coalition earned its designation from the U.S. Department of Energy as a Clean City, with 445 alternate fueled vehicles (AFVs) in the area.

The coalition’s goal for 2004 was to see a 17 percent increase in AFVs. Instead, the number nearly doubled. We helped that happen when we switched our entire fleet of diesel trucks to B-20, a bio-diesel fuel that contains a 20 percent mixture of fuel made from waste cooking oil or soy beans. Others switching to alternate fuels included the U.S. Postal Service, Fowlerville Schools, St. Johns Public Schools, MSU, the State of Michigan and the City of Lansing. With 864 alternate fueled vehicles now on the road in the Tri-County area, the Clean Cities Coalition has moved well beyond even its 2005 target of 725 vehicles.

So far, our experience with bio-diesel fuel is working well. It costs a bit more, but we’re hoping that will be offset through better fuel economy and lower maintenance. And we know this cleaner burning fuel helps improve our environment.

A Michigan man’s attempt to steal electricity a few years ago turned out to be a deadly mistake. According to news reports, the man was electrocuted when he tried to tap into utility lines using ordinary jumper cables.

This tragic accident happened in southeast Michigan, but it could have been anywhere, including right here in Lansing. Energy theft is more than just a crime. It can result in serious injury or death to the person doing the stealing, or to an innocent bystander or utility employee.

The BWL is a public power utility, owned by its customers. So, when someone steals electricity, they steal from all of us, while putting themselves and others in serious danger. You can help put an end to this illegal and potentially deadly practice. Report energy theft by calling us at 702-6006.

Most of us take food for granted. We have plenty and never need to choose between paying a bill or buying our next meal.

Unfortunately, many of our fellow Lansing area families don’t have such a luxury. They’ve come to depend on the Greater Lansing Food Bank for nutritious food in an emergency. In 2003 the Food Bank served more than 18,000 families. Half of those receiving food were children. As the economy struggles, more adults and children are receiving food this year.

Please consider a donation to the Greater Lansing Food Bank this season. A gift of $55 will feed a family of four for six days; $110 will feed the same family for two weeks.

Look for the red and white envelope in the Lansing State Journal or send your donation to Greater Lansing Food Bank, c/o Bank One, P.O. Box 11065, Lansing, MI 48901-1065. To donate online, click here. Your contribution can help a hungry family in our community.

City of Lansing residents: now there’s a convenient, cost-effective way of taking care of your trash collection needs.

It’s a pre-paid refuse service called Blue Billy Trash Carts. For a set fee, you get a convenient, heavy duty roll-out trash cart and weekly pickups from the city’s Waste Reduction Services. Blue Billy trash carts are available in the following sizes:

21 gallon = $31.20 for 3 months

     (holds about 1 tall kitchen trash bag)

32 gallon = $33.90 for 3 months

     (holds 2-3 tall kitchen trash bags)

65 gallon = $38.10 for 3 months

     (holds 3-4 large trash bags)

95 gallon = $46.35 for 3 months

     (holds 5+ large trash bags, plus 3 bags taken on side)

If you’re already a Blue Billy customer you can refer a friend or neighbor and get $10 off your next bill (certain restrictions apply).

To sign up or get more information call 483-4400.