BWL OFFERS SUMMER STRATEGY

TO HELP PREVENT BLACKOUTS

America was forever changed after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Similarly, the nation’s utilities got a wake-up call when an August 2003 blackout cut electrical power to more than 50 million people.

It was the largest blackout in United States history. In its aftermath, utilities have agreed to work more closely together. Hopefully, this new strategy will prevent massive blackouts in the future.

This new way of doing business means that utilities must help each other meet power demands. For instance, if one utility has trouble generating enough electricity, other utilities will assist.

So, what does this mean for Board of Water & Light customers? Nothing, hopefully. However, during times of peak electrical demand, the BWL has to step in, do its duty, and help another utility company that’s having trouble.

That’s where you come in. There may be times this summer, or in future times of high electric demand, when the BWL calls on its customers to conserve energy. Turning up the air-conditioning thermostat by five degrees helps a lot. So does turning off non-essential electrical appliances such as dehumidifiers and pool filters.

In the worst scenario, the BWL might have to
curtail electrical power to some customers.
Vital services such as hospitals, police and fire stations will NOT have their power cut.

The BWL recently conducted a series of simulated emergency alerts to test its reparedness in case an actual emergency occurs. These were only tests, and they had no effect on BWL customers.

As part of this new system, the BWL has prepared public service announcements for the media so that mid-Michigan residents will know what’s going on. Think of it as a “weather alert” for electricity.

The BWL is doing its part in maintaining the nation’s power grid, which should help avoid another widespread blackout. If the need arises, we hope you’ll do your part, too.

HOT TIME IN

A COOL CITY

The June 2 BWL Chili Cook-Off brought tears to folks’ eyes – and it wasn’t just the heat from the 2,000 gallons of chili served.

 There were tears of gratitude as well. The annual cook-off raised $34,000 in four hours, with proceeds going to Adopt A River as well as Pennies for Power, a program that helps provide shut-off protection for local families (see coupon on back of your monthly Connections newsletter).

First-place winners in the chili category were McAlister’s Deli (best restaurant chili), Lansing Firefighters IAFF Local 421 (best corporate chili), Texas Roadhouse (best meatless chili) Barley’s American Grill (hottest chili) and Cadillac Club (People’s Choice). Click here for more information about the 2006 Chili Cook-Off, including winners and photos.

Many thanks to all the participants and partners in the cook-off, and to the thousands of people who attended the event. Join fellow chiliheads in June 2007 for another BWL Chili Cook-Off along downtown Lansing’s riverfront.

What’s up with lead?

Here are some questions BWL customers frequently ask about lead in drinking water.

Q:  How does lead get into the water?

A:  From two sources:

 1. The service line connecting your home to the water main.

 2. From plumbing inside your home. Water leaving our water conditioning plants has no detectable lead level.

Q: What makes lead dangerous?

A:  At certain levels in the human body, lead can damage the brain, kidneys, nervous system and red blood cells. The greatest risk, even with short-term exposure, is to pregnant women and children under age 6.

Q:  What can I do to protect myself from lead exposure?

A:  Protect yourself in two simple but important ways:

 1. Run the tap water until it turns cold. That should flush tiny particles of lead that might dissolve in the water if it sits in pipes for an extended time.

 2. Never consume hot water from the tap. Hot water dissolves lead faster than cold water.

Q:  What else can I do?

A:  If you want to know if you have a “full lead” service line leading to your home, or if you have other lead-related questions, call our Customer Service Center at 702-6006.

The BWL offers a free analysis of drinking water to customers with full lead service lines, provided the customers participate in our lead sampling program. The lead sampling program helps us determine if the BWL complies with Environmental Protection Agency regulations on lead in drinking water.

Also, the Ingham County Health Department will test water for about $20.

Q:  I understand the BWL is replacing lead service lines throughout its water system. How long will this take?

A:  The BWL is in its second year of an aggressive 10-year program to replace all lead service lines.

Q:  Is the BWL still providing free water filters and replacement cartridges?

A:  Yes, coupons for free filters and cartridges are available to customers with lead service lines. If you haven’t received a coupon in the mail, call Customer Service at 702-6006. Current coupons are valid through Sept. 15, 2006. New coupons will be mailed to eligible customers in September.

Coupons can be redeemed at Lowe’s South Lansing Store, 6821 S. Cedar,
or Lowe’s West Lansing Store, 320 S. Marketplace Blvd.

Click here for more information about lead.