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Mark the date! Silver Bells in the City Is November 16 |
LANDFILL TO ELECTRICITY:
BWL makes history with
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Do you have a question for BWL Q CORNER? E-MAIL: mailto:mdn@lbwl.com FAX: (517) 702-6855 MAIL: Lansing Board of Water & Light Communications Department 1232 Haco Dr., P.O. Box 13007 Lansing MI 48901. |
It almost sounds like science fiction. You send your trash to the landfill and it comes back – as electricity! But it’s about to happen right here in Greater Lansing. In August, the Lansing Board of Water & Light signed an agreement with Granger to purchase electricity generated from landfill gases. This electricity is referred to as “green energy” because of its beneficial impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. And, because the Granger landfill north of Lansing will continue to create landfill gases for many decades to come, this is also renewable energy – just like wind and solar power. Here’s how it works: Decomposing waste matter naturally creates gases, such as methane. A network of underground, perforated pipes in the landfill collect the gases. The gases are pumped to a central location and used as fuel for large engine-generators. The spinning turbines inside the generators create electricity, which can then be transmitted over electric power lines. By late 2008, we expect all of the equipment to be in place to begin sending “green” electricity to thousands of BWL customers. Our historic agreement with Granger underscores the BWL’s commitment to acquiring more renewable energy. We are the first utility in Michigan to have what is called a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard. By 2016, we expect to deliver at least 7 percent of our electricity from renewable sources. Green energy? We’ve got it. And there’s more to come for many, many years.
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BWL HELPS CUSTOMERS
STRUGGLING WITH BILLS The Lansing Board of Water & Light is partnering with area social service agencies to assist customers who are struggling to pay their electricity and water bills. The BWL will waive security deposits and reconnection fees to customers being assisted by local social service agencies, if at least 50 percent of the customer’s bill is paid by a social service agency (in many cases, that agency is the Michigan Department of Human Services). The BWL will work with the Capital Area United Way and Capital Area Community Services to help these BWL customers. Normally, when a customer’s utilities are shut off, the BWL charges a $150 security deposit and a $25 reconnection fee. Waiving the deposits and fees will free up about $76,000 annually among the local social service agencies. That money can be used by the agencies to help other BWL customers who are trying to make ends meet. These are not blanket waivers for all customers. Rather, they will be based on actual need, as determined by the social service agencies. If you’re having difficulty paying your BWL utility bill, please contact our Customer Service Department at (517) 702-6006. Our representatives will work with you on a payment plan. |
But there are ways to keep Old Man Winter on the outside. We can help. Now through June 2008, the Lansing Board of Water & Light’s EnergyWise Weatherization Program will assist 225 homeowners who qualify as low- and moderate-income customers. Here’s what happens. Working with Urban Options in East Lansing, BWL will do a free energy audit to qualifying customers. Then, those customers will get free energy-saving improvements such as water heater blankets, weatherstripping and compact fluorescent light bulbs. To qualify for the free energy audit and energy-saving improvements, you must: n Be a BWL customer who is current on paying your utility bills n Live in a single-family dwelling and n Meet federal income guidelines. Preference will be given to customers who own their homes. For more information and to learn if you qualify for our EnergyWise Weatherization Program, call Urban Options at (517) 337-0422.
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Winter is just around the corner, and that means
higher energy bills.