Every month our meter readers gather readings so we can produce accurate electric bills. It is very important that they are able to locate and have access to your meter.

Please keep the area around your meter and the path to your meter clear of snow and ice. In addition, restraining your pets will help our meter readers avoid danger. Even the friendliest dogs can become aggressive when a stranger is around.

Having your meter easily accessible will eliminate an estimated reading and ensure accurate billing.

Keep Meter Paths Clear

December 2014

Use Your Space Heater SafelyAs temperatures drop this winter, many will look for supplemental heating sources for their homes. Space heaters can be a good alternative for those who want to warm one area of their home without turning up the thermostat on the central heating system. However, space heaters are also responsible for 32 percent of house fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

If you are planning to use a space heater in your home this winter, keep you, your family and your property safe with these tips:

• Materials – Parts like metal grating can be hot to the touch and may burn anyone who gets too close. Make sure you purchase a heater that is cool to the touch and has guards over the coils just in case little fingers get too close.

• Placement - While it can be tempting to place a small heater on a shelf so it is not in the way of pets and children, it is safest to leave the heater on a level floor on a nonflammable surface. Keeping the space heater on the floor can keep it from falling over, preventing fire hazards. Also, remember that space heaters and bathrooms are not a good combination, unless the heater is designed for bathroom use. Moisture can damage the heater.

• The most important rule about space heater placement is the three-foot rule. Whether you are using the heater in the bedroom, living room or kitchen, space heaters should always be kept three feet away from flammable materials and out of the way of children and pets.

• Special Features – Does your space heater have an auto shutoff function if tipped over? Auto shutoff can be a lifesaver. If you currently own a space heater without auto shutoff, consider purchasing a heater with this important safety feature.

• Cords – You should never use an extension cord when plugging in a space heater as it can cause overheating. The space heater should be plugged directly into a wall outlet, and should be the only thing plugged in to the wall outlet. Also make sure cords aren’t in a high-traffic area so they are not a tripping hazard.

• Use – Never leave a heater unattended while in use. If you are leaving your home or going to bed, make sure to unplug the heater.

* Full criteria available on www.linncountyrec.com as of 1/1/2015

WATER HEATING

Heat Pump Water Heaters - integrated unit $650

Solar Water Heaters - with electric auxiliary tank $350

High Efficiency Electric Water Heaters - 50 to 55 gallon $50

Desuperheater - 50 to 55 gallon $150

Drainwater Heat Recovery Pipes $450

APPLIANCES

ENERGY STAR Clothes Washer - electric water heater/dryer $60

- existing electric water heater only $30

APPLIANCE RECYCLING

Refrigerator - working $35

Freezer - working $25

Window Air Conditioner - working $25

INDOOR LIGHTING

ENERGY STAR CFL, LED - hard wired fixture 50% of price/$15 max.

ENERGY STAR CFL, LED - screw in lamps Be Bright instore rebate

T8 and T5 Lighting Fixtures - ballasts and lamps 50% of price/$15 max.

OUTDOOR / SECURITY LIGHTING

High Pressure Sodium Fixtures - ballast/lamp replacement $10

ENERGY STAR CFL Fixtures $15

ENERGY STA or DLC LED or Induction Fixtures up to $60

HEATING AND COOLING

Geothermal Heat Pumps - closed loop $350 per ton

- unit replacement $250 per unit

ENERGY STAR Air Source Heat Pumps $350 + $150/ton

ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioning $75

- ECM fan motor replacement w/AC replacement $50

Heat Recovery Ventilator $250

BUILDING WEATHERIZATION/INSULATION

Ceiling, Wall, Foundation, Infiltration, Duct up to 60% of total cost

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION

All - Star Home $500

File Now; Current Incentives Will Expire December 31stLinn County REC’s current energy efficiency plan is ending December 31st. So now is the time to finish your purchases and paperwork for this year’s incentives.

If you have installed equipment that qualifies for a 2014 energy efficiency incentive from Linn County REC, send in your application by December 31, 2014. All applications received on/after January 1, 2015 will be evaluated by the new 2015 incentive plan criteria and incentive levels.

To receive an incentive you must:

• Download the incentive form with all pages

• Fill in ALL required information fields

• Provide a copy of the dated receipt

• Provide ALL additional required verification

• Must be received within 6 months of installation and qualify at time of submission

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact our office. For a complete list of our incentives, criteria and forms, visit www.linncountyrec.com.

LINN COUNTY REC 2015 RESIDENTIAL INCENTIVES

R

Give The Gift Of EfficiencyDuring this time of year, power interruptions can occur with ice and snow storms. If a power outage occurs, contact Linn County REC right away. Don’t assume someone else has already called. Every call helps us determine the location and extent of an outage.

When a extensive outage occurs, Linn County REC enables its automated phone outage system. This allows us to track the outages and helps prioritize restoration efforts. It can immediately recognize where the call is coming from using caller ID. When you call, enter the telephone number of the Linn County REC account where the outage is occurring, NOT the cell phone or other phone number you are calling from.

Be prepared with these storm safety tips:

• Have emergency numbers, including Linn County REC’s, posted by the phone and always have a corded or cellular phone in your home. Cordless phones will not work during a power outage.

• Keep a battery operated flashlight, radio, clock, and extra batteries on hand.

• Disconnect electronic equipment and as many appliances as possible. This will prevent damage from a power surge that may occur during power restoration.

Get outage information at linncountyrec.com from your smart phone or any mobile device. Our outage map shows the total number of confirmed outages per county and updates every 10 minutes.

Here are some great ideas for energy smart gifts:

• For Decorators: LED Christmas lights ($15-$35) – These energy-efficient lights are becoming easier to find. They save on high holiday electric bills and stay cool

to the touch. For a festive complete package, wrap in a decorative stocking.

• For Gardeners: Solar garden lights ($15-$50) - Available in endless colors, styles, and sizes, solar garden lights can be a lovely addition to your favorite green thumb’s garden. To up the green quotient, wrap in a burlap bag.

• For Cooks: Toaster oven ($60 – $140) – Especially great for the empty nester or those only cooking for one or two, toaster ovens are a good choice to save energy as an alternative to heating a large standard oven.

• For Movie Buffs or Sports Fans: ENERGY STAR-rated TV (price based on size) – Before you give something that uses as much electricity as a refrigerator, look for the ENERGY STAR label. It offers the smallest impact on your electric bills.

• For Techies: 1.) Smart strip ($20 - $40) – Not your average power strip, smart strips sport designated outlets that make it easy to power down certain devices to save energy while not affecting others plugged into the same strip. 2.) Solar cell phone charger ($55 - $100+) – Unplug energy-sucking chargers from the wall; solar chargers can be placed in a window to charge a cell phone or other devices (GPS, MP3) anywhere the sun shines.

• For everyone else: A Linn County REC gift certificate. Available in any denomination.

Be Prepared And Stay Informed

Grinch PunchG

1/3 cup sugar6 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons water1/3 cup evaporated milk1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract12 drops neon green food coloring1 bottle (2 liters) lemon-lime soda, chilled2 pints vanilla ice cream

Office ClosedLinn County REC offices will be closed on December 24th and 25th.

The bill payment drop box in Marion and kiosk in North Liberty are available 24 hours a day.

In a large saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved; remove from the heat. Stir in milk and extract. Transfer to a bowl; cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.Just before serving, transfer milk mixture to a punch bowl. Stir in the food coloring and soda. Top with scoops of ice cream.

Yield: 4 quarts

2015 Calendars Available NowLinn County REC is giving away free 2015 calendars.

Calendars are available for pick up anytime in our Marion office from 8:00 - 4:30 while quantities last. Due to postage costs, we are unable to mail them.

Have You Signed Up?Sign up for rEc-CONNECTION and receive an email every month that is full of timely energy efficiency and environmental tips. Register at www.linncountyrec.com to begin receiving rEc-CONNECTION for:

• Energy conservation tips and recommendations delivered right to your inbox.

• Non-promotional information and resources that can save you and your household energy and money.

• Access to an easy-to-search “Energy eLibrary” — filled with valuable resources, tips, and more.

• Access to heating/cooling and home energy use calculators

• Link to Linn County REC incentives