Volume 11 Issue 6
Savings tip BHP a part of record-setting YFS Kids Fair
Use power strips to cut
phantom loads
Plug electronics into a power strip so
that you can turn them all off at once.
Phantom loads, often called standby
power, standby loads or vampire loads,
are things in our homes and offices that
continue to draw power even when
they are in the off position. Common Andrea Schartz, Journeyman Electrician, Black Hills Power, and Louie the
gadgets that draw phantom charges
Lightning Bug greet young visitors at the Kids Fair.
include cell phone chargers, TVs,
computer monitors, DVD players and Black Hills Power was a part of a record- said. “It’s important for kids to learn about
appliances like toaster ovens, stoves, setting weekend at the 14th annual Youth staying safe around electricity, but we
washers and dryers. When it comes to & Family Services Kids Fair held April wanted them to have fun trying on the gear
home electronics the Department of 17-19 at Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. our line crews use every day and climbing
Energy estimates they account for 70 The 2009 Kids Fair drew 10,772 visitors to in the Snowcat.”
percent of home electricity use. Place Don Barnett Arena, bettering the previous
any phantom load drawing more that record of 9,131 set in 1999. Over 650 people volunteered time to
one watt on a power strip with an off help staff the 2009 Kids Fair. Fifty-five
button. Louie the Lightning Bug greeted kids BHP employees and family members
coming to BHP’s booth and directed them volunteered over the three-day Kids Fair.
Local BHP numbers to see an electrical safety display, try on a
line crew worker’s gear, explore a Snowcat The Kids Fair supports several YFS
Belle Fourche: 605-723-2460 or color Louie’s likeness at the coloring programs, including Girls Incorporated
Custer: 605-673-4455 station. The BHP booth proved both of Rapid City, YFS Child Care, YFS
Counseling Center and YFS Nutrition.
Deadwood: 605-722-2420 educational and entertaining for visitors of
all ages. Funds raised through the Kids Fair are
Hot Springs: 605-745-3120 used to sponsor programs that touch the
Newcastle, WY: 307-746-2726 “The Black Hills Power booth was not only lives of more than 11,000 children and
Newell: 605-456-2896 fun but functional,” Mutch Usera, Director their families every year.
of External Affairs at Black Hills Power,
Rapid City: 605-721-2660
Spearfish: 605-722-2400
Sturgis: 605-720-2440
Customer Service Prepares for New System
Black Hills Power will be implementing a new excellent customer service.
customer information system this summer.
Watch for information in your next month’s
While employees are preparing for internal
bill about exciting new customer service
change and learning new processes, their
features and functions coming soon!
priority remains on providing
www.blackhillspower.com
Call BHP for a heat pump or air
conditioning service check Black Hills Power
Make sure your electric heat pump or
central air conditioner is ready to keep
you comfortable this season by having
Black Hills Power in and conduct a
service check. For only $79.95*, BHP can
ensure that your heat pump or central air Sponsored events
conditioning system will operate to its
maximum and not let you down during July 1-5 The Sugar Bean Sisters
those hot summer days. Black Hills Playhouse,
Custer State Park
BHP technicians will conduct a thorough 255-4141
inspection of your heat pump or central air
conditioning unit, including: July 2-4 Black Hills Roundup
Belle Fourche Rodeo
n Inspect and check thermostat Grounds
n Inspect and oil blower assembly 892-2676
n Inspect and adjust belts and pulleys
n Inspect refrigeration system For more information, visit July 3 Independence Day
n Inspect indoor and outdoor coils www.blackhillspower.com or call your Fireworks Celebration
n Inspect condensate pump and drain local Black Hills Power office. Mount Rushmore National
n Inspect electric disconnect Monument
n Inspect relays and contractors * Price includes service check labor for 341-8883
n Inspect wiring unit one unit, and mileage (tax not included).
n Check overall system operation It does not include additional labor for July 4 Independence Day Holiday
n Check and replace filter, if needed repair work, parts or materials. Technician BHP Offices Closed
n Send a quarterly Filter Reminder will notify customer before performing
card additional service or repairs. Some check July 9-12, Suds: The Clean Musical
points are specifically for heat pumps. July 14-19 Black Hills Playhouse,
Should your heat pump or central air Additional heat pump or central air Custer State Park
conditioning system need repairs, BHP conditioning unit check is $59.95 each. 255-4141
service technicians will give you the
quality service you expect from your July 18-19 Hills Alive
electric provider. Memorial Park, Rapid City
399-1555
July 21-25 Days of ’76
Black Hills Power offers a full line of surge Deadwood
equipment for your home or business 578-1876
Lightning is a major source of electrical July 23-26, You’re A Good Man,
surges, but there are many less obvious July 28-31 Charlie Brown
causes. Washers, fans, air conditioners, Black Hills Playhouse,
shop tools, refrigerators, motors, mixers or
Custer State Park
virtually any electrical appliance that can
be turned on or off can all cause electrical 255-4141
surges.
Unfortunately, the electronics that you put
the most money into are at greatest risk.
Surges do the most damage to equipment
containing computer chips. Things like
TVs, VCRs, stereo systems, computers,
answering machines, fax machines,
telephones, small appliances and heating
and cooling systems can be damaged by
electrical surges.
Let Black Hills Power help you evaluate
your risks. Call today for a free analysis of
your home or business.