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