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Utilities Corner


Utilities Corner provides news and updates from the area's leading energy providers. You can learn about the latest programs and resources from Seattle City Light and Puget Sound Energy, using them in your home to save money and reduce energy use.
» Seattle Climate Action Now - Green Up Seattle!
By Kplu Administrator | Published 05/23/2006 | Utilities Corner |




The Green Up program www.greenupseattle.org provides Seattle City Light residential and business customers the option to purchase wind power at the source and support development of new, renewable energy resources in the Northwest. Residential customers can purchase green power for 25, 50 or 100 percent of their electricity use at flat rates of $3, 6 or 12 per month. Business customers can participate based on their kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumption and earn Silver, Gold or Platinum Partner recognition. There are more than 7,000 customers participating in Green Up to date. Join us at www.greenupseattle.org. Seattle Green Up is now Green-e certified green power.





For more information on Seattle City Light, visit their website!
» Energy Star in Your Home
By Kplu Administrator | Published 09/6/2006 | Utilities Corner |


CHOOSE an ENERGY STAR® qualified home and enjoy the benefits of a lifetime.

Searching for the right house can be overwhelming. There are so many decisions in front of you. And with the cost of owning any home on the rise, it makes sense to think about how energy efficient your new home will be, because saving on your energy costs can help you put more dollars into the things you like to do.

One of the best things about selecting an ENERGY STAR qualified home is that all the decisions about getting energy-efficient performance from your new home has already been done for you by your homebuilder. As an ENERGY STAR builder, they carefully consider the interaction of all systems in the home, including heating and cooling, windows, doors, insulation, appliances and lighting to construct a home that will save energy and money.

What’s more, you get the added confidence that an independent third party has verified that this will be the most energy-efficient home you can buy in the Puget Sound region.

Bottom Line?  An ENERGY STAR qualified home:
• Uses less energy than a conventional home, so you pay less in energy bills each month. These savings come from a variety of energy saving features including increased insulation, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, well-sealed duct systems, and ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, lighting and
windows.

• Is more comfortable because it is warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer as a result of increased insulation and tightly sealed ducts.

• Is performance tested to give you peace of mind in knowing that your home will operate at optimal levels for greater durability and lower maintenance. Each home must pass a stringent evaluation by a certified technician. In addition, an independent third-party verifies that the required equipment and building specifications for the ENERGY STAR Homes Northwest certification requirements are met. Only then, does it receive the ENERGY STAR – your assurance of energy efficiency.

Ask your builder for an ENERGY STAR qualified home.  For a complete list of homebuilders offering ENERGY STAR homes,  visit www.NorthwestENERGYSTAR.com or call toll-free 1-888-373-2283.

» Call Before You Dig
By Kplu Administrator | Published 05/17/2006 | Utilities Corner |




When you're ready to break ground on a remodel or a new home, consider what's underground. Your underground utilities are vital to the whole community. You can protect these resources and enhance public safety by contacting the "Call Before You Dig" hotline or visiting CBYD on the web.

Through a partnership that includes Puget Sound Energy, the Utilities Underground Location Center provides accurate, cost-effective one call service for those looking to dig.

"Call Before You Dig"
1-800-424-5555
www.callbeforeyoudig.com