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Energizer News Warm feet, bright lights and movie nights As autumn slips into winter, here’s a trio of tips to help you manage your energy use. NOVEMBER Make a commitment to changing your furnace filters regularly to keep the furnace running efficiently. Especially in months of heavy use, a dirty filter slows down air flow and makes a heating system work harder and use more energy. DECEMBER Replace incandescent holiday lights with LED lights. LED lights stay cool and use about 90 percent less energy than incandescents. LED lights also last longer. According to energy.gov, the life span of LED lights is about 20,000 hours, enough to last for 40 holiday seasons. JANUARY Planning to spend some quality time with your favorite TV shows or get a bigger screen for watching the Super Bowl in February? Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when shopping. ENERGY STAR® certified TVs are on average more than 20 percent more energy efficient than conventional models, according to energystar.gov. The label can be found on everything from standard TVs to HD-ready TVs to the largest flat-screens. Inspired to do more? You can find energy-saving tips for any time of year at www.mnpower.com/powerofone. Published by MP Corporate Communications, Kelley Eldien , Editor | 30 W. Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55802 | mnpower.com
Get your ‘collector’s edition’ calendar Be the first to get the last-ever Minnesota Power pocket calendar.
or Street a 55802
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The 2013 calendar will be the last MP pocket calendar that we produce and distribute. The electronic calendars found on computers and mobile phones have replaced this longtime tradition.
2013
If you want to receive this free “collector’s edition” filled with energy conservation tips and MP phone numbers and facts, visit www.mnpower. com and click on the calendar button. Or call 218-355-3512 or toll free 1-800-228-4966.
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Some households may be eligible for CARE bill-paying assistance Minnesota Power is accepting applications for its CARE program which offers income-qualified households a discount on monthly electric bills. The program goes into effect Oct. 1 each year and is limited to 5,000 customers on a first come, first served basis. It also helps households establish a budget payment plan. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission oversees CARE which is administered by the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency on behalf of Minnesota Power.
Quick quiz: Is e-Bill right for you? •
Are you a Minnesota Power customer?
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Do you prefer to pay bills electronically?
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Do you have an email account?
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Do you have access to the Internet, and frequently check your email account?
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Are you currently paying your bill through Recurring Payment Plan (RPP) or another electronic method?
How to apply 1. Complete a LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) application with your local energy assistance provider. 2. Complete and submit the CARE program application. 3. First-time applicants must also complete and submit the Your Home Energy Report survey on the application. Where to complete the forms
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Online at www.mnpower.com/CARE
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Over the phone by calling AEOA at 218-749-2912, ext. 277, or 1-800-662-5711
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In person at the AEOA office at 702 Third Ave. S., Virginia, MN 55792
If you answered “yes” to all of these questions, then e-Bill might be for you. Visit www. mnpower.com/ebill and click the “Sign Me Up” button to get started. Or click “Payment Options” to learn more. Still have questions? Call us at 1- 800-228-4966.
Scholarship programs accepting applications Minnesota Power continues honoring outstanding college and high school students through our two scholarship programs: The New Generation Scholarship and the Community Involvement Scholarship. The New Generation Scholarship program distributes up to $50,000 to students at two-year or four-year colleges. Twentyfive high school seniors are selected to receive $2,500 Community Involvement Scholarships.
Brochure cites costs, emissions Customers can learn about Minnesota Power’s system, costs and air emissions related to the fuels we use to generate electricity in our brochure “Your Electricity, Your Choice – Fuel Sources, Air Emissions, Costs.” The brochure can be found at www.mnpower.com/ documents/EnvCostDisclosure.pdf or call 800-228-4966. It was also inserted in customers’ September bills.
For more information and deadlines, visit www.mnpower.com/scholarships.
Cold Weather Rule can keep the heat on The Cold Weather Rule regulates the conditions under which gas and electric utilities may disconnect residential service between Oct. 15 and April 15. The rule requires that customers who have difficulty paying utility bills contact their utility to work out a mutually acceptable payment plan to keep their heat on. Should you receive a disconnection notice from Minnesota Power, you must contact us to set up a payment plan to avoid disconnection. Call 1-800-228-4966. You may also want to contact the state’s Energy Assistance Hotline at 1-800-6573710 to find out if you qualify for funds to help in paying your electric heating bills.
... in your neighborhood. Have you noticed Minnesota Power’s conservation program, Power of One®, has a truck on the move in your neighborhood? It’s there because your friends and neighbors are participating in The Great Refrigerator/ Freezer Roundup and getting rewarded for recycling their old, working refrigerators. You can participate too! To sign up, simply visit the truck when you see it, go online at www.mnpower.com/roundup or call 1-866-552-6755. Now through the end of the year, receive an additional $25 (on top of the standard $50) when you round up your refrigerator or freezer and include a working window air conditioner. 3
Make plans for energy conference The 23rd annual Energy Design Conference and Expo is Feb. 26-27 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Learn from experts and professionals about energy efficiency and the latest innovations in high-performance buildings, sustainable design and development, and current energy and environmental topics. The Expo offers workshops, exhibits and networking opportunities.
Spirited teamwork
Get more information and register at www.duluthenergydesign.com.
Our employee chili cook-off team placed third in the Amateur Division in the United Way of Greater Duluth Chili Cook-off for the third consecutive year. The cookoff is the United Way’s fundraising kick-off campaign – supporting more than 50 local programs and initiatives. (Pictured from left: LouAnn Kresal, Steve Laskowski, Kathryn Koch and Thor Underdahl)
e-SMART packets delivered to science teachers Science teachers and guidance counselors in our service area have received an e-SMART packet to help educate K-12 students and teachers on everything from where electricity comes from to renewable energy, electrical safety and energy conservation. Visit www.e-smartonline.net/MinnesotaPower.
Fall is the perfect time for improving your home’s energy efficiency. Check out our website for tips on how you can conserve energy and start making a difference today.
...it begins with you.
mnpower.com/powerofone
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Are your children or students e-SMART (the “e” stands for energy)?