November 2008 Customer Connection
The following topics were covered in your issue of November's Customer Connection:
- Natural Gas Heating Cost Update
- Spread Out Heating Costs
- Educational Guide to Natural Gas
- Garden of Lights
- Recipe: Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake
Other information included with your bill...
Natural Gas Heating Cost Update
Early projections of a 40-50% increase in natural gas costs for this winter season have been lowered to around 5-10%, based on current conditions and normal weather. Why the change?
Natural gas market prices began to drop about two months ago from near-record levels in late spring and early summer. However, because utilities had to buy some natural gas to store for winter use at the high levels, heating costs will still be higher this winter, just not as high as previously thought.
As a natural gas distribution company, Wisconsin Public Service passes along the prices it pays for natural gas directly to customers.
Kerry Spees, WPS spokesperson, said that customers should prepare early for the higher costs. "There are so many things that we can do to reduce our heating bills," he said. "And some of them are relatively inexpensive."
- Turn the thermostat down a few degrees and wear warm clothing. For every degree turned down, a 3% savings in heating costs is possible.
- Invest about $25-40 in a programmable thermostat, which allows you to reduce the temperature in the home significantly when no one is present or everyone is sleeping.
- Close off rooms that can remain unused during the winter.
- Keep attached garage doors closed.
- Open drapes/curtains to windows with southern exposure to take advantage of radiant heat.
- If you think you may qualify for low-income energy assistance, apply early.
Find more tips online at wisconsinpublicservice.com
Plus, WPS offers a plan in which customers pay an average bill monthly instead of seasonal highs and lows. See the Budget Billing program article below or call 24-Hour Customer Service at 800-450-7260.
Budget Billing Spreads Out Heating Costs
It's no surprise that your energy bill rises during the winter months, when heating needs drive up energy use. Wisconsin Public Service's Budget Billing evens out your energy bills so they are manageable all year.
WPS calculates your estimated energy cost for the next year and divides it into 12 monthly payments. You are billed this monthly average for the next 12 months. At 6 months, your account is reviewed, and your payment amount may be adjusted to more closely reflect your actual use.
Your bill for the 12th month will include any difference between what you paid and the actual cost of the energy you used throughout the year. If you paid too much, any excess will be refunded to you by check or can be applied as a credit to reduce the following year's Budget Billing payment amount. If you paid too little, you can pay the difference outright or have WPS spread the balance over the new Budget Billing year.
"I've been on the plan ever since I became a WPS customer," said Kerry Spees, WPS spokesperson. "I don't get the small bills in the summer, but I don't get the really high bills in the winter, either. I love the program."
WPS customers who wish to join the Budget Billing program can do so by calling 24-Hour Customer Service at 800-450-7260.
Educational Guide to Natural Gas
Natural gas is a clean-burning, low-cost source of energy used to heat homes, generate electricity and power factories all over our country. Much of America's natural gas comes from the south, southwest, and Canada, all transported by a network of underground pipelines. Natural gas is also stored in rock formations and piped to other locations when needed. Because the pipelines are out of sight, we want to tell you about some important safety tips that could save your life.
Facts About Natural Gas
Natural gas is almost 40 percent lighter than air, so it rises and quickly spreads out in open areas. In an enclosed room or building, natural gas first displaces air at ceiling level, and then it moves down towards the floor.
Natural gas is not toxic. However, large concentrations of natural gas will displace air in enclosed spaces and suffocation can occur. Natural gas cannot burn by itself. For it to burn, natural gas must be mixed with a precise amount of air. It must have an ignition source, such as a pilot light, a lighted match or an electric arc from a light switch, motor, doorbell or telephone.
If natural gas does ignite, let it burn. Do not attempt to put out the flame until the source of gas is eliminated. Natural gas is not liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). LPGs, such as propane, are different from natural gas because they are heavier than air and collect in low places.
What To Do If You Smell Natural Gas
It's important to be alert for the distinctively unpleasant odor of natural gas. If the gas odor is strong, don't look for the source of the gas leak. Get out immediately! Do not light a match, do not turn lights or appliances on or off and do not use the telephone. Instead, go to a neighbor's house and call Wisconsin Public Service's emergency line at 800-450-7280 (we will respond promptly at no charge).
Signs Of A Natural Gas Leak Include:
- Unexplained areas of dead vegetation where the surrounding area is green
- A meter dial that continues to move after all natural gas appliances and equipment have been shut off
- Distinct natural gas odor similar to rotten eggs
- Blowing sound or bubbling in a wet or flooded area
Gas And Pipeline Permanent Markers
Gas and pipeline transmission companies use the following types of permanent markers to indicate the presence of gas lines in the area. These markers usually are not set over the pipeline but are used to indicate gas pipelines are in the area.
How Do You Locate Buried Piping?
Before starting any project that involves digging, the buried gas piping must be located in advance. Call 811 and ask to have the pipeline and all other facilities located; this service is free. Allow three full working days for utility companies to respond and locate all facilities in the area.
The paint and/or flag markings put on the ground by the gas utility company may be relied on to give the approximate location of the facilities. Remember, hand exposure of all facilities is required. Never assume that your equipment won't hit the facilities because you think they are located at a greater depth.
Questions? Call 800-450-7260.
Garden of Lights Makes Spirits Bright
The 12th Annual WPS Garden of Lights is even brighter this year, featuring more than 200 flowers, butterflies and other botanical-theme light displays, an indoor garden railroad, festive music and food.
Hours:
Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
November 28 – December 28
Admission:
$6 Adults, $4 Children ages 5-12 (under 5 free)
Tickets can be purchased at the door.
Horse-drawn wagon ride*:
Adults add $3, Children add $2
*Rides start at 5:30 p.m. with limited seating.
For more information, call 920-490-9457 or visit gbbg.org.
Recipe Corner: Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake
Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Refrigerate: overnight
- 1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup butter or margarine, melted
- 3 pkgs. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin pie filling
- 1 cup pure maple syrup, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup (½ pint) whipping cream
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Combine cracker crumbs, sugar and butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk and beat until smooth. Add eggs, pumpkin, ¼ cup maple syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix well. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake 1 hour and 15 minutes or until edge springs back when lightly touched (center will be slightly soft). Cool. Chill 2-4 hours in refrigerator.
For glaze: combine ¾ cup maple syrup and whipping cream in saucepan. Boil rapidly 15-20 minutes or until thickened; stir occasionally. Add pecans. Drizzle cooled cheesecake with glaze. Refrigerate leftovers.