Up & Coming Weekly

September 30, 2014

Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.

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OCTOBER 1-7, 2014 UCW 47 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM PWC on the Air Don't Fall for a Scammers Call! Join Host Wendy Riddle for Your PWC Connections anytime on PWC's website, or watch nightly on Fay TV 7 (TWC Government Access Channel 7). Q: Harry, I've heard a lot about PWC's Seasonal Light Incentive Program. I'm thinking about taking advantage of it, but I'm still a bit skeptical. Are LEDs really more efficient than incandescents and is it really possible to save money just by replacing my old seasonal lights with LED bulbs? George R., Fayetteville A: George, the answer is YES! Switching to LED seasonal lights can have a big impact on your electric bill! LED (Light Emitting Diode) seasonal lights use as much as 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Which is great because less energy consumption can equal savings on your electric bill! They're much safer, cool to touch, and less of a fire hazard. LEDs are resistant to breakage and can individually be replaced while the strand stays lit. Another great feature when you switch to LEDs is their long lasting lifetime. Plus, an LED string lit for 12 hours a day for 40 straight days could last as long as 40 seasons! To maximize savings, I recommend putting your LED seasonal lights on timers to limit the number of hours your LEDs are on, and of course, taking advantage of PWC's Incentive Program. Do you have a question about conservation? Send them to: Ask HARRY at customer.programs@faypwc.com, and don't forget to check out faypwc.com to learn more about all of PWC's incentive programs, including the Seasonal Light Incentive Program! Stay up to date with PWC! For real-time storm updates, news and tips, Follow us on Twitter @FAYPWC and Like us on Facebook! PWC at 910-483-1382. Our employees will never call to request payment over the phone. If you feel threatened, call 911 immediately. PWC does have an optional automatic call that reminds customers if we have not received their payment, but it does not attempt to collect the payment over the phone. Call PWC Customer Service today to enroll in the reminder system. There has been an upswing in the number of customers contacted by utility scammers attempting to collect payment over the phone or in person. Scammers often claim that service(s) will be disconnected immediately if the customer does not provide a credit/debit card number, bank information or even request you purchase a Green Dot money Card just to pay. If someone claiming to be from Fayetteville PWC contacts you and asks for payment, beware! Hang up or walk away and call Harry Myles, Fayetteville PWC Conservation Specialist Inside PWC: Smoke Testing Fayetteville PWC regularly inspects sanitary sewer lines to locate breaks and defects in the sewer system. Crews inject a non-toxic white colored smoke through manholes located within public streets and utility easements. The smoke is made specifically for these purposes. It leaves no residue and isn't harmful to humans, animals, or plants. Under normal conditions, residents will see smoke come through the roof vent of their home. Smoke alarms may sound if it enters the residence or building. If you notice traces of the gray-white smoke or its distinctive (not unpleasant) odor in your home or building, it may be an indication of problems with plumbing fixtures associated with your sewer lines. The repair of any defects on private property is the responsibility of the property owner. The services of a licensed plumber are advised. Watch for notices in your area. PWC will also notify the local fire departments as testing is conducted in the area and signs will be placed in neighborhoods informing residents of the test. If you have any questions about smoke testing, please call PWC's Smoke Testing Hotline at 910-223-4010. The average family in the U.S. spends around $1,300 a year on utility bills. As cooler weather approaches you may find yourself spending more to stay warm than you really need to. These energy saving tips can help you make small yet meaningful changes that will keep the cold air out and save you money! Seal Leaks: Heat gets sucked away through drafty windows, outlets, and light switches. Install foam gaskets behind outlets and switches to keep heat inside. Use caulk to seal openings around windows. Weather Stripping: Heat can easily leak out through the spacing surrounding the doorway. This will instantly eliminate cold drafts. Furnace: Get your furnace inspected before you need to turn it on to heat your home and be sure to replace filters regularly. If you need a new furnace consider buying one that is rated 90% or higher in energy efficiency. Replacing an old furnace with a more energy-efficient model can result in up to 30% savings! Visit faypwc.com to learn more about PWC's Heat Pump Incentive program that can earn you a credit on your bill if you purchase a qualified model. Insulation: Insulation can be the cheapest way to make the most impact when it comes to energy savings. Be sure to lay insulation in the basement, attic, and crawl space. You can also blow insulation into the inside of your exterior walls to retain heat during colder months. As a public power provider, the Public Works Commission of the City of Fayetteville is community owned and locally operated. That helps you "stay connected" thanks to benefits like the fastest possible response times, even during storms or other emergencies, and superior reliability. "Public power" means we operate solely for our customers, and our residential electric rates are among the lowest in the state. It also means we have stronger connections with our community – keeping revenues right here and providing more jobs for local residents. What's more, PWC helps you stay connected with excellent communications and customer service. Check out our new online Account Manager or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for outage updates and tips on saving money. Celebrate Public Power Week October 5-11 faypwc.com Stay Connected with Public Power. Public Works Commission of the City of Fayetteville Conservation Tips for Cooler Weather

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