Austin’s Publicly Owned Electric Utility FEBRUARY 2016 austinenergy.com Stay Away from Downed Power Lines W hen ice or wind brings down tree limbs and power lines, safety is the top priority. Always assume that power lines are energized and dangerous, and never approach a fallen wire. Here are six important tips for staying safe if you encounter a downed power line: 1 Never touch a fallen power line. 2 Stay at least 18 feet away from a downed power line. When a live wire touches the ground, electricity fans out like when a pebble hits water. You can be shocked even if you don’t directly touch the line. 3 Never touch anything or anyone in contact with a power line, including tree limbs. If someone makes contact with a downed power line, do not approach them or make physical contact. Call 9-1-1. 4 Do not attempt to move a downed wire. 5 If you are driving and come across a downed power line, stay away and keep others away. 6 If your vehicle comes in contact with a downed power line, do not leave the vehicle. Wait for utility and emergency professionals to make sure the power line is de-energized before exiting the vehicle. Visit safeelectricity.org for more electricity safety tips and resources. Report a Problem If you see a fallen power line or a tree limb touching a power line, call Austin Energy at 512-322-9100 and report the location. If you see a fallen power line on a vehicle or see someone touching a power line, call 9-1-1. Remember, stay away and don’t touch! AUSTIN AQUATICS: Get Hired! Get Trained! Get Working! S T City of Austin Employees Pledge Half a Million Dollars he City of Austin Combined Charities Campaign is another way City employees show they care about the community. During the 2015 campaign, City employees raised more than $500,000. These donations go to help various local, regional, national and international nonprofit organizations. The 2015 campaign also focused on supporting for local relief efforts after natural disasters struck the region. These funds for the Bastrop fires and the Halloween floods totaled more than $25,000. COACCC is an annual pledge drive for City employees that allows for workplace giving. City employees have supported more than 500 approved charities through the campaign for the past two decades. pend the summer on the water saving lives and supporting your neighborhood and community. The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department Aquatic Division is hiring and training hundreds of individuals, ages 15 years and older, to be lifeguards, swim instructors, swim coaches and cashiers for the 2016 swim season. Starting pay ranges from $8 to $10.25 per hour. Evening and weekend training courses are available, and the flexible work schedules are ideal for students, teachers and retirees. Visit lifeguardaustin.com to find out more about job opportunities and the nationally recognized American Red Cross training. For questions, call the Aquatics office at 512-974-9330. FEB-45382 PowerPlus Austin Energy ® Customer News TM HOME BUILT BEFORE 2007? W hile a 10-year-old home may seem relatively new, many internal systems need professional attention once a home reaches this age. Austin Energy offers these customers a whole-home approach to energy efficiency through Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® upgrades on air conditioning equipment, home weatherization and air duct systems. Austin Energy recommends that customers contact at least three registered contractors for price estimates to begin the process. Once chosen, the registered contractors perform a walkthrough visual inspection of the home, then create a custom proposal identifying energy-saving upgrade opportunities. Why work with registered contractors? Austin Energy’s registered contractors follow special guidelines to perform these upgrades, assisting customers with the rebate and financing process, which can save an average of $1,500 in rebates per improvement project. These contractors meet high standards as they enter the home with the expertise to improve indoor air quality, increase comfort and reduce energy bills by about 20 percent. Austin Energy will perform a final inspection to ensure quality completion. What is included? Home Performance with ENERGY STAR typically addresses the following, as needed for each home: • Air conditioner/heat pump replacement • Duct system improvements: sealing, repair or replacement • Home weatherization: weatherstripping and caulking, attic insulation, window screens and film Why now? Texas weather may be unpredictable, but we can always count on the Sixty Years of Science T his February marks the 60th anniversary of the Austin Energy Regional Science Festival. Science Fest is one of Texas’ largest regional science fair competitions with more than 3,000 participating students from 3rd through 12th grade. Students who win at their local schools advance to the regional festival and the top winners from the middle and high school divisions advance to the Texas Science and Engineering Fair. In addition, six “Best of Fair” projects from the high school division will advance directly to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. This year’s theme — Inspiring Genius — speaks to Austin Energy’s role as a continued community partner for the advancement of education in Austin area schools. Austin Energy is committed to encouraging student interest and achievement in STEM to inspire the next generation of Texas leaders. To learn more, visit sciencefest.org. ENERGYUPGRADE IT! summer heat. This winter, qualifying Home Performance with ENERGY STAR projects can benefit from a low 3.99 percent interest loan with terms up to 10 years. Also, before March 31, you can enjoy a $200 discount on certain air conditioners and heat pumps. Attractive financing plus significant incentives will help you prep your home for hotter months, while ultimately making your home and wallet healthier. Plus, participating homes are compliant with the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure ordinance, which can help in a future home sale. Begin your benefits and take advantage of whole-home energy efficiency today. For a list of registered contractors or for more information, visit austinenergy.com/go/healthyhome or call 512-482-5346. Summer Camp Registration W hether you’re looking for active play, outdoor adventure, strategic games or cultural activities, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s summer camps have something for everyone. PARD’s goal is to provide your child with exciting experiences through structured recreation in a safe and welcoming environment. Emphasizing active participation and play, trained staff will guide your child through a variety of group activities, such as sports, swimming, hiking, geocaching, painting, performance, dance and more! Summer Camp registration opens 10 a.m. Saturday, March 5. In addition to walk-in registration, parents also can register online. Visit austintexas.gov/summercamp for more information about summer camp programs, registration or financial aid. Para una Traducción en Español: Si gusta recibir este folleto en español, llame a Austin Energy al 512-972-9523. Customer Service Phone: 512-494-9400 Walk-In Centers: North Austin Utility Customer Service Center — 8716 Research Blvd., Ste. 115 Rosewood-Zaragosa Neighborhood Center — 2800 Webberville Road, Ste. 110 24-Hour Power Outage Reporting: 512-322-9100 The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. TDD 512-477-3633. FEB-45382