February 2016

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.
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