January 2024 EnergyWiseSM Tip: Icicles

January 18, 2024

By: NPPD Energy Efficiency Program Manager Cory Fuehrer


Can you think back to your childhood and remember the "magic" of icicles? While growing up in a century-old farm house, I remember wintry "No School" days when my mom would bundle me up in so many layers of sweatshirts, coats and overalls that I could barely move. Then, I'd waddle outside and start my polar expedition around the farm to discover the winter wonderland and search for the perfect icicle.

Inevitably, I would find the most beautiful ones hanging from the gutters on the south side of the house. Over the next couple of hours, I would keep checking to see how much they had grown. Then, before they became too long, I would break them off and carefully put them in the deep freezer thinking how refreshing they would taste in July when it's 95°F. Sadly, I never experienced that summertime sensation because mom always threw them out when she defrosted the freezer during spring cleaning.

Unfortunately, not all stories involving icicles are as innocent or benign. It seems every winter, we hear a news of someone injured by falling icicles. More likely, we hear very little about the gutters pulled off homes when the icicles become too heavy or the ice that builds up on the roof behind them, melts and rots wood in attics. Their beauty disguises the warning of other potential damage including loosened or broken shingles, cracked chimney stacks, ruined insulation, damaged drywall or even a roof collapsing.

Icicles form on days when the outdoor air temperature is subfreezing but heat escaping through the attic melts snow or ice on top. As it drips off the roof, a water droplet freezes as it loses heat to the cold air. Over time, ice gets thicker and thicker to create an ice dam. Eventually, the water behind the ice dam builds up enough to push under the shingles and into the house.

Roof rakes, heat cables and ice dam removal companies only address the symptoms of ice damming. While you may never completely eliminate icicles, there are two parts to a long-term solution: reducing the heat escaping into the attic and removing the heat that does.

Attic insulation and air sealing

Since most of this misplaced heat comes from below the attic, ensure proper insulation and air sealing. According to the Department of Energy, Nebraska homes should have enough insulation to equate to at least an R49 value in attics. This value is equal to about 15 inches of fiberglass batt material assuming an average of R3.25 per inch of thickness. Note that if you have loose-fill insulation in your attic, the R-value of does not change proportionately with thickness. Rather, manufacturers provide coverage charts that specify the amount needed to achieve a particular R-value.

Air leaks transmit a lot of heat into the attic quickly. When trying to seal up sources of these leaks, pay particular attention to the following items that often penetrate into the attic:

• Chimneys

• Plumbing stacks

• Recessed lighting from the ceiling below

• Bathroom and clothes dryer ventilation

Of the four, bathroom and clothes dryer exhausts can be the worst. Not only do they bring heat into the attic area, some are not completely ducted outside and dump warm, moisture-laden air right into the attic. This often leads to problems similar to ice damming such as rotting rafters, ruined insulation, moisture inside walls, mold, and peeling paint.

More attic ventilation

Though secondary to insulation and sealing, ventilation is also important. No matter how much you insulate, some heat will still come through. Proper attic ventilation promptly moves the undesired heat outdoors before it causes melting on your roof.

Many homes built before 1980 have inadequate attic ventilation. When checking your attic's insulation levels, look for these signs of moisture problems:

• Damp insulation

• Unnaturally dark or discolored decking

• Dark streaks on roof boards around nails

• Orange resin beads on rafters signaling sweating wood

• Moisture on roof boards and rafters

• Crumbling, curled roof shingles

Southwest Public Power District, in partnership with Nebraska Public Power District, are happy to help you make the most of the energy needed to keep you warm, safe and sound this winter. For additional ideas, as well as information on EnergyWiseSM incentives to help with the cost of efficiency improvements, contact Southwest Public Power District or visit www.energywisenebraska.com for more information.

‘Summer’ school: Lessons on keeping cool

July 31, 2025
School may be out for the summer, but here’s a test: On a hot day, will setting the thermostat at a very low temperature cool your house faster? If you answered yes, you’re in need of summer school. Lowering the thermostat beyond the temperature you desire only makes your air conditioner run longer, not faster. You could end up paying more money for an uncomfortably chilly house. Here are a few more lessons to add to your air conditioning know-how: Want to pay to be cool only when you’re at home? Install a programmable thermostat, which lets you set the thermostat higher for hours when the house is empty, but lower during your at-home hours. It takes less energy to re-cool your home when you return than it does to keep it cool while you’re gone. Set the thermostat at 78 degrees. You’ll save about 15 percent on your cooling bill over a 72-degree setting, while remaining comfortable. Keep lamps and other heat-emitting devices—like TVs and large electronics—away from the thermostat. Such appliances can trick the thermostat into “thinking” the air is warmer than it really is so it should keep running when the house is already cool. The morning sun might help you wake up, but don’t forget to close your curtains and window shades before you leave the house for the day to keep the sun’s heat out. If you use room air conditioners, make sure they fit snugly into window frames, and close all heating ducts.

Lineman Position Opening

By Frank Bonini • July 23, 2025
Journeyman or Apprentice Lineman Position

In summer heat, keep an eye on neighbors

July 23, 2025
Hot summer days put people at risk for heat-related illnesses and can exacerbate existing medical conditions. Doctors recommend you spend the hottest part of the day indoors enjoying the air conditioning. But for those whose homes don’t have air conditioning or who can’t afford to turn it on, the risk is acute. That’s especially true for the elderly or ill, who could be at risk for heat stroke or even death. If you know someone whose house might get too hot to handle this summer, call them or stop by to check on them every day. Use a neighborhood association directory or your own personal contacts to arrange phone calls during the summer months to elderly neighbors or those who live alone. Encourage neighbors or family members to use air conditioners during the hottest part of the day or spend it in an air conditioned public place, like a mall or library. If you find someone in medical distress because of the heat, call 911. Some states and counties encourage residents to help keep their neighbors safe through organized campaigns. Your local Salvation Army or hospital can tell you about programs already in your area. Or you can start one in your own neighborhood. Enlist the support of your local politicians or non-profit organizations to arrange a countywide system. One phone call could save a life.

July 2025 EnergyWiseSM Tip: Battery Energy Storage Systems

July 16, 2025
By: Energy Efficiency Program Manager Cory Fuehrer These days, instead of hearing a local dairy farmer hollering “Bessie,” you’re more likely to hear one of Nebraska’s public power utilities refer to “BESS” when discussing reliability. Rather than a seasoned Holstein cow, however, they are talking about a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This is one of the recent technologies Nebraska’s public power utilities consider for efficiently meeting the ever-growing electricity demand in our state. The Nebraska Power Association forecasts that our state’s average annual peak demand for electricity will continue to compound by 1.5% each year through 2042. This will be driven by both, new businesses drawn to our affordable, reliable power, and existing businesses expanding due to Nebraska’s favorable economic conditions. New loads will include ag and food processing, ethanol and ammonia production, data centers, irrigation conversions and other manufacturing to name a few. A number of electric utilities are adding new energy resources and some are considering the efficiencies a BESS could provide. In simple terms, a BESS is a BIG rechargeable battery. Though they may use different technologies such as sodium-sulfur and nickel-cadmium, the most common is lithium-ion. Storage systems are typically housed in engineered shipping containers, outdoor-rated cabinets, or purpose-built buildings placed on top of ground mounting structures using large cranes. They can be placed directly inside city centers or manufacturing areas, which reduces transmission costs and line losses without adding to urban air pollution. Without energy storage, electricity must be produced at the exact same time it is used. When demand for electricity spikes, most traditional generation resources require considerable time to bring online. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates only 25% of U.S. power plants can go from being fully shut down to fully operational in less than one hour. However, BESSs can supply their stored electricity in a matter of seconds. Having excess energy readily available can reduce or eliminate brownouts and blackouts during times of peak demand or extreme weather events. BESSs are also ideally paired with renewable generation resources like wind and solar. These resources are often not able to operate when power is needed most. Other times, they are available for output, but the immediate demand for electricity doesn’t exist. BESSs capture generation when it’s available, storing it and discharging it into the grid when and where it’s needed. Finally, BESSs help utilities manage the impact of price fluctuations for electricity in the wholesale market. During critical peak periods, the cost for electricity can increase more than one hundred-fold. BESSs allow utilities to provide energy during those brief periods and avoid purchasing energy at those extreme levels. Your local utility, in partnership with Nebraska Public Power District, wants to keep their costs low so that your own costs are as affordable as possible. By efficiently using their generation resources, utilities ensure you are able to purchase low-cost, sustainable electricity for years to come. If you would like ideas on how you can maximize use of that electricity, contact your local utility or visit www.energywisenebraska.com. EnergyWiseSM incentives are available to reduce the cost of many efficiency improvements.

Be Smart with Lighting on Long Summer Days

July 9, 2025
Summer brings longer days and more natural light, but that doesn’t mean your lighting habits can’t affect your energy use. Efficient lighting choices and smarter habits can help you take full advantage of daylight while minimizing electricity costs. Make the most of your summer lighting. Here’s how: • Use daylight whenever possible. Open curtains or blinds during the morning and early evening. • If you’re still using old incandescent light bulbs, replace them with LEDs, which use up to 80% less energy and last longer. • Install dimmer switches or motion sensors to reduce wasted light in unused spaces. • Encourage kids to turn off lights when leaving a room. • Use outdoor solar lights or energy-efficient landscape lighting for evening illumination. • Keep light fixtures and bulbs clean to ensure maximum brightness and efficiency. Small changes in lighting can lead to noticeable reductions in energy use, especially when lights stay on longer during family-filled summer days. Smart lighting doesn’t just save energy—it creates a more comfortable, better-lit home environment.

Seal Cool Air In

July 2, 2025
Keeping your home cool in July doesn’t just depend on your air conditioner—it also depends on how well your home keeps that cool air inside. Leaky doors, windows and attics can let the summer heat seep in, forcing your air conditioning system to work harder and raising your energy bills. Here’s how to seal up and stay cool: • Check for air leaks around windows and doors. Replace worn weather-stripping or use caulk to seal gaps. • Close fireplace dampers when not in use to prevent hot air from coming in—or cool air from escaping. • Use door sweeps to seal gaps under exterior doors. • Add insulation to your attic or basement. Proper insulation helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature. • Use thermal curtains or shades on sunny windows to block out radiant heat. • Close doors to unused rooms to reduce the space your cooling system has to manage. By keeping the cool air in and the hot air out, your home will stay more comfortable and your air conditioning will run less often. It’s a simple way to reduce summer energy use and stay chill—even on the hottest days.

Do your own summer energy audit

June 25, 2025
A do-it-yourself home energy audit is a great way to identify where your home is losing power—and discover simple fixes that can save you money. Here's how to get started: • Check for air leaks: Inspect windows, doors and attic hatches for drafts. If you find any gaps, seal them with weather-stripping or caulk to prevent cool air from escaping. • Inspect attic insulation. Proper insulation helps keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. If the insulation is sparse or uneven, it may be time to add more to keep your home comfortable and energy efficient. • Review your lighting. Replace any leftover incandescent bulbs in your home fixtures with energy-efficient LEDs. These use up to 80% less energy and last longer, saving you money in the long run. • Evaluate your appliances. Older appliances consume more energy. If your fridge, washer or air conditioner is outdated, it might be time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model. • Track your energy use. Ask your electric provider about smart meters or online tools that let you monitor your energy consumption. This can help you identify patterns and areas to improve. By completing a simple energy audit this summer, you can reduce energy waste and set yourself up for year-round savings. For a more in-depth evaluation, consider scheduling a professional energy audit.

Save energy at home while you're away

June 19, 2025
Summer vacations away from home presents an opportunity to reduce the energy your house uses. By making some adjustments before you leave, you can avoid wasting electricity on empty rooms and come home to a lower utility bill. Before you leave: • Set your thermostat several degrees higher or use vacation mode if your system offers it. • Unplug nonessential appliances like TVs, computers, coffee makers, and chargers. • Turn off lights or use timers for security purposes. • Close blinds or shades to keep out sunlight and reduce indoor heat. • Turn down the water heater temperature or switch it to vacation mode. • Make sure all windows and doors are fully closed and locked. Even though you won’t be home to use energy, your appliances and systems might—unless you plan ahead. These simple steps take just a few minutes but can result in meaningful energy

June 2025 EnergyWiseSM Tip: Refrigerants

June 12, 2025
By: Energy Efficiency Program Manager Cory Fuehrer As summer heats up, it’s great to know your home’s air conditioning system can provide relief. It’s also good to know you can find a cold beverage in your refrigerator to cool down with. That wouldn’t be possible without the refrigeration process pioneered in 1834 by Jacob Perkins, who introduced the first commercially successful vapor-compression refrigeration system using ether. For air conditioning systems, a refrigerant evaporates inside a coil and changes from a liquid to a gas. As it does, the refrigerant absorbs heat from inside your home and the system transfers it out. The amount of heat removed and how efficiently it is done depends in large part on the type of refrigerant used. For nearly 200 years, the refrigeration industry sought to develop the perfect refrigerant that would be efficient, non-corrosive, non-toxic, and non-flammable, with no ozone depletion and global warming potential. However, the first air conditioners and refrigerators employed toxic or flammable gases, such as ammonia, sulfur dioxide, methyl chloride or propane that often resulted in fatal accidents when they leaked. Then, in 1928, Thomas Midgley Jr. created the first non-flammable, non-toxic chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gas: Freon® (R-12). However, by the mid-1970s, scientists discovered CFCs such as R-12, were causing major damage to the ozone layer that protects the earth from ultraviolet radiation. In the 1980s, this lead to the adoption of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants like R-22. Compared to CFCs, HCFCs have a significantly lower potential to deplete ozone. But in the 2000s, climatologists began to correlate the use of HCFCs to climate change. To address this concern, the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 required transitioning to new refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers classifies these refrigerants as “A2Ls”. Starting this year, newly manufactured refrigeration and air conditioning systems must employ A2Ls. When compared to older refrigerants, they provide environmental benefits, improved efficiency, faster thermal recovery and regulatory compliance. They also help homeowners avoid the increasing costs of retiring refrigerants. Even still, don’t feel you need to rush out to replace all of heat pumps, air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers. Existing equipment and the parts, including refrigerant, used for servicing and repairing them are not subject to the new regulations and can continue to be used through equipment end-of-life. The supply of R-410a and R-134a will still be available, as was the case in prior refrigerant transitions in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, when you do find yourself in the market for a new refrigeration appliance, heat pump or air conditioning system, contact your local utility or visit www.energywisenebraska.com. They may have EnergyWiseSM incentives available to reduce the cost. Your local utility, in partnership with Nebraska Public Power District, wants to help you get the most value from the energy they provide.

Mind Your Thermostat Settings

June 3, 2025
One of the easiest ways to manage your energy bill in the summer is to be smart about your thermostat. Raising your thermostat by just a few degrees can lead to noticeable savings, and combining it with good cooling habits makes your home more comfortable and efficient. Try these strategies: • Set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you're home and higher when you're away. • Use a programmable thermostat or smart thermostat to automatically adjust settings when you’re sleeping or out of the house. • Don’t set the thermostat lower than usual to try to cool your home faster—it won’t work and it wastes energy. • Pair your thermostat with ceiling fans to circulate cool air and make higher temperatures feel more comfortable. • Keep internal heat sources like ovens and lamps away from the thermostat. • Make gradual temperature adjustments rather than big swings. If your air conditioner seems to run constantly, consider having it serviced. A well-maintained system cools more efficiently. Smart thermostat use, combined with seasonal maintenance and good airflow, can make a significant difference in your energy bill this July.
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