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.

Scam Tip of the Month

November 4, 2026
NRECA's Straight Talk Utility Scams Tip of the Month For November 2026

Planned Outage for the Village of Stratton

November 3, 2026
Officials with the Village of Stratton and Southwest Public Power District are coordinating a planned power outage scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Southwest Public Power District will be replacing a joint-use pole located East of the substation, where both SWPPD and the Village of Stratton have facilities. To safely complete the necessary repairs, power to the affected line will need to be shut off for approximately 5 hours. The outage will affect electric services east along Bayard Street to the eastern edge of the Stratton city limits, as well as north along Highway 34 to the northern edge of the Stratton city limits. Please help us by planning accordingly and by spreading the word to your friends and neighbors within the impacted area. Updates will be provided on the SWPPD Facebook page as the work begins and progresses on November 4th.  Should weather become a factor, the contingency date for this operation is 9:00 a.m. Thursday, November 5th, 2026.

A Needle In A Haystack

October 29, 2026
Late winter and early spring weather in Nebraska can range from devasting blizzard conditions all the way to higher temperatures that haven’t been reached since last fall. They can include high humidity or drought and dry conditions. Regardless of the timing, the weather in Nebraska is famous for changing significantly in a short period of time. During one spring week a customer reported 3 early morning outages over the course of 4 consecutive days. As a customer, it can be quite frustrating to call in over and over again. Especially after normal operating hours and waiting for a crew to respond before getting your own day started. It can be equally frustrating for a crew to respond to the same location multiple times without finding an obvious reason for the outage. But there are simply times that finding and repairing the cause can be like finding a needle in a haystack . Most of the time, crews are looking for something obvious that may have broken along the line. Poles, wires or insulators broken or out of place are easy to spot and usually indicative of the problem. However, it is not entirely unusual for a responding crew to arrive and find nothing out of the ordinary along the stretch of line believed to be the source of the fault. In our industry the events themselves are usually caused by one of three things: man, machine or environment. Weather, wild animals, heavy equipment and human interactions that may have caused this outage could be long gone by the time the utility crews arrive leaving no evidence of their activities. Large birds, critters, vehicles or even high humidity exposing an opportunity for a fault might not be visible during line patrol. In one such incident, after a 3rd call lines were isolated and non-residential services were disconnected for about a week to allow for a pole-top to pole-top inspection of the area suspected to be near the source of the outage. An intact insulator that became dirty and corroded and a steel cutout that carried the fault searching for ground, resulted in the top of the pole eventually was determined to be the culprit. Without a broken insulator, hanging wire or electrical arcing visible from the ground line patrol at 3:00 am lead to a cause crews were simply unable to observe. The high humidity of fog or precipitation in the air was a contributing factor. However once the fog lifted and weather conditions were normal, this was not detectible. Eventually the problem will intensify and become more obvious. Until then, we just have to continue looking.

October 2026 EnergyWiseSM Tip: Forklifts

October 14, 2026
By: NPPD's Energy Efficiency Program Manager Cory Fuehrer In 1906, the Pennsylvania Railroad began using the first battery-powered industrial truck to move baggage between platforms, speeding the loading and unloading of passenger trains. Often nicknamed the "Electric Porter," this equipment became the original predecessor of today’s electric forklifts.  While the need for more lifting power led to the development of fuel-powered forklifts during World War I, recent developments and cost reductions in lithium-ion battery technology have led to electric lifts outselling fuel-powered by nearly 3 to 1 in the world market today. Distribution centers, manufacturing facilities and third-party logistics providers are heavily investing in electric forklifts and intelligent fleet management systems to improve productivity and reduce operational downtime. Here are a few more advantages electric forklifts have over fuel-powered lifts: Less maintenance – Upkeep is generally limited to brakes, tires, and basic battery care. Fewer moving parts – Unlike fuel-powered units, electric forklifts have no engine, transmission or radiator. No emissions – In addition to eliminating ventilation concerns, electric lifts are safer for food and pharmaceutical facilities. Lower cost – In addition to reducing battery cost and bringing initial purchase prices down to comparably sized fuel-powered forklifts, electric units boast lower maintenance and energy costs. Smoother, quieter ride – Without an internal combustion engine producing noise and vibration, electric forklifts provide a better user experience. Smoother acceleration – Since electric units do not have a clutch, operators do not experience the common “jump” of an open differential used in fuel-powered forklifts. Often lighter, smaller – Unless the weight is necessary for counterbalancing, owners can often select an electric lift that weighs less and has a smaller footprint than a fuel-powered unit. This makes it easier to maneuver in tight aisles, easier to transport and less likely to damage floors. Repowering – Batteries can be easily swapped in the same amount of time or less than refueling. Recharging batteries during off-peak hours allows large facilities to take advantage of certain utility rate programs. In partnership with Nebraska Public Power District, your local public power provider wants to help you do the heavy lifting. To find additional ways electrical technologies can make it easier to complete the job, contact your local utility or visit www.energywisenebraska.com.

Surge protectors don’t last forever

October 7, 2026
If you have your expensive electronic devices plugged into surge protectors, good for you! But if you bought surge protectors, plugged everything into them and forgot all about them, you could be overlooking a potential problem: Old surge protectors wear out and need replacing every now and then. Surge protectors do not last forever. The components that absorb electrical surges can wear out over time. After enough surges, a device may continue working as a power strip while providing little or no surge protection.. Check your surge protector occasionally. Many models have an indicator light that shows whether surge protection is still active. If the light is off, consult the manufacturer's instructions. It may be time for a replacement. Inspect the device’s cord and outlets. Replace the unit if you see scorch marks, cracks, frayed wires or other damage. A power strip that feels unusually warm should also be replaced. Experts often recommend replacing surge protectors every few years, especially in areas that experience frequent storms and power fluctuations.  A quick inspection takes only a minute. A stereo system or piece of home theater equipment that gets fried during a power surge ruins that investment forever.

When fans save money—and when they don’t

October 2, 2026
Ceiling fans can make a room feel cooler. But they do not actually lower the temperature in that space. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fans create a wind-chill effect that helps people feel cooler. The room itself does not become cooler. In fact, DOE says, ceiling fans may allow homeowners to raise the thermostat setting by about 4 degrees in the summer without reducing comfort. That means a fan saves energy only when people are there to enjoy the breeze. Running a ceiling fan in an empty room does not improve comfort and uses electricity unnecessarily. Also, did you know that you need to change the direction that your fan blades spin every spring and fall?  During summer, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise. That pushes air downward and creates the cooling effect people feel. Running them in the wrong direction for the season won’t keep you comfortable.

Line Worker Position Opening

September 30, 2026
Southwest Public Power District has an opening for the position of Journeyman or Apprentice power line worker for the Benkelman location. Duties include, but are not limited to, maintenance and construction of overhead and underground distribution and sub-transmission facilities. The District operating hours are a compressed work schedule with every other Friday off. After-hours and on-call duty are required. This position requires heavy lifting, pole climbing, and other strenuous activity and working well with other crew members. Must be able to complete associated written and electronic documentation. Must possess a valid Class B CDL and pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test. Southwest Public Power District offers an excellent wage and benefit package, including paid vacation, sick leave, paid health insurance, and funded retirement plan. Southwest Public Power District’s headquarters office is in Palisade, Nebraska. The region’s schools, small communities, and recreational opportunities make it a great place to live and raise a family. Interested individuals must email a resume, including job training and three references to: jobs@swppd.com. Southwest Public Power District is an equal opportunity employer. Position will be open until filled.

Sometimes energy bills rise without a rate increase

September 23, 2026
When an electric bill suddenly rises, many people assume their electric cooperative raised its rates. Sometimes that’s the case. But more often, the biggest reason is simple: You used more electricity. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, nearly 90% of U.S. households use air conditioning. During hot weather, cooling systems run longer and more often. Even if the price of electricity stays the same, using more electricity means a higher bill. Heat waves can have a bigger effect than you might realize. A few extra days of very hot weather may cause an air conditioner to run for hours longer each day. Refrigerators, freezers and dehumidifiers may also work harder during extreme heat. If your bill seems unusually high, compare your electricity use with the same month last year. Most utility bills show the number of kilowatt-hours used. That number can tell you whether the increase came from higher use, higher rates or a combination of both. You can also look for simple causes if you notice an unexpected jump in your energy use. A clogged air filter, a thermostat set a few degrees lower than usual or windows receiving direct afternoon sun can all increase cooling costs.  The next time your electric bill arrives, don't just look at the amount due. Check how much electricity you used. The answer to a higher bill is often hiding in that number.

September 2026 EnergyWiseSM Tip: Headlights

September 16, 2026
By: NPPD's Energy Efficiency Program Manager Cory Fuehrer According to Consumer Reports , 2018 was the first automotive production year when more new models were equipped with light-emitting diode (LED) headlights than halogen or high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. Today, all new electric and hybrid vehicles are equipped with LEDS, as are most internal combustion engine vehicles. However, in June of 2026, of the 297.5 million registered vehicles in the United States, more than two-thirds were manufactured before 2018. If you drive one of these earlier-model cars, you are likely to be using the older lighting technologies to see your way down the road at night. Should you upgrade your headlights? Consider these points: Brighter illumination The number of lumens a light produces is a measurement of the total perceived light emitted by a source. As an example, a standard 100-watt incandescent lightbulb produces about 1,600 lumens. LED headlights produce 3,000 to 12,000 lumens to provide impressive lighting ranges that can reach beyond 300 yards. In comparison, halogen or HID headlights only produce 1,000 to 1,500 lumens and have a shorter lighting range that only reaches up to 150 yards. Energy Efficiency Depending on which headlights are being compared, LEDs are four to ten times more efficient than halogen or HID headlights in converting electricity to light. This is one of the main reasons LEDs can produce so many more lumens on an automobile’s headlamp circuit than the older technologies. Better visual acuity and safety When describing “white” light, the term “Kelvin” (using the symbol “K”) is used to describe how “warm” or “cool” the color is; the lower the Kelvin level, the warmer and more yellowish the light is. Traditional halogen and HID headlights produce light around 3200K. LED headlights produce crisp, directional white light around 5000K to 6500K, which improves contrast and distance visibility to the human eye. Less eye fatigue Studies have shown that the sharper contrast described above allows drivers to spot road signs, lane markings and obstacles much earlier, thus reducing cognitive and visual load during extended nighttime trips. Longer lifespan and lower overall cost Drivers using halogen or HID headlights typically get about 1,000 to 2,000 hours of use before they replace them again at an average cost of $20 to $60 per pair. Even though LED headlights cost three to five times more at an average cost of $50 to $175 per pair, they will last 30,000 to 50,000 hours and save money and time through fewer future replacements. Your local public power provider, in partnership with Nebraska Public Power District, wants to help you make the most of the energy they provide. That includes helping you safely and comfortably travel from point A to point B at night. To find additional ways electrical technologies can improve efficient use of energy in our lives, contact your local utility or visit www.energywisenebraska.com.

Smart thermostats: Worth it?

September 10, 2026
Smart thermostats promise to help homeowners save energy while keeping their homes comfortable. But are they worth the investment? The short answer: They’re worth it. Unlike traditional thermostats, smart models connect to home wi-fi and can be controlled through a smartphone app. Many also “learn” a household’s schedule and automatically adjust temperatures when people are asleep or away. When a smart thermostat lowers or raises the temperature for several hours a day, it can reduce heating and cooling costs. Because smart thermostats automate these adjustments, they can help households maintain energy-saving settings without anyone having to remember to change them manually. Some models also compile energy reports that show how often the system runs and offer suggestions for reducing energy use. However, smart thermostats may not be necessary for every home. If you live in an older home, you might need an electrician to install additional wiring to support yours. And smart units are pricier than basic programmable units. Plus, you need a stable internet connection for a smart model to operate consistently well. If you already have a programmable thermostat, a smart unit might not save you much additional money. And if you work at home all day and need to keep the heat or a/c at a comfortable setting, you won’t want a thermostat that automatically makes your home colder on winter days or warmer during summertime working hours.  Still, for homeowners who frequently forget to adjust the temperature or want the convenience of remote control, a smart thermostat can be a useful tool for improving comfort and managing energy use.
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