Current 1040 O Street, P.O. Box 80869 Lincoln, NE 68501-0869 8 a.m-5 p.m., Monday-Friday Lincoln Electric System LES proposes no rate increase for 2015 LES has proposed a 2015 total budget authorization of nearly $346 million, up 7 percent from the 2014 total budget. However, LES’ proposed budget will not require a rate increase in 2015 because of offsetting wholesale power sales in the Southwest Power Pool market. LES also plans to use $2 million from the utility’s rate stabilization fund to offset some of the increased power costs related to an extended outage at one of LES’ lowest-cost power plants, Laramie River Station near Wheatland, Wyoming. LES’ Customer Newsletter October 2014 Customer Service: 402.473.3344 24/7 Bill Pay: 866.462.8432 - Toll Free Power Outage: 888.365.2412 - Toll Free Diggers Hotline: 811 - Toll Free The 2015 proposed budget allows LES to continue providing low-cost, reliable power. In fact, a recent nationwide study revealed that overall LES rates averaged 13th lowest among the 106 cities surveyed. This is the 27th consecutive year that our rates have ranked among the lowest in the country. However, LES is mindful that regulatory uncertainty could impact costs in the future. The LES Administrative Board will take action on the 2015 budget and rates at its Oct. 17 meeting. Upon the Board’s approval, the proposed budget will be considered 2014 National Rate survey by the Lincoln City Council at a public hearing in November. For more information on the proposed LES 2015 budget or national rate survey, visit www.les.com. Winter rates in effect Our lower winter electric rates are now in effect for bills rendered from October through May. The current residential rate: Customer & facilities charge: $11.15 per bill. Plus, for billing periods less than 27 days, a credit of $0.19 per day multiplied by the difference between 30 and the actual number of days in the billing period will be applied. Energy charge: For the first 30 kilowatt-hours used per day, not to exceed 900 kWh per month, $0.0730 will be charged per kWh. For all kWh over 30 consumed per day, $0.0573 per kWh. Upgrade and save If you are planning a project that will increase the energy efficiency of your home or business, you may qualify for financial incentives from LES’ Sustainable Energy Program. Continued on next page... p: 402.475.4211 · w w w.les.com · follow us on: · 1 By using the financial incentives available, it is LES’ hope that you will upgrade to even more efficient equipment than you would have purchased on your own. Thus, potentially lowering your utility bills and decreasing your impact on the environment. Don’t delay, funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis and they are going fast. Projects that can qualify for LES incentives: · Whole-house and facility sealing and insulation. · High-efficiency heat pumps and air conditioners. · Commercial and industrial lighting. · Commercial and industrial energy efficiency. For detailed incentive descriptions or the list of participating contractors, visit www.les.com, email the [email protected] or call 402.473.3270. Sustainable living Don’t forget to join LES and its community partners at the fourth annual Sustainable Living Festival. This is a free, fun-filled family event focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability. Enjoy interactive demonstrations, energy-efficiency and children’s activities, music and more. For as little as $3 per month you can help bring more solar power to the Lincoln area. LES SunShares is making it easier and more affordable for our customer-owners to voluntarily invest in an environmentally friendly energy source. Whether you have too much shade for rooftop solar, own or rent a home or business that doesn’t allow solar, or would prefer to be part of a large-scale community solar project, you now have a way to participate. Fill out and send in the enrollment form, or sign up online at www.les.com/SunShares. To learn more, visit www.les.com or call LES at 402.475.4211. Circle or fill in your monthly contribution to LES SunShares, which will be added to your electric bill beginning Jan. 1, 2015: $3 $ 4 $5 $6 $7 $8 $9 $10 $ $3 minimum required Write in your own amount (Please print) Your Name:________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________ LES’ Sustainable living festival Southpointe pavilions- 27th & pine lake road Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Receive this notice after the event or unable to attend? Visit www.les.com for tons of energy-saving ideas. City: ______________________________________________________________ Zip Code: ____________________________________________ Phone:_____________________________________________ Email:______________________________________________ Charge up while downtown Signed: Great news for electric vehicle owners! You now have a spot to charge up your EV while you are enjoying downtown. At the city of Lincoln’s new Green 2 parking garage, located at 530 P St., there are now three charging ports available to the public. There is a $2 flat rate for a maximum four-hour charge, which can be paid by credit card, a special ChargePoint card or over the phone. LES plans to use these stations to help gauge the demand for electric charging stations in its service territory. Return with your LES payment or mail to: 10/2014 Date: Lincoln Electric System P.O. Box 80869 Lincoln, NE 68501-0869 By signing this form, you are authorizing the amount listed/circled be added to your electric bill each month, beginning Jan. 1, 2015. You also understand this money will be used to help fund a utility-scale photovoltaic solar project in the Lincoln area. Your participation in LES SunShares will continue each month unless you notify LES in writing. This donation is nonrefundable and completely voluntary. p: 402.475.4211 · w w w.les.com · 2