ELECTRIC NOTES

SUBSTATIONS PLAY KEY ROLE IN SAFE, RELIABLE POWER

You may think, “Why would I want to know about substations?” Substations are an important part of the system that brings you safe and reliable electricity each time you flip a light switch or turn on an appliance.

Substations are key components of your electric co-op, serving as points of delivery in the transmission system. Substations meter distribution equipment, and power lines step down voltage for distribution to homes and maintain voltage at a constant level.

This constant level of voltage is particularly important—to travel long distances over wires, electric power voltage must be much higher than the level at which it is actually produced by a power plant. For example, electricity leaves a power plant at about 22,000 volts then is increased to as much as 765,000 volts. The higher the voltage, the lower the line loss and voltage drop—thus, the greater the system’s efficiency. As the power gets closer to its destination, voltage is gradually decreased to a level safe for consumers.

Transmission substations give the power its first step-down, and distribution substations step it down even further so that it may be sent on to the consumer. The lines leaving a distribution substation are owned and maintained by the local co-op. These lines carry the power to homes, businesses and schools.

There is a multitude of equipment in substations: transformers, lightning arrestors, circuit breakers, insulators, and much more. A transformer performs the main substation function, which again is to alter the voltage to an acceptable level for distribution. The voltage regulator then maintains a constant outgoing voltage.

It is easy to confuse a “switching station” with a substation, but they are different. Also known as breaker stations, switching stations exist for the protection and reliability of the system. They allow any faults in the system to be sectionalized so that outages will affect fewer customers.

The thing that looks like a garbage can near the top of a pole is, in fact, the transformer. The transformer’s function is to increase voltage for efficient long-distance transmission and to lower voltage for use by customers.

So the next time you drive by one of those fenced conglomerations of power lines and equipment, remember that, in spite of appearances, it’s an important part of your cooperative’s power system. It is helping ensure that you receive electricity in a reliable and safe manner.

But the most important thing to remember about substations is to observe the warning signs and stay away. The substation fences are there to protect you and the equipment that keeps your power on.

PLUGGED-IN KIDS
Websites offer fun ways to ‘switch on’ youth to efficiency

By Megan McCoy
Getting children excited about energy efficiency may seem hard—for some parents, it’s enough of a challenge to get them to do chores! But several websites have been designed with young energy savers in mind.

Mascots asking kids to help their parents save energy are popular. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has employed Disney’s Tinker Bell character to encourage youngsters to conserve energy. 

“The magical thing about using energy wisely is that anyone can do it,” touts the campaign in a video featuring Tinker Bell and her friends at www.energy.gov/tink.

The Alliance to Save Energy Project Super Powers at www.projectsuperpowers.com highlights videos of super heroes trying to use their abilities to save energy at home, often with embarrassing results. Children are encouraged to help by suggesting fictional super powers that might successfully reduce energy use.

Energy Star’s website for youth, www.energystar.gov/kids, provides interactive ways to learn how to make small changes with a big effect. The site gives guidance on what items use power even when they’re not on (cell phone chargers, certain TVs, etc.) and basic things such as air leaks that kids can look for and help their parents fix.

For teachers, EERE offers lesson plans, science projects and more at www.eere.energy.gov/education. 

No matter which website you point kids to, the message remains clear: Energy efficiency starts at home, and everyone in the family has an important role to play!

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Megan McKoy writes for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

SMALL WEATHERIZATION STEPS YIELD BIG RESULTS
By Megan McKoy

Weatherization—the process of sealing air leaks and properly insulating a home—can produce an average energy savings of $358 per household per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

And good news! Through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, known as the stimulus bill, you can recover 30 percent of the cost—up to $1,500—of insulation materials and exterior doors, windows and roofs designed to help reduce your home’s heat loss or gain (installation costs are not covered). The credit applies to improvements made to existing homes in 2009 and 2010. 

Here are a few of those improvements, as well as tips, that can help make your home more energy efficient:

Air Infiltration

Air that leaks in and out of homes through cracks, crevices and holes can increase energy consumption. Here are some helpful tips to avoid air infiltration:

•  Seal around pipes coming through walls.

•  During hot and cold weather, ensure windows are closed tightly and locked.

•  Ensure weatherstripping around doors and windows is tight.

•  When your fireplace is not operating, its flue should be closed tightly, with a sign hanging from the flue handle warning it is closed.

•  Check the ceiling behind the cornice of built-in bookshelves for holes cut during construction.

•  Drop-down, disappearing stairways should fit tightly into the ceiling and be carefully weatherstripped.

•  Make sure your outside dryer vent door closes when the dryer is not in use. This requires cleaning away lint accumulation periodically.

Insulation

Use home remodeling projects as a convenient means to add insulation to existing cavities. Different insulation requires different installation techniques—follow what is recommended by the manufacturer.

•  If you have R-19 or less insulation in your attic, consider bringing it up to R-38 in moderate climates and R-49 in cold climates.

•  In cold climates, if you have R-11 or less floor insulation, consider bringing it up to R-25.

•  Blown-in wet cellulose or high-density foam insulation can stop infiltration better than fiberglass.

•  Proper installation of insulation should prevent moisture in your walls.

•  Make sure to have perimeter insulation around crawl spaces, basements and ceiling insulation—the most important places to have adequate insulation.

•  During construction, seal all openings, plates and walls with foam or caulk.

•  Insulate and seal ducts in attics, crawl spaces, garages and other unheated areas.

Windows

A considerable amount of heat transfers through windows. If you have single-pane windows, consider doing the following:

•  Tighten and weatherstrip your old windows and add storm windows.

•  Consider replacing old single-glazed windows with new double-glazed windows.

•  In colder climates, low-emissivity coatings on glass can help reduce heat loss through windows.

•  In hot climates, consider adding solar screening to west-facing windows that catch a lot of sun late in the day.

Heating and Air Conditioning

Heating and air conditioning use the largest chunk of your home energy dollar. Keep them running “lean and mean.”

• HVAC systems should be checked to verify they are moving the correct amount of air. An HVAC technician can tell you whether they are.

• Heat pump and air-conditioning systems should be checked annually to verify they are properly charged, strictly in accordance with manufacturers’ guidelines.

• Inside and outside coils should be kept clean and free of debris.

• Return filters should be changed monthly.

• Have an HVAC technician check carefully for duct leaks. Leaks that are found should be sealed with fiberglass mesh and mastic sealant.

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Megan McKoy writes on consumer affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
Sources: Energy Star, Database for State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency