Power Plugs

Paying Your Power Bill At Partner Organizations

2011-12-07T08:46:00.000-05:00

The Johnson City Power Board (JCPB) offers its customer owners a variety of convenient methods to pay their monthly bill. Included in these is a partnership with three local banks that have been authorized by JCPB to accept payments on its behalf. JCPB customers may pay their bill at any local First Tennessee or Johnson City Federal Credit Union branch so long as they hold an account with them. JCPB bills may also be paid at any local Bank of Tennessee branch regardless of whether or not they are account holders at the bank.

While the above relationships are officially recognized and authorized by JCPB, there are a number of other stores and banks that accept payments to remit on the customer's behalf. However, these services are not sponsored by the JCPB and are sometimes problematic for the customers using them. To better understand the differences between how payments to an official partner versus any other service/organization are received by JCPB, please consider the following.

Payments to Authorized Organizations:

Only local branches of First Tennessee, Johnson City Federal Credit Union, and Bank of Tennessee have been authorized by JCPB to accept payments on behalf of its customers.
Payments received at these locations are time-stamped and applied directly to customers' accounts without delay. This means that paying a JCPB bill at one of the above locations is essentially the same as paying it directly to JCPB.

Payments to Unauthorized Organizations:

These include online payment services from banks and counter services at department stores (i.e. Wal-Mart)
Payments received through these services are not recognized by JCPB until the funds arrive.
Payments to these services are typically sent to JCPB as a cashiers’ check written on the customer's behalf and sent through the mail. This process may result in the funds arriving at JCPB several days after they were originally submitted by the customer.
Customers using unauthorized organizations will be held accountable for when their funds actually arrive at JCPB's offices. This means that if a customer pays a bill through a third-party organization and the funds are delivered to JCPB after the payment was due, their account will be subject to any applicable fees and penalties including disconnection of electrical services.

To ensure that your payments are received in a timely manner, please take advantage of one of JCPB's many convenient payment options. Pay online at jcpb.com; over the phone at (423) 282-JCPB (5272); at any of our official partner organizations (listed above); or in person at 2600 Boones Creek Rd. in Johnson City. If you do choose to use your bank's online bill pay service or another unauthorized organization or service, please do so well in advance of your bill's due date and with a clear understanding of the potential consequences.

If you have any questions about how to pay your JCPB electric bill, call (423) 282-JCPB (5272) to speak with a customer service advocate or email us at pr@jcpb.com.

Changes Coming to Credit Card Transactions at JCPB

2011-10-24T14:14:00.000-04:00

Modern technology affords us conveniences in nearly every aspect of our daily lives. In the realm of commerce, the ability to transfer funds electronically has revolutionized our modern marketplace. So prevalent are credit cards now that many people no longer carry cash at all. Yet, as with any advancement, unintended consequences are bound to become evident as time goes by. Regarding credit cards; customer information and finances have quickly become easy targets for sophisticated cyber-criminals and petty thieves alike.

The Johnson City Power Board (JCPB) is committed to excellence in customer service with special concern for the privacy and security of customers’ personal account information. While all JCPB employees are vetted and held to the highest standards of honesty and integrity, it is nonetheless essential for them to be removed from the handling of customers’ private information as often as possible. To ensure the security of customers’ credit card information, JCPB representatives will no longer handle credit cards or notate card information as of 10/24/2011.

So, what does this mean for JCPB customers who wish to make electronic payments on their electric bills? As of 10/24/2011:

1. Customers making credit card or e-check payments over the phone will enter their own information onto, JCPB’s secure automated phone terminal. While representatives will remain available to discuss any account related issues, they will transfer customers to the self-service payment system whenever a payment is to be processed over the phone.

2. Customers making credit card payments inside JCPB’s lobby will swipe their own cards at self-service countertop terminals located at the Cashier.

While these changes will undoubtedly take some time to be accustomed to, they will have little effect on the convenience of the various payment options offered to JCPB customers. However, the overall improvements in the security of private information will be well worth the change. This is just another way the Johnson City Power Board is able to uphold its commitment to excellence in customer service.

Post Storm Assessment

2011-05-04T10:47:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, April 27 2011, a severe thunderstorm accompanied by fierce wind gusts and several tornadoes plowed through Johnson City Power Board’s (JCPB) service territory. The storm wreaked havoc throughout our community as it ripped through trees, houses, barns, vehicles and anything else with the misfortune of occupying its path. The destruction, albeit isolated, was catastrophic. However, damage to JCPB’s infrastructure was relatively light in comparison to other recent storms.

At the height of this storm’s intensity, JCPB officials had difficulty assessing damage to its distribution system. Real-time reports from customers were minimal as were inquiries from the local media. This untypical lack of reporting combined with opaque sheets of rain and hail obscured JCPB’s view of its system beyond its substations. Now that the dust has settled, the carnage strewn within the storm’s wake has become painfully apparent.

All told, approximately 1,000 customers lost power; mainly along highway 107 and within the Blackley Creek and Fall Branch communities. While this number is less than what is typically described as a wide-spread outage, extensive damage to poles and transformers prevented full restoration of JCPB’s infrastructure from being completed until nearly 5:00 PM the following Saturday. Even now after replacing 54 broken poles along with many of the power lines and transformers supported by them, nearly 500 JCPB customers remain without electrical service. However, these remaining services cannot be re-energized until residents complete work to their homes and gain the approval of a State Electrical Inspector. Unfortunately, this state mandated process will inevitably prevent many of those affected from reconnecting electrical services for several more days.

As our families, friends, and neighbors work to reclaim and rebuild what was so abruptly taken from them, be mindful of their unique challenges and needs. Even though the storm has passed, its scars endure.

Power Board Hosts First of Three Community Forums

2011-04-27T11:22:00.000-04:00

Johnson City Power Board (JCPB) recently hosted the first of a series of community forums at the Jonesborough Visitor Center. Named The Smart Grid Road Show, the program consisted of a comprehensive presentation detailing the utility’s adoption and deployment of smart grid technology followed by an open question and answer forum. JCPB President & CEO, Homer G’Fellers, facilitated the presentation while JCPB Chief Officers addressed details specific to their individual responsibilities. Their presentation offered past, present, and future perspectives on utility operations and offered a glimpse into the technology and rationales driving changes within JCPB and the electrical industry.

JCPB Chief Public Relations Officer, Robert White, offered,” These events give us a chance to speak face-to-face with our customers to help them understand all the changes happening within our company and in the Tennessee Valley. It’s also a great opportunity for folks to come out and meet with our staff to get answers to any questions they might have about our company, their accounts, or anything else related to our products and services.”

Accompanying the presenters were representatives from JCPB’s Customer Service, Tree-Trimming, and Marketing and Energy Services departments. A remote online connection to customer account information was available to accommodate on-sight review of individual account information. The next event will be held in Johnson City at the Carver Recreation Center on Thursday, May 12 between 7 and 8:30 PM. The final event will follow on the next Thursday, May 19 between 7 and 8:30 PM at the Fordtown Ruritan in Sullivan County. Please bring your family, tell your friends, and come spend an evening learning about what’s in store for our company and community.

Arbor Day Celebration & Smart Grid Road Show

2011-04-15T14:31:00.002-04:00

Spring is a great time to get together with our neighbors to celebrate nature and find out what’s new in our community. To help us do a little of both, the Johnson City Power Board (JCPB) is sponsoring two upcoming local events: From the Roots Up Arbor Day Celebration and The Smart Grid Road Show. Each of these events is free and all are invited to attend.

Because there were no existing local events celebrating Arbor Day, JCPB, the Appalachian Fair, and the Northeast Tennessee Master Gardeners Association (NETMGA) partnered to create From the Roots Up, an event supporting the Arbor Day Foundation’s mission to, “…inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.” The celebration will take place on April 22 and 23 with a wide variety of activities held daily between 9am and 4pm at the Appalachian Fairgrounds in Gray. This Inaugural celebration features a 5K Run/Walk, the first annual Miss Arbor Day Natural Beauty Pageant, an Easter Egg Hunt, inflatable attractions, numerous seminars, demonstrations, and much more. Attendees will have an opportunity to purchase trees and plants while getting advice on placement, care, and cultivation in a relaxed and fun-filled environment. Seminars will be offered by knowledgeable representatives from both NETMGA and JCPB.

Bill Hunt, Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist and JCPB Tree-Trimming Supervisor, offered, “Whether people want to come and buy trees, learn about how to plant and care for them, find someone qualified to do the work, or just to have some good clean family fun, From the Roots Up will have something for everyone. Pike Electric is coming to show their Live-Line Demonstration on Saturday at 9 and 10:30am. This demonstration is amazing! It shows what happens when tree limbs and other everyday items come into contact with an energized power-line. This is a great opportunity for our local first responders and customers to see first-hand what they should and shouldn’t do around live and downed power lines.”

The second series of upcoming events is the JCPB Smart Grid Road Show which will allow JCPB executive staff to brief customers on current projects and how they will impact utility services and operations. During the event, JCPB President and CEO, Homer G’Fellers, will facilitate a presentation followed by an open question and answer forum. JCPB Customer Service representatives will also be present with a live remote connection to customer account information while Marketing/Energy Services representatives and Tree-Trimming Supervisors will be available to answer any questions. The available resources and expertise will afford JCPB customers an opportunity to address questions ranging from account/billing information, energy efficiency/audits, TVA programs, tree trimming practices/policies, or just about anything else.

The Smart Grid Road Show schedule is as follows:

• 4/21/2011: Jonesborough Visitor Center 7:00-8:00 PM
• 5/12/2011: Carver Recreation Center 7:00-8:00 PM
• 5/19/2011: Fordtown Ruritan 7:00-8:00 PM

Come on out and take advantage of these great opportunities to learn and have fun with your families and neighbors. Additional information on the events can be found at www.fromtherootsuptn.org and Power Plugs.

From the President & CEO's Desk:

2011-03-22T17:40:00.003-04:00

In an attempt to address growing concerns from the Johnson City Power Board (JCPB), its employees and customers, the utility's President & CEO, Homer G'Fellers, has drafted a letter to express his unabridged views directly. A copy of this letter may be viewed here.

Encountering A High Electric Bill

2011-01-21T08:53:00.003-05:00

It is that time of year again! Winter is well under way in East Tennessee, and not only are we feeling it outside in the harsh weather, but also on our electric bills. While it is not uncommon to see an increase in your electric bill this time of year, you may begin to wonder how or why your bill has increased. Many factors play into these increases and the JCPB wants to be able to help you with any questions or concerns that you may have.

This season has already presented us with record low temperatures, snow storms, power outages, and more. Unfortunately, this is out of our control, but we would like to give you some helpful tips in order to lower or better maintain your electric bill.

Factors Affecting Your Electric Bill:
Some factors should be taken into consideration when receiving a high bill. “Do you have an open fireplace? (If so, approximately 25% of heat is escaping your home.) Is your home poorly insulated? Do you have a leaky water heater, which causes the water heater to “run” more often? What type of appliances are you using? What type of heating system do you have? How big is your home? Did you have guests at your home during this billing period?” These are all important questions to consider.

There are some other key points to remember during this season as well. Do take into consideration that the days are shorter during the winter, which means that more lighting is required. Colder weather also tends to force people to stay inside. As a result of this, more entertainment items, such as televisions, computers, and game systems, are being used. People also tend to cook more when forced indoors. Fireplaces are another area for concern. Blower systems on wood heaters, gas, oil, and coal furnaces are apt to run fairly often.

Did you know that about 60% of your electric bill comes from use of the heat pump? A very important rule to remember, especially during this time of the year, is the “SET IT AND FORGET IT” rule. This means set your thermostat between 68 and 72 degrees and leave it. Do not continually adjust your thermostat, as you will see an increase in price on your bill. Just “set it and forget it.” Also make note that for every degree you set your thermostat over 70 degrees it will increase your bill by 3 to 5 percent.

How to Reduce Your Use:
• Change your filter at least once a month
• Keep interior doors open for better circulation of heat
• Do not use auxiliary heat
• Make sure registers are not blocked
• Check your ductwork and insulation for potential air leaks
• Close the damper on your fireplace in order to reduce heat loss
• Adjust your thermostat to somewhere between 68 and 72 degrees
• Use natural light whenever possible

Check out our Home Energy Library at www.jcpb.com for detailed information.

Smart Grid 101: Terminology Overview

2011-01-19T11:45:00.003-05:00

Recently the media has been abuzz with hype surrounding the creation of a “smart grid.” As with most technological advancements, the advent of the smart grid has brought with it a host of new acronyms and terminologies. We thought it might be helpful to identify and define several key terms:

Automated Meter Reading (AMR): Meters transmit data via wireless radio frequency to a data collection device; readings must be gathered within a limited range of the meter; one-way communication from meter to a data collection device.

Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI): Utilizes advanced technology to create a communication network between a utility and its meters; two-way communications between utility and meters. The meters we will deploy communicate by relaying information wirelessly from one meter to the next. This allows for real-time data collection, asset monitoring and asset control; forms basis for smart grid.

Time of Use Rates: This describes a new rate structure being implemented by the TVA wherein electricity rates will vary according to its relative cost during a given time of day. This will resemble the cell phone rate structure many of us have come to know which allows for reduced rates on calls made during “off-peak” hours.

Stay connected at www.jcpb.com where we will offer additional educational resources as we move forward on the deployment of our new smart grid.

Help JCPB Take A Load Off

2011-01-11T09:04:00.010-05:00

The Johnson City Power Board (JCPB) is preparing to launch a new program designed to help our utility/community reduce our local demand for electricity during peak usage times. Coined Take A Load Off (TALO), the program utilizes remotely controlled disconnect switches installed on customers' appliances known for their high demand for electricity. TALO will make its debut on JCPB customers' water heaters. Tank water heaters have been chosen for their unique ability to act as energy storage devices; they are able to provide the comfort and convenience of hot water at one time after having used electricity to heat the water at an earlier time.

TALO water heater switches will afford JCPB the ability to send out a command to participant's water heaters which will postpone the reheating of water during peak usage times. For example, let's assume that the majority of JCPB customers use hot water shortly after waking each morning. After sitting idly through the night, their water heater tanks are full of hot water which is readily awaiting the many showers and baths so many of us use to begin our days. Once that water is used, the water heaters refill and begin to heat the influx of cooler water as its heating elements switch on. However, as this water is heating the majority of us will be eating breakfast, getting ready for work/school, and heading out the door. Consequently, most of us will not have a need for hot water again for several more hours. It is during times like this when JCPB hopes to activate TALO water heater switches to postpone the reheating of water for a short time to help reduce electricity demand.

During winter months when our morning routines include the rewarming of our homes, demand for electricity is often very high creating great demand for electricity across the entire Tennessee Valley. These times of highest demand are known as peak demand events. A peak demand event may require Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to bring additional electricity generating plants online or purchase electricity from a third party. These solutions are both costly and inefficient and could easily be avoided by simply shifting some of the associated usage to another time of day.

While the amount of electricity saved by turning off just one water heater's elements is relatively small, thousands of TALO participants would afford JCPB the ability to realize significant reductions in demand during peak usage times. With enough customer participation TALO will help reduce JCPB's wholesale electricity costs, thus reducing our customers' electricity costs. However, the best thing about TALO is that JCPB is offering this opportunity free of charge. In fact, not only will we pay for the equipment and installation of the TALO direct load control switches, but we will even pay a $50 cash incentive to any of our qualifying customers who agree to sign up. All you need to qualify is to be the owner of your property with an electric water heater that has no less than a 40 gallon capacity.

So what's the catch? There isn't one! To get additional information, or to sign up to be a part of our Take A Load Off program, please call JCPB's Marketing and Energy Services department at (423) 952-5142.

2011 Imagination Power Calendar Contest Winners

2010-11-09T08:44:00.009-05:00

We are proud to announce the completion of our 2011 Imagination Power calendars which are now available for all JCPB customers to pick-up at our headquarters in Boones Creek (limited supplies). The calendar is comprised of artwork submitted by local fourth and fifth graders and highlights their creative solutions to dealing with issues surrounding renewable energy generation, resource conservation, and sustainable living. The contest offers a great opportunity for our local schools to engage in meaningful conversations about how to use energy responsibly.

This year’s competition saw the return of an additional incentive intended to entice schools’ participation: a classroom supply of Limited Edition JCPB KitBook textbooks promised to the school with the most entries featured. With its 4 winning entries, Mountain View Elementary of Johnson City Schools won the coveted Grand Prize. Products of local entrepreneurs, Kitbooks are unique textbooks featuring integrated laboratories to facilitate the hands-on learning of electrical circuitry for both fourth and fifth graders.

Follow this link to view the 2011 Imagination Power calendar in full. The following is a list of winning artists whose work is featured in the 2011 calendar (All participating schools are featured):

Boones Creek Elementary:
Kala Humphreys: 4th

Cherokee Elementary:
Isaac Luzzader: 5th

Fall Branch Elementary:
Kaylee Kolarsky: 4th

Jonesborough Elementary:
Aisling Hagan: 4th

Lake Ridge Elementary:
Lillian Qin: 4th

Lamar Elementary:
Austyn Allen: 5th
Dakota Lemerond: 5th (Cover Picture)

Mountain View Elementary:
Kaitlyn Kenzie: 4th
Winter Basurto: 4th
Ashley Chapman: 5th
Ann Thomason: 5th

Sulphur Springs Elementary:
Logan Pelkey: 4th
Erin Fuller: 5th

Thank you all for making this year's Imagination Power calendar such a success!

Celebrate Public Power Week 2010

2010-10-04T09:08:00.004-04:00

Come out to the Johnson City Power Board's (JCPB) headquarters in Boones Creek and enjoy some southern hospitality during our celebration of the 24th annual Public Power Week. Designated as the first full week of each October, Public Power Week was organized by the American Public Power Association (APPA) and its member utilities as a means to educate communities on the intrinsic value of publicly owned not-for-profit electric utilities. The JCPB is proud to be one of our community's greatest assets and our staff wants to express our appreciation throughout this week by offering snacks and refreshments in our lobby Monday (10/4) through Thursday (10/7). Also, if you need to come through our drive through window, stop in on Tuesday and Thursday during your lunch break and we'll even give your windshield a good scrub. While the employees at the JCPB are here to serve 24/7, take advantage of this opportunity to stop by and get to know us a little better while we serve you in a "refreshing" new way. Happy Public Power Week :-) !!!

An Inside Look at the 2009 JCPB Annual Report

2010-08-25T14:01:00.002-04:00

A Public Relations major at ETSU, I have seen many different types of annual reports made for all types of companies. Upon coming to JCPB as an intern, my first assignment was to help the public relations department with this year’s annual report. I was interested to learn that JCPB began producing their annual report online. I believe this is a step in the right direction for the company. Not only does it allow customers to have full access to the report online at anytime, but it also reinforces JCPB’s commitment to make the company go green by cutting costs instead of trees.

The first thing I wanted to do before starting the annual report was to go back and look at the pervious annual reports. I could tell that the Public Relations department did a great job and that the reports seem to get better each year. I thought to myself and wondered how I could help to make this year’s report better still. Well, when I came onto the project, I was told that the report was to be a mix between traditional annual report information and a comic-like format.

My first impression was that the comic book style would not do well. I felt older readers might not engage in the report and that they would just get confused if the online application of the comic book wasn’t user friendly. Once I actually had the chance to engage in the work, however, my perception changed. The scripting was great and easy to follow and the digital design is very user friendly. I thought this was a critical step that needed to be emphasized in order to keep the customers attention.

I really enjoyed being a part of the process of creating JCPB’s annual report. The PR staff was great in explaining the process to me while allowing me to help and be hands on. They gave me freedom to share my thoughts and ideas and allowed me to contribute in any direction I wanted. I think this year’s annual report is definitely set to win another award, but I must say that next year’s will be even harder to top again.

By: Ashley Cline; JCPB Public Relations Co-op

2009 Annual Report is Ready to View Online!

2010-08-20T14:06:00.005-04:00

The Johnson City Power Board's 2009 annual report, "Will Power No. 1" is finished and online for your viewing pleasure. This marks this second year the JCPB has published a paperless annual report by creating an interactive website to convey its key accomplishments of the year along with comprehensive financial and auditor reports. Additionally, the 2009 annual report introduces JCPB's newest recruit, Will Power. Will is a fictitious character which personifies all the greatest qualities of JCPB's employees. He is a super hero locked in battle against forces of nature and inefficiency which constantly threaten the integrity of the electric grid.

The JCPB's 2009 annual report offers a unique medium to present an annual report and reinforces a departure from traditional print media which began with the award winning "Making Your Connection" 2008 annual report. After many months in competition, "Making Your Connection" emerged victorious having earned a gold medal in both the local and regional ADDY Awards along with two more in the international Davey Awards. While it remains to be seen whether or not the 2009 report will compete to the same level as its predecessor, JCPB and its counterparts at Stellar Studios hope their latest collaboration will be well received by our community.

Easy Money

2010-08-03T07:56:00.004-04:00

Did you participate in the 2010 Census? If not, consider this: Washington County loses an estimated $1,350 per year for each person who does not complete a questionnaire! That's money we won't have for our community schools and infrastructure. Help spread the word - it's not to late to get counted! If you are in need of a Census form, please call 1-866-872-6868 or visit the Census website at www.2010Census.gov. Click on the document to the right to read what our local officials have to say about Washington County's need for accurate census numbers. Thank you for doing your part to help our community get its fair share of national resources.

New Transit Route to Include JCPB Headquarters

2010-07-23T16:15:00.002-04:00

Johnson City Power Board (JCPB) is proud to announce that Johnson City Transit (JCT) is now offering a new fixed route, called "Orange" route, which will connect downtown Johnson City with the Boones Creek and Med Tech Parkway areas of the city. The new Orange route will begin operating this new route on Monday July 26, 2010 and will include a stop directly in front of JCPB's main entrance.

The new Orange route will have two 450minute alternating loops. One 45-minute loop will serve the Boones Creek Road and back to downtown via I-26. The other 45-minute loop will serve the new Med Tech Parkway corridor, following Knob Creek Road to Med Tech Parkway to North State of Franklin and back downtown via West Market Street. The Orange route will begin its route at 7:15 a.m., through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (first departure starting at 7:15 a.m., and the last departure starting at 4:15 p.m.). The Orange route will not operate on Saturdays. JCT routes, including the Orange route, do not operate on Sundays or major holidays.

For more information please visit JCT at www.johnsoncitytransit.org or call (423)-929-7119

JCPB Meters Get an Education

2010-05-11T17:17:00.002-04:00

The Johnson City Power Board (JCPB) is one step closer to realizing its goal of building an advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) in our community with the successful installation of its first residential smart meter. While this marks a significant milestone in the evolution of JCPB operations, the nearly 75,000 meters in the field will take quite a while to deploy. For this reason, the JCPB’s Board of Directors voted to contract Lynn Edwards Professional Services (LEPS) to deploy our new smart meters and expedite the process while allowing JCPB crews to manage their regular workload unimpeded. Full deployment of the new meters is slated to end in the fourth quarter of 2011.

The installation of smart meters marks the beginning of a new era in operations for the JCPB. Their ability to both send and receive information to and from the JCPB will allow for a host of new capabilities which will ultimately lead to the adoption of true “smart grid” technologies. Unlike the JCPB’s previous automated meter reading (AMR) infrastructure which utilized Electronic Radio Transmitter (ERT) meters to transmit data to a passing truck, the new smart meters will aggregate their data from one meter to the next before transmitting it to receiver/transmitter towers strategically located within JCPB’s service territory. Once the aggregated data reaches these antennas it will be back hauled to JCPB headquarters in Boones via 220 MHz radio frequency. In this manner, JCPB will eventually be able to acquire multiple meter readings at defined intervals throughout the day. This ability will be essential for the impending transition to the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) planned shift to time-of-use electricity rates.

Equally significant will be the JCPB’s new found abilities to connect and disconnect electric service remotely and to monitor equipment performance in real time. Ultimately, JCPB technicians will be able to identify issues with power delivery as, and sometimes even before they occur. Such capabilities will serve to streamline efficiencies within JCPB operations while ensuring the delivery of safe and reliable electricity to all its customers.

Watch for coming JCPB communications in billing inserts, newsletters, web publications and town-hall meetings where additional information on the adoption of new technologies will be outlined and where customers will have an opportunity to pose questions and concerns. In the meantime, please allow JCPB and LEPS crews the latitude to complete their work in a timely and safe manner.

Davey Resource Group Working on JCPB's Behalf

2010-03-18T12:45:00.003-04:00

The Johnson City Power Board (JCPB) has contracted Davey Resource Group (DRG) to complete an inventory of all power poles located within JCPB’s service territory. As DRG completes the inventory process, they will be confirming ownership of each pole within JCPB’s service territory while plotting its GPS coordinates. This information will be invaluable as the JCPB begins to integrate its mapping system with a new software package which will ultimately power JCPB’s smart grid.

Mark Eades, Chief Operations Officer for the JCPB offered, “We [JCPB] opted to contract this work to a third party to ensure our inventory is completed quickly and without disrupting our normal operations.” JCPB has outfitted DRG’s trucks with magnetic JCPB decals. JCPB officials ask that customers cooperate with DRG’s crews as they complete their work. DRG is currently working on JCPB’s pole inventory and is scheduled to complete the work by the end of June, 2010.

City entering competition for Google super superhighway

2010-03-03T15:21:00.002-05:00

By JEFF KEELING
Johnson City Press Business Editor
jkeeling@johnsoncitypress.com

Google this: Johnson City 1 gigabit Internet speed. Google wants to build a superhighway to every home in some American community, and local leaders reckon Johnson City is as good a choice as any for the powerful technology company. The municipal government, Johnson City Power Board and others are teaming up to submit a “Request for Information” by March 26 showing Google why it should select Johnson City for a “beta test” of its entry into the
“fiber-to-the-home” Internet service market.

Google wants to build a fiber optic network that will deliver speeds of 1 gigabit per second — about 100 times faster than the current average broadband speed — in a community of between 50,000 and 500,000. “I recognize we’re in stiff competition, but I think it’s worth some effort to put Johnson City out there,” said Todd Smith, a business management analyst for the city. Smith said a local consultant, Jeff Brunson, alerted him to the Google project a couple weeks ago. Smith thinks the Johnson City area has several strong points in its favor, and he said the economic development potential such a network would bring is incalculable. “Infrastructure any more is not just about building roads, bridges and sewers,” Smith said. “Even if Google doesn’t come to Johnson City, I still think we have to have this conversation of, ‘how do we get ultra high-speed broadband to Johnson City.’ ”

For its part, Google is trying to decide whether it can cost-effectively build faster, more powerful networks and integrating that into its mix of technology services. At the Web page publicizing the request for information, in an embedded YouTube video, Google product manager James Kelly explains the company’s motives in a thick Irish brogue. Kelly says Google wants “to experiment with new ways to make the Web better and faster for everyone, allowing applications that will be impossible today. “We also want to try out new ways to build and operate fiber networks and share what we learn with the world. Finally, we’re going to operate open access networks, meaning we’ll share our network with other service providers
giving users more choice.”

The opportunity comes just as the Johnson City Power Board is considering its own investment into fiber-to-thehome, something already offered by the electricity providers in both Bristols, Tennessee and Virginia. Smith said he sees that as an advantage in Johnson City’s application. “They (JCPB) have done a preliminary economic impact study and a preliminary market analysis, so they have pretty good data that there is a demand for it in this market.” Smith also said Johnson City, with about 75,000 JCPB customers, would be a less expensive choice for Google than some larger metros.

While high-speed Internet is available here, it’s of the more typical 5 and 10 megabit-persecond variety. That is fine for many casual home users, but doesn’t really create the kind of economic opportunities a “larger pipe” could, Smith said. “If you’re Carespark (a regional electronic medical records organization) and you’re trying to get this digital medical records program in space, and get these high capacity files from one doctor’s office to the surgeon’s office, then it
does matter.“If you’re an architect that works from home, or a digital media grad who wants to ship a large digital media file to a company on the West Coast, then it matters.” Larger-scale job opportunities, such as data centers, call centers and other tech-related industries are looking for as much data transmission capacity as they can find, Smith said.

Richie Torbett owns Networking and Computer Connection, a local technology service company, and said a one gig “pipe” would also help existing businesses. “The potential of having that much more bandwidth is great, from doing remote backups to doing more computing in the ‘cloud,’ ’’ Torbett said. He said many businesses now back up files remotely, but can’t do so fast enough with the current smaller bandwidth, unless they add other steps that cost extra money. Torbett also said a new and better alternative to “VoIP” for Internet-based phones, Session Initiated Protocol (SIP), isn’t real viable locally because it requires more bandwidth than many businesses have available. “With enough bandwidth, both those things could make local businesses more competitive,” Torbett said. He also said start-up companies involved in “cloud computing” (providing services to users that don’t get installed directly on the hard drive) will be looking for communities with robust broadband capabilities. “If someone’s wanting to offer software as a service and they’re looking for a place to host their application, they need somewhere with a lot of bandwidth.”

The head of East Tennessee State University’s computer science department also likes the idea and said that strong a fiber optic network “would have a major positive impact on education.” Terry Countermine said online instruction at ETSU has grown from 85 courses in 2004 to 256 last year, and that both the number and quality of those courses could increase if Johnson City gets fiber. “Online instruction would benefit by enabling educators to provide content that depends on high-speed connectivity,” Countermine said. “At a time of shrinking resources in higher education we could use some help.” In keeping with Google’s postmodern business model, Smith said the city will include a video presentation as part of its submission, and is conducting an all-out blitz to generate community support.“We want to get as much feedback as we can for this submission, so we can really demonstrate to Google that not only are the public entities interested, the community support is also out there.” The city and JCPB have set up a Web site that allows community members to show that support at www.highspeedahead.com, or send e-mail to highspeedahead@gmail.com.

Temps drop and heating bills rise | TriCities

2010-01-08T08:57:00.000-05:00

Temps drop and heating bills rise | TriCities

Emergency Heat or Not

2010-01-07T10:39:00.002-05:00

By Patrick Phipps, JCPB Senior Energy Advisor

Should I switch my heat pump to emergency heat when it’s really cold?
During this cold spell, this question has come up. I have discussed this topic with several different contractors from our QCN list and heard two different opinions or theories.

Option 1:
Don’t worry about the cold weather and run the heat pump in its normal heat cycle. By continuing to operate the heat pump in its normal heat cycle the heat pump will run longer due to the cold temperatures and the auxiliary heat will occasionally come on, which is the way it’s supposed to work in really cold temperatures. Also, several contractors stated that they have been to HVAC manufacturing facilities and seen heat pumps tested at temperatures at 0° and below. These contractors were told, “they’re designed to operate at these temperatures.”

Option 2:
Some contractors believe that when temperatures get well below 30° for an extended time, the heat pump needs to be manually turned to emergency heat. These contractors believe this because the cold temperatures really lower the efficiency of the heat pump, it causes more “wear & tear” on the system, and the auxiliary heat is going to be on all the time anyway, so go ahead and do it.

Which one is right?
Good question and no one probably has the right answer, but there is one thing that is true about these two opinions. If you switch your system to emergency heat during these extreme cold times, it’s going to take more power (energy) to operate the system which means it’s going to cost you more money. A heat pump that has a 10 kW (10,000 watt) emergency heat coil will consume more energy than a heat pumps compressor even when it runs for an extended time and the auxiliary heat occasionally comes on. Keep in mind that although it may cost more to run the unit in emergency heat, the emergency heat may provide warmer air temperatures.

Which should I do?
It’s your choice and you’re the one paying the bills. The most energy efficient thing to do is to operate the system in its normal heat mode. The one thing that would be of the most importance is to make sure to have your HVAC system serviced annually and that is stay in good working conditioned. This may help prevent an unwanted breakdown during really cold or hot weather. Keep your cold air return filters changed monthly. Also, set your thermostat at one temperature and leave it. Do not frequently adjust the thermostat. Frequently adjusting your thermostat will increase your energy bill.

EPA offers energy-saving strategies via 'Green Homes' Web site

2009-12-29T10:46:00.001-05:00

The Environmental Protection Agency has created a new Web site to assist homeowners, buyers, and renters in finding and maintaining a green home. The Green Homes site, epa.gov/greenhomes, goes room by room to pinpoint places where residents can reduce energy waste through efficient energy and water usage, renewable energy, green home building materials and household products, and recycling from home construction and household activities. For those in the market to buy or build a home, the site also gives advice on how to select the most environmentally friendly location.

The Web site front page gives a diagram of a typical home layout, which visitors can click on any room to find out about different energy savings options. Choosing the bedroom, for example, brings a page that recommends an array of Energy Star electronics, gives information on different green furnishings, and illustrates what to look for in choosing the flooring. This room-by-room overview is then followed by broader information on lighting, cleaning, and even shopping for the home to reduce energy usage.

Other parts of the home analyzed for energy and water efficiency opportunities include the kitchen, bathroom, living room, office, laundry room, basement, garage, attic, roof and yard.

"The use of energy is related to virtually everything we do, or have in our homes," the agency said. "Obvious uses include using electricity to run appliances, electronics, and air conditioners, etc.; less obvious uses include consuming energy to purify and produce and convey water to our homes, and to make the products we purchase for use in our homes. If we take steps to green our homes, we can reduce energy use, save money, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and help to fight global warming and climate change."

Tips are not just limited to homeowners who have the ability to make major changes to their residences, but also to renters. A checklist of options to make a rental property energy and water efficient is offered, as well as an overview on how to convince landlords to help green their properties.

The EPA plans to maintain the site as an umbrella portal for information on residential environmental issues from it and other federal agencies. More information is available at the Green Homes Web site, www.epa.gov/greenhomes.

Power Board progress: A few dozen remain without power

2009-12-23T11:04:00.002-05:00

Date: Dec 23, 2009; Section: Front Page; Page: 1A

By JEFF KEELING
Press Business Editor
jkeeling@johnsoncitypress.com

It’s been more than 10 years since the Johnson City Power Board faced outages as widespread as those caused by Friday’s snowstorm, but crews had restored electricity to all but a few dozen customers by Tuesday afternoon. It wasn’t quick enough for some people, but JCPB spokesman Robert White said frayed tempers and frustration are par for the course when weather events create multi-day, widespread havoc. “That normally happens with long outages,” White said. “We had some of that happen in ’98 and in ’93 (the last two major winter storms). Anytime someone’s without power for several days we understand they’re going to be frustrated.”He said that understanding was one reason JCPB kept its call center going full-speed throughout the past few days. “It gives customers a chance to talk with someone, because when people wind up without a real person on the other end of the line the frustration can get worse. “It gives them an assurance that someone has listened and heard their frustration, and that the work has been
turned in.”

White said the Power Board had worked all of its 20 or so available crews maximum hours since Friday, and different crews were working around the clock. All told, including outages that occurred in the days following the storm, an estimated 15,000 or so customers lost power at some point between Friday and Tuesday. The JCPB takes a methodical approach to fixing widespread outages, starting by repairing substation damage, three-phase lines and other factors that can put hundreds of customers in the dark. From there, crews narrow the work down to smaller-scale situations. By Monday, White said, most remaining work involved repairing or replacing blown transformers, fuses and other isolated cases. At that point, the JCPB was back to asking customers without power to call in. “We didn’t want to have customers slipping through the cracks,” White said. He said JCPB’s line crews were “fine” Tuesday despite the heavy workload. They’re just proud and pleased that they’re able to get the power back on. When they go out there and fuse a cutout or get some spans back on and they see lights come on, that’s when they’re happiest ... and they work hard.” White said that work will become even more efficient over the next few years as the Power Board rolls out an “advanced metering infrastructure.”

Ironically, JCPB commissioners spent part of their monthly meeting Tuesday
reviewing proposals for the system, which it will start deploying in February and expects to complete within 24 months. Once those meters are installed, the JCPB will be able to pinpoint outages down to each customer, remotely, through the new meters. The response to this month’s storm, White said, still involved some trial and error. “We’ll know immediately where we’re being affected,” White said. “We feel like we have it down really well (fixing widespread outages), but once you automate it from the meter it makes it a lot more efficient and accurate.”

If Mother Nature fails to cooperate between now and completion of the AMI system, White had one last request for customers involving something known as “cold load pickup.” He said after power is restored, waiting 10 minutes or so before cranking up the heating system can prevent a nasty surprise. If one fix suddenly restores power to 1,000 people or more, White said, some of those folks can experience an outage just minutes later. “When it comes back on, the first thing a lot of people do is kick that heat up to 80 degrees, and it can put such an immediate strain on the breakers it can knock them back out,” White said.

JC Power Board: Electricity restored to all but 1,000 homes | TriCities

2009-12-21T14:09:00.000-05:00

Here is a link to a report on power restoration from 11 Connects' George Jackson.
JC Power Board: Electricity restored to all but 1,000 homes | TriCities

JC Press Winter Storm Article

2009-12-20T09:40:00.002-05:00

Date: Dec 20, 2009; Section: Section A Front; Page: 1A

Digging out
• Region reeling from major storm.
By MADISON MATHEWS
Press Staff Writer
mmathews@johnsoncitypress.com

A widespread winter storm that swept through the region Friday left more than 2,000 people without power for much of the weekend, according to Johnson City Power Board Chief Public Relations Officer Robert White. As the storm began spreading heavy snowfall throughout the city Friday afternoon, White said reports of power outages across the system began to trickle in around 5 p.m. Friday. “We spent most of (Friday) evening and early (Saturday) morning taking care of the breaker operations on the substation levels,” he said. As of 6:30 p.m. Saturday, approximately 2,500 of those customers were still without power, including customers in Colonial Heights and Piney Flats.

White said most of the power should be restored today, but it would likely be Monday before power was restored to the entire system. As temperatures began dropping Saturday night, White urged those still without power to begin seeking shelter. Tri-Cities Baptist Church in Gray served as a shelter to those in the Fall Branch community who were without power and seeking a place to stay warm overnight.

The JCPB worked around the clock Friday and Saturday to ensure power was being restored as quickly as possible. White said the Power Board brought in contract crews from Knoxville to assist in getting power restored to the area. “We’re working hard. Not only with crews outside, but our call center is open 24 hours to take calls of outages and assure customers that we’re working on getting power restored,” White said. Customers still experiencing power outages were asked to call the JCPB at 282-5272. People could also follow power outage updates on the JCPB’s Twitter account at www.twitter.com/jcpowerboard.

White said when dealing with power outages caused by snow, the heavy, wet flakes the area received Friday are some of the worst kind to deal with. The weight from the snow makes it easier for lines to be knocked down by trees. “That is a formula for disaster when looking at an electric infrastructure,” he said. White asked customers without power to make sure to unplug any major appliances, such as HVAC units and washing machines, to avoid circuit overloading if and when power is restored.

While Friday’s snow storm isn’t anywhere near as hazardous as the blizzard the area experienced in 1998, White said this storm system was definitely a problem for some areas. Appalachian Power, which covers Hawkins and Sullivan counties and pieces of Washington County, experienced a widespread power outage that left 135,000 without power early Saturday morning. By early Saturday afternoon, the outages topped 200,000. According to an update on Appalachian Power’s Web site, at 5 p.m. Saturday, nearly 20,000 customers remained without power,including300inWashington County.

While road conditions throughout the region were considered dangerous Friday night and early Saturday, by Saturday night the main city roads, including Interstate 26, of Washington County were fairly clear. Back roads were still considered hazardous, according to dispatchers with Washington County 911. As the night progressed and temperatures dropped, black ice was said to be a possibility across the region. Dispatchers with Carter County 911 said main roads are also fairly clear, however, reports of slick roads grew common as temperatures dropped.

Officers with the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Department said higher elevations began getting covered with snow again late Saturday, while main city roads remained clear. A large number of cars were abandoned on the side of many roads across the county due to the inclement weather brought by Friday’s storm. The strong winter storm that swept through this weekend left about 4 to 6 inches on the ground in Johnson City, according to the National Weather Service in Morristown. NWS representative Lyle Wilson said it’s possible that an additional 2 inches could fall overnight, but that the area has already seen “the worst of it.” “We’re not looking at anything real major from now on,” he said. Wilson said another system may move through the region beginning Wednesday night, mainly bringing rain showers. Wilson said a chance of snow showers is possible.

When You Must Leave Your House Due to a Prolonged Winter Power Outage | CMHC

2009-12-20T08:02:00.000-05:00

If you or someone you know must leave their home because a prolonged power outage, the following link offers some helpful tips to make their departure (and return) a safer and more pleasant experience:
When You Must Leave Your House Due to a Prolonged Winter Power Outage | CMHC

Food safety during power failures | NSW Food Authority

2009-12-19T13:06:00.001-05:00

Read the referenced article below to learn more about food safety during power outages.
Food safety during power failures | NSW Food Authority

Substation Reference Map

2009-12-19T04:10:00.004-05:00

In order to gain greater insight to the location of outages within our system please view our
Substation reference map.

TVA: News Release

2009-12-14T16:39:00.000-05:00

Winter Energy Saving Tips
TVA: News Release

Posted using ShareThis

High wind damage aftermath: big time clean up time | TriCities

2009-12-11T16:44:00.000-05:00

High wind damage aftermath: big time clean up time | TriCities

Obama taps Brown for TVA board » Knoxville News Sentinel

2009-12-11T14:40:00.000-05:00

President Barack Obama announced Thursday he planned to nominate to the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors a professor who shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. The White House announced the President's plans to nominate Marilyn A. Brown for one of two vacant seats on the nine-member board. She shared the Nobel prize for her work with the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Since 2006, Brown has been a professor of energy policy at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Before that, she worked at the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, managing an energy efficiency research and development program. The nomination must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Follow the link below to read the full article as it appears in the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Obama taps Brown for TVA board » Knoxville News Sentinel

Strenghthening Your Connection

2009-12-09T18:24:00.000-05:00

The Johnson City Power Board is proud to bring you four new ways to connect with us. As of December 9, 2009, we will be utilizing this blog in conjunction with our new Twitter and Facebook accounts as well as our channel on YouTube. These new tools offer our customers an easy way to stay abreast of current events as they happen at the Power Board. Whether we are alerting customers to an electrical outage, offering energy saving advice, or discussing energy policy, these sites offer an unprecedented means to stay connected to our company and operations. Visit all of our new sites, friend or follow us, and let's enjoy getting to know one another in a whole new way!