8 minute read
Energy Sense
from 2022-06-CCEC
Bright Ideas early bird deadline is August 15!
This school year may be coming to a close but now is the time to apply for a 2022-23 Bright Ideas grant from Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative.
Educators in Carteret County and Havelock with creative ideas for projects in the classroom are encouraged to apply for a grant of up to $1,000. This year, the co-op plans to award more than $25,000 in grants to support local teachers and students.
Grant applications will be accepted through Sept. 15. However, it could pay to be an “early bird.” Teachers who submit their applications by the early bird deadline of August 15 will be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card.
Get details and apply at ncbrightideas.com.
Send us your photos!
We want to feature our members' best photos in our 2023 wall calendar. Submit high-quality digital photos depicting our area. Fourteen photos will be selected. The winning photographers will be entered in a drawing for a $100 gift card. Hurry! The deadline is August 15. Get details at: ccemc.com/PhotoContest
CCEC RUS Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint filing cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program. intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Offices
1300 Highway 24 Newport, NC 450 McCotter Blvd. Havelock, NC
Contact
Bad to the Bone
Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79!
The very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature. If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for. The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion. The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world. This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers. But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 8x21 power compact binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Huntsman Blade.
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed.
Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. Limited Reserves. A deal like this won’t last long. We have only 1120 Huntsman Blades for this ad only. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today! BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this Huntsman Blade $249* genuine leather sheath! Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $170
1-800-333-2045
EXCLUSIVE FREE
Stauer® 8x21 Compact Binoculars -a $99 value-
with purchase of Huntsman Blade
What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives
“This knife is beautiful!”
— J., La Crescent, MN “The feel of this knife is unbelievable...this is an incredibly fine instrument.”
— H., Arvada, CO
Your Insider Offer Code: HUK793-01
You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.
Rating of A+
Stauer ®
14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. HUK793-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com
Not shown *Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price. actual size.
California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
• 12” overall length; 6 ¹⁄2” stainless steel full tang blade • Genuine bone handle with brass hand guard & bolsters • Includes genuine leather sheath
Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary. ®
What You Need to Know Before Going Solar
Work with your co-op to make the right choice
By Miranda Boutelle
When I tell people I work in energy efficiency, one of the first responses I hear is, “Oh, I’m thinking about getting solar installed on my house.” I hear it around campfires, meeting other parents at the park and on the ride to the airport.
Most people don’t realize solar is not energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is finding ways to use less energy. Solar is generating energy. I can see the association because both are thought of as beneficial to the environment and a way to save money.
My follow-up question is, “What are your motivations for installing solar?”
In my experience, people are motivated by saving money, concern for the environment or both. Focusing first on energy efficiency addresses both motivations.
Here are some considerations if you are interested in installing solar.
Energy consumption Solar systems are sized based on a home’s energy needs. The larger the system, the higher the cost. Before installing solar, make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. That means it will use less energy and allow you to install a smaller solar system — which will save money and reduce your home’s environmental impact.
Verify the efficiency of your lighting, HVAC systems and insulation. A fully insulated and air-sealed home uses less energy, and those measures are less expensive than solar panels. Finish these energy efficiency projects before installing solar.
Affordability Consider your overall out-of-pocket expenses. The expected lifespan of a heating and cooling system is 15 to 25 years. Check the age and condition of your HVAC equipment and consider the expenses of replacement. If something happens, will you be able to afford to fix or replace it?
Roofing Consider the age, orientation and shade of your roof. It is more difficult — and expensive — to reroof a home with solar panels. Will the roof need to be replaced before the solar panels need to be replaced?
The best orientation for solar panels is south facing to receive direct light throughout the day. A shaded roof helps keep your home cool in the summertime but reduces solar energy production.
Maintenance and reliability A solar system doesn’t last forever. Lifespans range from 25 to 30 years. As systems degrade over time, they produce less energy. Maintenance and repairs may be needed.
Solar panels only produce power when the sun is shining. If you want solar to power your home at other times, like after dark, you’ll need to invest in battery storage system, which comes at an additional cost.
Contact your electric co-op As with any other system for your home, I recommend getting bids from three contractors to compare equipment and pricing. Solar contractors often work in several utility service territories and may not be familiar with your co-op’s offerings, rate structures and interconnection agreements. So before signing an agreement, check with your electric co-op for local information rather than relying on what the contractor says.
Another option may be community-owned solar. Many electric co-ops offer community solar programs. You may have an option to enjoy the benefits of solar without the responsibilities of ownership and maintenance.
Understanding these considerations before installing solar will ensure you meet your money-saving and environmental goals.
This column was written by Miranda Boutelle of the Efficiency Services Group. Visit carolinacountry.com/your-energy for more ideas on energy efficiency.
