14
• Upper Bucks Free Press • May 2017
Flashing Lights on Power Lines No Need for Concern
If you’ve been out at night recently and have seen small flashing lights along the electric lines, you might have wondered what they were. You might even have been concerned. Well, there’s good news: What you saw weren’t sparks, and there’s no need for alarm. What you really saw were devices on the electricity network that help provide strong service – but sometimes cause some public confusion. As part of efforts to increase reliability and more quickly restore outages, we’ve placed fault indicators on many power lines. These devices are small enough to be held in the hand, and can be moved from place to place on the network. If these devices sense problems on the line, their lights will start blinking. They provide information about the location of the problem and serve as a guide for repair crews. Some customers mistake the flashing indicator for sparking wires or a wire fire and call their local 911 center. We’re working to share information on fault indicators with the public, so customers recognize the devices and are less likely to call first responders when they see one. (Of course, you should still call in case of a real emergency.) We’re also sharing info with fire and police departments so they can recognize these devices if they receive a call.
If you have questions about fault indicators – or you want to report a real emergency, such as a downed wire – don’t hesitate to call 1-800-DIAL-PPL (342-5775). Fault indicators are just one example of new technology helping to keep the lights on. We’ll also be installing hundreds of additional smart grid devices on the electricity network this year, including some in your area. Smart grid technology can automatically reroute power around the scene of an outage, restoring many customers to service within minutes. Smart grid devices are already on duty across our 29-county service area, and the ones we’re adding this year will improve outage response still further. You might also see one of our new bucket trucks with electric-powered lifts. These trucks are environmentally friendly because our crews no longer have to keep the engine running to power the lift. (They’re also a lot quieter as a result. While you might see one of these trucks on duty, you’re a lot less likely to hear it.) These are all examples of technology Thomas Edison never dreamed of – and who knows, maybe if he saw a fault indicator, he’d wonder what it was too. But there’s no need for concern about these small flashing lights in the night. Carol is the Regional Affairs Director for PPL Electric Utilities in Allentown, PA. Reach her at CObando-Derstine@pplweb.com
Quakertown Cares Fundraising Passes $50,000 BY JANE THOMPSON-SMITH Recent donations have lifted the 2016-2017 “Quakertown Cares” campaign to an extraordinary level, as $50,026 has been raised! The campaign, which was begun in 1995 by The Free Press, Quakertown’s original newspaper, raises funds to help Quakertown families, seniors and veterans purchase much needed necessities. Although it is a holiday campaign that technically runs from November to January, it has evolved, and the giving and helping of those in need now continues all year round. Every few days “Quakertown Cares” receives referrals for assistance from Quakertown Community School District guidance counselors, the school district social worker, St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital social work, the volunteer group Quakertown Community Outreach, the local food pantry, veterans contacts and others. The month of May is an exciting time for the campaign, which helps seventh graders, who would not otherwise be able to afford it, to attend the school district’s unforgettable learning event known as Outdoor School. Helping “Quakertown Cares” to cross the $50,000 threshold, was money raised by the campaign’s craft show and breakfast held this spring. Run by “Quakertown Cares” committee member Lisa Green, it raised $1,113. In
addition, recent giving included $407 from the mission committee of the Quakertown United Methodist Church, and $100 from the Kiwanis Club of Upper Bucks. So, why is it so important that “Quakertown Cares” raised $50,000? What is “Quakertown Cares” all about? It can be summed up in a letter from an elderly man living on social security, his wife stricken with cancer and on hospice care. The couple received help from “Quakertown Cares” after Quakertown United Methodist Church took a collection, and donated the funds raised to the campaign. “Cares” found the couple, and gave them the money raised by the church, and more. The husband sent a letter to “Quakertown Cares,” describing what they were going through, and thanking “Cares” and the church for the unexpected gift at such a difficult time. “It warms our hearts to know that we live in a town like Quakertown,” he said. And that is what “Quakertown Cares” is all about. It’s community caring for community on a personal level. It’s reaching out and touching the hearts of those in need. If you have given to “Quakertown Cares,” thank you. If you haven’t, please consider it. You will find yourself a part of something very, very special. Visit Quakertown Cares online at www. facebook.com/QuakertownCares/.
2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid As the best selling compact sedan in America, Toyota’s Camry in hybrid form takes this favorite to the next level. For 2017, the Camry Hybrid added such upgrades as Entune Audio Plus entertainment system, wireless smartphone charger on selected trim levels, and automatic braking. Camry Hybrid is offered in base LE, sporty SE and top-line XLE trim levels. We tested the SE that offers spirited driving characteristics after Toyota engineers tightened up the suspension and steering. As for the handy wireless charging pad, it’s standard on the XLE and optional ($75) on the SE. It’s a most wanted feature that eliminates having to carry a charging cord along. The charging pad resides inside the vertical stack bin, next to USB and 12V outlets. Powered by a 2.5-liter, inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine, and when combined with the electric motor, generates 200 net horsepower. Coupled to a CVT automatic transmission, the combination provides EPA mileage estimates of 40 city, 37-highway mpg, or 38 combined. While this is appreciable, Honda’s Accord Hybrid is rated slightly better at 49/47 estimated mpg, but does so with a smaller 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder and CVT transmission. Camry Hybrid accelerates quicker than its pure gasoline 2.5L powertrain. It has been independently tested at a relatively quick 7.7 seconds for 0-60 mph. There’s also EV and ECO modes to individualize economy. EV mode uses the electric motor exclusively for up to 1.6 miles and below 25 mph. This selection is good for heavy, stop and go traffic jams, whereas ECO mode optimizes accelerator response and A/C for better fuel economy. The gauge cluster has two indicators that show your driving economy, and when electric or gas power is being used. These enable the driver to maximize efficiency by driving in the “green” zone. A 7-inch touchscreen serves the audio, rearview camera and infotainment systems including several apps plus Siri Eyes, Doppler weather, Predictive Traffic and satellite radio. Camry SE’s cloth, with vinyl-edged front seats, are comfy and nicely supportive. They are, however, not heated as is the steering
wheel. (Yes, some cars have heated cloth seats) The back seat is a trite firm but spacious with ample head and legroom. Back in the 13.1-cubic foot trunk, it’s smaller by 2.3 cubes compared to the non-hybrid Camry. But it’s because of the battery pack stowed under the trunk floor. There is a pass through for long items and you may slip a hoofer-type golf bag through it. Or, stack the long clubs atop the bag width-wise in the trunk. Driving wise, Camry Hybrid is quiet even when the gasoline engine is running. And the transition from gas to electric is seamless and smooth. Shod with 17-inch Bridgestone tires, the ride is smooth and handling sporty with the SE’s sport-tuned suspension. While we’re not crazy about CVT transmissions, Camry’s, like others, its computer shifts points go virtually unnoticed. For a hybrid, Camry is priced attractively. Starting at a base of $27,995, the SE came with a long list of standard features and safety
functions. The $1,300 Entune system included a host of niceties with Bluetooth and for another $915 you get a moonroof. Add to that the wireless charger, mat set ($224) and Glass Breakage sensor ($359), which incorporates a sensitive microphone that detects the sound of an object striking on glass or breakage. At that point an alarm activates and/or if a door is forced open. With a delivery of $865, the Camry Hybrid priced out at $31,733. That price comes under Honda’s comparable Accord Hybrid at $36,790. For even more incentive to buy one, Camry Hybrid carries a full 5-star government overall safety rating, four for driver frontal crash, five for passenger; five each for side crash; and four for rollover. All impressive numbers for America’s best-selling 5-passenger compact sedan. And the only way it could get better is if it were offered with AWD. Nick Hromiak is an automotive freelance
enthusiast
writer.
We
and look
forward to bringing you his new
He
column can
be
each
month.
reached
nhromiak@verizon.net.
at