Showing posts with label utilities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label utilities. Show all posts

Heat pump basics – A greener way to heat and cool

Tuesday, November 2, 2021


Third Place Commons invites you to learn about “Heat Pump Basics” via Zoom on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 7pm.

After one of the hottest summers on record, and the prospect of more hot summers to come, many of us are thinking about air conditioning. Heat pumps, traditional and ductless, offer just that, as well as energy efficient heating for our homes.

Ductless heat pumps have been widely used for decades in Asia and Europe and are increasingly popular in this country because they offer a clean energy solution for home heating and cooling while also reducing energy costs. 

Ductless heat pumps do not require removal of existing oil or gas forced air systems. They can be installed in addition to those systems, allowing the use of clean electric heating for most of the year, and the gas/oil system for the coldest weeks – with the added benefit of home cooling during the hot months.

Daniel Poppe of Spark Northwest, a local clean energy nonprofit, will discuss how Ductless Heat Pumps work and what to know when considering a project. Spark Northwest has helped hundreds of Washington and Oregon residents switch to solar and energy efficient solutions for their homes.

This information session is sponsored by Lake Forest Park People for Climate Action and is free to the public.

Register here for Heat Pump Basics on November 17th.

This event is part of an ongoing series of TPC At Home programs presented by Third Place Commons to foster community through the continuing challenges of the pandemic. 

Other events include weekly foreign language conversation groups, monthly computer Q&As and book and movie clubs, and upcoming stand-alone events like Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Aging Well in Your Own Home on November 20th.

Find all the details on these and other events, including live, in-person music every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, on the Third Place Commons online calendar.

Third Place Commons – a community supported 501(c)3 nonprofit organization – has been building real community in the heart of Lake Forest Park for over 20 years. In addition to presenting its largest program, the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, Third Place Commons now also fosters real community in digital space with TPC At Home programs. 



Read more...

LFP Rotary and Shorecrest Interact Club will install free high-efficiency plumbing devices for 50 LFP Water District customers

A shower head similar to
this may be installed 
For Lake Forest Park Water District customers interested in reducing their water usage, there is some free help!

The LFP Rotary Club and the Shorecrest Interact Club (a high school club sponsored by Rotary) have teamed up to provide and install 50 WaterSense shower heads and 50 reduced flow faucet aerators in the District. 

WaterSense is an EPA program that provides specifications for high-efficiency plumbing devices. The devices will be provided by the regional SavingWater organization.

The club members have volunteered to, with the assistance and supervision of an adult, carefully replace your current shower head or aerator. 

For those that would appreciate this convenient service, please use the form below to sign up and choose the best time slot for you. Your contact information will be passed to the organizers of this project who will contact you to schedule a visit.

Note: Your replaced shower heads and aerators will be left with you.

WaterSense Project Signup HERE

For additional WaterSense plumbing options, you can check local hardware stores. Here are a few examples:

PLEASE NOTE

This project is not affiliated with the District or its staff. We have agreed to participate with this initiative as a favor to those customers of ours who may appreciate this service.

PRIVACY

The District will use reasonable efforts to protect customer contact information from disclosure to unauthorized parties based on RCW 42.56.330(2), which exempts customer addresses, telephone numbers and electronic contact information from public records requests.



Read more...

Give your pipes a treat - Flushable wipes aren't flushable

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Public Health Seattle / King County

Side sewer pipes are the homeowner’s property and responsibility. Flush toilet paper only; “flushable” wipes or paper towels can clog or break pipes and cause nightmares once sewage starts backing up into your house!


 

Read more...

Lake Forest Park Reservoir - one cell done - one to be completed next spring

Monday, October 18, 2021

Seattle Public Utilities replaced the liners in both cells of the Horizon View reservoir.
The cover of the east cell is completed and the west cell will be covered next spring.
Aerial photography by Jared Solano. Instagram @Juarez.Solano

The Lake Forest Park Reservoir is divided into two separate sections called cells. The east and west cells can operate independently of each other, so, if needed, one can be taken off-line while the other is fully operational. The east cell will be fully operational and be put back into service before the contractor demobilizes later this year. 
 
Each cell consists of a liner and a cover, and the west cell liner will be complete when the contractor demobilizes later this year. Without the cover installed, the west cell will remain offline and will not be operational this winter. The liner is made of the same material as the cover and can withstand the winter elements. 
 
A temporary cover will not be placed over the west cell. Any rainwater collected in the west cell will be properly discharged meeting the project permit requirements. In the spring when the contractor re-mobilizes, the west cell liner will be inspected and cleaned prior to constructing and installing the cover. Before the west cell is brought on-line, it will be disinfected and tested, meeting Department of Health requirements.

Andrew Karch, PE, PMP
Program Manager
City of Seattle, Seattle Public Utilities

10/21/21 Correction to headline: it is the Lake Forest Park Reservoir, not the Horizon View reservoir



Read more...

Seattle City Light wants your input

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Seattle City Light is conducting a Customer Satisfaction Survey and wants to hear from their residential customers. 

As a public, not-for-profit utility, City Light answers to customers first, not shareholders, and your feedback is critical for helping shape the future of City Light programs and services.

If you have opinions about power outages, your utility bill, different types of renewable energy, and more, this is your opportunity to provide your input



Read more...

North City Water District celebrates 90 years of excellence with the telling of their history

Sunday, October 10, 2021

The history of the North City Water District

Imagine being one of those handful of individuals who got together and decided it was time to give our area their very own water utility. They had to have the foresight to look ahead, and the determination to plan a system that would meet the needs of both existing and future residents— an approach we’ve continued to uphold every year since then.


Originally called King County Water District No. 42, we were founded by a majority vote of local residents, who then voted to elect our first commissioners: H.A. Cross, William G. Munro, and L.H. Coffel. The commissioners then selected engineers and attorneys to help plan the development of the district...

Read the rest of the article here

The North City Water District serves the west section of Lake Forest Park and the eastern portion of Shoreline.



Read more...

Update on the Lake Forest Park Reservoir Floating Cover Replacement Project

Sunday, October 3, 2021

Liner installation at Lake Forest Park Reservoir
Photo courtesy Seattle Public Utilities

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) reports that supply chain problems will prevent the completion of the west cell of the Lake Forest Park Reservoir Floating Cover Replacement Project this year.

The East Cell, however, will soon be in service.

In September, the contractor installed the floating cover and associated equipment in the east cell. SPU is working with the contractor to test the new liner and cover and will soon bring the east cell back into service.

The West Cell will not be completed until 2022.

The contractor has also completed installation of the liner in the west cell. However, due to ongoing, significant delays in material and equipment delivery, the contractor will not be able to complete the floating cover installation in the west cell this fall.

The contractor plans to pause their work in November, and they will return to complete the project in early 2022.



Read more...

AG Ferguson: Utilities will offer payment plans, financial assistance for customers with past due accounts

Sunday, September 5, 2021

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson is offering guidance for utility customers who have past due accounts and may be at risk of a utility shut off. The statewide moratorium on utility disconnections ends on September 30, 2021.
 
In June, there were more than 280,000 people who had past due bills with the five investor-owned utilities in the state, according to utility filings. 

That total number was similar to where it was in March 2020. However, in March 2020, people had past due amounts totaling just over $39 million. 

As of June, that number had more than doubled to over $80 million. Nearly $54 million of that total came from bills that were 90 or more days past due.

As of June, the five energy companies had the following number of customers with past due bills:
  • Avista had 36,973
  • Cascade Natural Gas had 16,051
  • Northwest Natural Gas had 12,300
  • Pacific Power had 24,110
  • Puget Sound Energy had 191,925
“As we emerge from the pandemic, we need to remember that many individuals and families are struggling financially,” Ferguson said. 
“Washingtonians need to know there is assistance if they are past due on paying for their utilities. No one should be facing utility cutoffs. My office will continue standing up for Washington ratepayers.”
Read the rest, including what steps to take



Read more...

Update: New liners and floating covers for the Lake Forest Park reservoir

Saturday, August 28, 2021

SPU crews installing the new liner. Photo courtesy SPU

The Lake Forest Park Reservoir is located in the City of Lake Forest Park and is part of Seattle Public Utilities' regional drinking water system. The reservoir has a floating cover that was installed in 2001 and designed to last about 20 years. Due to increased maintenance and repair work needed to keep the aging cover operational, SPU decided to replace it with a new floating cover.

The Lake Forest Park Reservoir Floating Cover Replacement Project

Over the past few months, the contractor has been installing liner along the bottom of the reservoir. The contractor has completed liner installation in the east cell and performed necessary inspection and testing. The liner in the west cell is expected to be complete in early September.

SPU crew rolling out the new liner. Photo courtesy SPU

This week, the contractor started installation of the floating cover and associated equipment in the east cell. Initiation and completion of floating cover installation in the west cell is dependent on the arrival of materials that are delayed due to supply chain disruptions associated with the pandemic.

In order to complete this work as quickly as possible, crews will be working on Saturday, September 4, 2021 as well as Monday, September 6 (Labor Day).

During construction the walking path that goes around the reservoir site will generally remain open and accessible. It may be temporarily blocked for up to two days at the end of construction when the contractor removes the temporary construction entrance.

Nearby roadways and paths may be temporarily blocked for short durations to accommodate equipment and materials moving in and out of the construction site. Further, there are no anticipated impacts for Horizon View Park visitors

You can sign-up to receive project updates online at www.seattle.gov/utilities/neighborhood-projects/lfp-reservoir-covering




Read more...

Republic Services to begin service collection an hour early on Thursday and Friday, August 12 and 13, 2021

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

One hour earlier on Thursday and Friday this
week in Lake Forest Park
Due to the excessive heat predicted for the next several days, the City of Lake Forest Park has approved a request from Republic Services to begin its Thursday and Friday collection service of trash, recycle, and organics in Lake Forest Park an hour early—at 6:00am instead of 7:00am.

Republic Services would like to let its customers know that all attempts will be made to service their customers on these days; however, due to the safety of and concern for their employees, some routes could be left incomplete if health concerns are raised due to the extreme heat. 

Customers that may be missed on Thursday or Friday, August 12 or 13, may put out double the normal volume on their next regular collection day.

Republic Services will be making robocalls to its Thursday and Friday customers impacted by this early start.

Note that this also applies to customers in Kenmore.


Read more...

Storm repair project will close two blocks of Linden Ave N in the Westminster Triangle August 3 to Sept 3, 2021

Friday, July 23, 2021

Photo courtesy B/B Utilities and Excavating, LLC

The "2021 Stormwater Pipe Replacement and Small Drainage Projects" is a storm system improvement project that is being done for the City of Shoreline by B/B Utilities and Excavating, LLC.

They will be working on Linden Ave N in the Westminster Triangle between 153rd and 155th August 2 to September 3, 2021.

The road will be closed for the duration of the project, but neighbors, church people, and emergency vehicles will have access and will be notified in advance of any planned driveway disturbances. 

In the case of emergencies B/B has steel sheets on site that can be placed in a matter of minutes to allow access.

Crew working hours will be 7am-5pm Monday through Friday. Neighbors can expect normal construction noise and equipment.

If there is ever a need to contact someone in the field for blockage concerns or placement of materials in the area, the project manager is Adam Hampton, 425-471-8173.



Read more...

City Light offers payment assistance programs

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Seattle City Light is committed to ensuring all customers have access to clean energy, no matter their income. 

They offer payment assistance programs for income-eligible residential customers to help ease the burden during this challenging time. 

Learn more HERE 




Read more...

Governor issues final utility moratorium extension

Monday, July 5, 2021

Gov. Inslee issues extension on
utility moratorium
Gov. Jay Inslee this week issued an extension of the utility moratorium proclamation, which will now expire on September 30, 2021. 

This will be the final extension of the proclamation and the extension will align with the end date of the tenancy preservation bridge (21-09) to give Washingtonians struggling with housing payments time to prepare and seek assistance before both proclamations expire.

"Utilities and housing are inextricably linked," Inslee said. "Our priority is to keep Washingtonians safe and housed, and give them a glide path to long-term stability."

The Office of the Governor will work closely with utilities on how they can continue to support customers once the moratorium expires. 

Utilities are encouraged to:
  • Continue to make good faith efforts to reach customers with past-due accounts, including partnering with community organizations, and provide information about their various assistance options.
  • Help customers identify utility, local, state and federal financial assistance programs they may be eligible for.
  • Offer extended payment plans of 12 months or longer.
  • Waive disconnection, reconnection, site visit and late fees accrued during the disconnection moratorium, if customers sign up for payment assistance.
  • Refrain from reporting overdue accounts to credit bureaus or placing liens on customers with overdue accounts for at least 180 days.

In addition to outreach from utilities, customers should contact their utility to learn about programs and financial resources that can help with unpaid utility bills and prevent disconnections. 

Residents with past-due energy and water balances are encouraged to call their utility providers as soon as possible to set up a payment or assistance plan. Customers can look up their utility information here or call 2-1-1.

Customers seeking language assistance can contact the UTC Consumer Protection Help Line for interpretation services: 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) or consumer@utc.wa.gov

Read the full proclamation here.



Read more...

Update on reservoir project in Lake Forest Park

Thursday, July 1, 2021

View from the top, across the dividing wall

Images provided by SPU are from recent construction activities after the reservoir was drained and the floating cover and liner were removed.


Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) Contractor Crews began construction on the Lake Forest Park Reservoir Floating Cover Replacement Project on May 17, and it is currently on schedule to be completed within about 6 months.

The reservoir is in the Horizon View neighborhood, near the park.

There are two large cells within the reservoir and each holds about 30 million gallons. This picture was taken at the bottom of the dividing wall of the East cell.

Since starting construction, contractor crews have:
  • Installed a temporary access gate to help them bring equipment and materials in and out of the reservoir site
  • Drained the reservoir and prepared the site for construction
  • Removed and disposed of the existing liner and floating cover
  • Prepared the site for installation of the new liner
  • Started seaming and installing the new liner
Taken at the top of the slope of the reservoir. The view is looking down on the anchor installation, which is part of the preparation for the crews to install the liner.

In the coming weeks, the contractor will continue installing the new liner along the bottom of the reservoir. The liner will provide a protective barrier to preserve the quality of the drinking water that will be held in the reservoir.

Contractor welding the recently installed sections of the liner that provide a protective barrier at the bottom of the reservoir.

Upcoming 4th of July Holiday Work Schedule

Crews will not be working Sunday, July 4 and Monday, July 5 in observance of the holiday. Work will resume on July 6. Crews will, however, be working on Saturday, July 3 in order to meet the construction deadline. 




Read more...

Horizon View reservoir construction progress

Monday, June 21, 2021

Seattle Public Utilities reservoir in Lake Forest Park
Photo by Brian Lee

The Lake Forest Park Reservoir is located in Horizon View Park in the City of Lake Forest Park and is part of Seattle Public Utilities' regional drinking water system.

The reservoir has a floating cover that was installed in 2001 and designed to last about 20 years.

Due to increased maintenance and repair work needed to keep the aging cover operational, SPU has decided to replace it with a new floating cover.

Construction to replace the floating cover will involve:
  • Draining the reservoir and preparing the site for construction
  • Removing and dispose of the existing floating cover
  • Installing a new liner and floating cover
  • Replacing pumps, pipes, hoses, and other equipment
  • Restoring the site after construction is complete

The Lake Forest Park Reservoir is located north of NE 195th St between 45th Ave NE and 47th Ave NE in the City of Lake Forest Park (project area map). The project will primarily be contained to SPU's property with minimal impacts to nearby residents.

SPU Contractor Crews began construction on the Lake Forest Park Reservoir Floating Cover Replacement Project on May 17, 2021 and it is expected to take about 5-7 months to complete.



Read more...

LFP Water District presents 2020 Water Protector award to Dr. Julie Hungar

Saturday, June 19, 2021

Dr. Julie Hungar, 2020 Water Protector
Customers of Lake Forest Park Water District enjoy untreated well water because we pump from an aquifer that has consistently produced an adequate supply of quality water. 

We value this resource and in an effort to encourage the protection of it, each year the district recognizes someone that has made a prominent effort to protect it.

This year our 2020 Water Protector award was presented to Dr. Julie Hungar for her dedication as a past president and member of the board of commissioners and founding and current member of the advisory committee where she engages in education and public outreach. 

Julie is a long-time resident of Lake Forest Park and has taken an active role in the District and the community for many years, bringing leadership and direction to the District.

So, we are honored to present the 2020 Water Protector Award to Dr. Julie Hungar “With appreciation for your visionary guidance and continual source water protection advocacy”.

LFPWD Commissioners Dave Hammond, Eli Zehner, Bill Donahue, our General Manager Alan Kerley, our District staff and community thank her for her service.



Read more...

Echo Lake Neighborhood meeting this evening will focus on development and traffic in the neighborhood

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Photo from Echo Lake resident
“Focus on Echo Lake Neighborhood"
Tuesday, June 15, 2021, 7-9pm on zoom

Speakers are Planning Director Rachael Markel, and Public Works Senior Planner Nora Daley-Peng with City Traffic Engineer Kendra Dedinsky.

The building boom in the Echo Lake Neighborhood has brought some unintended consequences, such as the proliferation of Recology bins where 7 -12 unit townhouses have replaced single family homes.

Our speakers will focus on development and traffic in the Echo Lake neighborhood, including 185th and the 185th station area.

Email ELNABoard@gmail.com for the zoom link and specify your neighborhood / address.



Read more...

Scam Alert: Seattle City Light will never call you to demand payment

Sunday, June 13, 2021

Seattle City Light reports they have received a high volume of reports recently of scammers calling their customers demanding payment.

"Remember, we will never call, e-mail, or visit your home demanding immediate payment to avoid a shutoff.

"If someone calls you demanding payment, rather than seeking to work with you to establish a payment plan, that person is a scammer.

"If you get a call like this, hang up immediately.

"If you have received a call like this, please submit a scam report on our website: http://citylight.seattle.gov/scam "



Read more...

Lake Forest Park reservoir cover replacement project

Friday, May 14, 2021

Horizon View park. Photo from Google Earth

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) owns and operates a drinking water reservoir at NE 195th Street near Horizon View Park in Lake Forest Park. The reservoir has a floating cover that is in need of replacement. 

This month, SPU will perform construction activities to remove the existing floating cover, perform some upgrades to the reservoir, install a new floating cover, and perform site restoration following this work.

Construction begins in May, and should take 5-7 months to complete this project. Construction will take place within the reservoir site. 

SPU anticipates that nearby residents may experience increased construction traffic and noise during working hours.

Residents will continue to have access to the nearby park and use of the path surrounding the reservoir. 

SPU has sent notification to residents living near the reservoir, and will send additional notification prior to construction starting. For more information about the project and to sign-up to receive email updates, visit SPU’s project website at www.seattle.gov/utilities/neighborhood-projects/lfp-reservoir-covering.

Construction to replace the floating cover will involve:
  • Draining the reservoir and preparing the site for construction
  • Removing and dispose of the existing floating cover
  • Installing a new liner and floating cover
  • Replacing pumps, pipes, hoses, and other equipment
  • Restoring the site after construction is complete
This work will enable SPU to supply quality drinking water to people in the greater Seattle area.



Read more...

Good news for Recology customers in Shoreline

Thursday, May 13, 2021

It's back to normal for Recology. 

Customer data was not compromised

After the recent ransomware attack on Automatic Funds Transfer Service (AFTS), the company that invoiced customers and collected payments for services provided by Recology, it has been determined that customer information was not compromised.

Payment options are back online

The incident resulted in disruption of electronic payment options to customers. As a result, Recology has selected Wells Fargo as its new payment provider. 

Recology King County can now accept online bill payments. Click here to make a one-time payment. Additional features, such as recurring automatic deduction using a credit card or checking account, as well as paying over a secure phone payment system will be available shortly.

Customers may continue to submit payment through at-home banking, an option coordinated directly with personal banking institutions, not Recology.

How to pay by check

Customers can also mail a physical check to Recology King County at the locations listed below. Regardless of your approach to payment, no late charges will be assessed.

Commercial Customers:
Recology
PO Box 35146
LB 1127
Seattle, WA 98124-5146

Residential Customers:
Recology
PO Box 35146
LB 1794
Seattle, WA 98124-5146

Collection service was not disrupted

Collection service was not disrupted by this incident, and Recology King County will not issue any late fees for payments missed or delayed by this event.

If you have questions about this incident, please call 206-859-6700.



Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP