LCEC – Lee County Electric Cooperative

Use caution around pad-mounted transformers

August 31, 2022 – The big green boxes that reside in residential neighborhoods are called pad-mounted transformers and caution must be practiced around them. 

What is a pad-mounted transformer?
Pad-mounted transformers work in the same capacity as the transformers (gray cans) on the top of electric poles do. In essence, they convert higher-voltage electricity to a lower voltage so that it is safe and useful for your home. The only difference is that pad-mounted transformers work with underground power lines while transformers on the pole work directly with the overhead electric lines.

How can I stay safe around pad-mounted transformers?
Pad-mounted transformers are locked and marked as dangerous. These big green boxes should never be used as benches. Kids should not play on or near them. Landscaping should not be planted around these boxes since power linemen may need to access them safely and easily, and any roots could interfere with underground wires. Never dig anywhere near a pad-mounted transformer. It is just as important for people to be safe around underground power lines and pad-mounted transformers as it is to be safe around overhead power lines.

For more ways to stay safe around electricity, visit lcec.net.

2022 LCEC 26th Annual Fishing Tournament to benefit the United Way

August 25, 2022 – Calling all anglers to the 2022 LCEC 26^th Annual Fishing Tournament for United Way. This catch and release tournament is happening on Saturday, September 10, at D&D Matlacha Bait and Tackle. Tournament will have an honor start at 7 a.m. and final photos must be submitted by 2:30 p.m. A mandatory Captains’ Meeting is happening Friday, September 9, to review rules and pick up team bags. Cash and prizes will be awarded on tournament day, in addition to a silent auction, raffles, food, sun and fun. All proceeds benefit the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties. Download the FishDonkey app through the app store to register your team. For more information, visit uw.lcec.net/SitePages/Fish.aspx or facebook.com/lcecfish. Contact fish@lcec.net with questions.

Choosing the right temperature for your home

August 17, 2022 – Hot days will be here for awhile still, but cooler days aren’t too far away. Depending on the temperature in sunny SWFL, it is important to choose the right temperature to keep your house comfy while keeping your energy consumption low. LCEC energy experts recommend the following:

Hot day:
LCEC recommends setting your A/C to 78 degrees Fahrenheit while home, and 83 degrees if you will be gone for more than two hours. Each degree below the recommended temperature of 78 degrees adds eight percent or more to your cooling costs.

Cold day:
Set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit while home, and 65 when you leave your home. Heating is the most intense use of electric energy in the average home, is the most expensive electric appliance and costs two to three times more than cooling so use it wisely!

Vacay:
When going on vacation, keep the A/C set at 83 degrees or higher. Remember to keep your curtains closed to keep your home from being overly hot when you return.

Visit lcec.net for more simple ways to save on your electric bill.

Use caution around overhead power lines

August 10, 2022 – If you take the time to look up, you’ll notice that overhead power lines are everywhere. Practicing caution around these lines is the responsibility of everyone. When it comes to being safe around overhead power lines, it is essential to:

• Look up to locate all overhead power lines.
• Stay at least 10 feet away from any overhead power lines.
• Never touch anything that comes into contact with a power line.
• Always carry ladders or tall equipment horizontally. It is smart to use wooden or fiberglass ladders outdoors since metal ladders conduct electricity, but remember, even wood can conduct electricity if it is even somewhat wet.
• Never climb trees near power lines.
• Never fly kites, remote control airplanes, drones or balloons around power lines.

If you see a downed line, stay away! It is best to always assume that a downed power line is live and could be deadly. If you see a downed power line:

• Call 911.
• Never try to move a downed line.
• Never drive over or near a downed power line or anything in contact with them. Downed lines can energize the ground up to 35 feet away! This distance can increase in wet conditions.

Visit lcec.net for more ways to be safe around overhead power lines and electricity.

Application deadline approaching for LCEC Environmental Funding Award

August 3, 2022 – September 1 is the deadline to apply for an LCEC Environmental Funding Award. To apply, organizations should visit www.lcec.net/about-lcec/community-and-education/environment to download the application. Interested organizations must meet certain criteria to be considered for the award including that the funding must be utilized for projects/programs related to the environment and the utility industry and have a demonstrated need for funds. Funding is awarded twice a year with deadlines happening on March 15 and September 1. Nearly $205,000 has been awarded since the program’s inception in 2013. Winners of environmental funding awards in 2022 include the Calusa Land Trust and Preserve of Pine Island, Inc., Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Friends of Fakahatchee, Friends of the Cape Coral Environment and the Sanibel Sea School. The Environmental Funding Award Program is just one of the many ways that LCEC positively impacts and supports wildlife and the environment. To learn more, visit the Environment page at www.lcec.net or contact pr@lcec.net.