Columbiana city residents asked to conserve energy during heat wave

COLUMBIANA — As temperatures are expected to reach well into the 90s in the eastern United States, in the upcoming days, City of Columbiana electric customers are being asked to conserve power to benefit community electric rates. “Community Energy Savings Days” is a response program for when demand for electricity is expected to be high.

Columbiana customers are requested to voluntarily lower electricity usage during the peak period from 2 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, through Friday, July 3.

Lance Willard, City Manager for the City of Columbiana, said, “As a municipal electric system, owned by its citizens and customers, it is contingent upon those same citizens and customers to keep the electric rates for themselves and all other customers of City of Columbiana as low as possible. Our citizens and customers have the opportunity to make a difference in their system and their rates by conserving energy during these periods.”

Customers can take simple conservation steps such as: shutting off lights when not needed; unplugging small appliances and electric chargers (especially those with small lights); raising the air conditioner thermostat a degree or two; closing curtains, drapes and blinds; doing laundry and other household chores requiring electricity during hours other than 2 through 6 p.m.; and turning off televisions, computers, and other electronic devices when not being used.

Willard added, “There’s plenty of power available and our grid is in good shape, but if we can conserve during these peak hours, the City can save on transmission and capacity costs next year. Lowering the peak demand will help control electricity rates for our customers.”

For future Community Energy Savings Days announcements and community news, visit columbianaohio.gov.

Columbiana County Summer Crisis Help

LISBON – Community Action Agency’s HEAP Summer Crisis Program (SCP) runs July 1 through Sept. 30. Appointments for the HEAP Summer Crisis may be made by calling the automated phone service at 330-892-8880. The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households with an older household member (60 years or older) or households that can provide medical documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health. This year, households that have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, or are trying to establish new electric service are eligible.

The HEAP Summer Crisis Program allows for a one-time electric utility payment for eligible households. This assistance must result in the continuation of electric service for at least 30 days. Clients may receive an air conditioner and/or fan(s), or central air conditioning unit repairs. The client must be at least partially responsible for their electric bill to obtain Summer Crisis assistance. Eligible households can receive up to $500 in electric assistance if they are a customer of a regulated electric utility or up to $800 in electric assistance if they are a customer of unregulated electric utilities, such as cooperatives and municipal utilities. Applications for PIPP, HEAP, and Summer Crisis can be filled out online at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov. For information and assistance call 330-424-4013. The agency will be closed Friday, July 3, for the 4th of July holiday.

Idabelle Firestone Fine Art Exhibition and Sale announced

The Firestone Park Cultural and Custodial Committee announces the date of the second annual Idabelle Firestone Fine Art Exhibition and Sale on Saturday, Aug. 15, (rain date Aug. 22) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Firestone Park. Artists, art lovers and art buyers alike are asked to mark their calendars for this special “Art in her Heart” event showcasing local artists and their original creations of fine art, all available for sale. The exhibition will be held at the Idabelle Firestone Gathering Place and Garden, the outdoor hilltop amphitheater inspired by her memory and her love of art, music and flowers. Music, concessions and a children’s art table will be included on the grounds. Artists may visit Art in Her Heart – The Idabelle Firestone Fine Art Exhibition and Sale on Facebook to apply and for more information. Artists may also fill out a print application by dropping by the Firestone Legacy and Event Center, located next to the main park entrance, for an application. The Legacy Center is open each Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public is invited free of charge. More details to follow on social media, and interested persons may also call the Legacy Center at 330-397-4706.