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Five Ways to Safeguard Your Home This Winter

As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, there’s a natural inclination to create a warm and cozy haven at home. Unfortunately, as we see increased use of heating equipment, candles and electrical items, the number of home fires tends to increase during winter months.  

Here are five ways you can safeguard your home for the winter season.

  1. Ensure carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working properly. If your detectors are battery-operated, replace the batteries annually. Test the detectors once a month and give them a good dusting to ensure the sensors are clear of dirt and debris.

  2. Inspect electrical cords. We depend on more cords during winter, whether for holiday lighting, extension cords or portable heaters. Before using any corded items, double check to make sure cords aren’t frayed or cracked. If you use portable space heaters, remember to keep them at least 3 feet away from flammable items. Use models that include an auto shut-off feature and overheat protection. Space heaters can take a toll on your energy bills. Use them efficiently (to heat smaller spaces) and safely. Never plug a space heater into a power strip. Speaking of power strips…

  3. Avoid overloading electrical outlets and power strips. When overloaded with electrical items, outlets and power strips can overheat and catch fire. If you use power strips for multiple devices, make sure the strip can handle the electrical load. For a safer bet, look for power strips that include surge protection.

  4. Clean the fireplace to improve safety and efficiency. There’s nothing better than a warm fire on a chilly night, but it’s important to maintain your fireplace for safety. As wood burns, a sticky substance known as creosote builds up in the chimney. When creosote buildup becomes too thick, a chimney fire can ignite. The chimney should be cleaned at least once a year to reduce fire risks. Regular cleaning also improves air flow and limits the amount of carbon monoxide that seeps indoors.

  5. Practice safety in the kitchen. As we spend more time in the kitchen during the holiday season, be mindful of potential fire hazards. Never leave food that’s cooking on the stovetop unattended. Clean and remove spilled foods from cooking surfaces and be mindful of where you place flammable items like dish towels.

Thanksgiving Food Prep Safety

During the holidays, family and friends gather to celebrate. Usually, food is involved. But not all feasts turn out festive. The United States Fire Administration estimates more than 2,000 residential fires are reported each Thanksgiving, with cooking the leading cause.

Protect your home and family from fire hazards by installing smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Test the batteries in each smoke alarm every month and replace them once a year. Creating an escape plan for the whole family will ensure that no matter the circumstances, everyone knows how to exit safely.

Unattended cooking equipment is the leading cause of home cooking fires; always be sure someone takes over the preparation when needed. Before cooking, clean the stovetop and oven to wipe away any grease or dust to prevent a fire.

It’s easy to forget about something in the oven while you’re cooking, especially when you’re entertaining guests. Use a kitchen timer to make sure your dish doesn’t burn to a crisp, creating a fire hazard. When cooking on the stove use the back burners to protect yourself, as well as any reaching hands, from spills or burns. If children are in the room, keep a close eye on them, or better yet, guide them out of the kitchen. If cooking over a hot stove, wear short or close-fitting sleeves to avoid a fire.

Always locate appliances away from the sink to avoid any electrical dangers. Plug countertop appliances into ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected outlets and keep cords away from hot surfaces like toasters. When finished with these appliances, always unplug them to save energy and avoid electrical hazards.

Before your family sits down to enjoy the meal you just prepared, be sure all appliances have been turned off. Then you can all enjoy each other’s company during the holiday season with peace of mind, knowing that everyone is safe.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Kenergy!

All Kenergy Offices Closed Thursday, November 23rd and Friday, November 24th for Thanksgiving

All Kenergy offices will be closed Thursday, November 23rd and Friday, November 24th for the Thanksgiving holiday. We hope you have a safe and healthy holiday celebrating with family and friends.

As always, you can drop payments at our office nightly drop boxes, make payments on our SmartHub mobile app, or by accessing your account 24/7.

Celebrate Member Appreciation Day on Tuesday, October 24th

Member Appreciation Day

As an electric cooperative, we are member-owned. Our annual Member Appreciation Day is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the wonderful members we serve across western Kentucky.

Kenergy is excited to announce our annual Member Appreciation Day will take place on Tuesday, October 24th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Members can visit the location closest to them and receive a free lunch, including a sandwich, chips, cookie, and water along with a free bucket, light bulb, and night light while supplies last. Information for each location is below. All Kenergy offices will be closed for the event from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Proof of membership is required this year. Members can bring a copy of their Kenergy bill or show their active SmartHub mobile app.

Owensboro

Legacy Church

5333 Frederica Street

Barbeque by Jerry Morris of Whitesville — Eat-in or carry-out

Hawesville

315 Hawes Blvd.

Barbeque by Jerry Morris of Whitesville — Carry-out only

Henderson

6402 Old Corydon Road

Barbeque by Tom’s Smokin’ BBQ — Drive-thru only

Hanson

2620 Brown Badgett Loop

Barbeque by Tom’s Smokin’ BBQ — Carry-out only

Marion

3000 Mott City Road

Barbeque by CopperTop Bar-B-Que — Drive-thru only

Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

Doing a staycation for fall break? Be productive and get your home prepared for winter weather with these five jobs:

1. Caulk windows and doors, even if you did it last fall. Cracks in old caulk can let cold air in and warm air out.

2. Reverse the direction of ceiling fan blades so they circulate clockwise.

3. Get your chimney inspected and cleaned if you plan to burn wood this season. Buildup of creosote can cause a chimney fire.

4. Call an HVAC tech to inspect your central heating system, perform maintenance and do any needed repairs so you don’t lose heat once it gets cold.

5. Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors before heating season begins.

Electric Co-ops Grow for the Communities They Serve

October is National Co-op Month

October is National Co-op Month, and Kenergy is joining cooperatives across the U.S. to celebrate. Co-ops come in all shapes and sizes, but they each have a common goal: to provide goods or services for the members of the co-op.

Electric co-ops, including Kenergy, exist to serve their members. Our priority is to provide affordable, reliable energy to our local communities. Because we are led by you, the members we serve, we can evolve to meet your needs. We heard the need from our members for high-speed, reliable internet in our rural communities and we worked to get laws changed and partnered with Conexon Connect to bring that to our service territory. We excited about the incredible progress the buildout has already made.

This October, as we celebrate Co-op Month, we’re focusing on the ways “Co-ops Grow” for their members.

Co-ops Grow Communities: Co-ops help communities grow by promoting economic empowerment, fostering community engagement and supporting the unique needs of co-op members. “Concern for Community” is one of our core principles––and being community-focused is essential to everything we do.

Co-ops Grow Together: Co-ops are all about cooperation, not competition. That’s why electric co-ops work together to share lessons learned, successful strategies and better ways to serve our members. We’re better when we grow together!

Co-ops Grow Tomorrow’s Leaders: Electric co-ops serve as fertile ground for growing tomorrow’s leaders through a variety of youth engagement programs. Whether through school demonstrations, community events or the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour program, we’re committed to providing opportunities for local youth to learn and thrive in our community and beyond.

Co-ops Grow for You: At Kenergy, your satisfaction is our number one goal. It’s why we were formed many years ago to fulfill a uniquely local purpose. We’ve come a long way since then, and your needs continue to evolve. That’s why we’ll never stop growing for you!

All Kenergy Offices Closed Tuesday, October 3rd for Employee Training

All Kenergy offices will be closed Tuesday, October 3rd for an employee training.

As always, you can drop payments at our office drop boxes, make payments on our SmartHub mobile app, or by accessing your account 24/7.

Spooky Energy Savings

This spooky season, we’re sharing a few energy-saving tricks so you can treat yourself to lower energy bills. Here are four simple ways to summon the spirit of energy efficiency.

Conjure instant savings with a smart thermostat. One of the easiest ways to save energy is through thermostat control, since home heating and cooling account for a large portion of monthly energy use. Smart thermostats can help you manage heating and cooling costs by learning your daily routine and adjusting the temperature settings accordingly. You can control a smart thermostat from anywhere (through your smart phone), which allows you to prevent unnecessary energy consumption while you’re away. Sorcery!

Get rid of goosebumps by eliminating ghostly drafts. The winter chill is just around the corner, so now is the time to seal air leaks around your home. Apply caulk and weatherstripping around drafty windows and doors to make your home more comfortable and lower energy use.

Illuminate your lair with energy efficient lighting. LED bulbs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent light bulbs. Make the switch to reduce energy used for lighting. Remember to use LEDs when it’s time to decorate for the upcoming holiday season. LED light strings offer an average of 88% energy savings compared to traditional incandescent light strings.

Stir up savings with countertop cauldrons. Cooler weather summons our favorite soup recipes. Small countertop appliances like slow cookers use less energy than cooking meals on the stovetop. Grab your book of spells (or recipes) and start stirring up savings in the kitchen.

When we look around our homes, there are many opportunities to save energy. This spooky season, investigate your space and unlock a different kind of magic – the kind that brings real energy savings.

Kenergy Public Notice for Case No. 2023-00276

Kenergy Corp., 6402 Old Corydon Road, Henderson, KY 42420, will file an application for an adjustment in existing rates on or around October 2, 2023 with the Kentucky Public Service Commission ("KPSC") in Case No. 2023-00276. The proposed changes are designed to increase revenues $4,876,566 and are proposed to be effective on November 2, 2023.

To view the full public notice, please click HERE.

To view the full case file on the KPSC website, please click HERE.

Energy Saving Can Protect Grid During Weather Extremes

Kenergy members can help protect the power grid by incorporating energy-saving tips during extended heat waves. This week’s near-100-degree temperatures will strain this region’s power grid, particularly as the heat in Kentucky and the Midwest continues to rise on Thursday, August 24th.

The power you use at your home or business is generated and delivered at the time you use it. When electricity usage spikes regionally during extreme weather, the risk that there may not be enough power for everyone increases.

While there is currently no energy shortage emergency, members can take steps to cut their electricity usage and save money during the hottest afternoon hours, Wednesday, August 23rd through Friday, August 25th.

Tips to conserve energy include:

  • Raise your thermostat by a couple of degrees and use fans to help maintain comfort.

  • Keep windows and doors tight to preserve air conditioning in your home.

  • Use shades and curtains to block sunlight and keep your home cool.

  • Reduce the use of large home appliances during the hottest hours. For example, run full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher later at night.

  • Choose cooking methods that limit an increase in heat in your home.

  • Avoid charging your electric vehicle during the hottest parts of the day.

  • Unplug appliances when not in use.

Stay up-to-date on changing conditions by following our website and social media channels. If an electricity shortage were to occur, members could be asked to conserve energy immediately. Quickly following alerts and cutting electricity use could prevent the need for temporary power outages.