As a kid, summer was the Great Liberation. It was freedom from class, time with friends, and plenty of cool stuff to do … so long as the lawn didn’t need to be mowed, anyway.

As an adult, summer can be the opportunity for a lot of things: outdoor swimming, family trips and the proverbial much, much more. So long as the lawn doesn’t need to be mowed, anyway.  

Why bring it up? Because summer’s pretty noteworthy for Longmont Power & Communications, too. For example:

• It’s the time of year when electric demand is at its highest and our summer electric rates go into effect to compensate. These run from June 1 to Sept. 30 to help cover the added cost of power in the hottest months and to encourage energy conservation so that Longmont doesn’t need as much power in the first place. (For income-qualified customers who need a little help, check out the city’s Longmont CAReS assistance program, as well as CARE from Energy Outreach Colorado which offers free energy efficiency improvements.)
• Speaking of energy conservation, the online Efficiency Works Store has a number of discounts available on smart thermostats as one way to help keep that demand down.
• Remember that lawn mower? This is also the time of year when cutting back the vegetation around your electric meter can really help our meter readers out (as can keeping an eye on that really friendly dog romping around in the sunshine). Check out these tips for keeping your meter accessible and thank you!
• And of course, summer can have its share of storms. It’s a good idea to make sure your trees are trimmed back from the power line, so that your power can be well-protected from falling limbs. (Don’t do it yourself, by the way … contact a professional.)

With that, LPC wishes you a great summer. We hope you and yours find plenty to see, learn and do during these long sunlit days.

So long as the lawn doesn’t need to be mowed, anyway.