CPP powering Cleveland’s revitalization

Warmer weather brings about an increase in construction in northeast Ohio, from the legendary “orange barrels” that greet commuters to the lane closures brought on by the renovation and rehabilitation of downtown structures.

This week we caught up with Cleveland Public Power crews splicing cable on E. 9^th and Euclid and another crew pouring and finishing concrete just a block up on E. 9^th and Prospect.

A renaissance is taking place in Cleveland and CPP crews are working hard to get the job done!

CPP Cable Splicer Bill Baran splices cable in a manhole on E. 9th & Euclid Avenue.

Cleveland Public Power Cement Finisher Theresa Harris gathers tools to finish a block of concrete on E. 9th & Prospect.

Cleveland Public Power recognized for reliable electric operations

On March 25, 2013, Cleveland Public Power (CPP) was recognized for its commitment to the highest degree of reliable and safe electric service by the American Public Power Association (APPA). CPP was honored with the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP₃®) designation which recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, safety, workforce development and system improvement.

Brent McKinney, chair of APPA’s RP3 Review Panel and manager, electric transmission and distribution at City Utilities of Springfield, Mo., (far left) are pictured with CPP’s RP3 Team co-captain Marcia Hines, Commissioner Ivan Henderson, co-captain Valerie Banks and Mike Hyland, APPA senior vice president, engineering services (far right).

“Receiving the RP₃ platinum designation means a lot to us,” said Ivan Henderson, Commissioner of Cleveland Public Power. “This is the first time that we have applied for RP₃ designation and to come just a few points shy of 100 percent is awesome. It’s an honor to be recognized on a national level for the work we are doing here in Cleveland. It is a testament to the dedication of our employees to their community,” he said.  The RP₃ designation comes in three levels – gold, platinum and diamond.

Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson said of the recognition, “This recognition confirms what we in the City of Cleveland have known – we have a safe, reliable and competitive utility in Cleveland Public Power. They are working diligently to provide the best service available.”

Commissioner Henderson also said the recognition confirms the work that CPP has done over the last several years to position itself as a leader in the electric utility industry. “I am proud to say that as a team we succeeded.”

CPP’s reliability record was affirmed late last year as the utility lead electric service restoration following hurricane Sandy and helped restore customers outside of the city. CPP’s safety record had been confirmed locally and regionally over the last four years when the utility received The City of Cleveland’s “Most Improved Division in Employee Safety” for both 2010 and 2011 as well as a Safety Commendation from American Municipal Power in 2012.

The RP₃ program designates four specific areas to measure a utility’s adequacy in providing system proficiency. Reliability represents 30 percent of the total points required; safety and work development each represent 25 percent and system improvement makes up the remaining 20 percent. Criteria within each designated area are based upon sound business practices and a utility-wide commitment to a safe and reliable delivery of service.

Visit CPP Booth at The Great Big Home & Garden Show through Feb. 10th

The snow has stopped for now so take this opportunity to visit the Great Big Home & Garden Show at the Cleveland IX Center today! The show runs today until 5 p.m. and Cleveland Public Power staff are joined by their colleagues in the Department of Public Utilities in Booth 1008 to provide information on the services offered by the City.

Are you a City of Cleveland resident thinking about switching your electric service? Well stop by

CPP’s residential service Manager Dale Gallis is joined at the DPU booth by Marcia Mays from CWD and Yalinda Moore from WPC. (Photo by Shelley M. Shockley)

and learn how you can make that happen. Are you looking to make your home or business more efficient? Our staff can point you in the right direction for savings. Do you have questions about your bill? All of our representatives are more than willing to help you understand the charges on your bill, so stop by and say hello.

Can’t make it out today – no problem we will have staff on hand for the entire show which runs through Sunday, February 10th! You can always visit us at www.cpp.org , www.clevelandwater.com, or call www.clevelandwpc.com.

CPP & Public Safety personnel praised for response to Hanna Building

Earlier this week, Public Safety and Public Utilities personnel were called to Playhouse Square downtown Cleveland for an electrical fire at the Hanna Building. While responding personnel worked together to ensure the safety of tenants, visitors and surrounding buildings and restore power to the building as part of their regular duties, the email below is a great testament to their hard work and dedication to our community.

Dear Director Flask and Director Withers,

This afternoon we experienced a transformer malfunction in an electrical vault at the Hanna Building, which resulted in a full building evacuation and temporary power loss. My role was to coordinate the street level activity related to our tenants and as such was in direct communication with members of the fire department, police department and Cleveland Public Power service crew.

I simply want to state what a pleasure it was to work with each of them. One should obviously expect professionalism, which was evident. What was also evident was a sincere effort to be sure that we and our tenants were well informed and treated in a very thoughtful manner. There was good cooperation among your departments and everything was handled efficiently.

Nobody wants to go through building evacuations and all of the related implications, but it was made so much better through the quality efforts of your forces.

Sincerely,

Tom Einhouse

Vice President of Facilities and Capital

PlayhouseSquare

Cleveland Public Power Commissioner Ivan Henderson said of the recognition, “We are proud of the hard work of all CPP staff and will recognize the CPP Team members that helped with this outage at an upcoming event.”

Snow Emergency Plan Activated; Cleveland Public Power offers storm tips

The view from North Collinwood.

As the Blizzard of 2012 bears down on Cleveland, Cleveland Public Power reminds it’s customers and residents to be mindful of the effects of wet, heavy snow on power lines:

Heavy snow and ice associated with winter storms can increase the likelihood of downed electrical power lines. It is important to remember you should never touch, move or go near any downed or hanging lines. Your first action should be to call 9-1-1 immediately, and then call your local utility. Downed lines can be reported to CPP by calling 216.664.3156.

Remember to treat all downed or hanging electrical lines as if they are energized. If you see a downed electrical line:

· Stay away from it and anything it may be in contact with.

· Do not put your feet in water where a downed line is laying.

· If you are driving and a line comes down on your car, stay in your vehicle until emergency crews arrive unless the vehicle catches on fire. If the vehicle is on fire, open the door and jump with both feet together to avoid contact with the car.

· If you come upon a person who has come in contact with a downed electrical line, do not touch or move the person as you may become a victim as well. Instead, call 9-1-1 for assistance.

Additionally, the City of Cleveland has activated its snow emergency plan. Pre-treating of primary roads, bridges and hills began at midnight. We have 48 snow crews on the road around the clock. Public Utilities is monitoring the storm and watching for impact to its operations because of heavy snow, ice and high winds. Public Safety personnel are assisting with traffic control and responding to emergencies. The Cleveland Airport System is still open, though airlines have cancelled some flights.

We are expecting significant snow fall and high winds throughout the night and into tomorrow. We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide additional updates via the local media, social media sites (visit our Facebook page) and our website. Please make sure to check the news and online for additional information about the City’s response and the potential of closures or delays for Thursday, December 27, 2012. 

Please use caution when traveling during this winter weather event.

Tips on Preventing Illness after a natural disaster

As the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County begin to recover from the effects of Hurricane Sandy, the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management has issued the following tips:

KEEP FOOD AND DRINKING WATER SAFE

• Discard any perishable food (like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers) that have been above 40 °F for over 2 hours.
• For the refrigerator: Pack milk, other dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, gravy, and spoilable leftovers into a cooler surrounded by ice. Inexpensive styrofoam coolers are fine for this purpose.
• A freezer that is half full will hold food safely for up to 24 hours. A full freezer will hold food safely for 48 hours. Do not open the freezer door unless necessary.
• Listen to and follow public health and safety announcements.

PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

• Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if you breathe it. Never use generators, pressure washers, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage, or camper—or even outside near an open window, door, or vent.
• Don’t heat your house with a gas oven.
• If you are too hot or too cold, or you need to prepare food, don’t put yourself and your family at risk of CO poisoning—look to friends, family, or a community shelter for help.
• If your CO detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911.
• Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated.
• For further guidance on avoiding CO poisoning, go to http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/carbonmonoxide.asp.

CLEAN UP SAFELY AFTER FLOODS

• To prevent illness, disinfect and dry buildings and items in them. This will prevent growth of some bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew that can cause illness.
• For more information, go to http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/cleanup.asp

ANIMAL AND INSECT-RELATED HAZARDS

• Avoid wild or stray animals and biting or stinging insects.
• Call local authorities to handle animals.
• Dispose of dead animals, according to local guidelines, as soon as you can.
• For more information, contact your local animal shelter or services, a veterinarian, or the Humane Society for advice on dealing with pets or stray or wild animals after an emergency.
• For information on specific animal and insect issues, see go to http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/animalhazards.asp.

Be Safe – Stay Away from Power Lines

As crews continue to work to repair power lines, it is important for residents to remember the following tips as it relates to low hanging and downed power lines:

Never touch, move or go near any downed or hanging lines. The first action should be to call 9-1-1 or your local utility. CPP’s Trouble Line can be reached by calling 216-664-3156.

• Do not put your feet in water where a downed line is laying
• Do not try to move tree limbs
• If you see someone who has come into contact with a downed line, do not touch them, again call 9-1-1
• If a line comes down on your car stay inside, roll down your window and warn others to stay away. Call authorities or ask a passerby to call authorities. The only time you should exit a vehicle with a downed line on it is if it has caught fire. If the vehicle is on fire, open the door and jump with both feet together to avoid contact with the car. It is metal and therefore you could receive a shock.

What to do in a Storm? Cleveland braces for Hurricane Sandy

At noon today the waves were high off of Lake Erie at E. 55th St.

As remnants of Hurricane Sandy make its way into northeast Ohio, forecasters are predicting extremely high winds and heavy rain with a potential for downed power lines, and power outages. In an effort to keep residents and customers ready and informed, Cleveland Public Power offers the following tips for storm safety:

• Downed power lines – Never touch, move or go near any downed or hanging lines. The first action should be to call 9-1-1 or your local utility. CPP’s Trouble Line can be reached by calling 216-664-3156.

• Do not put your feet in water where a downed line is laying
• Do not try to move tree limbs
• If you see someone who has come into contact with a downed line, do not touch them, again call 9-1-1
• If a line comes down on your car stay inside, roll down your window and warn others to stay away. Call authorities or ask a passerby to call authorities. The only time you should exit a vehicle with a downed line on it is if it has caught fire. If the vehicle is on fire, open the door and jump with both feet together to avoid contact with the car. It is metal and you could receive a shock.

• Power outage and food safety – Unless there is a major outage extending more than 4 hours, your food should be safe in the refrigerator as long as you leave the doors closed. After that point you may want to begin to prepare and/or eat the food.

• Food in the freezer will hold much longer. According to the USDA, “a full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.”
• If it appears the outage will last for a prolonged period of time, the USDA advises obtaining dry ice or block ice to keep the refrigerator cold. The USDA reports “fifty pounds of dry ice should hold an 18-cubic foot full freezer for 2 days.”

•  In Home Tips – unplug and avoid using major electric appliances and avoid using the telephone. You should also avoid using the telephone because in the even of a lightning strike these lines and other wires can conduct electricity.

We are asking our residents and customers to follow storm protocols of seeking shelter, and to call  us at 216-664-3156 to report outages.

In the event of widespread outages customers will also be able to follow updates as well as report outages on Twitter, by following @cppgreen.

The APPA Lineworkers Rodeo rocks into Cleveland, OH in 3 Days!

In just 3 days Cleveland Public Power will co-host the 12th Annual Lineworkers Rodeo at Marquette Field, 1146 Marquette St. just south of the Lake Erie Shores. This day long competition will feature Public Power Lineworkers from all over the United States, and Guam exhibiting their skill and knowledge in simulated real life situations.

This free event is open to the public and will take place at Marquette Field, 1146 Marquette Avenue between St. Clair and South Marginal Road, beginning at 7:30 a.m. and continuing until 3 p.m.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase the skill and knowledge of our lineworkers,” said CPP Commissioner Ivan Henderson. “The Rodeo gives our residents an opportunity to see first-hand what it takes to bring power into their homes, and it affords our guys the opportunity to participate in some good natured competition that helps improve their skills.”

“While the events look like fun they simulate real life scenarios that linemen are exposed to everyday,” said Steven Holland, co-chair of the Rodeo Committee. “The anxiety of the events being judged on time and safety while in competition with your industry peers provides an environment of learning from the best of the best.”

Cleveland Public Power lineworkers (l-r) Jeff Bremer, Jim Maly, Shemill Johnson and Davey Morales are geared up and ready to compete in the 12th Annual APPA Lineworkers Rodeo Saturday, April 14th. (Photo by Shelley M. Shockley)

In addition to hosting the Rodeo, CPP will have one team and eight apprentices competing. The utility will raffle off a quilt at the event with all proceeds to benefit Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.), a local non-profit working to empower Cleveland youth between the ages of 14-19.

This family-friendly event also features a Kids’ Zone with inflatables, face painting, coloring areas and games.

For more information on the Lineworkers Rodeo, please visit http://www.publicpower.org/rodeo/ or http://www.cpp.org/rodeo.html.

Proposed CREG Center will increase recycling, generate electricity, reduce costs and create jobs in Cleveland

The Cleveland Recycling and Energy Generation Center (CREG) will allow Cleveland to maximize recycling, reduce dumping at landfills, and generate electricity while reducing city operating costs and creating jobs. It is a sustainable solution to the economic and environmental challenges of waste disposal and the need for alternative energy sources today and in the future. The net effect of the CREG Center will reduce the City’s overall carbon footprint.

Here are some facts about how the CREG Center will work:

• The City of Cleveland will implement automated trash pick up and curbside recycling citywide. Every household will receive a container for recyclable materials to be placed out for convenient pick up.
• Recyclables and municipal waste will be taken to a state-of-the-art material recovery facility (MRF) where waste will be sorted to ensure that all recyclable materials are recovered, and that hazardous materials, including products containing mercury, are removed from the waste stream.
• Recyclables will be sold, creating an additional revenue source for the City. Hazardous materials will be disposed of properly. And the remaining municipal solid waste will be converted into fuel pellets.
• The fuel pellets will then be gasified to create steam. This steam will do two jobs: generate electricity and then sterilize additional waste prior to pelletization.
• The facility itself is projected to create up to 150 new jobs.

 Understanding the impact.

• Gasification is not incineration. Rather, high heat and limited oxygen convert batches of solid waste fuel pellets into a synthetic gas and ash. The synthetic gas can be used to generate steam and therefore electricity. Potentially, the ash could be used to create decorative bricks, creating an additional revenue stream.
• Emissions: What we put into the gasification process determines what comes out as emissions. The CREG Center will use a stringent pre-sort process to remove both recyclables and products containing harmful substances like mercury in an effort to reduce or prevent toxic emissions. In other words, if we don’t allow mercury and other toxins into the gasification process, we will not have mercury and other toxins coming out of the gasification process.
• Truck traffic:  Overall, truck traffic will slightly increase – by about one trip (a truck either coming or going) per hour during daily truck operation times. The increase will be due to the additional trucks needed for citywide curbside recycling pickup. This increase is offset in part by a decrease of 20 tractor-trailer trips per day. Currently tractor-trailers are used primarily to haul waste to the landfill. With the CREG Center, the majority of the tractor-trailer trips will be to recycling mills.

To learn more about the project visit http://www.cpp.org/CREGCenter.html