February 2019

Comments about Connections are welcome at idahopower.com • Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 70, Boise, ID 83707

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ConnectionsPlease recycle this newsletter.

April 2019

31180-I-0034

As spring brings warmer temperatures, we want our customers to safely enjoy playing and working outside. That’s why we’re providing tips on staying safe, whether you’re in the yard, on the go or at home.

In the YardAboveBefore starting your spring activities, check your surroundings for overhead power lines, and keep the following in mind:

• Always keep yourself and any equipment at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Never climb on power poles, transmission towers or over substation fences.

• Be especially careful when moving ladders, tall pipes or setting out sprinklers. Check out our Overhead Power Line Safety video on YouTube.

• Don’t store anything under or near power lines.

• Don’t fly drones, kites or other objects near power lines.

BelowSome power lines are buried underground, along with other utility lines. If you plan on digging, take care to avoid potentially serious injuries, power outages and costly repairs. The easiest way to do this is to call Dig Line at 811 at least two days before digging. The service is free, and it’s Idaho law to call before you dig. When you call, be prepared to give the location, scheduled date, type of work and information about the company or contractor doing the work (if it’s not you).

On the GoApril is Distracted Driving Awareness month, meaning it’s a good reminder to put down the phone and focus solely on driving. Each year, thousands of accidents — and deaths — are caused by distracted driving. Idaho Power prohibits the use of non-hands-free devices, like cell phones, when driving. We invite our customers to adopt a similar commitment to put down the phone while driving so we can all make our communities safer. As we like to say at Idaho Power — just drive.

If you encounter a power line hanging down or on the ground, do not touch it. Stay at least 100 feet away. Immediately

call 911 and ask them to alert Idaho Power. You can search our YouTube channel for Downed Power Line Safety to view a video on what to do if a line falls on or near your car.

At HomeSpring (and fall) are good times to check the batteries in your smoke detectors. Spring is also a good time to continue the safety conversation with a review of electrical safety. Gather your loved ones together and review the following tips:

• Check the cords around your house — replace them if they are broken, frayed or damaged. You never know what the cat might have gotten into.

• Only use extension cords with three-prong plugs for appliances that must be grounded.

• Keep flammable materials away from electric heaters.

• Never use any electric appliance near water.

Safety is a value at Idaho Power. For more safety tips and information, visit idahopower.com/safety.

Think Safety First

Shaved Brussels Sprouts SaladFor the salad:1 lb Brussels sprouts, washed, trimmed ¼ cup dried cranberries 1 small shallot, thinly sliced¼ cup asiago cheese, shaved ¼ cup candied walnuts or pecans

For the dressing:4 Tbsp olive oil1 Tbsp Dijon mustard2 Tbsp honeyJuice of ½ lemon + dash of lemon zest½ tsp garlic salt1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp dried basil

Side Dish

April 2019From The Electric Kitchen

Dietary information:

Calories: 165Fat: 10gCarbohydrate: 14.6gProtein: 3gSodium: 297mgFiber: 2.3g

Solar 4R Schools Brings Energy Education to Classrooms

Recipes are selected for nutritional value and low energy use in preparation. They are approved by Registered Dietitian Erin Green from the Central District Health Department in Boise.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Using a food processor with the slicer attachment, finely shave the Brussels sprouts. Add them to the bowl of dressing and toss to coat. Heat 1 tsp oil in a small pan over medium, add the shallots and cook until golden brown and beginning to crisp, approx. 10 min. Set on paper towel to cool. Add all other ingredients, and toss until well mixed. Top with shallots before serving. Makes 8 servings.

Idaho Power’s Solar 4R Schools program is helping more than 20 Idaho schools teach students important lessons about renewable resources and clean energy. Funded by Green Power Program participants and administered by the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Solar 4R Schools educates students about clean energy by placing solar panels on school property, along with a data monitoring system and a curriculum package.

“It’s brought a concrete awareness for the kids,” said Karen Palazzolo, a fourth-grade teacher at Trail Wind Elementary in Boise. “We can walk outside and see the solar panels. We can talk about the energy they might

be producing and what we are using it for. It makes it very immediate for them.”

In addition to the panels and monitoring system, Solar 4R Schools grants provide opportunities for students to participate in hands-on activities about clean energy.

“The kids love the science kits that came with the grant,” Palazzolo said. “When we pull out the solar car packet and they get to try to design a car and make it run off a solar panel, they get super excited.”

Idaho Power recently produced a YouTube video about Solar 4R Schools. To watch the video and learn more, visit idahopower.com/solar4rschools.

As the days get warmer, you may notice more salespeople in your neighborhood offering home energy products, including solar panels. While we do not hire, endorse or partner with specific solar installers, we do offer resources to help you make informed decisions about your energy choices.

For resources on installing solar, estimating paybacks, choosing solar contractors, and rules and requirements for connecting new installations to the grid, visit idahopower.com/solar.

To speak with an Idaho Power energy advisor about solar power options, call 1-800-632-6605.

Idaho Power would like to remind our customers that we DO:

Support our customers’ energy choices.

Employ energy advisors to answer customer questions.

Offer resources to help with your solar research.

Help our customers understand solar requirements as they connect to the grid.

Idaho Power DOES NOT:

Sell energy products door to door, including solar panels.

Hire, endorse or partner with specific solar companies.

Provide customer information to third parties without your permission.

Looking for facts about solar? We’re here to help.