PWC Connections: The Podcast (FAYPWC Communications)

October celebrates Customer Service Week (Oct. 4-8) and PWC celebrates the importance of Customer Service and the people who serve and support our customers on a daily basis. Bevan Grice, Director of Customer Service, joined us in "The Bucket" to chat about his career journey, customer service changes since COVID, and the various account options we offer our customers. Tune in and get connected!

Get the inside scoop on Fayetteville PWC's Community Solar Program! PWC's solar farm is a large-scale, ground-mount solar array, and the first of its kind in North Carolina. Our municipal community solar farm offers PWC electric customers a shared renewable energy option and an alternate to rooftop solar. Enroll in the Community Solar Program and help provide cleaner, greener power for our community.

{Episode guests: Jon Rynne, COO-Electric Systems}

PWC will host "Industry Day," a floating, in-person networking event on August 11th at the PWC Operations Complex. Those in attendance will get to experience PWC and City of Fayetteville procurement opportunities and access to business resources. Candice Kirtz, Director of Supply Chain, and Nikole Bohannon, SLS Program Manager, joined us in "The Bucket" to share details on "Industry Day" and SLS. Hear how to become a supplier of PWC and the City of Fayetteville, get certified as a small local supplier, and how to register.

PWC takes pride in a culture of growth and development toward equipping employees for new roles and responsibilities. Our Organizational Development (OD) team works closely with PWC managers and supervisors to ensure their employees have the tools necessary to grow. Olivia Hall (OD & Training Manager) and Scott Falzo (OD Coordinator) made time to discuss how their work will help PWC become the top utility company in the U.S.

Building better business relationships is important to PWC! Our Procurement/Purchasing Department proactively attends events to spread awareness of the business opportunities available with Your Hometown Utility. Mark Cannady (Risk, Procurement, & Contract Analyst) and Lexi Hasapis (Local Vendor Procurement Analyst) joined us to discuss the upcoming Building Business Workshop, the new vendor portal iSupplier, and ways to grow your business locally and beyond. 

PWC is committed to sustainability in all aspects of our operations, demonstrating our support for conserving natural resources, improving our air and water quality, and expanding the use of renewable energy. Our Sustainability options highlights this commitment and the many areas we strive for positive impact. Sonya Griffin (Customer Programs Specialist) and Levita Winborn (Customer Programs Analyst) joined us to talk Community Solar, Rooftop Solar, and Electric Vehicles (EVs) options available through Fayetteville's Hometown Utility.

The Light Up Navajo initiative was a pilot effort to bring together volunteer crews from public power utilities across the country to connect Navajo homes to the grid. The project has extended for Light Up Navajo II and Light Up Navajo III. Even though the 2020 event was cancelled due to the pandemic, PWC helped bring electricity to homes of 300 Navajo families. Jon Rynne, Electrical Systems Chief Operating Officer, joined us to discuss the background of this project, PWC's involvement, and the award recognition from the American Public Power Association and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority. 

Veterans Day (Nov. 11) honors the service of all U.S. military veterans. PWC recently added this federal holiday to our observances and hosts a fellowship gathering to honor our employees who served in the armed forces. There are several employees at Fayetteville's Hometown Utility that transitioned from military careers. In this episode, Andre Couture (Project Manager) and Sonja Whiteside (Electric Construction Planner/Scheduler) joined us to discuss their time in the military, their current careers at PWC, and share some advice for other veterans on civilian career transition. Happy Veterans Day to all that have honorably served in our U.S. military!

PWC reminds everyone that it's important to make the proper tree selection and to plan ahead to protect the utility lines (electric, water, and sewer) in our community, as well as lines that provide other services. Mark Falcon (PWC Urban Line Clearance Program Supervisor) joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss removing undesired vegetation, protecting overhead electric lines' right-of-way, and other details of his career. This episode has some great info to help you plan smart to avoid tree and utility conflicts. PWC Tree Planting Guidelines: https://www.faypwc.com/tree-planting-guidelines/ 

Bring energy and water-saving solutions to your home with an efficiency audit! PWC electric customers have the option to receive a personalized home efficiency audit. Home Efficiency Audits point out areas for home improvement such as insulation, leaky ducts, HVAC systems, hot water heaters, toilets, and more that do not meet energy saving standards and contribute to high utility costs in the home. Hear about some of the benefits of our Home Efficiency Audit Program from one of our conservation specialists, Chad Groves. Visit our website for more details on HEAP: https://www.faypwc.com/home-efficiency-audit-program/

September 14-22, 2019 has been designated at National Drive Electric Week! So PWC is joining in to heighten awareness of about the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles as well as highlight the availability of EVs and local charging stations. EVs are reportedly fun to drive, less expensive and more convenient to fuel than gasoline vehicles, and better for the environment. Are you considering going electric? Before you do, get connected to this episode! {Episode guests: Denise Bruce, Sustainable Sandhills & Laurie Shrauger, Fayetteville PWC}

Household leaks can waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide, so each March (3rd week) PWC and the EPA focuses on tracking down the leaks during Fix-A-Leak Week. Finding and fixing leaks inside and outside your home can save valuable water and money all year long. Chad Groves and Gary Faircloth joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss their experience with tracking down leaks and helping customers. Tune in for resourceful tips on being a "leak seeker" and saving on your water usage. 

As we approach the opening months of summer, the effort to save on utility bills is a peak priority. An increase in demand on the electric grid is usually passed on to customers. Christina Gilmore (Sr. Customer Service Representative) and Jamie McLamb (Customer Service Representative) joined us to share some tips to keep cool, reduce costs, and avoid higher bills during the summer months.

June is National Safety Month and marks the beginning of hurricane season. Portable generators can provide a great level of convenience during extended power outage. However, they can also be dangerous if operated improperly. Serious injury can occur to both the homeowner and the line crews working to restore electric service. Britten O’Quinn, Powerline Field Supervisor, joined us in “The Bucket” to share some valuable safety tips on generator use. As well as give his personal perspective on preparing for severe weather as a homeowner.

Our premier FREE event gives you the power to save lots on your utility bills – with experts on hand, demos, useful giveaways, and more, to help our community conserve. You can speak with customer service reps, incentive program specialists, and other PWC experts including Electric Lineworkers! Michelle Shaver (Customer Accounts Analyst) and Elizabeth Vasser (W/R Administrative Assistant II) both PWC Expo veterans … dropped in “The Bucket” to chat about the total experience of the Power & Water Conservation Expo and the festivities surrounding the event for 4th Friday in Downtown Fayetteville. This is a very fun and informative episode, don’t miss this listen or the Expo!

While road work may be a hassle, it's very important and necessary for drivers to be courteous and respectful of the workers. Chris Rainey (Water Resources Operations Manager) and Jordan West (W/R Crew Leader) joined us this episode to provide some insight on work zone setups and hazards, as well as share some experiences of work zone disasters.

October is Energy Awareness Month, an opportunity to promote the importance of energy for our sustainability and environmental well-being. Chad Groves from our Customer Programs Department joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss on conservation tips, thoughts on ENERGY STAR appliances, and common inefficient habits that usually drive your energy costs up! Tune in for some insight and "awareness" on energy use.

National Preparedness Month is recognized every September to increase awareness about the importance of preparing for potential disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. Phil Harris, Executive Director for the American Red Cross (Sandhills Chapter) and Britten O'Quinn, Powerline Field Supervisor joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss making an emergency plan/kit for yourself and family, how PWC prepares for emergency situations, and how to minimize your risks by staying informed. Get prepared for another fun, informative episode!

Individuals and communities as a whole can take an active role in protecting their water sources from contamination. PWC operations and maintenance staff at our Water Treatment Facilities are committed to providing safe, high quality water for our customers. Rhonda Locklear, PWC Water Resources Environmental & Compliance Manager, joined us this episode to discuss the process of monitoring and maintaining safe water resources for the City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Also get tips on what you can do to protect our water supply. 

Get ready to weather the storm! 🌀 In our latest episode, we're diving into North Carolina's hurricane season preparations with Phil Harris (American Red Cross) and Gene Booth (Cumberland County Emergency Services). Join us in "The Bucket" as we explore the strategies, challenges, and resilience of communities bracing for nature's fury. Tune in for expert insights, firsthand accounts, and the stories behind the readiness efforts that keep the Tar Heel State standing strong against the winds of change.

Before the holidays arrive and we close out the year, Your Hometown Utility wanted to be sure to share and discuss some helpful customer tidbits. So in this edition, hosts (Courtney and Lamont) chat about Time-of-Use Winter Peak, Community Solar, new Customer Call Center hours, 2021 Connected to Conservation Calendars, the new CEO and more. This is a good ole conversation of good information. Get connected!

General Manager/CEO David Trego sits down to chat about how PWC responded during COVID-19 for our customers and employees, the recent electric rate decrease, and what customers need to know about Executive Order 124.

With today’s competitive business environment, organizations have to go above and beyond in order to recruit and retain top talent. In Business North Carolina’s 2020 list of Best Employers in the state, Fayetteville PWC was recognized as one of the companies in the Large Employer Category that is thinking outside of the box to offer creative perks in addition to compensation and a benefits package to maintain a thriving workforce. Portia Daniels (Information Technology) and Zach Hall (Electrical Engineering) joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss what makes PWC one of the best places to work in North Carolina.

It's March and National Procurement Month once again! PWC takes advantage of this opportunity to celebrate the efforts of our Procurement, Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Small Local Supplier (SLS) Program professionals and the value this area brings to our organization. Candice Kirtz, Director of Supply Chain, and Nikole Bohannon, SLS Program Manager joined us in "The Bucket" to chat about their career, doing business locally, upcoming business events, as well as being recently recognized by the NC Association of Governmental Purchasing with the Sustained Professional Purchasing Award. This is the 3rd time PWC has received this honor.

When the occasional electric outage occurs, PWC has a restoration plan to provide the fastest response possible. Certain work and repairs have different time requirements and equipment needs to safely restore service. PWC is introducing our Outage Management System (OMS) and an Electric Outage Map to provide a big assist in the restoration process. Andre Couture (Corporate Development) jumped in "The Bucket" to discuss his role with PWC and share details of the system from the project manager perspective. Hear details about the system in this episode and learn how to SIGN UP for outage notifications. 

Katie Mehan, PWC CSR, joins us to chat about TOU Winter Peak. 

https://www.faypwc.com/time-of-use-rates-for-non-residential-customers/  

National Lineman Appreciation Day, celebrated each year on April 18th, honors the men and women who work around the clock to keep the power going.  If the power is on where you are reading this description, you likely have a lineman to thank. PWC recently earned a Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® Diamond designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for providing reliable and safe electric service. Two contributors for this designation, Andrew Albertson (2nd Class Lineman) and Colin Willis (3rd Class Lineman), joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss the job and the journey of being a lineworker. 

The microphone stayed LIVE and the conversation continued with Portia Daniels (Information Technology) and Zach Hall (Electrical Engineering) on the experience of working at PWC. With the recognition from Business North Carolina as one of the Best Employers in NC for 2020, we decided to share our thoughts and opinions on PWC as an employees. Join us briefly in "The Bucket", because what you hear may definitely surprise you.

The approximate 650 employees at PWC are essential in providing award-winning, safe, and reliable electric, water and sewer services to all our customers with rates that are among the lowest in the state. PWC offers benefits and perks worthy of being recognized as one of the best employers in North Carolina. Adrian Clarke (HR Advisor) and Lauren Armstrong (HR Programs Coordinator) joined us to discuss our organizational employment status, available opportunities, and future progression.

The PWC Board of Commissioners has recently designated for the 2nd Wednesday in August to be recognized as Wastewater Professionals' Day! The day celebrates and acknowledges the efforts of wastewater professionals to protect public health and the environment. Thomas Urbanek, W/R Mechanical Field Supervisor and Carlnell Barette, Project Coordinator joined us to discuss operations, requirements, and the day-to-day of working with water reclamation and collection systems. It's a dirty job and PWC appreciates all those who do it!

When temperatures drop, it takes more energy to heat your home. The more difference there is between the temperature outside and the thermostat setting inside, the harder your heating system will work and the more energy it will use, even if you don’t turn the thermostat higher. Homes that don’t have enough insulation, homes with single-paned or aluminum-framed windows, and homes with a lot of air leaks around windows, doors, and plumbing & electrical boxes add more stress to your HVAC (heat pump). Mark Brown (Sr. Customer Programs Officer) joined us in "The Bucket" to explain how colder weather impacts energy costs and shared some advice on maintaining control of your usage.

Extreme cold or hot weather affects your energy usage – and your monthly bill. When the forecast calls for temperatures below freezing and for extended durations of cold --- you need to be prepared. Did You Know ... when adjusting the thermostat on a HVAC system, adjust by no more than one-two degrees at a time to prevent your system from automatically forcing the auxiliary/emergency heat system to start running. PWC Conservation Specialist Chad Groves shared this conservation tip and a few others to provide some simple ways to save money on your utility bill without losing comfort in the winter.

The holidays are a joyful time to spend with family and friends, but a careless mistake could put a real damper on your festivities. Statistics show that during the holidays, there is an alarming increase in household fires, theft, and medical injuries. Ondrya Mangato (Safety, Health, & Environmental Manager) and Mike Shepherd (Sr. Safety, Health, & Environmental Project Coordinator) joined us to discuss the importance of safety during the holiday season. They also shared the safety philosophy at PWC for keeping our employees’ safety the priority. Tune in for some safety tips that just might save you or someone you care about.

PWC has received reports of someone calling customers trying to collect a PWC payment. Scammers tell customers they should immediately provide their credit card or bank information over the phone to avoid service disconnection. Remember, if someone claiming to be from PWC asks for a payment, beware!  PWC employees do not call customers to collect payment. Nor do they collect payments in person. Ike Copeland, Director of Risk, Real Estate, & Compliance and Lari Ann Miller, Customer Service Representative joined us in "The Bucket" to share some advice to be more aware of scams. NOTE: If you are unsure, call PWC at 483-1382 or if you feel someone is a threat, call 911.

National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 17-21) is an annual campaign held at the beginning of construction season to emphasize the need for safe driving through traffic work zones. The main message is for drivers to use extra caution while in work zones. Mark Niswonger, PWC Sr. Safety Health & Environmental Project Coordinator, joined us this episode to share his background, highlight some of the deadly dangers of inattention at highway work zones, and remind us that everyone plays a role in work zone safety.

March is National Procurement Month, celebrated by PWC and public purchasing departments across the country. This episode, we took time to highlight and thank our procurement professionals, as well as share information with thousands of buyers, purchasing agents and supply chain officials. Candice Kirtz (PWC Director of Supply Chain) and Mark Cannady (Risk, Contracts, & Procurement Analyst) joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss the goal of PWC Procurement, current and upcoming resources, and the overall difference they strive to make within our organization and the local business community.

PWC has the distinction of being the only municipal utility company in North Carolina to own and operate a power plant. The Butler-Warner Generation Plant (BWGP) was originally built to protect PWC customers from incurring high peaking power costs. Ace May, Powerplant Manager, joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss operating and maintaining the plant, as well as the significance of the power supply contract. Tune in and hear why the World Energy Conference and the American Public Power Association (APPA) included Butler-Warner on the list of "Plants to See."

The 2021 Texas power crisis is an ongoing crisis involving massive power outages, water and food shortages, and dangerous weather conditions. The crisis has been the result of two severe winter storms sweeping across the United States in mid-February. Reportedly, more than 4.5 million homes and businesses in Texas were left without power, some for several days. PWC General Manager/CEO Elaina Ball joined us in "The Bucket" to share some insight on the situation and explains the advantages of PWC being a reliable, public power provider.

Deborah Mintz, former Executive Director of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, sits down in the "Bucket" to discuss the early days of the event, PWC's involvement, and how Dickens' Holiday has grown into a true Fayetteville tradition. More info on Dickens: https://www.theartscouncil.com/feature/dickens-holiday

Engineering is a profession in which scientific knowledge and mathematics is used and experimented with to develop ways that benefit mankind, making engineers extremely important to society for several reasons. Two PWC engineers (Misty Manning, Engineer Manager / John Prevette, Engineer II) from our Water Resources area joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss how they discovered engineering, their job responsibilities, and the importance of inspiring future engineers in this episode.

PWC truly understands that our people are our greatest assets! As the largest municipal public power system in North Carolina, Fayetteville’s Hometown Utility takes pride in being a good neighbor who is committed to quality services, reliability, conservation, safety and the environment. Bobby Russell, PWC HR Officer, discussed the employee environment, upcoming events (Veteran's Day Employee Breakfast) and why PWC has been named one of the Best Employers in NC in this episode --- get connected!

The CDC suggest that the single best way to reduce the risk of seasonal illnesses (like a cold or the flu) and their potentially serious complications are to get vaccinated each year. However, good health habits such as avoiding people who are sick, covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent illnesses like flu. Rebecca Brantley (Nurse Practitioner) and Deanna Talton (Registered Nurse) joined us in "The Bucket" to share some tips and advice to protect yourself and others from the spread of germs. Tune in, get health tips!

PWC earned our second Smart Energy Provider Award from the American Public Power Association for demonstrating a commitment to and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed generation, and environmental initiatives that support the goal of providing safe, reliable, low-cost, and sustainable electric service. Carolyn Justice-Hinson (PWC CCR Officer) and Tim Stankiewicz (Principal Engineer - Planning & Reliability) joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss some of the key disciplines that PWC was evaluated on in order to be just one of four NC Public Power utilities to receive this designation.

Before leaving town for vacation -- listen to this episode! We usually to take a moment to make sure the house is well secured, our pets are taken care of, and someone will be able to check the mail. But when planning to leave for a summer getaway do not forget to take some small steps to save money and conserve on your utilities at home. Michelle Shaver, Customer Programs Specialist and Gabrielle Shaw, Customer Service Representative joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss some helpful ways to cut costs on electric and water usage. Hear how "vacation mode" applies to those traveling and your home thermostat and/or electric water heater.

Now available on the PWC website is our online Energy Resource Center -- the newest PWC Power Tools, which will help our electric customers monitor and manage their energy usage. Reducing consumption can lead to significant savings on monthly bills. To learn more, we chatted with conservation specialist Chad Groves in "The Bucket" to get more details on the features provided.

Taking the extra time at home to find and fix water leaks can result in big savings on your water bill. The average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year and 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Harry Myles (Conservation Specialist) and Sonya Griffin (Customer Programs Specialist) stopped by to discuss ways to maintain your indoor and outdoor water sources to prevent leaks, save money, and conserve water. Check out leaks and get them fixed!

March is National Procurement Month, and PWC utilizing this time to celebrate the efforts of our procurement and purchasing professionals as well as educate the taxpaying public on the value this division brings to our organization. Lexi Hasapis, Local Vendor Procurement Analyst, joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss bid opportunities, focusing on doing business locally, and upcoming business growth events. She also shares a ton of resources and a great bacon story! Special thanks from Your Hometown Utility to the professionals creating better procurement processes and solutions for our community.

PWC is the largest municipal public power system in NC! Our 650 employees are essential in providing award-winning, safe, and reliable services to over 118,000 customers. The workforce is constantly changing shape with retirements, new hires, and turnover. Brittany King, HR Advisor and Makayla Sims-Jones, a current PWC Summer Intern, joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss career opportunities and the summer internship experience at Fayetteville's Hometown Utility.

Jump in "The Bucket" with us as we cover the events of 2021 from our perspective. Hear about some of the highlights from Fayetteville's Hometown Utility which occurred throughout the year; including leadership changes, community events, awards, and much more. This has been one of the most memorable years at PWC ... tune-in and hear why!

Information technology (IT) is the use of any computers, storage, networking and other physical devices, infrastructure and processes to create, process, store, secure and exchange all forms of electronic data. Mark Lawler, Chief Information Officer, stopped by to discuss the overall IT department, cybersecurity measures, thoughts on A.I., and the what's on the horizon. Be careful what you click, but it's safe to click play on this insight episode.

PWC earned national recognition from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for financial reporting. The two awards were the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award (highest form of recognition for governmental budgeting) and the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Sabrina King (Financial Reporting Manager) and Anna Gray (Budget Manager) joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss theirs areas, these accolades, and the importance of being good stewards with ratepayers' money.

Fayetteville PWC have aggressive and proactive emergency response plans, ready to implement when faced with a hurricane or other disasters. Our crews are always prepared to swing into action, as soon as it's safe, and work around the clock to restore service. We sat and chatted with experienced PWC Electric Field Supervisor Britten O'Quinn and 2nd Class Lineman Marshall Jackson about storm prep tips, safety, and their various experience as lineworkers. 

After nearly 11 years at PWC and a total of 40 years in the utility industry, CEO / General Manager David Trego is retiring on Dec. 31st.  Trego joined us in "The Bucket" for the 1st episode of the podcast and fittingly he joins us again to say farewell. In this conversation, Trego reflects on his career, notable accomplishments while at PWC, and his thoughts on the incoming CEO / General Manager. Also hear on what he has planned for the next chapter of life. Click Play and Get Connected!

Brief overview about PWC Connections: The Podcast ... coming soon

Every January many of us decide to get healthy by eating better and/or exercising more. That’s a great resolution, but perhaps you should consider making some positive changes to your utility usage this year too! Sharon Carvin and Oji Sinceno, PWC Customer Service Supervisors, joined us for the 1st episode of 2022 to discuss some energy/water conservation, general utility, and safety tips for the new year and beyond. 

We kickoff our 1st episode of the podcast with Mr. David Trego. In this episode, Mr. Trego shared some insight on the different types of electric utilities, benefits of being a public power provider, what it means to be locally owned & operated, some of his favorite music jams, and why Friday the 13th is actually lucky for him!

Electric vehicles (EVs) are progressively becoming viable competitors to gasoline-powered automobiles. Virtually every automaker now either offers one or more EVs or has them coming soon. Battery technology is improving steadily, and EVs are becoming more affordable. If you're thinking of purchasing an EV or just want to know more about them, Janelle Rockett (PWC Key Accounts Agent) joined us to answer some frequently asked questions about EVs, talk about the Fayetteville EV Club, and discuss the upcoming Sustainable Sandhills Drive Electric Car held at PWC on Oct. 2nd. 

PWC cares deeply about the quality of the water we provide for our customers, and we’re proud of the exceptional standards we maintain. For over four decades, the American Water Works Association and its members like PWC have recognized the vital role water plays in our daily lives during National Drinking Water Week (May 1-7, 2022) and throughout the year. Wayne Egan, Water Resources Facility Operations Supervisor, joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss the source of water for Fayetteville, NC, the water treatment process, surpassing expectations for water quality and much more. Learn more from the latest PWC Water Quality Report.

PWC reached an agreement with Duke Energy Progress (DEP) that is expected to result in over $300 million of savings for PWC customers. We chat with PWC General Manager/CEO David Trego to get more insight on the amended agreement that will provide both savings and long-term power supply stability for the next 22 years.

Get to know the variety of opportunities and the diversity of people here at PWC through our Personnel Profile Series! We're starting the series with Kevan Meltzer, Innovations Manager. Kevan joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss his job responsibilities, the Power-I Team, his career journey and why he doesn't speed on Friday the 13th. Tune in to learn more about the Kevan and the role of an Innovations Manager.

Each March, PWC  temporarily stops adding ammonia to its water treatment disinfection process.  The NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources requires all water systems that add ammonia to their drinking water to discontinue its use for a one-month period annually. Angela Hillis, PWC Water Resources Senior Treatment Plant Operator, joins us in "The Bucket" to discuss the water treatment process, changeover, and that time the Cape Fear River was very angry.

Since PWC’s first water reclamation facility was built in 1959, the growth of Fayetteville/Cumberland County has increased the demand for quality wastewater services annually. PWC continues to meet the needs brought on by residential expansion and economic development as well as be instrumental in the installation of wastewater services in developed areas that were built without the benefits of public utilities. However, our consumers can assist with the reduction of issues by properly disposing of grease, wipes, and other non-flushable items to avoid their entry into the wastewater system. Thomas Urbanek, Water Resources Field Supervisor, joined us to share some field experiences and advice that could potentially help customers save money in the long run. Click "Play" for another informative, fun episode!

We give a month-to-month recap of Fayetteville's Hometown Utility in 2019. 

National Water Quality Month (August) reminds us to take a moment to consider how important our water sources are not just to us as humans, but all inhabitants of these ecosystems— whether it’s the fish that live in the waters or the plants and animals that rely on lakes and rivers for water just like we do. Jason Green, PWC W/R Treatment Facilities Manager, joined us to discuss the PWC water treatment process, address some common concerns, and suggest some ways to protect our water source(s).

PWC is a proud, chartering member of the Partnership for Safe Water; which was developed jointly by the Environmental Protection Agency, American Water Works Association, utilities, and other water organizations. The Partnership strengthens the relationship of the government, utilities, and water organizations to continue working together to ensure the quality of public drinking water. In 2000, PWC was the 1st to receive this award in North Carolina and has earned the Director’s Award again this year. The Director's Award has been maintained by PWC for 20 years, an honor achieved by less than 200 water utilities across the country.  Chris Smith, PWC Water Resources Treatment Facility Manager, sat down with us in "The Bucket" to discuss the award and how PWC meets or exceeds current regulatory practices.  

Darsweil L. Rogers was appointed to the PWC Board in Sept. 2013 and reappointed for a second four-year term, which is reaching it's conclusion (Sept. 2021). Rogers has a wealth of knowledge especially as an entrepreneur, consultant and coach. He has brought over 30 years of experience advising management teams and running businesses in the board room. Rogers joined us in "The Bucket" to share his background, commissioner insight, and perspective as the commissioner of a Public Power utility.

To help prepare your home and/or business facility in the event of a hurricane, there are a few preparation steps necessary. Ike Copeland, PWC Director of Legal, Risk, & Procurement Services, joined us to discuss his time with PWC, lessons learned from previous emergency situations, and hurricane preparation from a risk management perspective. With hurricane underway, this episode is a great resource to be prepared.

PWC offers incentive programs to our residential and commercial customers to encourage efficient, cost-effective utility usage. Whether it's an energy-efficient washing machine, clothes dryer, dishwasher, or refrigerator (or all four), PWC has a helpful incentive program for our customers to save on their bill. Maureen O'Connor from our Customer Programs Department joined us in "The Bucket" to give the scoop on the incentive programs currently in place and what's coming in the future. For more information on PWC Incentive Programs, visit our website today!

Each April, the National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) campaign is held to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones and STAY ALERT! Britten O'Quinn (Powerline Field Supervisor) and Chris Rainey (Water Resources Operations Manager) joined us in "The Bucket" to talk about safety for PWC personnel in work zones. We discussed setting up work zones, hazards associated, and some important tips that will keep everyone safe if followed. Because everyone plays a role in work zone safety.

This is the 20th Cybersecurity Awareness Month and it has grown into a collaborative effort between government and industry to enhance cybersecurity awareness, encourage actions by the public to reduce online risk and generated discussion on cyber threats on a national and global scale. Dave Ruiz, Cybersecurity Manager, joined us in "The Bucket" to introduce himself and chat about the measures taken in order to protect information and sensitive data for our community.

Our 1st episode of 2021 is with the newly appointed PWC CEO/General Manager Elaina Ball. In this fun episode, we welcome Elaina to “The Bucket” and discuss her transition from Texas, her career journey in utilities, and why PWC was good fit. We also talk about some of Elaina’s early community involvement with the Fayetteville Running Club, encouraging employees to be smart and safe during the pandemic, and she shares an absolutely “electric” story about Matthew McConaughey!

PWC and the American Public Power Association are working with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) to plan Light Up Navajo IV to continue to help bring electricity to families in need during April-June 2023. Not having access to electricity has many repercussions for Navajo families: lack of access to running water, reliable lighting, modern forms of home heating and cooling, and appliances such as refrigerators and microwaves. The Light Up Navajo initiative has brought together volunteer crews from public power utilities across the country to connect Navajo homes to the grid. Marc Tunstall, PWC Electric Operations Manager, joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss the preparation needed to provide this level of mutual aid and the purpose for the project.

PWC is proud to serve the Fayetteville/Cumberland County area as a hometown utility and provide reliable electric, water and sewer services with rates that are among the lowest in the state. Our employees are all working together to meet our customers’ needs. On this episode, Tiffany Brisson (Customer Programs Call Center Supervisor) and Christina Gilmore (Senior Lead Customer Service Rep) joined us to discuss their time at PWC, various customer service options, and ways to conserve. When the going gets tough, our dedicated customer service professionals here to help. We honor each and every one of them.

PWC received an American Public Power Association (APPA) Sue Kelly Community Service Award in June 2021. The award recognizes “good neighbor” activities that demonstrate an organization's commitment to the community. PWC General Manager Elaina Ball accepted the award during the APPA's annual conference and joined us for this episode to detail the purpose of the award and the breakdown the community impact our employees are making with their contributions and dedication. Click "Play" and hear about the neighborly deeds of Your Hometown Utility!

It's time to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of engineers and the opportunities available in the engineering industry. Engineers build things and solve problems all the time! John Allen (Principal Engineer - Reps & Compliance) and Janet Crockett (Electrical Systems Engineer) joined us to discuss their roles as engineers at PWC, how they were introduced to engineering, and shared some advice for future engineers. This episode is dedicated to all our staff in PWC Engineering (THANK YOU!)

May is National Electrical Safety Month. PWC participates in this annual effort by continuing to educate our customers and community about the steps that can be taken in order to reduce the number of electrically related fires, fatalities, injuries and property loss. Lance Gray, PWC Electric Substation Crew Leader and seasoned electric professional, joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss the importance of electrical safety, practicing safety measures, and tips to be mindful of at home or in the workplace. 

Alexandra (Lexi) Hasapis, PWC Local Vendor Procurement Analyst, joins us in "The Bucket" to kick off the new year and discuss the upcoming Building Business Rally (BBR) on January 30th. Get more info on the BBR and other local business activities at https://www.faybids.com/

In this episode, Marshall Jackson (Lineworker 1st Class) and Dustin Britt (Lineworker 3rd Class) joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss their contributions and the overall experience of the Light Up Navajo Nation Project. PWC and the American Public Power Association worked with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) to help bring electricity to families in need with this project. Hear about the journey, the work days, and the response from the local families -- get connected!

Fayetteville PWC has received national recognition for achieving exceptional electric reliability and a huge part of that is our lineworkers. Lineworkers build and maintain the electric system that keeps our nation running! Two of our Hometown Heroes, Ben Raynor and Ricky Cyrus, joined us to discuss their roles on the electric line crew and share some insightful advice for anyone who might be interested in a career as a lineworker. There are two Lineworker Appreciation days in April, but there is appreciation for the courage, commitment, and service demonstrated by our lineworkers every day. 

Winter has arrived and you should know that extreme cold weather impacts your utility usage and your monthly bill. When temperatures drop below freezing for extended durations -- you and your home need to be prepared. PWC Customer Service Representatives Marcetta Dinkins and Lari Ann Miller stopped by "The Bucket" to share some advice for customers to manage your utility usage without losing comfort or driving up costs for the winter.

Today’s competitive business environment requires companies to go above and beyond in order to recruit and retain top talent. Organizations are thinking outside of the box to offer creative perks for top performers. PWC (Business NC - 2021 Best Employers in NC) is always looking to add value by recruiting and hiring the best talent! Jennifer Bullard (Senior HR Advisor) and Adrian Clarke (HR Advisor) joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss their job roles, the benefits of working for PWC, and developmental programs for students. We also had our summer intern Sydney Harris jump in as a guest host. 

June has been designated as Automotive Service Professionals Month by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). PWC has an impressive Fleet Division that keeps our vehicles on the road and manages several other assets for Fayetteville's Hometown Utility. Jim Scaccia (Fleet Manager) and Seth Wagoner (Fleet Shop Supervisor) joined us in "The Bucket" to chat about the overall Fleet environment, their career paths, changes in the automotive industry, and measures taken by PWC to reduce fuel emissions now and for the future. Tune in as we salute our own Automotive Service Pros!

Former Fayetteville Assistant City Manager Jay Reinstein joined us in "The Bucket" to his journal with the Alzheimer's Disease and how he evolved into an advocate for the cause. Bobby Russell (HR Officer) also sat in on the conversation to discuss PWC's contributions through events and donations of funds and time. Click play and get connected!

A new year brings the opportunity to create new routines. Marcus McLaurin, Customer Service Supervisor and Tiffany Barton, Customer Service Representative joined us to share some resource reminders and conservation advice that can help customers save throughout the year. We're kicking off the 1st edition of 2024 discussing ways our customers can conserve on their utility usage as well as save time and money.

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on PWC's exceptional Fleet Operations. Jim Scaccia (Fleet Manager) and Troy Chandler (Fleet Shop Supervisor) join us to discuss the innovative strategies, cutting-edge technologies, and dedicated staff that earned national ranking (NAFA Fleet Management Association) for the second consecutive year. Don't miss out on this deep dive into what makes PWC a leader in fleet management excellence.

Engineers Week (3rd week of February) is dedicated to building a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing the understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers. Misty Manning (PWC Water Resources Engineer Manager) and Joel Valley (PWC Electric Service Support Service Manager) joined us in "The Bucket" to discuss their discovery of engineering and how they arrived at their current professionally role. Our guests also emphasize the importance of learning math, science, and technical skills to pursue an engineering career. 

The money spent on utilities rises dramatically in the summer and winter months when temperature control sees the highest use. Winter can be especially problematic, as heating costs are a matter of survival. When the forecast calls for snow, below freezing temperatures, and lengthy durations of cold --- you need to be prepared. Fortunately, PWC Conservation Specialist Chad Groves shared some time with us in "The Bucket" to provide a few simple ways you can reduce your heating costs, prep your plumbing and water pipes, and save money on your utility bill without losing comfort in the winter.

Each year, the American Public Power Association (APPA) kicks off their National Conference with the Public Power Day of Giving, where conference participants like PWC donate a day to volunteer with local service organizations. It’s an engaging day of meaningful volunteer activities, connecting with colleagues, and making a difference in our local community. Danny Joyner, Facilities Management Coordinator, joined us this episode to discuss his overall role at PWC, why he volunteered for Day of Giving, and the logistics of the PWC Day of Giving project for this year. This is a heart-warming, informative edition ... get connected!

Electricity helps make our lives easier, but its potential for shock and fire-related hazards is real and often underestimated. National Electrical Safety Month raises awareness of potential home electrical hazards, the importance of electrical fire safety, and the safety of electrical and non-electrical workers. Two PWC lineworkers (David Bailey & Landon Locklear) joined us to share their perspective on safety hazards related to their careers and general electric safety advice while at home. Tune in, get connected, and remember safety FIRST, never second.

PWC is committed to supplying safe water that meets or surpasses state and federal standards and achieves the highest standards of customer satisfaction. Our communities as a whole can take an active role in being aware and protecting their water sources from contamination. PWC Operations and Maintenance staff at our Water Treatment Facilities are committed to providing safe, high quality water for our customers. Rhonda Locklear, W/R Environmental & Compliance Manager and Kim Chavis, W/R Lab Supervisor, joined us this episode to discuss the upcoming Annual Water Treatment Changeover and the overall process of monitoring and maintaining safe water resources for the City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

We kept the conversation with PWC Electric Field Supervisor Britten O'Quinn and 2nd Class Lineman Marshall Jackson going a little longer after our episode about storm prep tips and safety. Listen to some "hot mic" dialogue on what it's Really like being in the field.

Preview episode with CEO/GM Timothy Bryant

Improperly disposing of grease, fats, and oil can causes sewer back-ups and flooding that ruin personal and public property. In this episode, PWC Water Resources Collections Systems Inspector Thomas Schumann joins us in "The Bucket" to discuss how customers and us as citizens in the community can do our part to prevent such damage by following guidelines for proper food and waste disposal: https://www.faypwc.com/cease-the-grease/

September 2022 has already been a transformative time at PWC. Our previous CEO made a fast transition and Mick Noland has been appointed the interim CEO / General Manager. He joined us for this episode to discuss his new role, overall expectations, and some future plans for the organization.