Summit offers energy-saving tips
Summit Utilities encourages customers to take proactive steps to prepare their homes for colder temperatures and higher energy use.
Heating homes during winter weather often increases natural gas use, which can lead to higher bills. Taking a few proactive steps can help customers manage energy costs while maintaining comfort throughout the heating season, according to a news release.
WINTER READINESS TIPS
Service heating systems: Schedule an inspection with a licensed technician to ensure your furnace operates safely and efficiently.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Adjust thermostat settings: Health-allowing, maintain your thermostat at 68°F when home and lower it while sleeping or away to reduce heating costs.
Use natural sunlight: Open curtains during the day to allow sunlight to warm your home, and close them at night to retain heat.
Seal air leaks: Prevent drafts by applying weatherstripping or caulking around doors and windows.
Set fans to spin clockwise: Switch ceiling fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed to push warm air down from the ceiling and help keep rooms evenly heated.
For more tips or details on payment assistance programs, visit www.summitutilities.com/Winter.
Center sets trade, policy webinar
The National Agricultural Law Center will host a free webinar covering updates on the current landscape of U.S. agricultural trade.
“A Conversation with USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden: Update on Ag Trade, Financial Assistance, USDA Reorganization & Related Issues,” takes place Jan. 21 from 11 a.m. to noon, according to a news release from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Vaden will discuss developments in international market access and trade agreements, as well as USDA financial assistance programs, reorganization efforts, regulatory and litigation priorities, and other related issues affecting producers, lenders and stakeholders across the agricultural sector.
“As global markets, trade policy and regulatory priorities continue to shift, it is critical for producers and stakeholders to understand how USDA’s policies are evolving,” Vaden said. “I am happy to engage with the National Agricultural Law Center to discuss these timely topics.”
Free registration and other details on the webinar are available on the National Agricultural Law Center’s website at https://nationalaglawcenter.org/webinars/vaden/