There’s power in teamwork, especially when it comes to holding down the price we all pay for electricity. We’re sharing easy ways to do that — and the more consumers who join, the more we can hold down costs for everyone.
It’s as simple as delaying your energy use during peak times when many people demand electricity at once. This works because the cost the Utilities Board of the City of Andalusia pays for wholesale power is determined, in part, by peak demands for it.
On cold winter mornings and hot summer afternoons when peaks occur, the need for electricity rises — and the cost of wholesale power rises with it. Helping is easy. Simply shift the time you use electricity by a few hours.
During winter, delay chores that require electricity until afternoon hours. These are off-peak times when less people will be using energy and wholesale power costs are lower. Winter’s peak hours are 5 a.m. until 9 a.m.
Here’s what you can do during peak times:
· Adjust your thermostat. Bump it up a few degrees in summer and down in winter.
· Delay the use of hot water. Set your dishwasher to run during an off-peak time and postpone baths and showers.
· Give those large appliances a rest. Delay using the washing machine, dryer, dishwasher and stove until off-peak times.
· Turn off unneeded lights and electronics, like gaming systems.
It may not seem like much, but when you and other consumers take these simple steps to reduce power use during peak times, it helps even out the need for electricity. Most importantly, you’ll be doing your part to keep power costs as low as possible, not just for you but for all consumers. That’s a win-win!
The Jan. 21, 2025, Andalusia City Council meeting time previously postponed until Thursday, January 23, has been rescheduled for noon on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.
The meeting will be held in the third floor conference room. All matters originally scheduled for January 21st will be addressed in the Thursday noon meeting.
The City of Andalusia will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in observance of the New Year's holiday.
However, our sanitation crews will be working, so there are no changes to the garbage schedule this week.
We wish you all a safe and happy new year!
Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded the City of Andalusia a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant to facilitate the expansion of one of Alabama’s most well-known home-grown food products, creating jobs for Alabamians.
Conecuh Sausage Co. Inc. announced last February its plans to build a new manufacturing plant in Andalusia. The family-owned, Evergreen-based business, established in 1947, is building a 102,000-square-foot plant to meet a growing market demand. The new plant is expected to employ 110 people people.
The CDBG funds will be used by the City of Andalusia Utilities Board to provide sewerage services and public water to the $58 million production facility and office complex under construction in the Andalusia Industrial Park.
“Conecuh Sausage is an Alabama food landmark recognized throughout the Southeast and as far north as the Canadian border,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am thrilled by this company’s success, and I am excited to see its continued growth, creating jobs right here in Alabama with this new facility in Andalusia.”
Conecuh Sausage is sold throughout the Southeast and has markets in Texas, Michigan and Wisconsin. Among its retail customers are Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Piggly Wiggly, Aldi, Greer’s and Winn Dixie.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“Conecuh Sausage has become as much an Alabama food icon as Wiregrass peanuts and Chilton County peaches,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is proud to be a part of this expansion project in Andalusia, and we wish them continued success as they go forward.”
Gov. Ivey notified Mayor Earl V. Johnson that the grant had been approved. The city is contributing $80,000 in local funds for the project.
“We appreciate the assistance and support from Gov. Ivey and Director Boswell for this project,” Mayor Earl Johnson. “Our industrial park, where Conecuh Sausage is locating, has public utilities, but we needed additional water supply for food processing. This grant will help us put that piece of the puzzle in place.”
ADECA administers a wide range of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
The City of Andalusia will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 24 and 25, for the Christmas holiday.
Tuesday's and Wednesday's garbage routes will be picked up on Thursday, Dec. 26.
Thursday's and Friday's routes will be picked up on Friday, Dec. 27.
The City of Andalusia will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in observance of the New Year holiday.
However, public works crews will work on New Year's Day, and the garbage schedule will not be interrupted.
We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday, and look forward to all that the New Year holds.