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1. I have a question about my bill. Who do I need to talk to?

Call Customer Service at 919-553-5002 for all questions related to your bill.

2. I’m doing some landscape work at my house. Where can I dig?

Call 811 before you dig! 811 is an underground locating service that can show you where any and all underground facilities are located. There's no charge for the service or the call, and it can prevent you from coming into contact with underground power lines, natural gas lines, communication lines, and other utility services. Calling 811 before you dig can save your life!

3. When are you going to trim the trees in my area?

The Town of Clayton has a 3-year tree trimming program. Effectively, 1/3 of the Town's trees are trimmed each year. Visit the link below to see when your area is scheduled for tree trimming.

Tree Trimming | Clayton, NC (civicplus.com)

4. What is Load Management?

Load Management is an energy-saving program that temporarily reduces the energy consumption in your home during peak load periods. We start by installing a small device at your residence and connect it to your air conditioner, water heater, heat strips, or all three - as long as they are powered by electricity. A radio signal is activated during the few times that we experience a high demand for power. Those times would be during extreme heat (in the high 90's) or extreme cold (less than 28 degrees Fahrenheit). Ultimately, this brief interruption should not be noticed by the user and reduces your power usage, which lowers your bill. This means you will receive credits back on your bill! That's a double savings!

5. When and how long is the Load Management interruption?

Heat Strips: December through March - typically between 7 am and 9 am, and usually interrupted for 1 hour.

Water Heater: January through December - typically between 3 pm and 6 pm, and usually interrupted for 3 to 4 hours in summer months and 1 hour in winter months.

Air Conditioner: June through September - typically between 3 pm and 6 pm, interrupted intermittently for 3 to 4 hours.

6. Will I feel a difference in my heating / cooling or water temperature using Load Management?

Most customers report not noticing any difference in comfort when Load Management is connected to their home. For example, your water heater may be cycled off during the late afternoon (3 pm to 6 pm), but again only on high load days. So it may only be turned off a few dozen times during the summer and winter. And most people are not using the water heater (taking showers or washing clothes in hot water) during the 3 pm to 6 pm time period. And most water heaters retain heat for some time after the power is off, so even if you take a shower, the water should still be hot. If you do experience a problem though, call us at 919-553-1530 so we can help determine what the problem is.

7. Who do I call if I think there may be a problem my Load Management Device?

Call the Town of Clayton Electric Department at 919-553-1530 if you suspect your Load Management (LM) Device may be defective or if you experience any problems with electric appliances that are connected to the LM Program (Air Conditioner, Water Heater, or Heat Strips).  Call us before calling a service technician.  Allowing us the opportunity to inspect the LM equipment first may prevent you from incurring unwanted HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and plumbing service fees.

8. Does the Town accept/recycle used motor oil?

No, The Town does not accept used motor oil. You can recycle your used motor oil at a local auto parts/repairs store. 

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1. When are trees pruned?

Our program is on a 3-year cycle, which effectively means 1/3 of the Town's trees are trimmed each year. You can find out when your area will be trimmed (PDF).

Most deciduous trees (non-evergreen) quickly re-grow after they have been pruned. This means the Town of Clayton must prune the trees over and over again, as they re-encroach upon the lines. The length of time depends on the amount of clearance obtained at the time of tree work, the rate of tree growth and the amount of tree-line clearance to be maintained at all times. This in turn depends on tree species, tree size, local site conditions and the ever-changing weather from year to year. The less clearance obtained, the more frequently the tree must be pruned. It may seem that obtaining less clearance more often would be healthier for the tree, but that is not necessarily the case, according to international arborists. It is a trade-off between more, smaller cuts more frequently, or fewer, larger cuts less often. There is not a universal answer, and the Town of Clayton feels we've set up a tree maintenance cycle that finds balance between the reliability of the power lines and the health and esthetics of our town's trees.

2. Who trims the trees?

The Town of Clayton contracts with professional tree trimming companies who use trained, skilled technicians who utilize a technique called "directional pruning." While rounding over trees may look better, international arbor organizations maintain that directional pruning is better for the health of the tree. With directional pruning, entire limbs or portions of limbs growing toward the lines are removed at the main branch or trunk. They are removed at a point where they would naturally shed. By doing this, future growth will be directed away from the wires, and rapidly growing attached sprouts will be minimized.

Each tree is different and must be considered individually. Species growth habit (rate, size, shape, etc) and the tree's position in relation to the power line needs to be taken into consideration prior to trimming. The current condition of the tree or individual limbs is also assessed before trees are trimmed. On occasion, structural defects are found and need to be corrected in order to protect the line. Trees with trunks close to the power lines require much heavier pruning than trees located farther from the line. Some techniques that are appropriate on most deciduous trees cannot be used on some coniferous (cone-bearing) species.

When pruning operations are performed, our trimming experts make every attempt to trim sufficient clearance so that the tree will remain safe until we return on our next routine maintenance cycle.

3. Are Clayton Public Power representatives and the tree trimmers allowed to enter my property?

Yes, utility representatives or contractors may enter property to trim any branches that are touching or are close to power lines. It is necessary to enter private property so that the reliability of the power system is maintained and outages are avoided. Utility companies have this right because the power lines are in the public right-of-way. In this right-of-way, utilities have permission to maintain lines.

4. Can I trim trees myself?

Pruning vegetation around power lines is an extremely hazardous job. Clayton Public Power discourages you from undertaking any pruning activities close to electrical equipment. If you are concerned about the growth of trees or other vegetation on or near the service lines around your house, we encourage you to contact us at 919-553-1530, and we'll be glad to check it out.

Occasionally, a property owner will make the decision to conduct trimming or removals on their own or hire a third party. Pruning trees around power lines should only be attempted by qualified professionals. Serious injuries, and even fatalities, have occurred when unqualified individuals perform this type of work without the assistance of qualified professionals. As stated in the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) standards and ANSI Z133.1, an unqualified person should not work within 10 feet of overhead energized conductors with voltages below 50,000 volts. The distance increases with voltage for all voltages equal to or higher than 50,000 volts.

5. What can I do to avoid having my trees trimmed?

• When planting trees in your yard, select a location away from power lines.
• Check with a nursery about the correct types of trees for planting in the space you have available.
• Trim all trees and bushes that are under and near power lines each year to keep them from growing toward the lines

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1. What is Load Management?

Load Management is an energy-saving program that temporarily reduces the energy consumption in your home during peak load periods. We start by installing a small device at your residence and connect it to your air conditioner, water heater, heat strips, or all three - as long as they are powered by electricity. A radio signal is activated during the few times that we experience a high demand for power. Those times would be during extreme heat (in the high 90's) or extreme cold (less than 28 degrees Fahrenheit). Ultimately, this brief interruption should not be noticed by the user and reduces your power usage, which lowers your bill. This means you will receive credits back on your bill! That's a double savings!

2. When and how long is the Load Management Interruption?

Heat Strips: December through March - typically between 7 am and 9 am, and usually interrupted for 1 hour.

Water Heater: January through December - typically between 3 pm and 6 pm, and usually interrupted for 3 to 4 hours in summer months and 1 hour in winter months.

Air Conditioner: June through September - typically between 3 pm and 6 pm, interrupted intermittently for 3 to 4 hours.

3. Will I feel a difference in my heating / cooling or water temperature using Load Management?

Most customers report not noticing any difference in comfort when Load Management is connected to their home. For example, your water heater may be cycled off during the late afternoon (3 pm to 6 pm), but again only on high load days. So, it may only be turned off a few dozen times during the summer and winter. And most people are not using the water heater (taking showers or washing clothes in hot water) during the 3 pm to 6 pm time period. And most water heaters retain heat for some time after the power is off, so even if you take a shower, the water should still be hot. If you do experience a problem though, call us at 919-553-1530 so we can help determine what the problem is.

4. Who do I call if I think there may be a problem with my Load Management Device?

Call the Town of Clayton Electric Department at 919-553-1530 if you suspect your Load Management (LM) Device may be defective or if you experience any problems with electric appliances that are connected to the LM Program (Air Conditioner, Water Heater, or Heat Strips).  Call us before calling a service technician.  Allowing us the opportunity to inspect the LM equipment first may prevent you from incurring unwanted HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and plumbing service fees.

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1. What is the process of installing Solar?

While installing solar may seem complicated, don't worry! This is a process that many of your neighbors have successfully completed, and you can do as well. Consider looking at resources that walk you through the process from start to finish. The Solar Energy Industries Association's Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council's Solar Smart Checklist are both helpful guides.

2. How do I assess my home's solar potential?

It is important to understand the potential solar production of your home. While a certified solar professional can give you the best information, it may be helpful to do some initial investigating on your own. Investigate your property’s solar potential and estimated energy savings using Google's Project Sunroof or the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator.

3. How do I pick a solar company?

The Solar Energy Industries Association has an excellent Solar Consumer Resource Portal, which can walk your through some general things to think about, as well as a North Carolina Solar Information Sheet, which includes reviews of NC solar companies, costs and more. Certified solar practitioners can be found through the Board Certified Professionals Directory, provided by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.

4. What about solar financing?

While solar installations often pay for themselves over time through energy savings, they still require an upfront investment by the homeowners. To help offset this cost, consider taking advantage of North Carolina tax credits by asking your contractor what incentive programs may be available for you. The Clean Energy States Alliance also has a Homeowner's Guide to Solar Financing which may provide you with additional financial information. 

5. Glossary of Common Solar Energy Terms

Alternative Energy - Also called renewable energy, this type of power comes from sources that won't run out. Fossil fuels aren't limitless, but we'll never run out of sunlight.

Ampere (Amp) - You may already know this term. An amp is a measurement of electrical power. You can find out how efficient a power-generating device is by measuring the amp per hour ratio (Ah/AH).

Array - An array is a group of cells/modules. Since a single cell can't usually generate enough energy to complete a specific task, most panels feature an array.

Balance of System (BOS) - An array has to connect to something. The BOS is all the technology and hardware in a solar panel that isn't a cell.

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) - This PV technology isn't added to a building that was built to integrate with the general grid. Instead, it's designed for PV technology, which is integrated into construction instead of added in later.

Charge Controller - Many solar power set-ups feature batteries that store power to use when the sun isn't shining. The charge controller protects the battery by controlling how much power goes in at a time.

Disconnect Switch - This is just the array's off switch. Although solar power technology is designed to stay on, just like the grid stays connected to your home, sometimes you may need to turn it off if there are signs of a malfunction or if it's time for maintenance. Performing maintenance on an active electrical device is never a good idea.

Efficiency - Efficiency is the term used to describe how well a cell converts sunlight into power. The higher the efficiency, the more power is produced.

Electrical/Utility Grid - The grid is the existing infrastructure that delivers more people's power. Power lines are the most visible part of the grid in your neighborhood, but massive power stations and neighborhood power transformers are also part of the grid.

Interconnection Agreement - Since most homes and businesses are designed to be part of the grid, when they add solar power they make special arrangements with their power company. This may mean they actually get paid for any power they produce but don't use.

Inverter - The inverter is in charge of making sun-gathered power useful. It converts the direct current (DC) power generated by the panel into alternating current (AC), which most homeowners and businesses use. It manages the power supply through things like voltage and ground fault protection, too.

Irradiance - This term refers to how much light strikes a particular section of PV material. It's a measure of the power of the sunlight, and certain times of day provide higher irradiance. These peak hours are crucial for gathering and storing power.

Photovoltaic (PV) - This technology uses material called semiconductors to transform sunlight into power. When sunlight hits these materials, photons lose some electrons, which go into the PV material to complete a circuit, which generates electricity.

Solar Cells - Also referred to as "modules," these individual pieces of tech do all the hard labor. They are the individual pieces of PV that convert sunlight into useable energy. Since a single cell isn't very powerful, they're usually grouped together in an array.