PWC Connections: The Podcast FAYPWC Communications

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.