In an effort to provide a safe, economical, efficient, and environmentally sound sanitary sewer system throughout the City of Decatur, Decatur Utilities periodically performs smoke testing of its sewer system. This year's 2023 testing began on September 5th and will last for several weeks. Video Industrial Services/Underground Consulting is the authorized DU contractor performing this testing. Here’s how it works. Authorized crews from Video Industrial Services will use a device to inject smoke into a sewer manhole, then watch to see if smoke escapes through the ground or through storm drains indicating the presence of damaged pipe or cross-connection. Crews will note the location of the problem and schedule repairs. Note: We only schedule repairs to DU’s sewer mains and portions of the sewer service up to the Right of Way. If the homeowner’s system is properly tied into the DU sewer system, smoke will come out of the homeowner’s vent pipe. (As shown below.) If no smoke comes out, that may indicate a problem in the homeowner’s system. DU’s goal is to keep storm water out of our sewer lines. When storm water or ground water enters the sewer system through damaged pipes or mistaken connections from storm water sources, it takes up valuable capacity in our sewer lines – especially during heavy rain. One common problem discovered in smoke testing is homeowner’s broken clean-out caps. When the clean-out cap is damaged, storm water and debris can come into DU’s sewer lines. Smoke test also benefits the customer by alerting them to dangers such as uncapped sewage lines which could allow sewer gases to enter the home. The customer is responsible for repairs to their own plumbing system. It is important to note that the smoke used for smoke testing is safe and non-toxic. Important Notice to Residents: Water can evaporate from unused plumbing fixtures. If you have a bathroom, plumbing fixture, or basement floor drain that is not used or is seldom used, please pour at least two gallons of water into these fixtures the day before the scheduled smoke testing. You can find technical data for the smoke used in smoke testing at www.hurcotech.com/liquismoke. More information and a short video on the process is available at: www.decaturutilities.com/smoketesting

Decatur Utilities has once again partnered with the Tennessee Valley Authority to award a total of $35,000 from TVA’s Community Care Fund program to local non-profits with matching funds provided by 3M. Recipients were the Decatur City Schools Foundation which received $15,000 from TVA and $15,000 from 3M; the Princess Theatre for the Performing Arts which received $5,000 from TVA and $5,000 from 3M and United Way of Morgan County, which received $10,000 from TVA and $10,000 from 3M. An additional $10,000 was awarded to the Decatur-Morgan Hospital Foundation, $5,000 coming from TVA and $5,000 in matching funds from DU's employee and vendor Dragon Boat fundraising effort. No DU ratepayer funds were used in the awards. L-R: Stevi Price, Executive Director, Decatur City Schools Foundation (DCSF); Ray Hardin, General Manager, Decatur Utilities; Keeuntae Stone, Community Relations Specialist, TVA; Michelle Howell, Site Director, 3M's Decatur Facility; Victoria Tumbleson, DCSF Board Member Since the program began in April 2020, the Community Care Fund has helped more than 630 local charitable organizations across the Tennessee Valley region provide much-needed assistance to those most impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. It is part of a broader effort by TVA and local power companies to support communities with resources, programs and assistance and reinforce the strength of public power in the Tennessee Valley. “I view the Community Care Fund as the Valley Public Power Model in action," said Jeannette Mills, TVA Executive Vice President and Chief External Relations Officer. “Public Power means we put people over profits, and it underscores our partnerships with local power companies to deliver on our mission of service to those most in need”. Mills also pointed out that local power companies have the best understanding of the immediate needs of the people they serve, so TVA is partnering with them to select local organizations for the matching donations." Ray Hardin, Decatur Utilities General Manager, expressed his thanks to TVA and 3M for partnering to make these funds available. "While DU itself is restricted by state law from making direct donations out of ratepayer funds, this program is a way DU can help obtain assistance that helps local non-profits achieve their mission," Hardin said. "We certainly appreciate Michelle Howell and 3M for providing matching funds as well as DU's employees and vendors who helped raise more than $13,000 through our Dragon Boat effort this year." Howell, site director for 3M’s facility in Decatur, said the opportunity – which came before the company earlier this year – to provide matching funds fit perfectly into the company's desire to give back to the local community. "We were happy to be a part of this round and look forward to seeing these non-profits use the money to continue serving our local residents with vital programs and services." L-R: Ray Hardin, General Manager, Decatur Utilities; Keeuntae Stone, Community Relations Specialist, TVA; Mindy Brubaker Managing Director, Princess Theatre for the Performing Arts; Michelle Howell, Site Director, 3M's Decatur Facility L-R: Ray Hardin, General Manager, Decatur Utilities; Keeuntae Stone, Community Relations Specialist, TVA; Kathleen Ross, CEO, United Way of Morgan County; Michelle Howell, Site Director, 3M's Decatur Facility L-R: Ray Hardin, General Manager, Decatur Utilities; Noel Lovelace, Executive Director, Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation; Keeuntae Stone, Community Relations Specialist, TVA

Increase in global demand, the current political pressure on fossil fuels and the Russia/Ukraine conflict have resulted in extremely high natural gas prices over the past 12 months. Customers will remember the steep increases in power costs from this past summer, largely blamed on higher natural gas prices. Those same market forces could cause higher heating bills for Decatur Utilities gas customers. However, DU’s “hedging” of its natural gas supply has kept retail gas rates for DU customers much more stable. “For many years, DU has strategically purchased future volumes of natural gas, especially those volumes needed for usage during winter months,” said Gary Borden, DU Operations Manager. “By making these bulk purchases when prices are lower, we are able to minimize the impact of market volatility like we’ve seen over the past couple of years.” For example, DU purchased approximately 80% of its projected natural gas needs for the 2022-2023 winter season at an average price of $2.84/dekatherm (Or One Million BTU). The index price of natural gas peaked at $12.44/dekatherm in August 2022 before dropping slightly to $7.10 in October. Had DU not made those future natural gas purchases at lower wholesale prices, DU customers would have seen a dramatic increase in retail rates. In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration is projecting a 28%* increase in heating costs for most natural gas customers as compared to last year’s winter heating season. “DU is fortunate to have an in-house expert purchasing gas on behalf of our customers,” said Ray Hardin, DU General Manager. “Gary and Debra Curtis, DU’s Energy Analyst, continuously monitor the gas markets to make purchases for future needs. This winter, we will see the benefits of purchase decisions that were made over the past 2 years. In fact, DU’s hedging efforts have purchased and locked in a large portion of natural gas for its customers through Fiscal Year 2026.” “This is one of the ways a public-owned utility works for the customer each day. We are not trying to produce a dividend for stockholders, but working for the customer,” Borden said. “This hedging program is just one of the ways we strive to make sure our rates are kept as low as possible for everyone.” *Source: https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=54259

Beginning Tuesday, August 30, Decatur Utilities will begin a quality control survey of the DU natural gas system to ensure public safety and the proper operation of gas lines and meters. This survey is required by the Federal Department of Transportation-Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) and The Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC). As required annually, the survey will check for leaks in all natural gas mains and business/commercial service lines in Decatur. One-fifth of residential service lines are checked each year. This year’s residential survey area (#4) includes portions of Decatur bordered by Almon Way SW on the north; Flint Creek to the south; Spring Avenue SW on the east; and Ala. Hwy. 24 on the west. This project will involve a slow-moving vehicle (approximately 5 MPH) in streets, alleys and highways throughout Decatur. A portion of the work may be conducted at night when traffic is lighter. Some parts of the gas system are only accessible by foot by a technician using handheld gas detection instruments. The survey work will be conducted by Heath Consultants Inc. of Houston, Texas, a specialist in gas leak detection. Vehicles operated by Heath Consultants Inc. will have signs on the vehicle identifying the company and identifying them as an “Authorized Decatur Utilities Contractor.” In order to check for service line leaks, the Heath Consultants employee will require access to customer property and the gas meter. Heath Consultants employees will have identification and will explain their purpose for being on private property. During this survey, gas leaks found on Decatur Utilities equipment will be repaired and gas service restored. If gas leaks found are not on Decatur Utilities equipment, the homeowner or business will be notified and gas service will be disconnected until repairs are completed by the homeowner or business. It is anticipated this work will be completed by December 9, 2022. For additional information, please contact Jerry Parker, Measurement and Compliance Supervisor, by e-mail at jparker@decaturutilities.com or by phone at (256) 552-1404.

Decatur Utilities was recognized recently as a recipient of the 2022 System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Award – presented by the American Public Gas Association (APGA) in recognition of DU’s efforts to improve its operational capabilities, overcome challenges, and adapt to its changing environment. (DU won the award in 2018, then had to sit out for three years before becoming eligible again.) Out of approximately 750 APGA members, Decatur Utilities was selected by its peer utilities on the APGA Operations and Safety Committee. The award reflects DU’s demonstration of excellence in system integrity, system improvement, employee safety, and workforce development. System integrity refers to the natural gas distribution system performing its overall intended function safely, efficiently and effectively. System improvement refers to keeping the natural gas system well maintained and up-to-date. Employee safety refers to systems that exhibit excellence in programs that stress educational involvement and accountability. Workforce development refers to a focus on creative recruitment, training, education and development practices. APGA President and CEO Bert Kalisch offered his congratulations to the Decatur Utilities team. “DU serves as a model for all other natural gas utilities in the country,” Kalisch said. “APGA is proud to recognize DU and is confident in its continued success.” DU General Manager Ray Hardin expressed his appreciation for DU’s recognition and commended the DU employee team as well. “Decatur Utilities takes natural gas safety and system integrity very seriously,” he said. “We appreciate being recognized by APGA as a SOAR award recipient.” Here's a short video celebrating that achievement.

Decatur Utilities will begin smoke testing of the sewer infrastructure in selected areas of NW Decatur beginning Monday, July 25th and continuing for several weeks. Smoke testing is a proven and effective way of identifying problem areas within the DU sewer system - including leaks from roof vents, building foundations, catch basins, clean-outs, down spout, broken sewer laterals, or manhole covers. For more information on smoke testing and a video explaining the process, please visit the Smoke Testing page in our resources section. The area being tested this year is referenced in the areas highlighted in red below: Customers within these test areas will be notified via mailing and door hanger. All emergency response personnel and city officials have also been notified. NOTE: Customers in areas where smoke testing is being conducted will be notified directly prior to testing. All emergency personnel, including the Fire Department, as well as the affected customers are notified before smoke testing begins. Authorized crews from Video Industrial Services/RNA Inspections will use a device to inject smoke into a sewer manhole, then watch to see if smoke escapes through the ground or through storm drains indicating the presence of damaged pipe or cross-connection. Crews will note the location of the problem and schedule repairs. Note: We only schedule repairs to DU’s sewer mains and portions of the sewer service up to the Right of Way. If the homeowner’s system is properly tied into the DU sewer system, smoke will come out of the homeowner’s vent pipe. If no smoke comes out, that may indicate a problem in the homeowner’s system. DU’s goal is to keep storm water out of our sewer lines. When storm water or ground water enters the sewer system through damaged pipes or mistaken connections from storm water sources, it takes up valuable capacity in our sewer lines – especially during heavy rain. One common problem discovered in smoke testing is homeowner’s broken clean-out caps. When the clean-out cap is damaged, storm water and debris can come into DU’s sewer lines. Smoke test also benefits the customer by alerting them to dangers such as uncapped sewage lines which could allow sewer gases to enter the home. The customer is responsible for repairs to their own plumbing system. It is important to note that the smoke used for smoke testing is safe and non-toxic. You can find technical data for the smoke used in smoke testing at www.hurcotech.com/liquismoke . **** Text of Official Notice mailed to customers in the affected area: This is to inform you that Video Industrial Services/RNA Inspections, a certified contractor for Decatur Utilities, will be smoke testing the sanitary sewer system in your area in the coming weeks. Why This Testing Method is Used This test is part of our continuing effort to provide a safe, economical, efficient, and environmentally sound sanitary sewer system throughout the City of Decatur. The smoke testing method is a proven and effective means of identifying problem areas within the sewer system. Eliminating defects and improper connections will help Decatur Utilities remain in compliance with state and federal regulatory agencies regarding sanitary sewer overflows. How Smoke Testing Works This test consists of dispersing smoke into the sewer lines and manholes in order to identify defects in the sewer mains where groundwater or storm water may be entering the system. This smoke is odorless and safe, leaving no residues, stains, and having no adverse effect on people, animals, or plants. What to Expect As the smoke is dispersed into the sewer system, the smoke will penetrate up through the ground and can be seen coming from roof vents, building foundations, catch basins, clean-outs, down spouts, broken sewer laterals, or manhole covers. Smoke should not enter your home or business if it is properly plumbed, vented, and the drain traps contain water. Additionally, affected customers should expect to receive notification from our contractor (Video Industrial Services), via door hanger, two (2) days prior to when the smoke testing will begin in your area. Important Notice to Residents Water can evaporate from unused plumbing fixtures. If you have a bathroom, plumbing fixture, or basement floor drain that is not used or is seldom used, please pour at least two gallons of water into these fixtures the day before the scheduled smoke testing. If Problems are Found It is normal for the smoke to discharge from the plumbing vents on your roof. However, if your plumbing is faulty or drains traps are dry, the smoke may enter your house through your plumbing. Smoke coming from holes in the ground or out of your down spouts are not normal and is considered a defect or an improper connection. In the event that smoke does enter your building, please open all windows and doors to allow for proper ventilation until the smoke has cleared. Please advise a representative of the smoke testing crew or Decatur Utilities in the event that smoke enters your building. All smoke testing discoveries shall be photographed and documented. Decatur Utilities will contact the property owners if a defect or improper connection is located on private property. Special Requests While smoke testing is safe, residents who have special needs, concerns, or questions, please contact Jordan Young at (256) 552-1403 or Brad Irwin at (256) 552-1483. Additional Information Your presence at your home or business is not required. Pets should be considered during the day of the test, if they must be left unattended, make sure that proper ventilation is provided. Pets may also become frightened if smoke enters the house. All Fire, Police, Emergency Medical, and City of Decatur Officials have been notified of this work.

Decatur Utilities customers have experienced an increase in their electric bills this summer due to both higher usage and higher wholesale power costs. North Alabama has experienced a hotter-than-usual summer already this year and electric customers are seeing increased usage reflected in their bills. Adding to the issue are supply chain constraints that have driven up natural gas prices, causing wholesale power costs from TVA to increase significantly over the same time last year. TVA wholesale power costs The Fuel Cost Adjustment, or FCA, fluctuates monthly as TVA’s fuel costs change and is a component of DU’s wholesale rate for electricity. The recent increase is due primarily to higher prices for natural gas, which is used to fuel about 25% of TVA’s generation of electricity. “This FCA is a direct pass-through from TVA,” said Ray Hardin, DU General Manager. “We have no control over these changes and the entire amount goes to TVA and not DU.” Hardin noted that DU operates its electric system very efficiently, keeping just 17% of revenues. “The majority, or about 83%, of the electric bill a customer pays goes to TVA for wholesale electricity purchased.” The FCA helps TVA manage market fluctuations in fuel cost. While it has been relatively steady for the past several years, global supply chain issues and inflation has resulted in a higher adjustment over the last few months. Explanation of FCA - Courtesy of Huntsville Utilities TV (HUTV) (3:53 mark) Additional info on FCA increase from TVA: https://www.tva.com/newsroom/articles/electric-bills-expected-to-rise-this-summer Conservation Efforts Customers can take the following steps to reduce energy usage: Set your thermostat at the highest temperature possible while maintaining your desired comfort level. HVAC experts recommended setting your thermostat no more than 20 degrees lower than the outside temperature. Most systems are designed to overcome a 20-degree differential while maintaining efficiency. Run ceiling fans counterclockwise, forcing air to move straight down and create a “wind chill” effect on skin. Even mild air movement can make a room feel three to four degrees cooler. Keep blinds, shades and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day to prevent sunlight from heating your home. Stoves and ovens can raise a kitchen’s temperature as much as 10 degrees. Use an outdoor grill or microwave as much as possible to keep the temperature down. Limit chores that produce heat and moisture, like cooking, cleaning, ironing, and laundry, to the cooler early morning and evening hours as much as possible. Turn off any unnecessary lights. Much of the energy consumed by light bulbs is emitted as heat, driving already warm temperatures even higher. Wear thin, loose-fitting clothing around the house to stay comfortable without keeping the room temperature low.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently issued an updated health advisory lowering the levels for LIFETIME exposure to PFOS and PFOA in drinking water. The new advisory levels are well below what were previously non-detectable levels. This is an advisory only and is not a regulation or law. Due to the newly announced advisory levels, recent testing of Decatur Utilities drinking water shows results that are above the EPA’s new 2022 advisory levels for PFOS and PFOA, but below those added for GenX Chemicals and PFBS. While customers need to be aware of this change to the health advisory, Decatur Utilities drinking water has been and continues to be safe to drink and for use in bathing, cooking, cleaning, etc. Both the 2016 and 2022 advisory limits are based on a lifetime of daily consumption. The EPA issued the updated health advisory levels for PFOA and PFOS on an interim basis until the release of permanent regulatory requirements for these two contaminants. The health advisories will, in part, inform their decision-making on setting future enforceable limits. EPA acknowledged that current testing technology cannot detect the presence of PFOA or PFOS at the levels in the new 2022 advisory. Test data for DU’s drinking water is based on current technology capabilities at third-party independent laboratories. * April testing was conducted after a heavy rain event which resulted in additional turbidity, runoff from farmland, etc. Tom Cleveland, Decatur Utilities Water Resources Manager, said health advisories are not enforceable by EPA or the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. “However,” he said, “Decatur Utilities will continue to test for these contaminants on a quarterly basis using the best available analytical technology.” Ray Hardin, Decatur Utilities General Manager, said DU management is looking at the new advisory and what future regulations could mean for the utility. “We will be evaluating the new advisory levels, ongoing test results, and any steps that will need to be taken to come into compliance once EPA sets Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFOA and PFOS under upcoming National Primary Drinking Water regulations,” Hardin said. “At that time, we will explore grants and other funding options to minimize the impact these regulations could have on customer rates.” If you have questions regarding this matter, please call 256-552-1444.

Maintenance & Restoration Inc., an authorized DU contractor, will be refurbishing hydrants in various areas throughout the City of Decatur from June 6 through June 30. Hydrants to be restored are located primarily south of Beltline Rd. SW and west of Hwy. 31. Other hydrant locations include portions of Danville Rd and Central Parkway SW. No lane closures will be necessary. However, DU asks that motorists be aware of all utility workers, equipment, and traffic control/safety devices in designated work areas. This work is part of Decatur Utilities efforts to sustain the city’s hydrant appearance and operation for our customers and community.

Decatur Utilities has surpassed the $100,000 mark in total Dragon Boat Race & Festival fundraising since 2012 for the Decatur-Morgan Hospital Foundation. This year, the DU Community Crew turned in $13,456 from its employees and vendors, including a matching donation from the TVA Community Care Fund. (NOTE: None of the donations come from DU ratepayer funds.) 2022 marked the return of the Dragon Boat Race and Festival after being cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds raised by the 2022 Dragon Boat Race and Festival will go toward purchase of a da Vinci robotic surgical system for Decatur Morgan Hospital. As for the race, DU paddlers teamed up with Red X Fitness for a third place finish in the Class A Championship Heat with a time of 1:17. Only Austin High School (2nd) and Lynn Layton (1st) posted better times. Corporate sponsors were: Armor’s Contracting, Inc. Tennessee Valley Authority Marsh McClennan Agency Corbitt Power & Light Core & Main Gresco Capstone Utility Supply Harris, Caddell & Shanks Ingram Equipment Company Interconn Resources Jim House & Associates JB&L, LLC Decatur Electronics Mill Supply Sales Sansom Equipment Satterfield’s Auto Tech SouthCon Southern Staffing The TDH Company TVW Electrical Supplies Lehr Middlebrooks Vreeland & Thompson PC CC Lynch & Associates Water Treatment & Controls Parr Contracting Southern Cathodic NISC Cintas Fite Construction Auction sponsors: Wayne Farms Renasant Bank Point Mallard Pepsi Cola Wesley Acres Farms (Kenny Hogan) Tractor Supply Co. The French Door Chicken Salad Chick TVA Ginger Wright Butch Schmidt Steven Williams Lynda Allen Pam Barber Lisa Terry Steve Pirkle Melanie Coleman Shannon Bailey Other DU Employees

Any excavation - big or small - requires a call to Alabama 811 to have underground utility lines located. Have "honey do" projects that require digging around the house? Call 811. Large scale projects at a new work site? Call 811. Once you call 811 and all local utilities will be notified to come mark underground lines in your area. This applies to residential and commercial property. Why is this so important? First, digging into underground utility lines is dangerous and can cause bodily injury or death. Second, any damage to the utility's infrastructure is billed to the person causing the damage - and that can get expensive! Alabama state law requires that the call be made at least 48 hours before you plan to dig. #NationalSafeDiggingMonth

Today begins National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 11-15) across the country as we take a few moments to reflect on the importance of slowing down and being alert as you pass through congested work zones where utility, highway and other crews are working! In 2020, more than 850 people (including 117 workers) lost their lives in work zone crashes. That same year, several DU employees were injured when a distracted driver ran through traffic control and rammed into their vehicles and equipment. Upcoming work zones will be clearly identified with cones, barrels, signage and other traffic control. In some instances, flaggers will be present to alternate traffic. Work zones always include employees and heavy equipment. Slow down, be alert and pass through the zone with extreme caution. Remember, Work Zones Are A Sign To Slow Down! Let's work together to make sure everyone goes home safe!