BPU launches new way for customers to check utility usage

The Kansas City, Kan., Board of Public Utilities recently launched the newest way for customers to save energy, save water and save money; the Energy Engage portal on BPU’s website.

This new tool puts customers in control of their utility bill, providing them with up-to-date usage and cost information, the environmental impact of their usage, conservation tips, and alerts for easier budgeting. All of this information is now available via one easy-to-use and understandable online portal.

Once customers sign into their own personal Energy Engage dashboard, they’ll be able to see their estimated overall BPU bill for the month as well as current electric and water usage. Customers can also see estimated electric and water usage in dollars.

Moreover, they’ll see details on how much they’ve spent on electricity and water so far this month, and how much they’re estimated to spend when their next bill comes. They can see by day, current billing cycle, or current year how much water or electricity they’ve used, with this tool also allowing them to zoom in to see how much they’ve used by the hour.

The Energy Engage portal has some tips on saving money, electricity and water to reduce utility bills and the impact on the environment. It details how much electricity someone has used compared to the previous month, as well as information on when it’s being used. There’s also an alert option, where someone can set an alarm to notify them when they get close to a pre-set budgeted amount.

To enroll, BPU customers can go to www.bpu.com and click the View Bill tab at the top of the page. Then enter their account number and sign in. Once inside their online account, they’ll click Energy Engage. If an individual doesn’t have an existing BPU self-service account, they can sign up as a “new user” and have immediate access. For questions or assistance, customers can call BPU Customer Service at 913-573-9190.

– Information from David Mehlhaff, BPU chief communications officer

Master Gardeners to present tips on staying healthy

On Thursday, April 7, the Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners are the hosts for Joyce Householder, MSPT, who will present “Gardening for a Lifetime.”

Householder will discuss how using ergonomic tools, good body mechanics, practical gardening practices and good plant choices, along with flexibility and strength, all work together to achieve the gardener’s dream of staying healthy enough to remain in the garden for as many years as possible.

The class is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and will be held in the Sunflower Room at the Wyandotte County Extension Office, 1208 N. 79th St., Kansas City Kan., telephone 913-299-9300.

The fee for the class is $5, payable at the door. Registration is not required.

Piper results

Baseball and softball games rescheduled

Because of the possibility of bad weather for Thursday, March, 24, the baseball and softball games have been rescheduled to Wednesday, March 23, at the same times as previously scheduled.

Piper High School – girls basketball
– Senior, Jessica Wayne
o 1st team all-state Capital Journal
o 3rd team all-state Wichita Eagle
– Junior, Maya Morrow and freshman, Ryan Cobbins
o Honorable mention all-state Capital Journal

Piper High School – forensics
– CFL National Qualifier
o Emmett Lockridge came in 4th in Dramatic Performance and qualified for Nationals. Emmett is also the first Nationals runner up in Oral Interpretation of Literature.
o Sheridan Smith is the second Nationals runner up in Dramatic Performance.
o Kara Evans is the second Nationals runner up in Oral Declamation.
– Lawrence Free State
o Mason Vestal came in 2nd in Prose and qualified for State Champs.
o Isaia Wilcoxen came in 4th in Prose.
o Ariana Williams and Anissa Brantley came in 6th in Duo Interp.
o Chris Baumli and Jamison Foglesong came in 6th in public forum debate.

– From Doug Key, Piper High School activities director