In This Issue:

Kirkwood's Electric Utility Assistance program began in 2022 with funds produced through the Public Benefit Charge. This July, the Board expanded funding to the program by 5% and raised eligibility criteria to include more residents. Because participation is low, the Board hopes that this new expansion will reach more people in our community. The District will now offer a $50 monthly credit toward electric bills for each eligible household. Residents can find a printable application online or pick up a copy at 33540 Loop Rd.

Are you eligible? 

Click here for full program guidelines and to find an application.

Have you recently considered upgrading your old propane appliances for energy efficient ones?

Well, today is the day! If you plan to purchase a new refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer, or water heater, Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District (“District”) offers a rebate for the purchase and installation of EnergyStar® appliances and energy-efficient electric water heaters.

Since July 1st, the District has expanded the Residential Energy Star Program to offer higher rebates and add additional appliances for eligibility. Applications are now available online and will be accepted for a limited time, between September 1st to September 30th! It is free to apply, and open to all KMPUD registered users. 

To be considered for the program you must complete a two-part application, beginning with documentation of intent to purchase EnergyStar® or energy-efficient electric appliances. After you've submitted your application, the District will respond to your request within 30 days. Eligible applicants will then have six months to purchase the product(s) they’ve proposed and get them installed. Upon completion of installation, a District Staff member will verify installation and all documentation before your rebate is applied to your upcoming utility bill. Residents can find a printable application online or pick up a copy at 33540 Loop Rd. 

What are the benefits of upgrading propane appliances to electric?

Health & Safety: No gas leaks, fumes, and safer cooking

Efficiency & Performance: more efficient precision control, and easier clean up

Environment & Cost: Lower carbon footprint and rebate or savings offers

*Rebate amounts vary based on size of unit

The fall application period for 2026 is open for a limited time! Applications will be accepted from September 1 through September 30, and will open again in April. Apply today and save!

Click here for the program guidelines and application.

Written by Chris Tucher and Trevor Petach

The case for heat pumps to heat our homes in Kirkwood is growing more compelling. There are more and better reasons to consider electricity for HVAC and water heating. Consider the following: 

Along with these changes, in the last several years, heat pump manufacturers have introduced units designed specifically for cold temperatures, down to -20 F. (That’s lower than ever recorded at Kirkwood.) Heat pumps are now a viable heat source in Kirkwood.

For homeowners thinking of replacing an aging gas furnace, a Kirkwood case study might be helpful.

Trevor Petach, who completed construction of his new home on East Meadows Road a year ago, offers this account: 

My house in East Meadows is entirely electric. There is no propane connection.

We installed two Mitsubishi HyperHeat heat pumps to heat the house: one wall mounted centralized unit that connects to a ducted air handler for the main floor, and one mini-split with three heads for the downstairs rooms. You can see the external units from the road.

We have been pleasantly surprised how well these systems work. To keep the 2500 square-foot house at a steady 68 degrees during the winter takes about 2000 kWh per month.

We’ve noticed no performance issues during cold temperatures, except for one fan housing that filled

with snow during a windy storm and had to be knocked free.

The heat pumps are slower than gas furnaces when heating the house from cold temperatures. In my experience, we achieve 5-10 degrees per hour when ramping up. Using a wifi thermostat that you can set remotely before arriving mitigates this issue.

The outside units only operate if they are open and exposed to the air, not enclosed or covered with snow. So, they need to be mounted in a protected location. Ours are installed high on a wall underneath a large eave. In this location, they cause noticeable noise and vibration, similar to a refrigerator or a dishwasher. If I were starting over, I would mount them on the ground under a deck rather than directly to the house.

We found no shortage of contractors experienced with heat-pumps in Kirkwood-like conditions, willing to give us bids.

To round out the rest of our all-electric home, we installed an electric dryer, an induction stove, and a water heater based on standard electric resistance heating.

Questions for Trevor? Please feel free to reach out regarding contractor selection, cost, and ROI calculations: trevor.petach@gmail.com

What would you like to see in the KMPUD Newsletter? Send your suggestions to info@kmpud.com.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are essential safety devices that detect fire and poisonous gas. They are available in battery-operated, hardwired, and smart combination models for comprehensive home protection. These small devices provide big protection and help keep your home, family, and guests safe around the clock. 

Tips for Installation and Maintenance: 

You can find more information via the U.S. Fire Administration regarding smoke alarms here and carbon monoxide alarms here.

Seasonal Reminders 

Annual Backflow and Water Testing Reminder

Backflow and Water Testing: What, Why, How, When

Every year Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District requires backflow and water testing to protect the communities water supply. A backflow test evaluates the functionality of backflow prevention devices to ensure that contaminated water does not mix with your clean water lines. Backflow incidents can pose significant risks, making it important to recognize the value of these tests. 

What is Backflow?

Backflow is the reversal of the normal flow of water in a plumbing system. It can occur when there is a sudden drop in water pressure, allowing contaminated water to enter the clean water supply.

Why is it Important?

Contaminated water poses serious health risks. Bacterial, chemical, and biological contaminants in the water can lead to diseases and infections. Exposure to contaminated water can cause various issues, ranging from gastrointestinal illnesses to more severe long-term health problems.

How is backflow testing performed?

During a backflow test, a certified technician inspects and tests the backflow prevention devices installed in your plumbing system. The process typically involves isolating the device and using specialized equipment to check its functionality.

When is backflow testing required?

According to District's Regulation No. 670.02, inspections must be performed annually by a certified tester "between the period of April 15th to September 30th." Results must be forwarded to the district by email no later than September 30th.

Send KMPUD your backflow and water testing results: info@kmpud.com

Take a look at KMPUD's new signs! 

Due to a significant increase in bear activity the District wants to highlight bear safety and trash control. It is very important to remember Kirkwood is a shared space with wildlife. To keep our neighbors wild, please secure trash properly at the waste station and your home.

When dropping of your waste to the dumpster, you can properly secure trash, by, 1) closing the lid all the way, 2) latching the lid closed with the provided carabiners, and 3) checking to make sure it is latched and closed properly.

Do not leave bags outside of the dumpster. Keep lids closed and latched. When possible, rinse out containers and never leave trash outside overnight. Lastly, if you see improperly secured trash, close, latch, and check to make sure the garbage is secure.

Click here to visit our website for more information about KMPUD's Solid Waste Services.

It is wildfire season, and maybe you know something about protecting your home against fire, or maybe you know nothing at all. As a Kirkwood homeowner, ask Firewise first.

Firewise USA ® is a national, voluntary program that provides a collaborative framework to help neighbors get organized and reduce wildfire risks at the local level. Kirkwood was first recognized as a Firewise community in March 2022.

There are several benefits to being a part of the Kirkwood Firewise Community:

So, whether you're a new homeowner learning about fire safety or you're wrapping up a defensible space project, check out the Kirkwood Firewise Community today. 

Why is it important to record my personal defensible space work?

Firewise must meet certain guidelines to maintain national recognition which makes them eligible for grants used in Alpine and Amador county chipping programs. The recognition also allows homeowners to receive a slight discount on their home insurance.

A message from Firewise USA: 

Residents of Alpine and Amador counties can register for FREE roadside chipping until September.

You MUST register for this program online. Last chance will be mid-September.

Additionally, please record your time/dollars spent on defensible space work.

The Kirkwood Volunteer Fire Department is pleased to share it has reached it annual fundraising goal of $25,000. 

Currently, the KVFD consists of just over ten 100% volunteer participants and one fulltime volunteer Fire Chief. The Department is sponsored through donations, Proposition 218, property taxes, and county grants.

Our volunteers aren't just fire fighters; being in a remote location requires handfuls of skills. KVFD responds to all types of emergencies including medical aid, fire suppression, hazardous material spills, water and ice rescues, citizen assists and other emergencies. Thanks to the charity of the Kirkwood community, the donations received this year will fund personal protective equipment so our volunteers can continue providing these critical services to our community.

The District and the Fire Department are thankful for support and help in reaching their goal. At this time, donations are still open. Please consider supporting your local volunteer fire department by donating today. 

Looking to do more than just donate? Whether it's just a season or a lifetime, start making a difference in your community today; join KVFD.

At this month’s Board meeting, several topics were discussed, including:

KVFD & future of the fire department: Staff and the temporary committee gave an update on efforts, in the wake of the failed 218 election on a proposed solution earlier this year, to complete an MOA with Alpine County. This memo of agreement is for a six-month commitment for Chief Fire Officer services in Kirkwood while the board continues efforts to hire our own fire chief. The six-month agreement would allow us time to receive additional information from CalPERS on the addition of a Safety Fire designation to the KMPUD retirement plan. We have funds to cover these costs, thanks to a reallocation of county property tax returns in the FY 2027 budget. (This falls well short of the level of service envisioned in the proposal voted down in the 218 elections earlier this year.)

Wastewater plant noise abatement: Several homeowners across the meadow from the treatment plant have pointed out that the new fans, which were part of a major plant upgrade, are causing noise, day and night. The board authorized Staff to seek engineering advice, starting with our project consultant and supplier, to further evaluate the concerns and propose a solution.

 

Kirkwood is your District, and your input and participation are valuable. Click here to view the Community Calendar of upcoming Board and Committee meetings. We encourage your participation at our meetings. Click here to learn about the agenda. And click here to access past Board of Directors meetings. 

We encourage the community to watch the recent meeting at kmpud.com and read the Board packet. Look for communications from KMPUD on next steps to address the critical issues around KVFD.

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Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District

209-258-4444 / info@kmpud.com / www.kmpud.com