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BVES Goes Out on Limb to Promote Safety - Utility company promotes tree trimming services to customers who have branches close to power lines. City of Big Bear Lake, CA – In an effort to enhance public safety, prevent fires, and improve grid reliability Bear Valley Electric Service (BVES) has instituted a tree trimming program that includes vegetation control services to customers free of charge. When tree branches make contact with power lines there is significant risk of short circuits, which could cause outages and fires. Trees or large branches that fall on power lines present significant risk of downing lines, which may result in electrocution to personnel, fire and outages. Keeping branches clear of power lines protects people climbing or working in trees adjacent to power lines. Therefore, vegetation control is extremely important. Additionally, state law requires BVES to maintain specific clearances between electric power lines and all vegetation. The free program – which is being advertised under the slogan “Bear Valley Electric is going out on a limb to promote customer safety” –includes free inspections for customers who aren’t sure of the distance between their trees and power lines, free tree trimming and branch removal for branches within an unsafe distance to power lines, and free disconnection and subsequent reconnection services to allow customers to remove trees that may impact power lines. “When in doubt, call us,” said BVES Operations and Planning Manager Paul Marconi. “Our inspection program is designed to spot branches and trees that may be too close to our lines but we very much welcome customers helping us in this effort by reporting possible problems.” The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) reports that trees represent one of the largest causes of power outages in California. Branches that rub against power lines can cause short circuits, or even knock lines down if a branch breaks or the tree topples over in a storm. Marconi stressed that customers should never attempt to trim a tree themselves if a branch is within the 10 feet minimum approach distance of a high voltage power line. “Be safe and call us instead. We’ll evaluate the distance, as part of our free inspection service, and if the distance is unsafe, we will trim the tree free of charge.” Marconi said. For more information or to schedule a free tree/power line inspection, call BVES at 800-808-BVES (2837). BVES is a division of Golden State Water Company (GSWC), which is a wholly owned water and electric utility subsidiary of American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR). GSWC provides water service to approximately 256,000 customers in 75 communities throughout 10 counties in Northern, Coastal and Southern California. Through its BVES division, the Company also distributes electricity to over 23,000 customers in the City of Big Bear and surrounding areas in San Bernardino County, Calif.
BVES Offers Free LED Holiday Lights - Customers can trade in their incandescent bulbs for strands of energy-efficient lights. City of Big Bear Lake, Calif. – No word on whether Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer has switched to an LED nose lamp, but Bear Valley Electric customers can get in the energy-saving holiday spirit by trading in their indoor and outdoor Christmas bulbs for free LED holiday lights. During BVES’ fourth annual Holiday Lighting Exchange, now underway, residential customers can receive up to four strands of multicolored or white LED lights. Also, for the first time, commercial customers are welcome to participate and can receive up to eight strands of multi-colored, red or white LED lights in exchange for their old incandescent bulbs. LED lights use about 90% less electricity, reduce fire risks and last up to 20 years. The holiday light exchange runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays through Jan. 15, 2015. But supplies are limited, so the program is first-come, first-served. To participate, bring your old lights and either a valid California ID or copy of your electric bill to Bear Valley Electric’s main office at 42020 Garstin Drive in the City of Big Bear Lake. For more information, call 1-800-808-BVES. BVES is a division of Golden State Water Co. (GSWC), which is a wholly owned water and electric utility subsidiary of American States Water Co. (NYSE:AWR). GSWC provides water service to approximately 256,000 customers in 75 communities throughout 10 counties in Northern, Coastal and Southern California. Through its BVES division, the Company also distributes electricity to more than 23,000 customers in the City of Big Bear and surrounding areas in San Bernardino County, Calif.
UPDATED BVES RELOCATING POWER LINES UNDERGROUND ON BIG BEAR BOULEVARD - Project to improve safety, reliability and aesthetics along city’s main tourist avenue began July 28, 2014 with expected completion by the end of 2016. City of Big Bear Lake, Calif. – Goodbye, overhead power lines. On July 28th, in conjunction with sidewalk upgrades planned by the City of Big Bear Lake, Bear Valley Electric Service began work to move three miles of power poles and wires to underground conduits alongside Big Bear Boulevard. The project will improve safety, reliability and aesthetics along Big Bear’s main tourist thoroughfare because underground power lines last longer and are more immune to damage from weather, car crashes and animals. “Many of these power poles date back to the 1970s and need to be replaced after enduring several decades of Big Bear’s extreme weather,” said BVES Operations and Planning Manager Paul Marconi. “Putting the distribution lines underground will greatly improve our infrastructure and reduce future costs.” The Boulevard Electrical Distribution Undergrounding Project will be done on and off along various stretches of the street over the next 24 months. Current project status and estimated schedule: Phase 1 – Install underground infrastructure along Big Bear Boulevard from Paine Road to Pine Knot Avenue. Began July 28th and is expected to complete mid-December 2015. This phase, which involves trench digging alongside and across Big Bear Boulevard, will involve temporary lane closures. Traffic controls will be used to minimize the project’s impact on drivers. Distribution system conversion and customer cutover is expected to occur from March 2015 through the end of June 2015. Phase 2 – Upgrade the existing underground infrastructure from Pine Knot Avenue to Georgia Street. There will be some impact on traffic such as temporary lane closures and lane shifts. Traffic controls and scheduling work off-peak will be used to minimize the project’s impact on drivers. The construction work, distribution system conversion and customer cutover are tentatively scheduled from March 2015 through October 2015. Phase 3 – Upgrade the existing underground infrastructure from Georgia Street to Fox Farm Road. There will be some impact on traffic such as temporary lane closures and lane shifts. Traffic controls and scheduling work off-peak will be used to minimize the project’s impact on drivers. The construction work, distribution system conversion and customer cutover are tentatively scheduled from July 2015 through June 2016. Phase 4 – Upgrade the existing underground infrastructure from Fox Farm Road to Stanfield Cutoff. There will be some impact on traffic such as temporary lane closures and lane shifts. Traffic controls and scheduling work off-peak will be used to minimize the project’s impact on drivers. The construction work, distribution system conversion and customer cutover are tentatively scheduled from March 2016 through December 2016. BVES is a division of Golden State Water Co. (GSWC), which is a wholly owned water and electric utility subsidiary of American States Water Co. (NYSE:AWR). GSWC provides water service to approximately 256,000 customers in 75 communities throughout 10 counties in Northern, Coastal and Southern California. Through its BVES division, the Company also distributes electricity to more than 23,000 customers in the City of Big Bear and surrounding areas in San Bernardino County, Calif.
Bear Valley Electric Offering Workshops for New Solar Program - Customers and contractors are invited to learn more about the financial incentives offered for installing residential solar systems that can help lower bills and promote a cleaner environment. City of Big Bear Lake, CA – Bear Valley Electric Service (BVES) is proud to announce the launch of its Bear Valley Solar Initiative (BVSI), which helps residential customers lower their bills by installing solar systems at their homes. BVES will be hosting an open house for customers interested in the solar rebate program at the Elks Lodge on February 11th from 5:30 P.M to 7:30 P.M. Contractors are invited to a special session from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. to learn how best to work with BVES and its customers. The Elks Lodge is located at 40611 Village Drive in Big Bear Lake. BVES employees and BVSI program administrators will provide a short presentation and be available for one-on-one questions regarding the program. “We have had significant interest from customers requesting a rebate program for residential solar systems,” BVES Director Harry Scarborough said. “The Bear Valley Solar Initiative will do just that, and we hope our customers will be encouraged to explore this new energy-saving option, which can significantly lower their electric bills.” Customers will be able to take advantage of the new solar program beginning January 1, 2015. It will run through December 31, 2022, or until the program incentive budget of $951,350 has been exhausted, whichever comes first. Rebates will be based on several criteria, with the average customer saving up to approximately $6,000 on a new, 3.7kW system. Eligible participants in the solar program must be current customers of BVES and their proposed solar system must meet specific guidelines. More information on the rules and requirements can be found at the solar program website, www.BVES-Solar.com. “We really want to encourage our customers to take advantage these residential solar rebates,” Scarborough said. “This is a great way to promote renewable energy and maintain our commitment to help keep our environment clean.” BVES is a division of Golden State Water Company (GSWC) which is wholly-owned, water and electricity utility subsidiary of American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR). GSWC provides water service to approximately 256,000 customers located within 75 communities throughout 10 counties in Northern, Coastal and Southern California. Through its BVES division, the Company also distributes electricity to over 23,000 customers in the City of Big Bear and surrounding areas in San Bernardino County

Downed Power Lines

With windy weather in the forecast it is important to know what to do if you come across a downed power line. Always assume the line is live and stay as far away as possible. Please report all downed power lines by calling 911 ... Read More

Commercial Rebates

BVES recently updated its Business Lighting Rebate Program measures and launched its 2015 Commercial Grant Program. Both programs are offered to all commercial customers. For program guidelines and additional information, please download the applications. Read More

42020 Garstin Dr. • P.O. Box 1547 • Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 • (800) 808-2837

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