Ok, Point me in the right direction!!!

[MGWillia]

Hello again gang!.. Looks like our move back to Alton Bay is on the fast track!... We should be moving in the next month or two. Now I know I have seen posts about some of this in the past, but maybe I am "Keyword" deficient as my searches aren't pulling it up. Looking for help on utilities.

The house has #2 Oil. Who's the best?

I understand we are NHEC for electricity. Any insights? Do you know if you can change over billing on line or is there an office I have to get to?

Water. It's Alton Town water. Any Alton folks know the procedure? Go to the Waterworks?

Again to the Alton Bay folks, I want good internet. And by the look of how my Cell reception has been doing, I guess I will need a land line. Sounds like bundling time. Who is the utility?

Lastly: (and of course I mean only till I think of something else) How does "Trash" work out here? Are there companies? do you haul it to the dump? Restrictions?

Thanks as always!

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by MGWillia

Hello again gang!.. Looks like our move back to Alton Bay is on the fast track!... We should be moving in the next month or two. Now I know I have seen posts about some of this in the past, but maybe I am "Keyword" deficient as my searches aren't pulling it up. Looking for help on utilities.

The house has #2 Oil. Who's the best?

I understand we are NHEC for electricity. Any insights? Do you know if you can change over billing on line or is there an office I have to get to?

Water. It's Alton Town water. Any Alton folks know the procedure? Go to the Waterworks?

Again to the Alton Bay folks, I want good internet. And by the look of how my Cell reception has been doing, I guess I will need a land line. Sounds like bundling time. Who is the utility?

Lastly: (and of course I mean only till I think of something else) How does "Trash" work out here? Are there companies? do you haul it to the dump? Restrictions?

Thanks as always!

Well, I can only respond regarding your oil question... We switched to Rymes one year ago and I can't say enough good about them. Their customer service is second to none, their prices are excellent and their in home servicing has been great thus far.

Good Luck!

Dan

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by MGWillia

I understand we are NHEC for electricity. Any insights? Do you know if you can change over billing on line or is there an office I have to get to?

Again to the Alton Bay folks, I want good internet. And by the look of how my Cell reception has been doing, I guess I will need a land line. Sounds like bundling time. Who is the utility?

On electric, you can check their website here, http://www.nhec.com/myaccount_login.php
and yes, you can have online billing.

As for internet, especially with the current chaos caused by the Fairpoint strike, I don't think you'll find better than Metrocast, especially if you bundle.

While many seem to dislike Metrocast (or any cable service in general), my experience with them has been very good. I work from home and I'm in high tech so my needs are above average. My experience has been that the people who complain the most about cable outages and service are usually ones with sub-par or faulty home wiring/cable network issues. They expect the cable company to diagnose and resolve these for free, which isn't the way things are now set up.

Good luck with the move. We did it several years ago. No regrets!

[TheProfessor]

I completely disagree with Rymes.
My issues with Rymes are in another post and I won't repeat here.
Just to state that Rymes business practices were quite disturbing.

As for oil. Not advisable to choose the least expensive. Find one that has the bestest and closest service - if you have any breakdowns.

You don't state the make and model nor age of boiler/furnace.

Have a backup plan. A couple of Mr. Heater type portable heaters may come in handy. Note: not allowed for interior use. For emergencies, be prepared.

If you have the funds, then a good generator might be an option. We have had some serious ice storms over the decades.

[Charlie T]

I'm not going to make a specific recommendation for a oil company but I'll caution you to do a Google search and a search on this forum for Fred Fuller Oil. You would do well to be informed before you chose to do business with them.

Good Luck with your move.

Charlie T

[codeman671]

I have a friend that used Rymes for propane, they were terrible. On the seacoast we use Borderline for both oil and LP and have been happy. I know they go up to Wakefield, not sure how far towards the lake they go. Alton may be within reach.

Stay away from Fred Fuller. A few people seem to advocate for them but an overwhelming number have had issues. There is already talk of problems with them for this upcoming season.

We had Fairpoint dsl in the lakes region and it was decent, but we were on an island and did not have a choice. Given the Fairpoint problems I would probably look to Metrocast.

Are you renting or buying?

[ghfromaltonbay]

No one addressed your question about trash removal. In Alton residents must take their trash to the dump (now called Recycling Center) themselves. The Center is located off Rt. 28A in the East Alton area near the intersection with Rt. 28. You will need proof of residence which I'm sure you obtain at Town hall.

[MGWillia]

Originally Posted by codeman671

I have a friend that used Rymes for propane, they were terrible. On the seacoast we use Borderline for both oil and LP and have been happy. I know they go up to Wakefield, not sure how far towards the lake they go. Alton may be within reach.

Stay away from Fred Fuller. A few people seem to advocate for them but an overwhelming number have had issues. There is already talk of problems with them for this upcoming season.

We had Fairpoint dsl in the lakes region and it was decent, but we were on an island and did not have a choice. Given the Fairpoint problems I would probably look to Metrocast.

Are you renting or buying?

I've been reading along here as that unfolded. But have lost the thread that talked about the other options. And yes, we are buying.

[upthesaukee]

Internet etc:

Metrocast has a la carte or package cable programs. Package programs are called VIP (video internet phone) and you can see info on www.metrocast.net .

TDS offers similar programs with landline phones, DSL, and Dish TV. www.tds.net .

Water: Alton waterworks :
P.O. Box 803
Alton, NH 03809
(603) 875-4200
Fax (603) 875-4209
awaterwk@metrocast.net

Trash: transport to the landfill just off Rte 28A (Eastside Dr). Open Fri-Mon excluding holidays 7-445. Sticker costs $1 per vehicle and is good for 2 years. Landfill does recycling. See their info here:
http://www.alton.nh.gov/SolidWaste.asp

there are trash services as well that you can contract with.

I hope your move goes smoothly, and welcome, in advance, to Alton. Keep us posted on your progress.

[Cindido]

Hi MGWillia - We moved to Alton Bay in October 2013 and use the following providers:

Irving for oil and propane without any issues.

Metrocast bundle for phone/cable/internet without complaint - although you'll probably want to put surge protectors on the equipment due to power outages.

Speaking of power outages, you'll may also want to look into generators. Luckily, our home was wired and ready to go.

NH Electric Coop took all information via the phone to change over service.

Take garbage/recycling to Town Recycling Center (the dump) Fri-Mon. Sticker cost $1 for residents. See above post for directions.

Can't help with Town water - we have a well.

Hope this helps!

[mcdude]

You may find that your weekly trip to the dump (er.....I mean "transfer station") will be the social highlight of your week. While browsing the "slightly used" shop you can meet the locals and catch up on the local gossip.

Curious....What part of Alton has town water??

[RLW]

Originally Posted by mcdude

You may find that your weekly trip to the dump (er.....I mean "transfer station") will be the social highlight of your week. While browsing the "slightly used" shop you can meet the locals and catch up on the local gossip.

Curious....What part of Alton has town water??

From the water dept. section of Alton Government.

Our water is pumped as ground water from two wells. One is located off Route 11 in Alton Bay behind the Levey Park and the second and newest well is at Jones Field.

The Alton Water Works was purchased by the town in 1921 for the sum of seventeen thousand five hundred dollars ($17,500.00). At the time water was being pumped from Lake Winnipesaukee. The first well was installed in 1938 on Route 140 next to the Alton Central Fire Station and pumps water at a rate of 160 gallons per minute. At that time the reservoir on Route 28 was built. The second well behind Levey Park was installed in 1968 and pumps at a rate of 300 gallons per minute. In April of 2004 the new well at Jones Field was put on line. This well can produce up to 500 gallons per minute. A lot of the original piping has been replaced but some is still in use in the Alton Bay area. Today the Alton Water Works supplies approximately 700 residential and commercial water services in the Alton, Alton Bay area and also supplies water to and maintains 55 fire hydrants.

Most residential and commercial services are billed by the quarter and nearly all are metered. Some property owners only use the service for the summer and have their services turned off and on upon request for an additional charge. The town seasonal lines are turned on approximately April 15, weather permitting, and turned off approximately October 15. These services are billed flat rate once per season.

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by mcdude

You may find that your weekly trip to the dump (er.....I mean "transfer station") will be the social highlight of your week. While browsing the "slightly used" shop you can meet the locals and catch up on the local gossip.

Curious....What part of Alton has town water??

Town water runs from Hannaford and McDonalds at the circle westbound on Rte 11 all the way out to Boat Cove. It goes up Rand Hill Road to the RV park portion of the ABCCC. It is through out the ABCCC. It goes out 28A (Eastside dr) to around Dan Kelley Dr. It goes up Bay Hill to Rte 28 (I don't think it continues across Rte 28). It covers most, if not all of the downtown area including side streets, and I believe it goes up Old Wolfeboro Rd, but not sure how far. Finally, I don't know how far out rte 140 it goes, but I suspect it stops at the Merrymeeting.

My good friend is the former head of the water dept, and this is my recollection of asking him that very question. Pretty accurate for the most part, methinks!

Essentially, if you see fire hydrants, there is town water there.

[BroadHopper]

I'm surprise your realtor did not give you a 'welcome' package that contains the above info and more! Also the town hall is a great source as well as the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. Check out the websites.

As for oil, you may want to go local such as Stafford or Laconia Oil. Folks find them very reliable and reasonably priced.

Alton do not have natural gas downtown? They should. Lately this alternative has been economical if you figure in the price of maintenance.

For internet service, Unless you go 4GLTE, Metrocast is the only game in town. Fairpoint may have high speed internet in the future, but I would not hold your breath.

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I'm surprise your realtor did not give you a 'welcome' package that contains the above info and more! Also the town hall is a great source as well as the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. Check out the websites.

As for oil, you may want to go local such as Stafford or Laconia Oil. Folks find them very reliable and reasonably priced.

Alton do not have natural gas downtown? They should. Lately this alternative has been economical if you figure in the price of maintenance.

For internet service, Unless you go 4GLTE, Metrocast is the only game in town. Fairpoint may have high speed internet in the future, but I would not hold your breath.

TDS with a local office in Chichester bought out Union Telephone and its affiliate Worldpath (out of Farmington). They do provide landline telephone in Alton as well as DSL, and also have bundles including Dish TV. Fairpoint is not in Alton.

Re: Natural Gas...it appears that the only suppliers deal with from Nashua up the 93 corridor to the Lakes Region, plus an area around Berlin, and over in SE NH, the seacoast area. Not sure why you feel that Alton should have Natural Gas in the downtown area. That would require a pipeline to Alton, and I doubt that NG providers would be willing to expend the dollars to bring one to Alton and it's population of just over 4000 people. Not when there are plentiful LP providers with a wide variety of tanks available, both above and below ground.

[mcdude]

Originally Posted by RLW

At that time the reservoir on Route 28 was built.

Having a difficult time picturing a reservoir on Rt. 28. Where would this be?

[Phantom]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

For internet service, Unless you go 4GLTE, Metrocast is the only game in town. Fairpoint may have high speed internet in the future, but I would not hold your breath.

MGWillia - although others have differing opinions, we just bought a condo in August and went with MetroCast (video & Internet). Although their infrastructure is not the most modern available (copper trunking vs. fiber) we have not had ANY issues. The installation crew was onsite exactly when expected (with a pre-call to assure his arrival) and the staff at the local office in Belmont (just off Rte 106) are quite customer centric.

Our comparison is Comcast (same service plan) in MA-- and the rates are also fairly comparable


Point is -- don't fear MetroCast as we were led to believe !


.

[RLW]

Originally Posted by mcdude

Having a difficult time picturing a reservoir on Rt. 28. Where would this be?

Mcdude I believe it is at the top of Bay View Road and route 28. It is not a reservoir, a low to the ground water tower. Ya, it only sticks out of the ground about 15 feet, but being at a high point in town they call it a water tower as it creates great water pressure for the town.

[mcdude]

Oh, OK. I know that water tank.....just wouldn't have called it a reservoir I guess!

[Cindido]

Didn't know that was a water tank. I noticed it just the other day and wondered what it was. Guess I've never seen one so low the ground before. Thanks for the info

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by mcdude

Oh, OK. I know that water tank.....just wouldn't have called it a reservoir I guess!

From the Town Website, water works section:

The Alton Water Works was purchased by the town in 1921 for the sum of seventeen thousand five hundred dollars ($17,500.00). At the time water was being pumped from Lake Winnipesaukee. The first well was installed in 1938 on Route 140 next to the Alton Central Fire Station and pumps water at a rate of 160 gallons per minute. At that time the reservoir on Route 28 was built. The second well behind Levey Park was installed in 1968 and pumps at a rate of 300 gallons per minute. In April of 2004 the new well at Jones Field was put on line. This well can produce up to 500 gallons per minute. A lot of the original piping has been replaced but some is still in use in the Alton Bay area. Today the Alton Water Works supplies approximately 700 residential and commercial water services in the Alton, Alton Bay area and also supplies water to and maintains 55 fire hydrants.

Again, I have heard my friend call it a reservoir rather than a tank. It is a reservoir with a cover, and the cover was replaced only a few years ago or so.

[mcdude]

......live and learn! thanks guys....
water tank vs. reservoir. Transfer Station vs. town dump. It's all so confusing. Good Luck MGWillia figuring it all out!

[Slickcraft]

Originally Posted by Cindido

Didn't know that was a water tank. I noticed it just the other day and wondered what it was. Guess I've never seen one so low the ground before. Thanks for the info

And low to the ground is fine in this case as the ground there is higher that most the rest of the town.

The original "water tank" was a very large stone dug well on the grounds of Sunny Slope Farm, home of Chamberlain Springs. Not far from the current water tank.
http://www.sunnyslopefarmnh.com/index.htm
http://www.chamberlainspringsnh2o.com/

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by Phantom

MGWillia - although others have differing opinions, we just bought a condo in August and went with MetroCast (video & Internet). Although their infrastructure is not the most modern available (copper trunking vs. fiber) we have not had ANY issues. The installation crew was onsite exactly when expected (with a pre-call to assure his arrival) and the staff at the local office in Belmont (just off Rte 106) are quite customer centric.

Our comparison is Comcast (same service plan) in MA-- and the rates are also fairly comparable


Point is -- don't fear MetroCast as we were led to believe !
.

I would agree. I had Comcast in MA for many, many years. While I might have some quibbles, Metrocast is comparable. I've had few/no issues to date.

There was a time when DSL could compete with broadband services. But no longer. If you want high bandwidth speed, DSL (Fairpoint) is not the answer.

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

Town water runs from Hannaford and McDonalds at the circle westbound on Rte 11 all the way out to Boat Cove. It goes up Rand Hill Road to the RV park portion of the ABCCC. It is through out the ABCCC. It goes out 28A (Eastside dr) to around Dan Kelley Dr. It goes up Bay Hill to Rte 28 (I don't think it continues across Rte 28). It covers most, if not all of the downtown area including side streets, and I believe it goes up Old Wolfeboro Rd, but not sure how far. Finally, I don't know how far out rte 140 it goes, but I suspect it stops at the Merrymeeting.

My good friend is the former head of the water dept, and this is my recollection of asking him that very question. Pretty accurate for the most part, methinks!

Essentially, if you see fire hydrants, there is town water there.

Funny how perceptions color our views. As a Merrymeeting Lake/New Durham resident, "our turf" starts at the road just after McD's and Hannaford's. Yet the road that continues from there for some distance continues to be Alton until you reach the site of what used to be the Foxy Johnnie Restaurant.