April 2017 Share Package Utility Contacts

Pam Spettel, Blachly-Lane Electric Co-op, (541) 284-2147, spettelp@blachlylane.coop

James Ramseyer, Consumers Power, Inc., (541) 929-8531, jamesra@cpi.coop

Sabrina Owens, Escambia Electric Co-op, (850) 675-7433, sabrina@erec.com

Denise Whitehead, Glades Electric Co-op, (800) 226-4025, dwhitehead@gladesec.com

Kristin Evans, Gulf Coast Electric Co-op, (850) 913-3731, kevans@gcec.com

Theresa Phillips, Lassen Municipal Utility District, (530) 257-6944, tphillips@lmud.org

Christina Sawyer, Mt. Wheeler Power, (775) 289-8981, ext. 105, christinas@mwpower.org

Lara Petitclerc-Stokes, Oregon Trail Electric Co-op, (541) 524-2858, lpetitclerc@otecc.com

Corby Erwin, Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Co-op, (530) 832-6034, cerwin@psrec.coop

25

Cut Your Utility Bills

James Dulley

APRIL 2017 25

To ask a question, write to James Dulley, Energy Report, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH. 45244, or check his web page, www.dulley.com.Copyright 2017, James Dulley

A tall die-cast metal landscaping light brightens a large area to double as a security light. The large-diameter top limits light pollution of the night sky.Photo by Philips Hadco

Improve Your Outdoor Lighting

Q: I want to improve my outdoor lighting for better entertaining and security. I want to do it efficiently and do some of the work myself to lower the cost. What are some outdoor lighting tips?

A: It is important to plan your outdoor lighting scheme or it may significantly increase your electric bill.

Calculate how much it costs to oper-ate outdoor lights per day. First, total the wattages of all bulbs. Multiply by eight hours, then multiply by your electric rate (cost per kilowatt-hour). Divide this by 10 to get the number of cents per day.

The best lighting plan for security is not always the best for entertaining. It is wise to make two lighting layouts on dif-ferent switched circuits. Study electrical codes and follow them. Never attempt shortcuts.

People often think brighter lights pro-vide better security. Actually, lower light-ing is more effective because it is difficult for the human eye to quickly adjust from a bright area to a darker area. If the light-ing is less bright, it is easier to see and pick up movement in the darker areas where someone might be hiding.

Before buying security lighting, walk around your house and look for spots where someone might hide. Do this at night because streetlights or neighbors’ lights might already provide adequate brightness.

A tall landscaping light can be effec-tive. Minimize light pollution by follow-ing tips from the International Dark-Sky Association, www.darksky.org.

Wall lanterns by a front door or garage are effective for welcoming guests and for security. The fixture size should be one-third the door height. When using a pair of lights, each should be one-quarter the door height. This might sound large, but from the street, they typically appear to be about half their actual size.

Compact fluorescent lights and light-emitting diodes produce more light out-put per watt than standard incandescent bulbs. For example, an LED fixture uses less than 25 watts to produce the same light as a 100-watt incandescent bulb—approximately 1,800 lumens.

The life of an LED bulb is up to 50,000 hours. For this reason, they are often built into the light fixture and the bulb is not replaceable. The fixture likely will degrade or break before the bulb burns out.

CFLs require time to reach full bright-ness, particularly at cold temperatures. LEDs are not affected by outdoor tem-peratures. Use LEDs with a color tem-perature less than 3,000 degrees Kelvin. Higher temperature, whiter light output causes glare and can disrupt people’s cir-cadian rhythms at night.

Many people still choose to use flood-light bulbs. Halogen bulbs are about 25 percent more efficient than standard incandescents. Be sure to check the beam angle for each bulb. That determines how much area is illuminated and its intensity. It can range from 9 degrees to 40 degrees.

Motion-sensing lights are the most efficient and effective for security. When the light comes on, a thief assumes he has been seen. Select ones with two-level lighting. Switch it on for low-level back-ground lighting and it will switch to full brightness when motion is detected. If you have an existing floodlight, add an inexpensive motion-sensing device to it.

Solar-powered LED motion-sensing models are the easiest to install yourself. Any type of floodlight should be located 9 feet above the ground to be most effective.

The following companies offer effi-cient outdoor lighting: Energy Focus, (800) 327-7877, www.energyfocusinc.com; Philips-Hadco, (800) 372-3331, www.hadcolighting.com; Idaho Wood, (800) 635-1100, www.idahowood.com. n

An add-on motion-sensing switch is attached to a standard two-bulb halogen floodlight over a garage door. It stays on for only 60 seconds after no motion is detected.Photo by James Dulley

8 A P R I L 2017

I’m old enough to remember when penny candy actually cost a penny. For a nickel, you could buy enough candy to rot your teeth out, as my mother used to say.

But what does a penny buy these days? Not much. The government can’t even make a penny for a penny anymore. According to the U.S. Mint, it now costs 1.5 cents to produce one.

About the only thing of value you can still get for a penny is electricity. You might call it “penny electricity.”

No, I’m not kidding. Think about it.To make the math easier, let’s say the average

rate for a kilowatt-hour of electricity is 10 cents. That is 60 minutes of 1,000 watts of electricity for a dime, so a penny of electricity equates to 100 watts. It’s enough to power a 9-watt LED lightbulb—the equivalent of a 60-watt incandescent bulb—for 11 hours, all for only a penny.

Where else can you get that kind of value?How many eggs will a penny buy? How much

milk, bread, coffee, medicine or gasoline?Gas has come down from its stratospheric levels

of several years ago, but there is still no comparison to the value of electricity. For example, if a gallon of gas costs $2.50 and your car gets 25 miles to the gallon, you can drive 176 yards—about two blocks—on a penny’s worth of gas.

I will take 11 hours of lighting for a penny over a two-block drive any day.

The value is just as evident when powering things other than lighting. Take, for instance, your smart-phone. Using the same 10 cents per kWh price, penny electricity allows you to fully charge your iPhone more than 18 times for a penny. You can charge it once every day of the year for about 20 cents total.

Not impressed? Well, how about these other examples of what you can do with just a penny’s worth of electricity: power a 1,000-watt microwave on high for 6 minutes; run a 200-watt desktop com-puter for 30 minutes; watch 2.5 hours of your favor-ite shows on a 40-watt, 32-inch, LED television or 1.3 hours on a 75-watt, 75-inch mega TV.

The examples are endless.

We are fortunate electricity is such an excellent value because we have a huge appetite for it. We tend to forget that.

Electricity is not expensive. It’s that we use it for so many different things: lighting, heating, cooking, cooling, refrigeration, cleaning, washing, pumping, entertainment, communications—even transportation these days.

Few corners of our lives are left untouched by electricity.

Unfortunately, we don’t always appreciate it. When our monthly electric bill comes, we open it and may complain about the cost. It’s a knee-jerk reaction ingrained in us as consumers. We don’t stop to think about the value we received for the money.

Early in my career, I had the pleasure to inter-view an elderly woman who vividly remembered the day electricity came to her farm. Her name escapes me, but I do remember she proudly showed me the worn, dog-eared membership certificate the co-op issued to her husband.

“You young people will never know what it was like to have electricity for the very first time,” she said. “It was glorious. Nowadays, you take it for granted.”

Her farm was energized in 1940. She said the price of electricity at the time was slightly less than a penny a kilowatt-hour—true penny electricity.

A lot has changed since then. Wages and the cost of living today are a far cry from 1940, when the average annual wage was less than $150 a month and the average cost of a house was $3,920.

But one thing that hasn’t changed is the value of electricity. In 77 years, its price has risen much slower than the rate of inflation.

A penny in 1940 had as much buying power as 17 cents today, which means the residential price of electricity—which now averages 12 cents a kWh nationally and less than 10 cents in the Pacific Northwest—is actually a better deal today than it was in 1940.

So to my way of thinking, the value of electricity is like the bygone days of penny candy, and it’s OK to indulge yourself a little. But, unlike penny candy, penny electricity won’t rot your teeth out. n

Appreciating Electricity a Penny at a TimeElectricity is about the only thing you can buy and still get value for just a penny’s worth

Curtis Condon is editor of Ruralite magazine in Hillsboro, Oregon.

Voice BoxCommentary on Power Issues

8 A P R I L 2017

The overwhelming passage last November of Ballot Question 3—the Energy Choice Initiative—is guid-ing potential energy policy changes in Nevada’s 79th Legislative Session this year.

The initiative would result in a wholesale power market transformation, allowing consumers to shop the open market for a power provider.

As a constitutional amendment, the initiative must pass in two consecutive election cycles. If approved again in 2018, it will require the Nevada Legislature to establish an open, competetive wholesale competitive energy market.

Although it is uncertain how Energy Choice would actually operate, the philosophy behind the intitiative—control is in the hands of consumers—is similar to the customer-oriented approach taken by Nevada Rural Electric Association members today.

NREA utility members have always provided choice to their member/consumers in their rates, in their communities and in the makeup of their elected boards.

Proponents expect the change to potentially create thousands of new jobs by developing new renewable resources to generate power. Many Nevadans also expect a reduction in the price of energy.

Since some co-op rates are among the lowest in the state, such results are not a given.

Founded in 1974, NREA represents the collective interests of Nevada’s rural consumers served by a municipal utility, six rural electric cooperatives and two power districts with a combined service area covering more than 50 percent of Nevada.

NREA utility members serve about 10 percent of the state’s consumers, with an average 5.2 consum-ers per mile of distribution power line, compared to investor-owned utilities that serve, on average, more than 34 consumers per mile of distribution power line.

NREA members strive to deliver safe, reliable, affordable electricity to Nevada’s rural communi-ties and rangeland, which ultimately empowers each utility’s owner-member/consumer to improve the quality of their lives.

Democratically elected local utility board of direc-tors are the foundation and strength of NREA’s

not-for-profit operations. Their mission is to meet the demand for electricity within each service area, and to ensure sustainable funding and capitalization for each organization with a not-for-profit business model.

Promoting reasonable and environmentally responsible ways to contribute to the state’s eco-nomic development goals is an important com-ponent and measure of each organization’s com-mitment to the communities it serves. NREA utility members’ overriding goal is to ensure their owner-members build and maintain their systems to meet capacity requirements for their local service areas. Building rural electric distribution systems to serve other areas—a possible requirement under the Energy Choice initiative—is not in the DNA of NREA’s utility members.

Member equity is an essential part of financ-ing for cooperatives. The democratic structure of NREA members enables each utility’s board to make changes to their own energy policies, but only to the extent their owner-members/consumers want to change.

For example, NREA utility members are adjust-ing to meet the needs of their owner-members by adjusting net-metering policies to unbundle energy costs from demand, distribution, transmis-sion and operations costs. This increases transpar-ency and achieves short- and long-term business sustainability.

NREA members are educated and invested in modern renewable energy technologies that are eco-nomically and environmentally responsible.

Rapidly increasing environmental regulations and distributed generation technologies challenge NREA’s utility members, disrupting traditional util-ity planning.

NREA is committed to telling its story and pro-tecting its utilities’ owner-members. That involves working with Nevada’s legislators, and enhancing relationships with affiliated organizations and asso-ciations who share our common goals. Engaging legislators is crucial to ensure our local rural electric utilities remain economically viable and relevant as corporate leaders in the communities we serve. n

Nevada’s 79th Legislature Considers Energy Changes

Richard “Hank” James is executive director of the Nevada Rural Electric Association in Carson City, Nevada.

Ballot Question 3 is poised to reshape the state’s energy policies

Voice BoxCommentary on Power Issues

Making Power Available 24/7

Consider the convenience of owning a vehicle. You fill it with gas and park it in your garage or driveway, where it waits to take you to your desired destination.

Sometimes you use it a lot, and must refill the gas tank. Other times it sits, and you save on gas money.

Either way, you still make your monthly loan pay-ment and keep the car tuned up so you have the freedom to travel where and when you want.

Your electric utility’s system is similar. Sometimes you crank up the heat or air condi-

tioning, turn on all the lights and have multiple tele-visions on, all while dinner is baking in the oven.

Other times you are away. The lights, TVs and oven are off. You don’t really think you are using electricity, although your refrigerator still keeps your food cold, and your heating/cooling system main-tains the temperature set on your thermostat.

Although you use fewer kilowatt-hours—less gas, in the car example—it still costs to have the electric utility system in place so you can flip the switch when you want.

The Evolution of Cost RecoveryIn the early days of most consumer-owned utilities, electric system costs were collected entirely through the kilowatt-hour charge. When use went up, bills went up. When use went down, bills went down.

Although simple and convenient, that rate struc-ture gave consumers the misguided impression all utility costs are directly related to how much elec-tricity they buy. It is not. Regardless of use, your util-ity incurs fixed monthly costs to keep the infrastruc-ture in place to deliver power to you.

“Collecting our fixed costs is important so that we can still operate the grid even if we are not supply-ing energy to the end user,” says Joe Jarvis, general manager of Blachly-Lane Electric Cooperative, based in Eugene, Oregon. “There will always be some members who need energy and others who may temporarily have more energy than they need. The grid allows power to flow where it is needed.”

To recover the day-to-day costs of making power available 24/7—from building and maintaining

power lines and substations that carry the electric-ity, to paying for the staff and equipment needed to keep the system operating—many utilities are sepa-rating their fixed charges from their energy charges.

“The cost-of-service analysis we had done for us last November indicated an electric system charge of $49.95 would be appropriate,” Jarvis says. “Our board raised the charge from $43 to $47.”

Not all utilities use the term electric service charge to describe the monthly fee assessed for the fixed cost of being connected to the system. Others call it a base, customer, delivery or facilities charge.

At Golden Valley Electric Association, “even before a residential customer uses a single kilowatt-hour of power, it costs us $86 a month to keep them hooked up,” says Ron Woolf, chief financial officer of the Fairbanks, Alaska, cooperative.

Most co-ops’ rates are exempt from state regulation. Not Alaska. Woolf notes regulators allow only about a fifth of the cost to be collected through the customer charge—the flat monthly fee that covers meter read-ing, billing and customer service. Alaska customers also pay a utility charge billed on kWh use for power plants and other equipment, and a fuel and purchased power charge directly related to the price of fuel.

“People do not understand how much it costs to have the facilities in place,” adds Brian Youngberg, vice president of member services for GVEA.

Power LinesEnergy News For Consumers

Even before you flip the switch, it costs your utility to serve you

By Pam Blair

28 A P R I L 2017

A utility’s monthly cost per customer varies widely based on a variety of factors, including the number of customers, the distance between them, the age and condition of the electrical system, terrain, weather, transportation costs and proximity to supplies.

“We have to keep more stuff in inventory because it is harder for us to get supplies quickly,” Youngberg says. “We need to be self-sufficient. When we have a problem and it is 40-below, we must react quickly.”

Responding to Changes in Electricity UseCentral Electric Cooperative, based in Redmond, Oregon, began phasing in a new rate structure in January. By 2025, CEC’s fixed costs will be recovered in the facilities charge. As that monthly fee increases, the energy charge will be adjusted downward, and will reflect only the cost of energy used.

“The new rate design will give members a clear presentation of what it costs to run the utility and how changes in the cost of energy affect them,” says CEC President and CEO Dave Markham.

Markham notes members’ electricity use patterns are changing, shifting responsibility for fixed costs.

“Those using natural gas for space and water

heating use less electricity,” he says. “High-efficiency home construction and appliances decrease individ-ual electricity use. And more members are adding rooftop solar systems, not only using less electricity, but sending electricity back into the CEC system.

“Our main objective is that all members pay their fair share for the benefits of being connected to the CEC system, regardless of their individual energy choices.” n

The Material Cost of Doing BusinessBuilding and maintaining an electric distribution system is expensive. In addition to paying for the infrastructure needed to generate your electricity, it requires specific equipment to get the power to you and a network of people to keep the system running. Here is a look at ballpark costs just for the materials necessary to serve a residential customer.

From the Substation to Your HomeXX Distribution utility substation: $2.3 million for a small one; $3.5 million for a large one. Includes materials, property, design, permits, inspections and labor.

XX Transmission lines: $172,000 per mile for an easy build; $800,000 per mile for a large, complicated build. Includes materials (poles, wires and transformers), design, permits, inspections and labor.

XX Overhead distribution lines: $131,000 per mile for a three-phase small, uncomplicated system. Includes materials (poles, wires and transformers), design, permits, inspections and labor.

XX Underground distribution lines: $327,000 per mile for a three-phase small, uncomplicated system. Includes materials, design, permits, inspections and labor.

Piecing Out the PartsXX 70-foot wooden transmission pole: $1,800.XX 35-foot wooden distribution pole: $630. XX Distribution transformer (pole-type to a

single home): $1,100.XX Distribution transformer (pad-mount to a

single home): $1,400.XX Cable from the transformer to the house: $150 for a 100-foot drop.

XX Automated meter: $100.

Costs were estimated by Rick Hall, president of General Pacific, a Northwest-based wholesale utility materials distributor; and Erik Kysar, president of Brown & Kysar Inc., which provides engineering and operations support for Pacific Northwest public utilities. Actual prices vary depending on specifications, shipping expenses and other factors.

Tranformers and other equipment sit in the yard at Golden Valley Electric Association in Fairbanks, Alaska, ready to be put in service when needed.Photo courtesy of Golden Valley Electric Association

Wooden distribution poles at Central Electric in Redmond, Oregon.

Substations move high-voltage electricity across the distribution and transmission system.Photos courtesy of Central Electric

A P R I L 2017 29

Consumers Power

As an electric cooperative, Consumers Power Inc. is dedicated to offering safe, affordable and reliable power to its members.

The right-of-way manage-ment program helps ensure trees and limbs do not inter-fere with the safe operation and maintenance of utility equipment. Trees falling into power lines are a leading cause of power outages, and incompatible vegetation in the right-of-way prohibits access and slows restoration times.

As part of our ongoing right-of-way efforts in 2016, our utility tree trimming

crews worked on 2,949 spans, pruned 12,568 trees and cut down 4,089 trees. This proac-tive maintenance has helped keep outages to a minimum during storms and other inclement weather.

In 2017, CPI will have five contract utility tree-trimming crews focusing on the follow-ing areas: Pioneer Mountain Loop, Airlie Road, Logsden Road, Alsea Deadwood Highway and various loca-tions in the Lebanon area.

When these crews are in your area, please give them space to do their job properly and efficiently.

CPI uses only qualified line-clearance tree workers to prune and cut trees near power lines. Private indi-viduals and unqualified tree workers should never work near power lines. If you or someone you have hired are going to perform an activity within 10 feet of an overhead power line, you must contact CPI before any work is done. If there are trees in the right-of-way you do not want cut down, please call CPI directly to discuss your options.

After two dry summers, we have seen many dead fir trees around the service territory.

If you have dead fir on your property that you believe might be a problem with power lines, please call us so we can check and advise. Last year, our crews cut 798 haz-ardous trees that were dead or dying.

When was the last time you walked the right-of-way on your property? Are all of the poles easily accessible? CPI can field check your situation, let you know when our regu-larly scheduled crews will be in the area, and make sugges-tions for clearing and main-taining the right-of-way on your property. An accessible

Right-of-Way Management Yields BenefitsReducing outages and keeping members safe are the prime reasons for trimming trees

A tree-trimming crew cuts back a fir tree near power lines to help prevent outages during a storm.

28 A P R I L 2017

right-of-way also can serve as an effective fire break on your property.

Looking at doing some planting this year? Planting to cover underground facili-ties makes an underground outage last longer and is unsafe for workers. There are many ways to incorporate an underground transformer into your landscape plans. With proper species selection and

placement, you can live with that “green box” and help maintain electric reliability for you and your neighbors.

In 2016, we also helped 32 logging operations with cutting trees, making trees safe and dropping power lines to assist in safe logging operations.

If you plan to harvest a tract of timber, please keep the following in mind:

• Overhead power lines are not insulated. Treat all power lines as energized.

• Always look for power lines before site preparation and harvest operations.

• Whenever power lines are present, contact CPI first—especially when estab-lishing new roads or landings. CPI will have a representative meet with you to discuss and verify all required clearances to power lines.

• Never climb or attempt to fall trees that have limbs caught in power lines.

• If a tree has the poten-tial to reach a power line, it should be felled away from the line. If a tree falls into a

power line, STOP! Stay clear and call CPI.

• Maintain required clear-ances between equipment and power lines. If equipment comes into contact with a power line, stay on the equip-ment until help arrives. Keep others away.

• If a fire starts from an electrical contact or a downed power line, follow your com-pany’s procedures and notify CPI when safe to do so. Stay clear of power lines. n

For more information, please contact us at (800) 872-9036 and ask to speak with right-of-way.

Above, dead trees near power lines are a hazard and should be removed.

Left, keeping the right-of-way clear of brush allows crews better access to lines in the event of an outage.

Right, the top photo shows a ground transformer hidden by vegetation, which would be difficult to find during an outage. The lower right photo shows a properly landscaped transformer.

A P R I L 2017 29

Blachly-Lane Electric

By Pam Spettel

Together Mary Locke, Kris Myers and Matt Smith have served Blachly-Lane Electric Co-op members for more than 80 years.

The three senior employ-ees agree the pioneering spirit that gave birth to the co-op in 1937 is still needed to face the challenges of the next 80 years.

Office and Human Resources Manager Mary Locke started her career at Blachly-Lane Electric Co-op in 1984 as a member services representative. She planned to

be with the co-op for a couple of years, but she is still going strong 32 years later.

“We are just a small group, and work together like family” she says. “After a while, I just couldn’t leave.”

Things have changed a lot in the three decades since her arrival. She has seen four major transitions to the cus-tomer service and account-ing technology used to serve members.

“Just when we had mas-tered a system, it would change,” Mary says. “The advancements in technology came fast, and we’ve had to

adapt each time to give our members the services they needed.”

In the early years of her career, members could pay their bills only with cash or a check. Now, members have seven ways to pay, says Mary.

“When I started here, all correspondence leaving the office was typed on a type-writer,” Mary says. “Back then, we had one computer that was used for word process-ing of the board minutes. Now, everything is electronic. Members can make payments instantly with their phones and on the web.

“Just like our members, we’ve had to adapt to change, including to new industry rules and regulations.”

The co-op had limited ways to communicate with members then, too. Now, in addition to Ruralite and bill messages, Blachly-Lane’s web-site and social media provide more ways to get important news to members quickly.

Looking to the co-op’s future, Mary foresees technol-ogy helping members gain greater control of their electric service.

She says members will monitor and adjust

Co-op Experience CountsLongtime employees reflect on service to co-op members

Mary Locke has been serving members at Blachly-Lane Electric Cooperative since 1984, beginning her career as a customer service representative.

4 A P R I L 2017

energy-efficient heating and cooling devices and water heaters with their phones, whether they are at home or not. She thinks electric vehicles will be the norm, with more charging stations available to extend the range of their use. Developments in battery storage technology will make electric vehicles and solar generation more acces-sible, she adds.

Line Foreman Matt Smith started in 1994 on the brush crew. He has seen changes, too.

“The Blachly-Lane direc-tors and management have prioritized a re-investment in the co-op’s electric system,” he says. “We are bringing our equipment, technologies and people up to date to make the system more reliable for members.

“Our members deserve to have an electric system that will last and serve them well into the future. That’s what the cooperative business model is designed to do.”

Matt says members should look forward to the advance-ment of geographic informa-tion system mapping of the Blachly-Lane service area in the coming years. Electronic system mapping will make outage management more efficient and give members faster, more precise outage information.

Matt says Blachly-Lane is a great place to work. He appreciates the independence the co-op’s skilled and trusted employees are given to com-plete their work, and that the priority is on safety over meeting deadlines.

Distribution Facilities

Foreman Kris Myers came to Blachly-Lane as a 19-year-old groundsman and brusher in 1990. He entered line school the following year and became a journeyman in 1994. He has seen a lot of change through the years, too.

“When I started, we had one bucket truck,” says Kris. “Now, we have eight or so. That investment keeps us safer when working on ener-gized lines, and lets us work faster for our members.

“All of our hand tools were manual, and now many of them are battery-operated. They help us be efficient and reduce injuries that would shorten our careers.”

Kris says he appreciates the

industry’s emphasis on safety.“We used to work in cot-

ton clothing, and now regu-lations require that we wear fire-retardant clothing when working in the primary area, as an example.,” he says.

Kris predicts there will be more electric vehicle use, but does not see much of a market in this area for solar because of its expense and inconsistent sunshine.

“Times are different now,” he adds. “Our older gen-eration is leaving us, and the newer generation is changing. Changing technology affects everyone differently, but Blachly-Lane will always pro-vide a connection and value to its members.” n

Above, Kris Myers has been at Blachly-Lane since 1990. Right, Matt Smith has 22 years on the job at Blachly-Lane.

A P R I L 2017 5

Blachly-Lane Electric

Cooperative Principle No. 1: Voluntary and Open Membership. Membership in a cooperative is open to all persons who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender or economic circumstances.

Blachly-Lane Electric Co-op has an 80-year history of accept-ing members from all walks of life, regardless of race, religion, gender or economic circumstances. Blachly-Lane membership is open to anyone who uses its services.

A new cooperative member might ask, “What does it mean to ‘stand willing to accept the responsibilities of cooperative membership?’ What is my job as a co-op member?”

Blachly-Lane’s bylaws outline what it means to be a member of the co-op. First, new members pay a $5 membership fee and agree to buy power from Blachly-Lane. The remaining respon-sibilities are easy, too.

By signing up for service, members agree to comply with Blachly-Lane’s Articles of Incorporation and bylaws, which pro-vide structure to keep the cooperative running successfully. The only way to comply with the bylaws is to become familiar with them. Blachly-Lane’s bylaws can be found at www.blachlylane.coop or at the headquarters office. A copy of the bylaws is given to each new member signing up for service.

Another duty of membership is to grant rights-of-way to allow workers access to the co-op’s electric facilities. That allows the co-op to reliably furnish electric service to all members at all times. Blachly-Lane employees may enter a member’s prop-erty as needed to build, operate, maintain, replace, relocate and inspect our equipment, including the meter, lines, poles and transformers. When a co-op employee enters a member’s prop-erty, it is to keep the power on for that member and others.

Exercising your right to vote for cooperative leadership is an important responsibility of the co-op member. Each mem-bership is entitled to one vote for each open board position and any proposed bylaw amendments. Board elections are this month. Remember to cast your ballot.

A final way to “stand willing” for your co-op is to contribute

your business experience and expertise to the co-op by running for a board seat. Have you ever thought about sharing your skills and talents by making a run for the board? n

As part of its 80th anniversary celebration, Blachly-Lane Electric will take a closer look at the Seven Cooperative Principles at the core of its existence. The seven principles are the solid foundation upon which the cooperative business model is built.

Seven Cooperative Principles: Voluntary and Open Membership

© Ruralite Services

A P R I L 2017 25

Plumas-Sierra REC

2017 PSREC Annual Meeting Photo Contest Entry FormName Address

City State Zip

Home Phone Work Phone

Plumas-Sierra REC Account Number Plumas-Sierra Telecom Account Number

E-mail Address Photo Location

Describe your entry

Please fill out and mail with your photo CD to: Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative Photo Contest, 73233 State Route 70, Portola, CA 96122.

PhotoContest2017

PSREC distributes more than 6,000 copies of Ruralite each month to members in Plumas, Sierra, Lassen and Washoe counties! Wouldn’t you like to see your photo on the cover? Here’s the scoop:

h Up to six (6) amazing photos will be chosen by an unbiased team of judges at Ruralite magazine. hWinning photos will be featured on one cover of the PSREC Ruralite magazine following the Annual Member Meeting in September 2017, where winners will be announced. hWinners will receive a $100 credit on their bill. h By entering the contest, you agree to give PSREC rights to publish your photo on the Ruralite cover and to use it in various communication tools including print and web with photo credit.

Gotta play (by the rules) to win! h Photographers must be members of, or own a business that receives service from, PSREC or its telecommunications subsidiary. h Photos must be within PSREC service area, and may include people, places or things; photos from all seasons will be considered.

h Only vertical format photos will be considered. h Only digital JPEG photos will be accepted, and can be emailed or submitted on a CD. Photos must be at least 300 dpi at 9 inches wide by 11 inches tall. Emails larger than 10 megabytes will not be accepted. h Each photo submission must include photographer’s name, address, member number, email address, phone number, location of photo and a short description of the photo. hMaximum three (3) photos submitted per contestant. h Photos will be accepted until July 31, 2017. h Submissions should be sent to marketing@psrec.coop, or mailed to PSREC (address below) along with supporting information. Please put the words “2017 Cover Photo Contest” in the subject line. h Contact Donna Mills at 530.832.6032 or 800.555.2207, ext. 6032 or dmills@psrec.coop with questions.

Helpful Hints: h Use the highest resolution setting on your digital camera. h Photograph beautiful places and wildlife. Successful photos will have dramatic colors or scenery. h Submit photos that suggest a season or holiday. h Show us the best hidden spots in our area. h Avoid photos of pets. h Pay attention to lighting. Just after sunrise and just before sunset are beautiful times to photograph.

Attention Shutterbugs: Get your photo on the cover of PSREC’s edition of Ruralite magazine!

Plumas-Sierra REC

4 A P R I L 2017

2016 Winners

Mt. Lassen Wildflowersby Ryland West

Fishing Into Sunsetby Bob Marshak

Fiery Pre-Sunset Clouds by Bob Marshak

Wildflowers and Cornlilyby Bob Marshak

Red Breasted Sap Suckerby Molly Glucklich

Waterfall at Lakes Basinby Greg Heikkinen

A P R I L 2017 5

Mt. Wheeler Power

By Christina Sawyer

When Nevada voters passed Question 3, the “Energy Choice Initiative,” in November, it left many Mt. Wheeler Power members wondering how it will affect their power bill.

The answer is complex. Depending on how the legislature reacts to the many questions that have come up since then, it is safe to say it could dramati-cally affect members’ pocketbooks.

Members should know that a cooperative’s basic principles require it to seek and provide the best possible energy options available. In fact, members already have many of the opportunities Question 3 seeks for public utility customers. However, for Mt. Wheeler Power to provide a reliable energy solution, it has negotiated terms, contracts and rates with power suppliers, transmission options and distribu-tion centers—essentially putting all the puzzle pieces together. Question 3 jeopardizes all of that.

The trend of deregulation is not new to the power industry. Retail competition often drives the cost, but it has proven to be detrimental in many instances.

Question 3 is not right for our members. Mt. Wheeler Power supplies its members with a

diverse, clean and reliable power source from mul-tiple resources. Most are under contract through 2027. Negotiations for the extension of these con-tracts are ongoing. It is unclear if retraction of these contracts is permitted or if the third parties will

terminate existing contracts if Question 3 passes. Also unanswered, are questions regarding obli-

gations to federal contracts—such as the one Mt. Wheeler Power has with the Western Area Power Authority and contracts used to serve Native American tribes.

Additional questions are raised regarding power supply and transmission. The issues of stranded investment, load forecast, cost of service, reserve responsibility and the rights to transmission paths all have been left unanswered in the rush to pass Question 3.

Your cooperative will help educate legislators on all of the overlooked issues. For instance, energy efficiency and renewables. What need will there be for net metering or a renewable portfolio stan-dard? Will renewable energy possibilities dimin-ish because of inconsistency, lack of reliability and pricing in a strictly competitive environment? What incentives will utilities have to promote or provide energy-efficiency and renewable rebates or assistance?

Questions have come up regarding metering, bill-ing and service. Will metering be a web-based func-tion along with real-time billing and load manage-ment? How will members be billed for their energy use? Will it come from the distribution provider or the energy provider? In the case of a delinquent account, which provider has the right to terminate service? Are you prepared to wait to initialize a meter or new service?

Question 3 leaves unanswered questions

The

Energy Puzzle

28 A P R I L 2017

A unique quality of a cooperative is its willing-ness and ability to provide member programs such as energy assistance, weatherization loans, appli-ance rebates and renewable energy options. Under deregulation, what incentives will there be for these programs?

What we do know? The results of deregulation in other markets left low-income customers out in the cold. Doing away with the utility model eliminates important consumer protections for low-income households, disabled persons and senior citizens.

Fraudulent energy suppliers used high-pressure sales tactics to trick elderly and non-English speak-ing customers by making false promises of bill savings.

The bottom line: Energy rates were not lower. In most cases, customers paid much more.

Let’s not forget the human connection—the indi-vidualized attention that comes from working side by side with your neighbor or friend. Question 3 can limit your access to quick restorative action, friendly service and compassion when dealing with delinquent accounts, and intuitive individuals who are trained to help resolve your real problems with budget, efficiency and education about energy needs.

As a member of your cooperative, you receive the lowest rates available. If left to choose, do you believe you could negotiate the same rate? Do you have a trusted relationship with another provider you believe will put you first. Or do you fear you

will become collateral damage to the investor-owned utilities as they fight for territorial control? Are you prepared to become an unintended consequence of Question 3? More importantly, is your pocketbook prepared for the system obligation fees that will be considered a way to pay for future upgrades, facili-ties and line extensions?

Most of Nevada was misled by the propaganda used to pitch Question 3 last November, including claims it will create a free market of energy allowing consumers to choose where they buy their power, therefore creating more jobs, more renewable energy and lower prices.

White Pine County, which is served completely by Mt. Wheeler Power Cooperative, was not fooled. In fact, it was the only county to defeat the initiative.

Mt. Wheeler Power is working on a strategy to defend, protect and enhance its position during the legislative vetting process. It is the co-op’s hope that it’s members, through adequate examination and education, will see the faults of Questions 3.

Your access to safe and reliable energy is too important to permit the unpredictable and uncon-trollable cost increases of market deregulation. Mt. Wheeler Power has put all the pieces of this com-plicated puzzle together for you, and is confident you will not be motivated to seek alternative gen-eration beyond your own cooperative. We encour-age you to vote NO on this flawed ballot measure to ensure you maintain control of your energy needs. n

A P R I L 2017 29

By Lisa Britton

Henry Macy’s eyes widen as he scans the shelves full of baked goods. A grin spreads across his face and he starts bouncing up and down, pointing to a pink cookie, then back at his mom, then back to the cookie again.

As his treat is plated—a strawberry macaron, dipped in dark chocolate—Henry, 3, hands $2 to the cashier, then eagerly follows his mom through the crowd to a corner table.

As the Macy family settles in to eat on this early Sunday morning, the bell above the door keeps chiming as more customers escape the chilly winter air to step inside Sweet Wife Baking in Baker City, where it is warm from the ovens and scents of cinnamon and cardamom fill the air.

Jenny Mowe, owner of Sweet Wife, hasn’t always been a baker. In fact, her childhood stories are full of botched cake attempts, and her college days involved baking from boxed mixes. She does, however, come from a line of bakers.

“Everything we wanted my mom made from scratch,” Jenny says. “My great-grandmother made hand pies and sold those during the Great Depression. But I was a terrible baker.”

When she and her husband, Loran Joseph, moved to Baker City and their first son, Jack, was born. Jenny started blogging, and followed other blogs focused on baking.

One blog, called “Definitely not Martha,” posted recipes with photographs of each step.

“I thought, ‘Wow, I can do this,’” Jenny says.One blog she followed created a baking challenge.

Members had a month to make a certain recipe, then post photographs—whether a success or failure.

“It was so cool to see these people make things from scratch,” Jenny says. “And you can’t be afraid to make mistakes.”

One night, while eating at local restaurant Earth & Vine, Jenny mentioned she had a recipe for a vanilla bean cheesecake, and offered to bring in a sample. After she did, the owner, Mary Stevenson, asked if she could make another. Although Jenny offered the recipe, Mary wanted the cheesecake.

Jenny had her first wholesale customer.She opened her bake shop in January 2011 in the corner of

Baker Tower, filling wholesale and custom orders. The more she baked, the more she learned. Business continued to grow. In April 2015, the shop

relocated to its current location on Resort Street. After much consideration, Sweet Wife Baking opened for retail sales on Sundays, starting in August 2015.

Most Sundays, Jenny is in the back of the shop as she puts the finishing touches on goodies, while Loran—who worked in the hospitality industry through college—works the counter and visits with customers.

Jenny says her goal is to provide high-quality goods made from scratch, while creating an atmosphere where people can relax and visit.

“I’ve always loved bakeries,” she says. “There’s just something about walking into a bakery and seeing all the beautiful bread and treats. We’re trying to re-create that nostalgic community hub.” n

Sweet-Tooth Satisfaction

More Sweet Spots to Visit in OTEC Territoryhh Sweet Wife Baking 2080 Resort St., Baker City (541) 403-6028hh Station 62 145 N Canyon City Blvd., Canyon City (541) 575-1162hh Timbers Bistro 742 W. Main St., John Day (541) 575-0151

hh The Doughnut Hole 408 W. Monroe St., Burns (541) 573-2253

hh Kneads Bakery 1113 Adams Ave., La Grande (541) 963-5413

hh Le Bebe Cakes 1101 Washington Ave., La Grande (541) 963-2253

hh Orange Rhino Bakery 1102 Washington Ave., La Grande (541) 605-0700

hh Westside Bakery & Cafe 2001 2nd St., La Grande (541) 962-0144

Henry Macy works hard to contain his excitement as his mother, Karla, makes sweet selections of the day.

Oregon Trail Electricwww.otecc.com

8 A P R I L 2017

Lassen Municipal

Lassen Municipal Utility District is pleased to announce the addition of Pat Holley as assistant general manager.

Pat began his power industry career in the 1980s. He worked for Pacific Gas & Electric in the distribution and gen-eral construction departments. He was involved in many projects, including cleanup operations after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.

He continued his career in 2000 with the management of wood-fueled power plants, including Mt. Lassen Power and Burney Mountain Power.

In 2011, he joined Greenleaf Power, managing many of their wood-fueled power plants. Most notably, Pat served as general manager of Greenleaf ’s Honey Lake Power biomass facility.

During his time at HLP, Pat was instrumental in helping secure island-ing agreements between PG&E, LMUD and HLP. He worked closely with LMUD personnel to ensure power kept flowing to our community during catastrophic events such as the 2012 Chips fire. The fire damaged PG&E lines, forcing LMUD to island with HLP for nearly a month.

Pat accepted the position with LMUD in January.

“My wife, Amy, and I are excited to be back in Susanville,” Pat says. “We are looking forward to getting involved again with Rotary and Soroptimist and just get-ting reacquainted with the community.”

“We feel very fortunate to have Pat join our LMUD team,” says LMUD General Manager Doug Smith. “His extensive management experience in the power industry will be of great benefit to LMUD as we move forward with imple-menting improvements to our system, particularly the planned interconnection to NV Energy’s transmission system.”

“My belief is that teamwork, safety and continuous improvement build an organization that delivers quality and cost-effective service,” Pat says. “In every

community that I’ve worked in, I always reach out to the community organiza-tions, the public and to local agencies to communicate about what our organiza-tion’s plans are and how we might coop-erate to get things done that ensure reli-able power. I believe that our employees are our key resource and that each one’s contribution is vital to our success.

“I’m looking forward to working for LMUD in support of our mission of providing reliable service at a reasonable cost.” n

LMUD Hires Assistant General Manager

LMUD Assistant General Manager Pat Holley was hired in January.

8 A P R I L 2017

Escambia River

Ten Ways to Conserve OutdoorsSimple steps make a big difference

Water conservation comes naturally when everyone in the family is aware of its importance. Parents are encouraged to teach their children simple water-sav-ing methods around the home that can make a big difference. To conserve water in the yard and gar-den, and when performing chores outdoors:

• Plant drought-resistant lawns, shrubs and plants. If you plant a new lawn or overseed an exist-ing lawn, use drought-resistant grasses. Many beau-tiful shrubs and plants thrive with far less water than other species. Replace herbaceous perennial borders with native plants, which use less water and are more resistant to local diseases. On slopes, place plants that will retain water and help reduce runoff. Group plants according to watering needs.

• Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants. Mulch slows evaporation of moisture while discour-aging weed growth. Add 2 to 4 inches of organic material, such as compost or bark mulch, to increase the ability of the soil to retain moisture. Press the mulch down around the dripline of each plant to form a slight depression to minimize water runoff.

• Don’t water gutters or paved areas. Position

sprinklers so water lands only on vegetation.• Water your lawn only when it needs it. A good

way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it does not need water. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering. Let the grass grow taller (to 3 inches) to promote water retention in the soil. Most lawns only need about 1 inch of water each week. During dry spells, stop watering altogether. The lawn will go brown and dormant. Once cooler weather arrives, the morning dew and rainfall will bring the lawn back to its usual vigor. This may result in a brown summer lawn, but it saves a lot of water.

• Deep-soak your lawn. When watering the lawn, do it long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots where it will do the most good. A light sprinkling can evaporate quickly and tends to encourage shallow root systems.

• Early and late watering reduces water loss to evaporation. Early morning watering is generally better than dusk since it helps prevent the growth of fungus and is the best defense against slugs and other garden pests.

• Avoid watering when it is windy. Sprinklers can be blown off target and speed evaporation.

• Add organic matter and use efficient water-ing systems for shrubs, flower beds and lawns. Add organic material to your soil to increase its absorp-tion and water retention. Areas already planted can be top-dressed with compost or organic matter. Strategically place soaker hoses, and install a rain barrel water catching system and a simple drip-irrigation system. Avoid over-watering plants and shrubs, which diminishes plant health and causes the leaves to yellow. Use a variable-spray nozzle for targeted watering by hand.

• Do not run the hose while washing your car. Clean the car using a pail of soapy water. Use the hose with a spray nozzle only to rinse. This can save as much as 150 gallons of water when washing a car. Use a broom, not a hose, to clean paved areas.

• Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and cou-plings. Leaks outside may not seem as bad since they are not as visible, but they can be just as wasteful. Use hose washers and connections to eliminate leaks. nGive your lawn a deep soaking when you water so the moisture can soak down to the roots.

A Word About Water

6 A P R I L 2017

The Well-Connected LineworkerTechnology is crucial in how field personnel do their jobs

By Tom Tate

When electric cooperatives were formed in the 1930s, their technology was primitive by any stan-dard: digging holes for the utility poles by hand, walking them up into those holes and using ladders to reach equipment needing service.

If you had to get in touch with the line crew, face-to-face communication was the only option.

Today, the lineworker rivals any other worker when it comes to having the necessary technology to get the job done safely, quickly and accurately.

Many electric cooperatives send crews into the field with ruggedized tablets. A common use is to load work orders detailing the day’s projects. This can include construction drawings for how the job is to be built, the bill of materials so they know what to pull from inventory before hitting the road and system maps so they know exactly where to go.

Gone are the reams of paper and cumbersome map books of the past.

Not quite as new, but equally important, are GPS units. This functionality might be built into the lineworker’s tablet, a ruggedized smartphone or a handheld unit. As more cooperatives map their sys-tems using GPS coordinates, the GPS capability gets the crews where they need to be in a more efficient manner. Some GPS units are designed specifically for heavy trucks, and plot routes that avoid bridges with weight limits or roads with height restrictions.

Another tool is the forward-looking infrared cam-era, also known as FLIR. The technology is used in many ghost-hunter programs on television.

With a FLIR camera, crews can rapidly scan power lines, transformers and other equipment to find hot spots. A piece of distribution equipment

about to fail will often get hot. While not visible to the naked eye, it clearly shows up on a FLIR display. Scanning the system with a FLIR camera is a fast and accurate means of spotting a problem before it becomes an outage.

Today, many lineworkers have eyes in the sky in the form of drones. Electric cooperatives cover ter-ritory that is often difficult to access when survey-ing the system for necessary repairs or locating a new power line route. Instead of tackling the job on foot or in quads, cooperative crews might send in a drone. Flying above the area offers a good view of the situation and allows the crew to assess what to do next without having to be there in person.

This is especially useful after a major storm when roads can still be blocked.

Cooperatives are laser focused on providing the best reliability at the lowest possible price. A major aspect of reliability is getting the lights back on as soon as possible after an outage. A key is the outage management system, which builds on geo-tagged system maps, sophisticated engineering models of the distribution system and, for maximum accuracy, an advanced metering system.

Each pole has its GPS location mapped. When an outage occurs, the system uses models and databases to determine the exact location of the fault and the extent of the outage. Crews are then sent to the spe-cific spot to correct the problem.

The restoration effort might include a vehicle tracking system that tells operations staff the loca-tion of each line truck. Crews closest to the outage are sent to restore power. Essential information can be transmitted through a tablet.

Sometimes, all the technology in the world is not enough, and a good old-fashioned visual inspection is required. During daylight hours, it can be easy to see the cause of a problem. But at night, linework-ers need a reliable source of light. Today, that comes from LED flashlights and truck-mounted lights.

LED flashlights are a fraction of the size of regu-lar flashlights, and much brighter than incandescent models. They give linemen an amazing view of the lines during the darkest of nights.

Technology permeates every aspect of coopera-tive operations, allowing your electric cooperative to improve your service. The well-connected lineworker is at the forefront of that technical evolution. n

What Ruggedized MeansThe job of the lineworker is one of the most rigorous and demanding in the world. The conditions are rough on the crew and equipment, which means a regular tablet or smartphone will not last long.

Your electric cooperative invests in special cases and screen protectors, or in devices specially made to survive. Milspec (military specification) is another term for ruggedized.

The bottom line: A lineworker’s devices need to survive bouncing along in a line truck, being tossed into a bucket or tool bin, being dropped and being exposed to all kinds of weather.

In other words, this is not your millennial’s smartphone. n

Glades ElectricNeighbors Working for Neighbors

4 A P R I L 2017

Glades Electric Cooperative’s Jamal Dixon checks his iPad at the start of his shift. Electronic devices are replacing paper as electric

cooperatives send lineworkers in the field with tablets to track the day’s work orders, GPS units to get them to job sites and

drones to more easily assess problems in difficult terrain. Photo by Denise Whitehead

Thank a LinemanWhen you think of first responders, it is often easy to think of the work our brave police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians perform in cases of disasters large and small. They are public servants whose care and dedication we all rely on to keep our communities safe.

But there is another group of first responders who risk their personal safety and, many times, work in challenging and dangerous conditions to keep us secure and comfortable. They are lineworkers.

Lineworkers serve on the front lines of our energy needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We can always count on lineworkers to be there at moments of great need.

After major storms, lineworkers restore power to our homes and businesses while navigating through all of nature’s elements. They work night and day—in spite of harsh weather conditions including heat, humidity, rain, cold and even ice, and fight through floods and standing water, fallen branches and all manner of unpleasant critters—to reconnect the lines that bring us power.

That is why Glades Electric Cooperative is proud to participate in National Lineman Appreciation Day on April 10.

Lineworkers are your neighbors and valued GEC employees who build, maintain and repair our electric infrastructure, which is at the heart of everything we use to lead productive and comfortable lives.

GEC is thankful for the hard work and dedication of all our lineworkers.

Just as we always understand there would be no electric cooperative without you—our members—it is important for all of us to appreciate the corps of brave men and women who help us provide you safe, affordable and reliable electricity every day. n

A P R I L 2017 5

By Anne Prince

When it comes to your home’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system, are you suffering from the Goldilocks syndrome? Perhaps your system is too big or too small. Maybe it is just right.

A U.S. Department of Energy study shows most HVAC systems do not run as efficiently as they could because they are not installed correctly or they are the wrong size. This translates to not hav-ing the comfort level you are seeking and overpaying on your utility bills.

“Oversizing is common in commercial as well as residential applications because contractors use the rule-of-thumb sizing—a load calculation based on square foot-age,” says Terry Townsend, president of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

This type of simple calculation is out-dated, which could cost you money.

Is Your Unit Too Big?Heating and cooling account for more than half the energy use in a typical U.S. home. If your HVAC unit is too big, it means it may be “short cycling,” or con-stantly turning off and on. When the unit runs in short bursts, it will not run long enough to eliminate all of the humidity in your home.

If you are in a warmer climate and rely on the air-conditioning mode, it could mean a short-cycling system leaves more moisture in the air, making your home feel sticky and warm. This can lead to growth of mold and mildew.

Heating and cooling in short bursts

results in uneven temperatures and hot or cold spots in your home, and the unit’s parts wear down prematurely.

Is Your Unit Too Small?If your HVAC equipment is too small, the unit is constantly running to try to keep up with demand. This means your space is never heated or cooled adequately. What’s more, it unnecessarily drives up your energy bills.

Choose the Right Energy Professional to HelpTo ensure you get the right size system for your home, choose a knowledgeable and licensed HVAC professional.

Among the factors to be considered in sizing a unit is square footage of the home, its geographical location, orienta-tion to the sun and insulation level.

If you have questions, contact Glades Electric Cooperative. n

PROPERLY SIZING YOUR HVAC UNIT An improperly sized HVAC unit can wreak havoc on your home. An oversized unit can cause your system to “short cycle” – constantly turning o� and on. An undersized unit will run constantly to keep up with demand. Consider the factors below and choose an HVAC system that works best for your home.

SIZE MATTERSThe square footage of your home can help determine the load capacity of your HVAC unit, but it should not be the only factor considered when reviewing unit sizes. Enlist the help of a licensed professional to determine the best HVAC unit for your home.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONThe region in which your home is located will factor into how much capacity you need per square foot.

HOME’S ORIENTATIONHow sunlight hits your home during di�erent times of the day impacts the load capacity required to properly heat or cool your home.

INSULATION EFFECTIVENESS The better insulated your home is, the fewer BTUs (British Thermal Units) per square foot your home will need to stay at the desired temperature.

COLD/VERY COLD

MIXED-HUMID

HOT-HUMID

HOT-DRYMIXED DRY

MARINE

A reliable energy partner will help you determine how each of these factors a�ect your system’s load capacity. Contact your electric co-op for more information.

Source: Dept. of Energy

Optimum Efficiency Begins With Proper Sizing

Glades ElectricNeighbors Working for Neighbors

6 A P R I L 2017

If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning. Get indoors, and stay away from windows and electrical equipment.

Glades ElectricNeighbors Working for Neighbors

When thunderstorms are rolling your way, stay safe with these helpful tips from the American Red Cross:

• Listen to local news or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio for emer-gency updates. Watch for signs of a storm, such as darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind.

• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur. Many people struck by lightning are not in the area where it is raining.

• If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or in a vehicle with the windows closed. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds.

• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning. If thunder roars, go indoors! The National Weather Service

recommends staying inside at least 30 minutes after the last thunder clap.

• Avoid electrical equipment and telephones. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead.

• Shutter windows and close outside doors securely. Keep away from windows.

• Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing.• If you are driving, try to safely exit the road-

way and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct elec-tricity inside and outside the vehicle.

• If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe. n

Heed Thunderstorm WarningsThink safety first and seek shelter

28 A P R I L 2017

Protecting Your InterestsElectric cooperatives make sure leaders in the nation’s capital understand their priorities in serving youBy Dan Riedinger

As a member of Glades Electric Cooperative, you know providing you with safe, affordable and reliable electric-ity is our priority 365 days a year.

Our employees are dedicated to this mission—whether they work on a line crew or spend their day behind a desk.

It might surprise you to know how much the work GEC performs in the communities the cooperative serves can be affected by what lawmakers and regu-lators are doing in Washington, D.C.

That is why cooperatives across the country join together to make sure lead-ers in Washington know what is impor-tant to cooperatives and their members.

In part, this is done through GEC’s membership in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association—the national service organization that rep-resents the interests of the nation’s more than 900 electric cooperatives on Capitol Hill and before federal agencies.

Here are three policy priorities for NRECA and America’s electric coopera-tives the next couple of years.

Strengthening Rural AmericaElectric cooperatives built and improved the infrastructure to bring electricity to people living in rural America who were being left in the dark and left behind. Today, cooperatives provide power to 42 million Americans in 47 states.

Growing a vibrant rural economy is essential to America’s success and pros-perity. We count on the federal govern-ment to help.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has long been a partner in helping

cooperatives fund a variety of activities, including electric infrastructure improve-ments and expansion of rural economic opportunities. Cooperatives will work to further strengthen their relationship with the USDA in 2017 and beyond.

Cooperatives also are keenly aware that tens of millions of rural Americans continue to live without access to high-speed internet service. Bridging the digital divide continues to be a critical economic development issue for rural America, and it is a priority for coopera-tives in Washington this year.

A little farther down the road, in 2018, the U.S. Congress is scheduled to pro-duce a new Farm Bill. Cooperatives will track this closely to ensure updates of our nation’s agricultural and rural policies also strengthen rural America.

Avoiding Regulatory OverreachElectric cooperatives strongly advocate for public policies driven by consumers’ interests and needs—not a “Washington-knows-best” mentality.

Overreaching federal regulations have a significant negative impact on rural America, so cooperatives are ask-ing Washington policymakers to revisit a number of federal rules that have hurt rural communities and threatened the mission of cooperatives to provide affordable and reliable electricity.

Cooperatives also are looking ahead to future rules and actions under major environmental laws—such as the Endangered Species Act and Clean Air Act—to ensure they carefully balance the nation’s environmental and economic goals without imposing undue burdens on rural America.

Improving InfrastructureOne of the themes that ran through last year’s presidential campaign is the need to improve the nation’s infrastructure. Electric cooperatives have been in the infrastructure development and improve-ment business for decades, and hope to work with leaders in Washington to con-tinue this important progress.

Cooperatives continuously improve the cyber and physical security of our systems, and have been leaders in devel-oping and using smart grid technologies.

A strong public-private partnership remains essential—particularly in the area of cybersecurity.

Electric cooperatives also support a wide range of research activities to help improve our nation’s future energy infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Energy and other agencies remain key partners in advancing this research.

These are just a handful of examples of major policy priorities for cooperatives during the next couple of years.

It is not an exhaustive list, but it dem-onstrates America’s electric cooperatives are working just as hard in Washington as at home to keep the electricity flowing and improve the quality of life for members. n

A P R I L 2017 29

Saving Starts With Energy UseYour electric bill reflects the co-op’s ability to deliver however much power you demand at any given time

The cost of generating electricity con-stantly changes—and the kilowatt-hour delivered at dinnertime costs more to gen-erate than the one delivered at midnight.

Two major factors affect the price of electricity: the price of fuel needed to generate power, such as coal or natural gas, and the demand for power at any given time.

When demand for energy goes up, so do the costs.

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative works to reduce these peaks, helping to lower the cost of energy for members. 

Along with its wholesale power pro-vider, GCEC must match the amount of electricity generated to the amount being used 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. As consumers use more electricity, the amount of resources avail-able to supply that energy must increase.

For GCEC, peaks are most likely to occur on the hottest afternoons of the summer between 2 and 7 p.m. and in the winter between 5 and 9 a.m. This is when members use the most energy in their homes.

Because peak demand has a great influence on energy rates, all members have a stake in reducing the peak. They can help lower peak demand by changing when they use electricity.

By changing patterns of use, we can work together to lower energy costs.

One simple way to reduce peak demand is by managing the times when water heaters work the most.

H2O Plus is a program that shifts when water heaters use electricity to times of lower demand on the system, when electricity is less expensive. The small device installed on members’ water heaters allows GCEC to cycle it off dur-ing peak hours and turn it back on after the critical hours have passed.

Since water stored in the tank is already hot, homeowners do not even notice a dif-ference in the amount of hot water avail-able for baths and household tasks. nContact Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative for information on the H2O Plus program. Eligible households receive a $25 electric bill credit.

How You Can HelpDuring peak hours:XX Don’t take showers or baths.XX Avoid using the dishwasher.XX Use only the cold water cycle on your clothes washer.By reducing the amount of power

consumed during peak times, we can reduce our wholesale power supply costs and help keep your rates low.

For us, saving starts here. We value your membership. We value you. n

By changing when you use electricity, you can level out the peaks. That helps Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative reduce its wholesale power supply costs—and keeps your rates low.

Gulf Coast

4 A P R I L 2017