in this issue:

Co-op at Career Day B

Meter Tampering C

Substation Safety D

Electrical Safety F

Importance of Safety Around Electricity G

ROW Crew Locations & Member Thank Yous H

Our offices will be closed Monday, May 25.

reviewcooperative

technology & safety

A t Union Power, we continuously strive to provide safe and reliable power to our members, and we are

committed to providing the most efficient and fiscally responsible services to those we serve. A primary goal is to keep both our members and employees safe. For over four years, our engineering and operations staff have had access to Advanced Vehicle Location (AVL) capabilities within our dashboard outage management system. AVL combined with dashboard provides our systems operations center continuous awareness of various safety-related concerns.

AVL, TWACS & Offline ViewingIt is important to know the approximate location of our employees and the distance of our line crews from an outage or safety hazard. For example, knowing a crew’s AVL location in an emergency situation can assist first responders in getting to the scene more quickly. It can also help Co-op personnel who may be close by and able to assist reach the scene quickly. Simply put, having this knowledge available could make a difference in a life or death situation. Knowing the location of the Co-op’s response ready vehicles in the event of an outage helps get power restored more quickly.

(continued on page B)

may 2015

technology and safetyIn addition to AVL, we have enhanced dashboard with features that allow Union Power staff to monitor both normal and unusual trends in energy consumption, giving the Co-op the ability to detect meter tampering on accounts. Our Two Way Automatic Communication System (TWACS) is able to transmit real-time metering information from the consumer’s meter to our staff within seconds. We have tied this technology into our dashboard system, allowing for increased access and use by our employees. By closely examining billing trends, we are able to detect meter tampering occurrences on our system and recover thousands of dollars that may have never been recovered or may have taken much longer to discover.

Another application that adds value to our members and plays into safety is an offline viewer with capabilities that allow our crews to work offline when online connectivity is lost. “Lots of things can interfere with connectivity — there are dead zones in the service territory, sometimes cell towers can be damaged by weather events, and even internal IT issues and maintenance can interrupt data services,” says Todd Harrington, the Co-op’s manager of engineering and

operations support. While crews normally have access to live data, the offline app gives them access to limited data that still allows them to do their jobs safely, quickly and efficiently.

Overall, through continued staff education and training and advanced industry technology, Union Power has increased safety awareness and practices for its most valued asset — our employees. Investing in the safety of our employees is another way that we are upholding our promise to our members and maximizing our commitment to reliability.

(continued from page A)

educating students on co-op career opportunities

The Union County JobReady Partnership and the Union County Agricultural Center hosted its 9th Annual CONNECTIONS Middle School Career Day for the county’s 8th graders on March 26. At the event, more than 1,100 students from the county’s five middle schools saw Union County business and industry firsthand as well as the various employment opportunities offered in the region.

Union Power personnel represented the Co-op. Linemen gave a truck demonstration, and safety and office personnel gave an electricity demo and spoke with students about the many career opportunities available in the electric cooperative field. They also handed out more than 1,000 LEDs, and one lucky student won a Kindle door prize provided by the Cooperative.

may 2015 Union Power CooperativeB

In this day and time, personal safety has to be a top priority for everyone. In the past, there have been reports of incidents involving people posing as utility workers, by phone and in person.

Some electric co-op members and customers of other utilities have received telephone calls from scam artists demanding immediate credit card payment to avoid disconnection of service. Union Power urges members to use extra caution if they’re asked for personal information or access to their home. At no time should a Union Power employee need to come into your home to make repairs.

The company recommends the following tips to members who are approached or contacted by someone claiming to be a Union Power employee:

1 Always ask for company identification. All Union Power employees, and employees working for companies contracted by Union Power, carry company-issued photo identification and can provide this information immediately.

2 If you are not certain a telephone call is coming from Union Power or one of its contractors, do not provide any personal or banking information. Union Power recommends asking the caller to provide their employee number and to verify the member’s account number, or simply hang up and call Union Power’s customer service department at 704-289-3145 or 1-800-922-6840.

3 Union Power employees, on occasion, may be dispatched to a member’s home for unscheduled routine maintenance. If a visitor or caller is unable or unwilling to provide their name or employee identification, please call Union Power’s customer service department at 704-289-3145 and report it to local law enforcement authorities.

To help you identify legitimate Union Power employees look for: • Marked truck with Union Power logos on the doors and/or on the front tag.

• Uniforms of khaki-colored shirts with a Union Power patch and olive green pants.

• Ask for photo identification.

Members can call our office, at 704-289-3145 or 1-800-922-6840, to verify that an employee has been dispatched to their residence.

play it safe: ask for ID

meter tampering costs everyone!

Not Worth the Risk . . . • It is dangerous.

• It is stealing from fellow co-op members.

• It risks the lives of your neighbors, our co-op workers, and others.

• It can cause serious injury or death from electrocution, explosion, or fire.

Everyone PaysElectric use that goes unbilled and/or unpaid increases the cost of electricity for all paying members. If you suspect meter tampering in your area, please contact Union Power immediately at 704-289-3145 or 1-800-922-6840 to report it. All information can be given anonymously.

North Carolina law specifically prohibits altering, tampering with or bypassing electric meters. If meter tampering is proven, the Cooperative does prosecute.

Breaking a meter seal, opening a meter base, removing a meter or altering an entrance cable in any manner is ‘meter tampering.’ Meter tampering is extremely dangerous and can result in electrical shock or even death. It is also illegal, punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.

Union Power Cooperative may 2015 C

WARNING ADVERTENCIAKeep Out! No Entran!

!WARNING ADVERTENCIAKeep Out! No Entran!

!

FRANKLIN 115 SUBSTATION

Cooperative

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Substations contain equipment that controls the flow of electricity from a power supply to the end user. Cooperatives locate substations according to consumer demand; areas of high demand are likely to have a substation nearby. Cooperative specialists inspect substations at least every month. They also read the meters inside on a regular basis to determine how much power is passing through the substation.

may 2015 Union Power CooperativeD

POWERING YOUR LIFE

substation safety

What Are Substations?Substations are facilities where voltage transformation takes place. Substations are where electricity is typically transferred from high-voltage transmission lines (energized at 100,000 volts), stepped down to 7,000 volts, and then sent back out on main distribution lines that carry it to local towns and neighborhoods.

Union Power currently has 23 substations. Each of these substations have between 4–10 circuit breakers that send power out to circuit lines serving the locations on our system.

Danger — Keep Out!Union Power Cooperative has placed signs, “Danger - Keep Out” or “Warning - High Voltage” on substation fences for your protection.

The electrical substation changes the extremely high voltage carried by the long-distance transmission lines into the lower distribution voltage that serves homes and businesses. In order to perform this task, the substation needs a direct feed from the transmission line into the substation structure. The equipment within the substation is always under high voltage electrical load. Substation technicians, co-op linemen, and maintenance crews are trained to work in high voltage situations and to recognize and avoid potential hazards in the substation. Some of the pieces of equipment in the substation equipment could be energized at more than 100,000 volts. Remember, substation fences mark the danger zone for you. You are safe if you stay away from them.

Please talk with your children about electrical substations and make sure they understand these facts and why they must stay away from them.

Union Power Cooperative may 2015 E

Transmission LinesElectric power enters the substation in 3 separate lines (“3-phase power”). The lines contain very high voltage (a measure of the current’s pressure), ranging from 44,000 volts to 760,000 volts, depending on consumer demand in the area.

Circuit SwitchersLike the switches inside the wall panel circuit-breaker box in your house, these protect the transmission system’s equipment in the event of a circuit interruption. They can disconnect the circuit if necessary.

Power TransformerLowers voltage from transmission voltage to distribution voltage, typically down to 7,200 volts or 14,400 volts. Functions similarly to a transformer on the pole outside your house, which lowers voltage to be handled by your house’s electrical system. Contains mineral oil and fans to cool the windings inside.

Potential TransformersMeasures how much electricity passes through the substation. This is how the co-op is billed for its power. Functions like the meter on your house. Measurement is read at box below.

Voltage RegulatorsControls voltage according to demand. They can step up the voltage, or step it down. They contain mineral oil to cool the coils inside.

ReclosersIf a fault occurs on the distribution circuit, reclosers open the circuit to protect the substation, similar to the circuit breaker in your home.

Distribution LinesPower leaves the substation on 3-phase circuit to be distributed to consumers along the system.

Warning/Danger SignsWarning signs posted on the gate and fence, and danger signs inside the substation, warn about high voltage. Signs are written in English and Spanish on most substations. Gate remains locked at all times. Security devices on gates notify the co-op if someone enters the substation yard.

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Objects commonly placed in electrical outletsEvery year, 2,400 children are injured after inserting household objects into electrical outlets. These are the most common objects placed in outlets.

may 2015 Union Power CooperativeF

Check out the free Co-op Connections app for iPhone®, iPad®, iPod® Touch, and Android™ devices! It travels with you, allowing you to:

• Have a virtual card (front and back) with vital prescription discount info on your phone

• Use your phone’s GPS feature to find nearby businesses that accept the card

• Identify your favorite discount deals and save them in “My Deals” for easy access

Simply search for “Co-op Connections” in the iTunes store or at Play.Google.com.

nearly 100 local discounts!Union Power continues to welcome new businesses to our Co-op Connections Card program. We now have nearly 100 local retailers currently offering discounts to members!

Co-op Connection Fast Facts! • At connections.coop, a Locate Providers search lists 200 local participating pharmacies!

• With Co-op Connections’ Healthy Savings, Union Power members can get discounts on dental, vision, hearing, lab work & imaging, and chiropractor visits!

• If you do not have a Co-op Connections card, you may print one by visiting connections.coop and clicking the card at the top. Be sure to select Union Power Cooperative on the next screen!

Check Out These & Many Other New Businesses! • Gold’s Gym in 4 locations! Epicentre Charlotte, Albemarle, Rock Hill and Harrisburg (No Enrollment Fee and 10% off normal rates. Not to be combined with any other discounts)

• Iron Horse Motorcycles Monroe (10% off accent parts)

• Subway Sun Valley in Indian Trail (Buy any footlong or 6” sandwich and drink, get a 6” sandwich of equal or lesser value for free)! Seven other Subway locations are also offering discounts (6 locations in Union County and 1 in Mecklenburg County)

• Treehouse Vineyards, Inc. Monroe (10% off any gift shop item including wine)

Visit our Co-op Connections, Participating Businesses page on union-power.com for a complete listing of local discounts!

Union Power Cooperative may 2015 G

may is electrical safety month

May is National Electrical Safety Month, and in recognition of the occasion, Union Power is raising awareness about potential home electrical hazards and the importance of electrical safety. Home electrical failures cause more than 50,000 fires, resulting in 450 lives lost, 1,500 injuries and $1.5 billion in property damage each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

“We have to do everything we can to make sure our cooperative members don’t ever become a part of those statistics,” said Greg Andress, the Co-op’s executive vice president and general manager. “That’s why we’re joining the national conversation about electrical safety this month to educate our members about potential electrical dangers.”

Please take the time to check your home for these potentially hazardous electrical situations:

Inside the Home • Inspect electrical cords often for broken connectors or fraying. Throw away any worn cords to eliminate the possibility of shock, short circuit or fire.

• Don’t overload power outlets.

• The wattage of the bulbs you use in your home should match the wattage indicated on the light fixture. Overheated fixtures can lead to a fire.

• When trying to unplug something from an outlet, pull on the plug, not the cord.

• Keep in mind that turned off appliances are still connected to electricity until they are unplugged. To clean or repair these appliances always unplug them first.

• Use extension cords only for short-term purposes, and make sure the cord is adequately suited for the amount of electricity it will be transferring.

• Turn off and unplug all portable electrical appliances, like hairdryers, irons and shavers, when you’re finished using them.

• Be familiar with the location of your breaker box and make sure the switches are clearly labeled so you can shut off electricity quickly in the event of an emergency.

Outside the Home • If there is a downed power line nearby, leave the area immediately and notify our office or call 911. If others are around, let them know that they need to stay away.

• “Call Before You Dig.” Dial 811 before starting a digging project, and workers will be sent to your home to mark utility lines in your yard. This service is free, and it has the potential to save your life.

• Never use electrical equipment near any wet areas, such as pools or ponds.

• Safety is a year-round responsibility, but take the time right now to recognize National Electrical Safety Month by checking your home for potential risks. It only takes a few minutes to make sure you won’t become one of those troubling statistics. Visit union-power.com, and click on Safety for more tips!

Cooperative Review is published monthly by

Union Power Cooperative provides safe and reliable power with exceptional value to more than 70,000 member accounts in Union, Stanly, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, and Rowan counties.

Greg AndressExec. Vice President & General Manager

Carrie C. Stroud, CCCEditor

Rhonda Smith, CCCAssociate Editor

BOARD OF DIRECTORSB. L. Starnes, PresidentLee Roy Kirk, Jr., Vice PresidentJan Haigler, Secretary-TreasurerDent H. Turner, Jr., Asst. Secretary-TreasurerJuanita W. PoplinNeil W. Hasty, Jr.Carole P. JonesJim T. HartsellDavid G. HyattTom J. Caudle

Business Hours8 AM to 5 PM Monday–Friday704-289-3145 or 704-485-3335Toll-free: 1-800-922-6840union-power.com

24-Hour Outage Reporting Serviceand Account Information1-800-794-4423

Call Before DigNC One Call Center — Dial 811

SERVICE CHARGES:Security Deposit-charges vary $0, $175, $375Connection Fee $25Late Payment Charge $5 or 1.5% of past due balance, if greaterReturned Check Fee $25Meter Test $75 (refunded if not accurate)Dual Meter Comparison $50 (refunded if not accurate)Trip Charge $25 (checks or money orders only, no cash)

RECONNECT CHARGES:(collected in advance)Normal Hours $50 (if called in before 4:00 PM)After Hours $100 (if called in after 4:00 PM)Weekends and Holidays $100

right-of-way clearingDuring the next month, you may see our tree-trimming crews in your neighborhood. ABC Professional Tree Services, Asplundh Tree Experts, and Carolina Tree Care will be working in Mecklenburg and Union counties:

Mecklenburg: Aylesbury Ln, Beaver Dam Ln, Beaver Stream Rd, Burmester Ln, Camberwell Rd, Canterway Dr, Casual Corner Ln, Danbrooke Park Dr, Ellesmere Ct, Errington Ln, Farm Oak Ln, Gofview Ct, Hitchgate Dr, Kuck Rd, Lawyers Rd, Markus Dr, Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Morris Farm Ln, Oakwielde Ct, Old Oak Ln, Peckham Rye Rd, Pitchfork Ln, Plashet Ln, Quail Ridge Dr, Rebus Rd, Stallings Rd, Thamesmead Ln, Well Rd, Willowbend Ln, Wyndbend Ln

Union: Abbotsbury Ct, Alexis Dr, Amanda Dr, Antioch Church Rd, Beulah Church Rd, Birchaven Dr, Bonds Grove Church Rd, Bromley Dr, Brookstone Ln, Brown Ln, Carol Ave, Cedar Hill Dr, Chewton Glen Dr, Cox Rd, Crane Rd, Deercross Ln, Dillingham Ct, Fairhaven Rd, First Ave, Forest Lawn Dr, Foxbridge Dr, Foxmead Dr, Foxton Rd, Glen Oaks Dr, Glynwater Ln, Goldmine Rd, Granite Ct, Greenbrook Pkwy, Hardwood Dr, Hunter Ln, Hunting Creek Dr, Indian Trail Fairview Rd, Jacquelyne Dr, Jim Parker Rd, Kee Ct, Kennedy Dr, Kirby Ln, Lochaven Rd, Longview Ct, Maness Dr

For more information about Union Power’s vegetation management program or tree trimming practices, please call 704-289-3145 and speak with Wil Ortiz (ext. 3323) or Carrie Lorenz-Efird (ext. 3291). Visit our website, union-power.com, for monthly right-of-way clearing updates.

members say thanksUnion Power employees often receive feedback from our members. We appreciate the positive feedback and suggestions to improve service. Your recent comments:

“I appreciate the wonderful service and hard work of the Co-op’s operations personnel, right-of-way crews and all Union Power employees. A big THANK YOU to everyone there for what you do to keep the power on!”

— Cathy M. of Monroe

“I want to thank the crews involved in restoring my power. I appreciated them working out in the cold. We take so many things for granted that are provided to us by electricity.”

— Marsha H. of Indian Trail

“I speak for many residents tonight in expressing my gratitude for the speedy return of my power. Like most people I rarely take the time to comment when a job is done well. Thank you!”

— Martha B. of Weddington

“Union Power installed my underground service, moved a pole and then a service crew followed up with a visit. Union Power definitely has its act together! All the dealings I’ve with the Co-op have been great, and your crews went above and beyond what I expected. They got the job done perfectly!”

— Paul O. of Oakboro (former lineman from Indiana)

“I really appreciated the quick response and service I received during an outage yesterday!”

—Debbie H. of Mint Hill

“I appreciate the crew that came out to restore my power early this morning. Union Power is top of the line and always provides excellent service!”

— Rhonda S. of Concord