Watts Inside:

For Our MembersOctober 2017

MVlink’s Progress & ProcessPage 2

Pull the PlugPage 3

Hollow Tree Legacy ExpandsPage 4

Annual Meeting Cash Prize WinnersPage 5

RECarePage 5

Iowa LIHEAP 2017-2018 GuidelinesPage 6

MVEC Receives Economic Development Impact AwardPage 7

2017-2018 Heat Plus RatePage 7

#coopmonth

“Our business is a true family venture.”

Page 4Deb Kleitsch, Monticello

Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative Celebrates National Co-op Month

Hollow Tree Legacy Expands

Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative is celebrating National Co-op Month in October, along with 40,000 other cooperative businesses serving more than 120 million people nationwide. “Cooperatives Commit” is the theme of this year’s celebration, when cooperatives across the nation engage in efforts to make more people aware of the advantages of the cooperative business model.

As member-owned and member-controlled businesses, cooperatives commit to meeting the needs of their members and communities, rather than generating returns for distant investors.

Consider these ways that co-ops commit:

Cooperatives Commit to Community - The seventh cooperative principle is Concern for Community. Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through employee involvement in local organizations, through charitable contributions to community efforts and through support for schools.

Cooperatives Commit to Jobs - Cooperatives generate jobs in their communities, keep profits local and pay local taxes to help support community services. Cooperatives often take part in community improvement programs, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to benefit from the cooperative experience.

Cooperatives Commit to Trust - Most co-ops strive to adhere to seven key cooperative principles, which combine to help build trust between the co-op, its members and the community. For example, the first principle is Voluntary and Open Membership, which means that we are a voluntary organization open to all people to use our services and willing to accept the responsibility of membership. The second principle, Democratic Member Control, gives members a voice in the cooperative’s policies and decisions. Through the fifth principle, Education, Training and Information, we enable members to contribute to the development of our cooperative.

Cooperatives Commit to a Better World - Through all of the above ways, cooperatives build a better world.

Smoke alarms should be replaced 10 years from the date of manufacture.

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A message from Fiber COO, Jeremy RichertMVlink’s Progress & Process

It has been an exciting and busy time since the Board of Director’s approval of the MVlink smart grid project in April 2016. Design efforts began during the summer of 2016 and on November 4, 2016, construction activity officially

began. The first internet connection was completed on February 23, 2017, and the first phone connection was completed on June 8, 2017.

Today, we have completed 360 miles of mainline construction in 16 service areas. Over 950 members have signed up to take service in these areas. Service drops have been installed at 424 locations and just over 350 members are connected.

Phase 1 of the project is in Dubuque County and Phase 2 near Anamosa was kicked off in June 2017. We are actively constructing the mainline fiber and installing drops in both Phases. The majority of connected members are in Phase 1, and members in Phase 2 are starting to be connected now. The remaining areas of the system will be completed in Phases 3 and 4 over the next couple of years. This project is economically feasible because we are able to take advantage of the roughly 63,000 poles we currently have installed on the electrical system. Installing fiber on our existing poles is 70% less expensive than burying it underground, and still provides a reliable network.

Several of our electric employees entered a communications learning curve, and we welcomed several new employees, accounting for 14 employees now focused on the fiber project. We are also managing approximately 75 contracted employees to assist us in the many steps needed to build this network.

The first step is to gather field data and put a design together that identifies the amount of fiber needed in a given area and where equipment will need to be located. Pulse Broadband, an engineering consulting firm, is helping us with the design. When issues are identified, our electric line crews need to complete

make ready pole work that will allow the fiber cable to be safely attached.

The mainline is the backbone of the fiber network and builds the network out from the substation hub to the homes and businesses that we serve as well as to our downline electrical equipment that we want to establish communications with. The fiber is actually smaller than a piece of hair and the cables that are mounted to the poles will carry anywhere from 12 to 144 fibers depending on where it fits into the network. We are building the network out by substation feeder areas, with each area around 25-40 miles in length. We have hired Smart Communications to complete the mainline construction work.

The hubs are the brains of our fiber network. They are installed throughout our service area and consist of routers, servers, and switches that direct the flow of data across the network and ensure it is operating as designed. The hubs represent our connection to the internet world and allow for websites to be viewed, data to be transferred, and phone calls to be made.

The final step in the network buildout is to install the service drop. The drop consists of a single fiber that is used to connect the mainline network to the side of the home or business. The fiber service drops follow the path of the secondary electrical wire as much as possible and can be installed overhead, underground, or a combination of overhead and underground depending on how the property is laid out. Prior to the drop being installed, we will schedule a pre-drop meeting. At the pre-drop meeting, we will review the proposed route to get the fiber connected to the home and determine if there are any obstacles that might affect the install. Typical obstacles include things like dog fences, underground sprinklers, private electrical, and septic systems. Once the final route has been determined, the drop is passed to yet another contractor, Corridor Networks, for installation.

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The son of Jason & Heidi Pellymonter of Durango, is excited to see speeds of 1 Gigabyte.

Pull the Plug

Once construction of the mainline, hubs, and service drops have been completed, we are able to inject light onto the network and transfer data as needed. When a member signs up to take service from MVlink, an appointment will be scheduled for one of our service technicians to visit the property and install a fiber jumper inside the home where it will be connected to a router. This is truly a fiber to the home network as the fiber is extended all the way into the home. The technician will work with you to identify the best placement of the router in your home to ensure you get the performance you expect. The average installation takes about two hours and once completed the member can begin using MVlink internet and phone services.

On the electrical side, we are currently able to collect smart grid data from our substation equipment and meters, but have no means of communicating with the equipment in between. The fiber network solves that communications problem and allows us to gather data from all areas of our electrical system. This data will be used to operate the system during outages, help direct maintenance activities, and help us to monitor and regulate the system as more and more distributed generation is connected to the grid in the coming years. We currently have five substations connected to the new fiber network.

We have been very pleased and appreciative of the interest our members have shown in the project. We are seeing over 30 and 40 percent of our members sign up in several of the open service

areas and almost 2,800 members have indicated an interest on our website at www.MVlink.coop. Showing interest on the webpage ensures you will be one of the first members contacted when we start construction in your area. The website also allows you to track the progress of our project and learn more about the data and voice packages we offer.

Speeds are significantly faster than what competitors are providing across the majority of our service territory, ranging from 50 Mbps to 1 Gbps and pricing is competitive starting at only $59.95 per month. We have had over 20% of our sign ups take the 100 Mbps package at $69.95 per month. MVlink can also meet all your wifi needs for an additional $4.95 per month where we will provide, install, and configure a wireless router for you, connect your devices, and then provide ongoing troubleshooting should any issues occur. To date, over 70% of the activated members have elected to take the wifi service. In addition to the internet services, telephone service can be added to any package for $34.95 per month. We also have business packages available.

We have made a significant amount of progress since last November with the MVlink project. The interest we have seen early in the project confirms that we are not only meeting the needs of our members today, but we will also meet their needs in the future with the MVlink product by offering unprecedented internet speeds at very affordable prices; very similar to how we met member’s electrical needs 82 years ago. It is wonderful to hear members say things like: “We have been waiting 12 years for internet service in this area.”

“I can finally work from home and not worry about my internet dropping off mid-email.”

“I’ve been paying hundreds of dollars a month in cellular data charges. This is going to save us tons of money.”

Do you have old appliances no longer in use and taking up space? We can help you recycle them! The Pull the Plug program pays you for saving energy responsibly. Sign up today by calling our recycling contractor, CLEAResult, at 855-838-7817 (toll-free). Please have your account number handy as you will be asked to provide it. Appliances in working condition (runs and cools) will qualify for the following rewards: Refrigerator: $35 Freezer: $25 Window AC: $25(Limited to three appliances per year.)

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Grace Zimmerman, Anamosa, Iowa

The hollow tree stump outside of Hollow Tree Gifts & Floral.

Shannon Frasher & Deb Kleitsch

Fresh flowers are available for any occasion.

Bedding plants fill two greenhouses each spring.

Hollow Tree Legacy Expands

On a lovely summer day, I was greeted at 23704 Valley Road just south of Highway 151 about five miles north of Monticello. I first paused to take a photo of a huge hollow tree stump. It didn’t take me long to determine as to how the Hollow Tree Gifts & Floral received its name. Sometimes my brain works in mysterious ways.

Shop owner, Deb Kleitsch, informed me, “Our business began after 2000. That’s when our daughter, Shannon, went to study floral design at Kirkwood Community College and it did not take her long to figure out this was what she loved to do.” Deb and Shannon decided they would pursue the beauty of this talent by placing items in kiosk space in surrounding area stores. They also added gifts and collectibles along with home décor.

After a few years of being successful and growing the business, they decided that they would prefer

to have a home-based business. To accomplish this, Deb and her husband, Marv, needed to do a little remodeling of their third generation family farm.

They decided to add a garage connected to the house along with extra space for a gift and flower shop. Shannon added, “The big hollow tree was standing in the spot where the shop now resides.” Deb then stated, “The shop opened in 2011 just in time for Valentine’s Day. At this time, Marv was working for McDermott Oil and still farming. This allowed me to stay at home and continue to help

out on the farm and take care of things when Marv went off to work. Our business is a true family venture. Marv has been a great support and always helps with deliveries for occasions such

as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and weddings, which is a specialty of Shannon’s. We mostly serve the Monticello and Cascade area.” There is another special angle to their business. “In the spring, we fill two greenhouses with flowering bedding plants and we also offer custom potting for our customers,” said Deb. “This has become a specialty of ours.”

This business is unique in its own way. Deb and Shannon offer much in the way of other gifts and home décor, as well as offering their service in selecting custom decorating if need be.

Deb and Shannon also mentioned they like to host open houses during the various seasons or holidays. Their Christmas open house will be November 8-12, 2017. “We know that we can depend on Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative for the service we need, when we need it,” said Deb.

Hollow Tree Gifts & Floral’s normal business hours are Tuesday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mondays are available for appointments. The shop phone number is 319-465-3926. Visit www.hollowtreegiftsandfloral.com, or search for them on Facebook. Deb added, “It’s a good location close to the highway and the road is

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A glimpse of the gifts and home décor items inside Hollow Tree Gifts & Floral.

RECare is a voluntary energy assistance program established to help low income families weatherize and heat their homes. Funds collected are distributed by local community action agencies. The money

stays in the area; it is a program of members helping members!

One Time Pledge $___ Payable to:

Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative

Monthly Pledge:$1.00 ___ $2.00 ___$3.00 ___ $5.00 ___

Other $___

I hereby authorize MVEC to add this monthly pledge to my electric bill.

I understand I can cancel my monthly pledge at any time by

notifying MVEC in writing.

Account # _______________Name ______________________Address _______________________________________________Phone __________________

109 N. Huber StreetAnamosa, IA 52205

800-927-6068www.mvec.coop

October 2017

in good condition all throughout the year thanks to the local Jones County Secondary Roads employee.”

Make yourself a promise. Stop by Hollow Tree Gifts & Floral! It’s the answer to your flower needs, gifts, home décor, helping get ready for a special occasion, or just because. Hollow Tree Gifts & Floral lends a helping hand to make your wants to become your needs. It’s been my custom to add to my younger family members’ savings account. This may be the year that I should provide each some item that will become part of the heritage passed on from Grandma.

Over 500 members and guests were in attendance at the Annual Meeting on August 24, 2017. Members enjoyed a delicious meal and participated in the business of their Cooperative. Cash prize winners are listed below.

Annual Meeting Cash Prize Winners

Kay Tracy, BellevueMary Lou Bradley, DubuqueNorma Weber, BernardLloyd Kelchen Grain LTD, EdgewoodJoyce Jarding, FarleyCarmin Blake, Maquoketa Tom Jasper, DyersvilleArden Fischer, ManchesterPaul Ruggeberg, MaquoketaDaniel White, CascadeSue Bergfeld, PeostaPete Smith, OlinDwain Kilburg, BellevueRaphael Frett, PrestonKenneth Smith, Peosta

Kenneth Faust, Strawberry PointVerna Mae Johannes, DyersvilleRichard Merrihew, DubuqueSteve Foust, ZwingleAnn Jantsch, PeostaRobert Dague, PeostaDavid Hunt, BernardDavid Hartman, DubuqueJohn Cate, Holy CrossWalter Kramer, WorthingtonJerome Callan, ManchesterOstwinkle Family Farm, EpworthAlice Cook, PeostaMickey Burlage, WorthingtonRobert Kloser, Epworth

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INCOME MAXIMUMSHousehold

Size30 Day

Gross IncomeAnnual

Gross Income12345678

$1,759$2,368$2,978$3,588$4,197$4,807$5,416$6,026

$21,105$28,420$35,735$43,050$50,365$57,680$64,995$72,310

For households with more than eight members, add $610 per 30-day period or $7,315 annually for each additional member.

COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCIESHawkeye Area Community Action CorporationJones County: Anamosa 319-462-4343Linn County: Hiawatha 319-393-7811

Iowa East Central T.R.A.I.N.Cedar County: Tipton 563-886-3191Clinton County: Clinton 563-243-5220 DeWitt 563-659-8492

Northeast Iowa Community Action CorporationClayton County: Elkader 563-245-2452

Operation New ViewDubuque County: Dubuque 563-556-5130Delaware County: Manchester 563-927-4629Jackson County: Maquoketa 563-652-5197

Operation ThresholdBuchanan County: Independence 319-334-6081

Iowa LIHEAP 2017-2018 GuidelinesThe 2017-2018 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been established to help qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay for a portion of their primary heating costs for the winter heating season. The assistance is based on household income, household size, type of fuel, and type of housing. To apply for assistance, please see the local community action agencies listed below.

WHEN TO APPLY:• Elderly (60 & over) and/or disabled

October 1, 2017, to April 30, 2018

• All other householdsNovember 1, 2017, to April 30, 2018

WHAT TO TAKE:• Proof of income for all household members

age 19 and older. (Check stubs from the previous 30 days, award letter from Social Security, or 2016 tax return.)

• Social Security numbers for all household members (documentation required)

• Recent heat bill• Recent electric bill

WAGE EARNERS:Please bring copies of your check stubs for the 30-day period preceding the date of application, or a copy of your federal income tax return.

FIXED INCOME:This income may include: Social Security Benefits, Supplemental Security Income, Family Investment Program, Veteran’s Assistance, Unemployment Insurance, and pensions. Please bring copies of your check stubs from the previous 30 days.

SELF-EMPLOYED/FARMERS:Please bring a copy of your most recent federal income tax return.

FIP RECIPIENTS:Please bring your current DHS Notice of Decision or contact your local office for acceptance document information.

If you receive alimony or child support, it will also need to be verified.

Watts Current by EmailIf you would prefer to

have the Watts Current emailed to you, please sign up by sending an email to

erobertson@mvec.coop

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MVEC CEO, Jim Lauzon, and President, Larry Swanson, received the Impact Award from IADG President, Rand Fisher.

Watts The Answer?

1. As ___________-owned and member-controlled businesses, cooperatives commit to meeting the needs of their members and communities, rather than generating returns for distant investors.

2. Smoke alarms should be replaced ____ years from the date of manufacture.

3. Service drops have been installed at 424 locations and just over ______ members are connected.

Mail your answers in with yourenergy bill or email them to erobertson@mvec.coop.

Two winners will each receive a $10.00 credit on their energy bills.

Please complete the following:Name

__________________________Address

__________________________

___________________________August winners:Marian Connolly, CascadeMark Drake, Maquoketa

MVEC Receives Economic Development Impact Award

The 2017-2018 Heat Plus rate with Power Cost Adjustment is $0.049 per kilowatt-hour for electricity used from October 1, 2017, through May 31, 2018. The bill you receive in November will reflect your first month’s usage for this heating season. MVEC strives to keep this rate as low as possible to encourage the installation of highly efficient heat pump systems. If you are planning a building or remodeling project, contact us at 800-927-6068 for energy efficient ideas.

2017-2018 Heat Plus Rate

During the Cooperative’s recent Annual Meeting, Rand Fisher, Iowa Area Development Group president, presented MVEC with an IADG Impact Award for community development. IADG recognized MVEC for economic development accomplishments and commitment to their local communities.

MVEC is expanding their Smart Grid technology by building a fiber network throughout their service area to connect every substation with fiber and ultimately every meter with a fiber connection. With a fiber connection to each home, members will have access to an affordable and reliable high-speed fiber internet connection. MVEC will also have a stronger two-way communication with their meters; allowing them to better track energy usage. Access to both electric power and high-speed internet are key factors in both community and business development. MVEC is an important economic development partner and provides a full array of additional services and assistance to create jobs and bolster the vitality of the communities and members they serve.

“We would like to commend the directors and staff of Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative for their ongoing commitment to business and community development,” stated Fisher. “Their investment in Smart Grid technology, and extending access to high-speed fiber internet service to members in their territory, is just another example of their leadership and direct involvement in supporting both business growth and community vitality in their region and Iowa.”

Printed by Julin Printing CompanyMonticello, IA

®

Maquoketa ValleyElectric Cooperative109 North Huber StreetAnamosa, Iowa 52205

Watts Currentis published monthly for the members of

Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative.Mailing Address:

109 North Huber Street • Anamosa, IA 52205 319-462-3542 or 800-927-6068

OFFICE HOURSMonday thru Friday • 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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