[White River]

WHITE RIVER ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

coloradocountrylife.coop 7JULY 2015

The Power of American IndependenceBY ALAN MICHALEWICZ | | GENERAL MANAGER | | AMICH@WREA.ORG

FFireworks and flags. Cook-outs and cold drinks. The Fourth of July is a festive day when we celebrate our nation’s independence with family and friends. Typi-cally, this is not a day of quiet reflection. While we spend a lot of energy having fun, if we give any thought about our forbearers and their determined efforts to bring about our nation’s independence, it’s fleeting.

An independent spirit is a part of our DNA. However, it is worth reflecting that this uniquely American spirit of indepen-dence remains part of our collective DNA more than 200 years after the Declara-tion of Independence was crafted and the independent nation of the United States was formed. And this sense of indepen-dence served us well. For example, nearly 80 years ago, an independent streak in-spired groups of farmers across America’s countryside to band together and improve their quality of life. Aside from President Franklin Roosevelt’s promise of federal aid in the form of low-interest loans and engineering expertise, rural Americans had little help in bringing electricity to their homes. So they did it themselves by pulling together and working coopera-tively — a shining example of American determination and ingenuity.

For more than 40 years, nearly every president since Richard Nixon, dur-ing the time of the Arab oil embargo, talked about the goal of U.S. energy independence — reducing our reliance on imported oil and other forms of foreign energy. Today, while we still have a way to

go, we are closer to that goal more than ever before. We are exporting more gas and im-porting less foreign fuel than in recent memory. American ingenuity in the form of new technology and innovation is opening options and spurring greater efficiency across all forms of energy. According

to the Energy Information Administra-tion, energy expenditures as a share of gross domestic product are forecast at 6.2 percent in 2015, their lowest level since 2002, reflecting both lower oil prices and

ongoing increases in energy efficiency. Consumers have an important role to

play on the road to energy independence. They don’t have to wait for Democrats and Republicans to agree or environmen-talists and fossil fuel advocates to reach consensus on a path to energy indepen-dence. Consumers play a part in moving us toward national energy independence by taking action in simple, practical ways: insulating and caulking around windows, doors and electrical outlets; washing clothes in cold water instead of hot; replacing air filters; installing a program-mable thermostat; and using more ener-gy-efficient appliances and home heating and cooling systems. Efficiency efforts can cut costs for individual households,

but the collective benefit to our country is even greater.

If we all work together to achieve increased energy efficiency and reduce our overall energy consumption, we can make even more progress on our road toward energy independence. At White River Electric Association, we want to be a resource for you in this effort. We can provide energy-saving tips tailored for your unique household needs.

In addition, White River Electric along with other electric co-ops across the country are actively engaged in promot-ing renewable energy resources, such as

wind, solar, hydropower and biomass, including landfill gas, livestock waste, timber by-products and crop residue. Today, all of Colorados' electric co-ops provide electricity produced by renewable sources, all playing a key role in powering rural America while fostering our nation’s energy independence.

Recent advances in technology are transforming how we make and move electricity, and over time these changes will greatly improve the efficiency and reliability of electric power. So this Fourth of July, as you gaze up at the fireworks lighting up the night sky, reflect on the enduring spirit of independence that is integral to our American character.

Alan J. Michalewicz

If we all work together to achieve increased energy efficiency and reduce our overall energy consumption, we can make even more progress on our road toward energy independence.

[White River]

coloradocountrylife.coop4 JULY 20158

HCo-ops Embrace Water Heater TechnologiesHot water looms large in the list of house-hold expenses. Showers, laundry, dishes — they all require hot water. If you think about it, we use a significant amount of energy to heat water. Now, utilities and manufacturers are teaming up to bring you new water heaters equipped with technology that can make the electric grid smarter and more efficient.

Electric co-ops are on the forefront of research by testing new water heater tech-nologies, including ways to improve the use of water heaters to integrate renew-able energy onto the electric grid.

Water heaters are unique among elec-tric home appliances. They are omnipres-ent, use significant amounts of electricity and can store thermal energy for hours at a time.

Electric co-ops have partnered with their members on demand response pro-grams for decades. This allows the co-op to turn home water heaters on and off in order to reduce how much power the co-

op uses during peak periods, when power is more expensive. Members get a break on their bill in exchange for participation. New communication and automation technologies make this process more reli-able, predictable and efficient.

More than 250 electric co-ops in 35 states use large capacity, electric resis-tance water heaters that can reduce the co-op’s power cost and store electricity produced by wind and hydropower. For example, when the wind blows at night — when most of us are sleeping and whole-sale power is cheaper — the electricity produced can be used to heat water in our homes. The water remains hot even if the water heater is turned off for a short period. In other words, collectively, water heaters can act like a battery, storing energy.

For all of these reasons, electric co-ops were dismayed in 2010 when the U.S. De-partment of Energy issued new efficiency standards for electric water heaters that

made demand response programs using large capacity, electric resistance water heaters difficult.

For the last five years, electric co-ops have worked with efficiency advocates, manufacturers and others to ensure that we can take advantage of new technolo-gies that benefit our members. In April, Congress passed legislation that allows co-ops to continue to run these demand response programs.

Electric co-ops across the country hailed this bipartisan legislation as a win for consumers. Collectively, the cur-rent water heater programs can reduce demand by an estimated 500 megawatts, saving consumers hundreds of millions of dollars and avoiding the need for new power plants.

Electric co-ops are now looking ahead and collaborating with partners to make sure the next generation of water heaters can provide more than just hot water.

[White River]

coloradocountrylife.coop 9JULY 2015

TTo seal or not to seal the crawl space is a recurring dilemma for many homeown-ers. To begin, why do homes have crawl spaces? Crawl spaces became a by-product when concrete block foundations were introduced. They cost less than base-ments to build, and they provide access to plumbing, ductwork and some electrical components. Decades ago, conventional wisdom introduced vents and it was be-lieved they would keep the crawl space area dry. However, the vents introduced a few unintended consequences.

Some compelling facts about crawl spaces were unveiled through years of field practice by industry experts, a better understanding of building science, the introduction of diagnostic equipment, relative humidity and dew point monitors and infrared cam-eras. In fact, many builders across the country who understand building science are no longer building vented crawl spaces, and some building codes are changing to accept properly sealed crawl spaces.

Experience taught us that a properly sealed crawl space with a properly installed moisture barrier will dramatically reduce unwanted moisture and thwart heat gain and loss. Proper air and moisture sealing improves comfort and reduces heating and cooling costs. Additional benefits are the elimination of the earthy smell inside a home caused by a damp crawl space and elimina-tion of the environment that promotes the growth of mold and mildew — even the floors will be warmer during the winter. Also, properly sealed crawl spaces can be used for storage.

Many existing homes with vented crawl spaces can be retrofit-ted and sealed if they meet some important criteria. First, let’s address how nature affects the crawl space. Remember: Heat moves to cool on our wonderful planet. On a summer day, our nice cool crawl space becomes an attraction for hot and humid air. The hot air moves through the vents to the cooler crawl space causing everything to become warmer, even the ductwork and floors. If the ground is not properly covered with a moisture barrier, water vapor from the ground and air will condense on cooler surfaces. This is why most ductwork located in vented crawl spaces has evidence of condensation with mold and mildew on the outer side of the insulation. Uninsulated ducts may show signs of rust and corrosion. The opposite happens

during the winter. The warmer air under the floor escapes through the foundation vents. This causes the floors to become quite cold, sometimes causing pipes to freeze and break.

If your crawl space is dry year-round without any standing or recurring drainage problems and your home is free from any plumbing leaks, you could be a candidate for sealing.

Sealing a crawl space is not too difficult, but it does take time to properly complete the job. A rigid moisture barrier is paramount. There are companies that sell quality, watertight moisture barriers and special mastics and tapes to ensure an airtight and waterproof seal. Foam board can be used for sealing the inner side of the vents.

If you live in an area where radon could be an issue, contract with an authorized entity to handle your project. Also, if you live in an area where termites exist and insurance is required, con-tact your policyholder and inquire about its parameters concern-ing sealed crawl spaces. It may require a gap between the top of the moisture barrier and the band joist for inspection purposes. Many termite companies now offer this service.

Bret Curry is the residential energy manager for a statewide electric cooperative association.

TO SEAL OR NOT TO SEALBY BRET CURRY

A sealed crawl space in the winter with a relative humidity of 50 percent.

A properly sealed crawl space with rigid moisture barrier and foam insulated floor.

Co-ops Embrace Water Heater Technologies

Neighborhood WatchIf electric wires in your neighborhood are sagging or a tree limb is pushing the line out of place, keep your neighborhood safe by alerting your electric co-op.

[White River]

coloradocountrylife.coop4 JULY 201510

S

CCamping is an outdoor leisure activity that many people take advantage of during the sum-mer season. As with all summer fun, being safe needs to be a priority. Safe Electricity wants you to stay safe and has some electrical safety tips to take along on any trip that involves recreational vehicle camping.

Tragically, last summer a 3-year-old boy was electrocuted as a result of faulty wiring that electrified the family’s camper. The child was touching a door handle of the camper while standing on wet ground when he was electrocuted.

Such a situation in which an RV frame is electrically charged is often referred to as “hot skin.” Improper wiring or connec-tion, no grounding, reversed polarity and loose or worn outlets are just some of the potential causes. If a hot skin hazard exists, simply opening the door or coming into contact with the hitch can cause shock or electrocution.

To help prevent hot skin, your RV’s electrical system needs to be regularly tested and maintained. A professional electrician can help you make sure the wiring in your RV is safe.

Perform a visual inspection of cords, plugs and outlets. If there

are cracked or frayed cords or bro-ken or discolored plugs or outlets, do not use them. Have them replaced or repaired. Make sure RVs are equipped with fire extinguishers as well as per-manently installed carbon monoxide and fire detectors.

Always use electrical cords rated for the use they will get. Make sure the power demand of the appliances that will be used does not exceed the cord’s rating. To plug your RV into a camp-ground power pedestal, use a heavy duty, four-wire cord with a grounding wire, not an extension cord.

Know the amperage your RV draws and the amperage available. If you try to draw more amperage than is available, you can cause serious damage to the electrical source and your RV or start a fire. Also, make sure you know where your electrical panel and major switches are.

Before using a campground hookup, do a visual inspection of the area. If a campground hookup appears to be damaged, put safety first and request another spot. Making the campground aware of the damage will also help future campers at that site. In addition, be sure to have the proper cord. Never plug more than one RV into a single hookup. As with a generator, plug your RV in before turning appliances on.

Electrical Safety Tips for RV Camping

PRACTICE OUTDOOR SAFETYSummer is in full swing and that means it is time for fun in the sun! As you find yourself spending more time outdoors, White River Electric reminds you to stay safe.

Planning a home improvement proj-ect? When working outdoors, you may be using tools, such as ladders, power tools, shovels or even paintbrushes with extendable arms. These items help you get the job done but have the potential to be dangerous if used improperly.

Pay attention to where you place metal ladders or dig for fence posts. Before you start any project, always look up and avoid overhead power lines. Keep a minimum of 10 feet between you and overhead lines.

If you are planning a project that requires digging, remember to dial 8-1-1 first to find out if the area you will be working in is clear of underground power lines. Power tools should be kept away from wet surfaces, and outlets should not be overloaded.

Children should never climb trees near power lines — al-ways assume a wire is live. Fly kites and remote-controlled airplanes in large open areas like a park or field, safely away from trees and overhead power lines.

Planning to take a dip in the pool? Electrical devices, such as stereos, should be kept at least 10 feet away from water sources, and outdoor electrical

outlets should always be covered. If you hear a rumble of thunder, exit the pool right away.

Summer storms can be dangerous if you’re caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you find yourself outdoors during a storm, move toward suitable shelter with covered sides and stick to low-lying ground if possible.

Exploring the great outdoors is a great way to spend time with the family, but remember to keep these safety tips in mind.