TIMES - LOOKING FORWARD TO A NEW YEAR PG 3 ELECTRIC NATURAL GAS PROPANE - The Energy Cooperative
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TIMES JANUARY & FEBRUARY • 2019
LOOKING FORWARD TO A NEW YEAR PG 3
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
pg 4 • WINTER SAFETY TIPS
pg 6 • SAFE, RELIABLE NATURAL GAS
pg 11 • HIGH BILL CONCERNS
pg 13 • COOPERATIVE ELECTIONS
ELECTRIC • NATURAL GAS • PROPANE
THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE WHAT’S INSIDE:
TIMES 3• PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Looking ahead to January & February 2019
4• WINTER SAFETY TIPS
Review tips for outages; space heaters;
home heating; winter driving and more.
6• SAFE, RELIABLE NATURAL GAS
Learn how we purchase and store natural
gas to meet your needs throughout the
entire year.
1500 GRANVILLE ROAD 8• FINANCIAL CORNER
NEWARK, OHIO 43058 Natural gas prices are rising. Read how
(800) 255-6815 this impacts our members.
9• DIRECTOR’S CORNER
District 6 Director, John Klauder
discusses your investment in The Energy
WWW.THEENERGYCOOP.COM Cooperative.
FEEDBACK@THEENERGYCOOP.COM
11 • HIGH BILL CONCERNS?
Our member service team provides tips
TODD WARE
PRESIDENT & CEO for high winter bills.
GARY BAKER 12 • EMPLOYEES GIVING BACK
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & Concern for community is one of our
PUBLIC RELATIONS core values. Read more about how our
employees give back to the communities
HEATHER JUZENAS
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER we serve.
13 • COOPERATIVE ELECTIONS
Gain insight into this year’s Board of
Directors elections, and see how we
COOPERATIVE MEMBERS – are expanding ways our members
PLEASE REPORT ANY CHANGE OF
EMAIL ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER
can participate in this key part of our
TO US AT (800) 255-6815 OR democratic process.
FEEDBACK@THEENERGYCOOP.COM.
14 • FEATURED RECIPE CONTEST
THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES Member Harlene Reidenbach shares her
IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF
THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE. WITH A
recipe for fruit bars.
CIRCULATION OF MORE THAN 63,000.
THIS MAGAZINE IS THE BI-MONTHLY
COMMUNICATION LINK BETWEEN
THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE BASED IN
NEWARK, OHIO, AND ITS MEMBERS.
2 THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 (800) 255-6815
President’s Message
LOOKING FORWARD TO 2019 BY TODD WARE, PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Here at The Energy Cooperative, propane meter read; apply for an Operation Round
we focus on providing the Up Grant or send us a message directly from your
safe, reliable, and affordable phone. The website also features a Member Center
energy you expect. Last year intended to provide quick access to the information
we continued our efforts of you need most often. We are working hard to
improving reliability for all our offer the quality member service you deserve and
members. Our crews worked continue to seek new ways to enhance our overall
hard to clear the rights-of- member experience.
Todd Ware way and prevent unnecessary
electric outages. We made significant upgrades We know many of our members have concern for
throughout our entire system; and worked to high energy bills this time of year. After several mild
ensure we have enough propane and natural gas winters, it started out cold this winter and energy
in reserve to meet our member’s needs this winter. usage is trending upward. The increased usage will
We finished rebuilding approximately eight miles likely create a noticeable difference in your energy
of transmission lines for our electric members, and bill. If you are concerned about a high energy bill,
made significant pipeline improvements to keep contact our Member Services department at 1-800-
natural gas flowing into your homes and businesses 255-6815 to discuss our budget billing options. Our
safely. Our propane team worked hard installing member service representatives can also connect
tanks this fall, and ensuring tanks were filled for you with community resources to assist with winter
winter’s early arrival. utility bills. We sincerely want to help you find
ways to control energy costs. That’s why we openly
In addition to providing safe and reliable energy, communicate with you about energy prices and
we are focused on expanding the connection with discuss ways to help manage usage. It’s never too
our members. We recognize that our members late to take steps towards reducing your winter
have varying level of needs and expectations for energy usage, including helpful tips in this issue
us. In response, we continue to provide options for (page 11).
members to get the information and the service
they need. Many members use SmartHub (our When you have questions about the reliability of
mobile application) providing them with increased your energy; our energy efficiency programs, your
insight into their account. Through SmartHub account, or any of our products or services, just ask
you can pay your bill; view current service status; us. When we know your wants and needs, we’re in a
review outages; and see your energy usage in better position to deliver successful results. So, call,
detail. You can also send messages to our member drop in and see us, or connect with us virtually by
services team through SmartHub. Our new website, using our messaging from the website and/or our
launched in late 2018, is much friendlier and easier social media. We are always glad to hear from you,
to view from any mobile device. We hope you notice and we are ready to listen.
a positive difference the next time you submit a
WWW.THEENERGYCOOP.COM JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 • THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES 3
Winter Safety TipsBY CONNIE HOGUE, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES & SAFETY
The Energy Cooperative cares about the following safety equipment on hand:
the safety of our members, and we • Chemical fire extinguisher
want you to be prepared during the • Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector that
cold winter months. Heavy snow, are in working order (Check prior to winter storm
high winds, and ice can cause several season and change batteries twice a year).
safety issues. This includes downed
power lines and dangerous driving HOME HEATING SAFETY
conditions. During an outage, our There are also a few dangerous behaviors you should
crews work as safely and quickly as always avoid when heating your home.
possible. There are a few things you • Never turn on the cook stove for heat. It is not safe.
can do, however, to ensure you are • Never use an electric generator indoors, inside
Connie Hogue prepared before an outage occurs. the garage, or near the air intake of your home.
Doing so significantly increases the risk of carbon
OUTAGE CHECKLIST monoxide poisoning.
• Have at least one heating source in working order in • Do not use a generator or appliances if they are
case the power goes out. wet.
• Consider a fireplace, indoor portable space heater, • Do not store gasoline indoors where the fumes
kerosene heater, or an electric generator to provide could ignite.
heat during an outage. • Never place a space heater on top of furniture or
• Collect extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm near water.
winter coats, mittens, gloves, scarves, and hats for
everyone in your home. GENERATOR SAFETY
• Have a power outage supply kit handy (flashlight, Never connect a standby generator into your home’s
extra batteries, first aid supplies, and bottled water). electrical system. There are only two safe ways to connect
• Make sure your fireplace is in good condition. If you a standby generator to your equipment.
have a wood burning fireplace, ensure you have
plenty of dry firewood available. If you have a gas • Stationary Generator: An approved generator transfer
log fireplace verify it is usable. switch, which keeps your house circuits separate
from the electric co-op, should be installed by a
SPACE HEATER SAFETY professional.
Whether you are supplementing your home heating with • Portable Generator: Plug appliances directly into the
space heaters, or using them for outages, space heaters outlet provided on the generator.
can be effective when used properly. The National Fire
Protection Association reminds the public, however, that Set up and run your generator in a well-ventilated area
space heaters should be used with caution as they do outside the home. Make sure it’s out and away from your
present potential fire hazards. Most of those fires started garage, doors, windows and vents. The carbon monoxide
by space heaters were a result of the heater being too generated is deadly.
close to flammable items, especially furniture and fabric
(such as clothes, curtains or bedding). If you decide to use Use a heavy-duty extension cord to connect electric
a space heater this winter season, be sure to use one with appliances to the outlet on the generator.
automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements.
Also, keep heat sources at least 3 feet away from anything. Start the generator first before connecting appliances.
Additionally, if you are utilizing space heaters plan to have
4 THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 (800) 255-6815
CAR AND EMERGENCY CHECKLIST
BE PREPARED
Plan to ensure you are protected for vehicle emergencies
during winter storms or inclement travel weather. The
BEFORE A STORM STRIKES
following items can help you in vehicle emergencies.
• Cell phone and portable charger
• Windshield ice scraper In the event of a power outage,
• Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries be prepared by keeping the
• Water following items in an easy-to-find
• Snack foods
• Heavy Blankets for all passengers
emergency supply kit.
• Spare winter gloves, hats and scarves
• Shovel.
WINTER STORM WARNING TERMS
WATER
• WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY: Expect winter weather Three-day supply, one
conditions (e.g., accumulation of snow, freezing rain,
and sleet) that could cause severe inconvenience and
gallon per person per
life-threatening hazards. day.
• FROST/FREEZE WARNING: Expect below-freezing
temperatures.
• WINTER STORM WATCH: Be alert; a storm is likely.
• WINTER STORM WARNING: Take action; the storm is in or Flashlight, extra batteries,
entering the area.
manual can opener,
• BLIZZARD WARNING: Seek refuge immediately! Snow
and strong winds, near-zero visibility, deep snow battery-powered or
drifts, and life-threatening wind chill. hand-crank radio, NOAA
• BLACK ICE: a thin coating of glazed ice on a surface. Weather Radio with tone
Perhaps the most dangerous of winter events is black ice.
alert.
Black ice is virtually clear, and forms when the surface air
temperature is freezing (or colder) and rain is falling. The
best recommendation for black ice is to avoid being out
in these conditions, especially at night. If you must drive,
FIRST AID KIT AND
exercise extreme caution. PRESCRIPTIONS
5 SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVING ON BLACK ICE First aid supplies, hand
• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. sanitizer and at least one
Remember it takes twice as long to stop on black ice.
• Never hit the brakes on ice to avoid skidding. Instead, week’s supply of prescriptions
hold your steering wheel steady. and medications for the
• Be vigilant in the early morning hours, when air family.
temperatures rise faster than the temperature of the
•
road’s surface.
Take extra caution when driving on bridges, PANTRY SUPPLIES
overpasses, and in tunnels.
• Don’t over correct your steering if you feel your car
• BEANS
sliding.
• CANNED FOOD
• CEREAL
Sources: National Safety Council, National Fire Protection
• DRIED FRUITS
Association
• DRIED MEATS/JERKY
•CRACKERS
• PASTA
• RICE
WWW.THEENERGYCOOP.COM • OATMEAL 5
MEETING YOUR NEEDS
WITH SAFE & RELIABLE
NATURAL GAS
BY DAN MCVEY, VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER – GAS OPERATIONS
The Energy Cooperative operates Base load storage is used to meet seasonal demand
three underground natural gas increases. Base load facilities can hold enough natural gas
storage fields on our transmission to satisfy our long-term seasonal demand requirements.
system. Located in Muskingum and These storage reservoirs are relatively low-deliverability,
Perry counties, these fields hold meaning the natural gas that can be extracted each day
enough gas to provide our base is limited. Instead, these facilities provide a prolonged,
load supply for natural gas, as well steady supply of natural gas.
as, some peak demand capability.
During any given winter month, Peak load storage, on the other hand, is designed to have
as much as half of all our natural high-deliverability for short periods of time, meaning
Dan McVey gas supply may come from our natural gas can be withdrawn from storage quickly
storage fields. This gas supply provides our members with should the need arise. Peak load facilities are intended to
reliability and protection from price volatility when the meet sudden, short-term demand increases.
demand is particularly high.
Natural gas storage plays a vital role in maintaining
Demand for natural gas is usually higher during the the reliability of supply needed to meet the needs of
winter months because it is used for heat in both our members. Storage is a buffer between production,
residential and commercial settings. Natural gas storage transmission and distribution. This buffer helps us ensure
is needed for meeting seasonal demand requirements adequate supplies of natural gas are in place for seasonal
and as insurance against unforeseen price spikes or demand shifts and unexpected surges. Natural gas in
supply disruptions. Unlike oil and other liquid fuels like storage also serves as insurance against any unforeseen
propane, natural gas isn’t stored in tanks. Instead it’s accidents, natural disasters, or other occurrences that
typically stored in underground storage facilities built may affect the production or delivery of natural gas. In
specifically for this purpose. Depleted gas production addition to serving those purposes, natural gas storage is
fields are the most common type of storage facility. also used for cost advantages; storing gas when prices are
low and withdrawing when market prices are higher to
Stored natural gas plays a vital role in ensuring that any hedge against gas cost increase.
excess supply delivered to us during the summer months
is available to meet the increased demand of the winter The bottom line is that we work hard to ensure our
months. Typically, natural gas is put into storage during natural gas supply meets your needs throughout the
the summer months (from April through October) and entire year. When you run natural gas appliances, or turn
withdrawn during the winter from (November to March). on your furnace, we want to ensure everything works
The recent trend towards natural gas electric generation without disruption. This reliable natural gas service takes
facilities has increased the demand for natural gas during a great amount of planning and work behind the scenes.
the summer months. It’s work we have been doing for years. We are proud to
provide our members with safe and reliable natural gas.
6 THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 (800) 255-6815
Propane Members
HAVE YOU SUBMITTED YOUR PROPANE READ RECENTLY?
We ask our propane members to submit a reading by the 12th of each month. Be sure to let us know if you have 20% or
less in your tank. By sharing the meter reading and the percentage of fuel in the tank, we can make sure you have the
propane you need (when you need it). Fees are applied if your tank is completely out of propane, as our team needs to
ensure it is safe to refill it. This includes a complete check of the tank and home interior to ensure your family stays safe.
Our propane team is working hard to keep our members tanks full during this busy season. If you have questions or
concerns about your account specifically, give us a call at 800-255-6815. Members can also send us an email through our
website to inquire about the propane schedule. Visit myenergycoop.com/contact to send an email to our member service
team. Questions? Give us a call at 800-255-6815.
WHAT’S THAT SMELL?
OUR NATURAL GAS AND PROPANE SMELLS BAD WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS OR PROPANE
ON PURPOSE. We add an odorant to our natural gas 1. Leave the building or the area immediately.
and propane that smells like rotten eggs. Natural gas and 2. Don’t light matches, touch electrical switches, use the
propane in their original state are odorless, we add an phone or start a motor vehicle.
organic compound called Mercaptan before the gas is
3. If you have propane, shut off your tank by turning the
delivered to help alert you to the presence of natural gas or
propane in or around your home. The source of a gas odor knob located under the blue dome clockwise.
could be inside your home from a leak in your house line or 4. Call 911 from a phone that is not near the leak.
appliance connection. It could also be outside from leaks
in a service or main line that could come into your home
5. Call The Energy Cooperative at 1-800-255-6815.
through foundation walls or drain lines. Our employees are on call 24 hours a day to respond to
emergencies.
THREE WAYS TO RECOGNIZE A NATURAL GAS OR 6. Never try to extinguish a gas fire or operate any
PROPANE LEAK pipeline valves.
1. SMELL: To help you SMELL a leak from a gas line or 7. Plan to meet our service person or provide access to
appliance, a familiar odor like rotten eggs is often your home to inspect your equipment and check for
added to natural gas and propane gas. the source of the odor.
2. SEE: Near a gas leak, you might SEE blowing dirt,
bubbling water or an unusual area of dead vegetation.
3. HEAR: A leaking pipeline might make a hissing sound
you can HEAR.
WWW.THEENERGYCOOP.COM JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 • THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES 7
The Financial Corner
BY PAT MCGONAGLE, VICE PRESIDENT & CFO
The natural gas futures market is greatly affects the monthly GCR. A portion of the gas
off to an unpredictable start this used during the winter, November through March, is
winter. Natural gas futures rose to purchased and injected into our underground storage
their highest level in more than four fields during the summer and fall in order to meet
years during the week of November demand during the winter and hedge against a spike in
12th as the December 2018 delivery price like we are currently witnessing (see page 6).
contract traded at $4.846 per million
British thermal units (MMBtu) on Next, the cooperative transports purchased natural gas
the New York Mercantile Exchange on one of three interstate pipelines from the Gulf of
Pat McGonagle (NYMEX). The final settlement price Mexico to our service territory. The cost of transporting
for December was $4.715 as compared to the November this natural gas to our pipelines is then calculated on
close of $3.185 representing a 48% increase for the each pipeline and added to our gas cost. The cooperative
month. The primary reasons for this price spike appear then completes the first step of the GCR calculation
to be low storage inventory levels across the nation adding the gas and transportation costs. This subtotal is
combined with short-term weather forecasts for colder what the natural gas industry refers to as the Expected
than normal weather. Due to the current volatility in Gas Cost (EGC).
the pricing of natural gas and the early arrival of winter
I thought it may be a good time to review how we The final component of the GCR is calculating the over/
calculate our Gas Cost Recovery (GCR). under recovery of gas costs from previous months.
This over/under recovery is referred to as the Actual
The GCR reflects the cost incurred by the cooperative to Adjustment (AA) in the regulated natural gas industry.
purchase the gas used by our members. Through the The AA calculation is comprised of two main variables,
GCR charge, the cooperative, in turn, charges you the which are usage and price. The most common factor
member the same price it paid for the gas. Gas costs effecting usage is weather. Weather can provide for large
recoverable through the GCR include the following three changes in projected customer usage, either up or down.
components: the cost of purchasing the gas, the cost The second factor can be a change from the anticipated
of transporting the gas from the producing region to natural gas cost as projected when the GCR is calculated
the cooperative’s service territory and any over/under to actual costs for the month.
recovery of gas costs from previous months.
The methodology listed above that the cooperative
First, the cooperative purchases natural gas based on uses to calculate the Gas Cost Recovery is, with a few
projected usage. In order to ensure a reliable supply and exceptions, the same methodology that is prescribed by
counteract price fluctuations, the cooperative purchases the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Rest assured, the
gas supplies through contracts with various suppliers price the cooperative paid for the natural gas is the same
and local producers. Most of these gas purchases are price you pay when you consume the product.
based off NYMEX pricing and the volatility in this market
Where is this
charge on your
Natural Gas bill?
8 THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 (800) 255-6815
DIRECTOR’S CORNER
BY JOHN KLAUDER, DISTRICT 6 DIRECTOR, CCD, BL
We appreciate and value the NGO Propane, NGO Development and Producers Gas. The
investment that you make in the The budgets are then presented to and approved by the board
Energy Cooperative each month, of directors. In fact, budgets were reviewed and approved
and we strive to use that investment at December’s monthly board meeting.
wisely for the benefit of all members
of our community. In this edition of the newsletter, Vice-President & CFO, Pat
McGonagle talks about natural gas prices rising 48% at
Twenty eighteen for Licking Rural the end of 2018. How can utilities predict that dramatic
Electric, Inc. (LRE, Inc.), dba The change in the market? They can’t, but they can manage
John Klauder, CCD, BL
Energy Cooperative, is now in the gas purchases and storage to help moderate the dramatic
books. Last year the weather was a change in pricing. See Vice President & Chief Operating
bit more seasonal with winter temperatures a bit colder Officer, Dan McVey’s article on how we store and manage
and summer temperatures a bit warmer than it has been the supply of our natural gas. This is a crucial part of our
in recent years. The “normal” temperatures make it easier financial strategy when trying to keep gas rates as low as
to forecast and even maintain our budget the following possible while maintaining an adequate supply.
year.
As we get started in 2019, I want to assure you that
The President & CEO and his staff spend many hours Todd Ware, President & CEO, his staff, and your Board of
reviewing trends and assumptions that help predict Directors are working hard to manage the short and long
revenues and expenses. Budgets are prepared for Licking term financial stability of The Energy Cooperative.
Rural Electric, National Gas & Oil, (NGO), NGO Transmission,
NATURAL GAS SAFETY NOTICE
In accordance with Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations 49 • When digging near buried gas piping, the piping
CFR, Part 192.16, The Energy Cooperative (TEC) is required should be located in advance and the excavation
to inform members that the member shall be responsible done by hand. As a reminder, any time a member
for their gas service lines. is excavating, Ohio 811 should be called by simply
dialing 811 or 1-800-362-2764 at least 48 hours
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW prior to digging. OUPS will notify various utility
companies to locate utilities lines in the area.
• The member is responsible for the maintenance and • P
lumbing and heating contractors can assist in
repair of all gas piping from the gas meter to all gas locating, inspecting, and repairing the member’s
appliances. buried piping. The Federal Department of
• The member is responsible for the repair/ Transportation (DOT) requires that a DOT-qualified
replacement of the gas service line located on the plumbing contractor must be used to repair or
member’s property from the buried curb valve to replace a member’s buried piping upstream of the
the inlet of the gas meter. Buried gas piping that meter, including the gas riser attached to the meter
is not maintained may be subject to the potential set. While this is not required for piping downstream
hazards of corrosion and leakage. of the meter, TEC strongly recommends a DOT-
• For your safety, all buried pipe should be qualified plumber be used for all buried gas piping.
periodically inspected for leaks. If the buried piping
is metallic, it should also be periodically inspected QUESTIONS? CONTACT OUR MEMBER SERVICE
for corrosion. If an unsafe condition is found, the gas DEPARTMENT AT (800) 255-6815.
piping will need to be promptly repaired.
WWW.THEENERGYCOOP.COM JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 • THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES 9
10
Quick Tips to Avoid
High Winter Bills
Looking to lower your bills this winter?
Use the 10 tips below to conserve energy.
1 Seal air leaks and insulate well to prevent heat from escaping and cold
air from entering your home.
2 Reduce waste heat by installing a programmable thermostat.
3 Turn off lights when not in use.
4 Lower your water heater temperature. The Dept. of Energy
recommends using the warm setting (120 degrees) during fall and
winter months.
5 Unplug electronics like kitchen appliances and TVs when you’re away.
6 Open blinds and curtains during the day to allow sunlight in to warm
your home.
7 Close blinds and curtains at night to keep cold, drafty air out.
8 Use power strips for multiple appliances, and turn
off the main switch when you’re away from home.
9 Wash clothes in cold water, and use cold-water detergent whenever
possible.
10 Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, which
use at least 75 percent less energy.
10 THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 (800) 255-6815High Bill Concerns?
Call us at (800) 255-6815
The primary factor impacting your bill from The Energy LOOKING FOR WAYS TO LOWER YOUR BILL?
Cooperative is the cost to heat or cool your home. How about a home energy audit performed by our
Weather plays a big part in this, however, there are professional Energy Advisor? The Energy Cooperative is
things you can do to ensure you are using energy as
here to help you understand your energy bill and find
efficiently as possible.
ways to be more energy efficient. We offer our members
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS FOR COLD WEATHER budget billing and average payment plan options.
• Set thermostats to 68°F in winter (or as close as you If you would like to speak with one or our Member
can while staying comfortable). Service Representatives, please call us at (800) 255-6815
• In the winter run ceiling paddle fans on low, to discuss your bill concerns.
blowing air up. Reverse this in the summertime.
• Set water heater temperature no higher than 120°F.
• Wash clothes in cold water. Use hot water only for CAN WE HELP?
very dirty loads. If you would like to be able to plan your expenses
• Set the refrigerator temperature to 34°-37°F and each month and know in advance what your utility
freezer temperature to 0°-5°F. statement will be, then the budget billing makes sense
• Replace any light bulb that burns more than for your household. The Energy Cooperative offers
one hour per day with its equivalent compact budget billing which allows your monthly utility costs
fluorescent bulb. to remain constant throughout the entire year.
• Turn computers and monitors off when not in use.
• Unplug battery chargers when not needed.
• Change HVAC filters monthly. You can sign up for budget billing by simply calling our
• Make sure drapes and shades are open to catch free Member Service Department at (800) 255-6815. Please
solar heat in the winter. note the following:
• Make sure heating vents are not blocked by • The account must be paid in full to qualify.
furniture. • We would prefer that you have 12 months
consumption history but will work with you if you
HAS YOUR USAGE BEEN ESTIMATED? do not.
When a bill is estimated, it is based on usage from • The budget accounts may be adjusted during the
the same time last year, and can often result in your month of March. At this time your budget amount
estimated usage being lower or higher than your actual
may be increased or decreased depending on your
usage. Your next bill, based on an actual read, will bring
your account back in line with the current reading on usage, the weather, and market conditions.
your meter. If your previous estimated bill was too
low, your next bill may be higher than you expected. Our Average Payment Plan (APP) is another option to
Similarly, if your bills have been overestimated, you will stabilize your bill throughout the year. While this plan
eventually receive a reduced bill. does not offer the equal monthly payments the budget
billing offers, it can significantly moderate the monthly
HAVE YOU USED MORE ENERGY? variations while avoiding the potential of accumulating
You will see your energy usage for the previous twelve a large balance, or credit when the budget is reviewed
months on your bill. To understand why you may have in March and September. The monthly payment is
used more energy, look at the billing dates on the bill
based on the average of the current month’s bill, plus
and think about what happened during that period.
• Did someone in your household spend more time the previous 11 months’ bills. As a result, the payment
than usual at home, or did you have guests staying? amount will fluctuate slightly from month to month.
• Did you use more heating during a cold period?
• Did you use more hot water, or did you cook with LOOKING FOR ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS?
gas more than you normally do? Beyond the programs we offer to help stabilize your
• Did you buy or use any additional appliances? monthly bill, we can connect you with community
assistance programs who may be able to help.
WWW.THEENERGYCOOP.COM JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 • THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES 11Concern for Community
BY GARY BAKER, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS
“The broadest and maybe the In addition to being involved in their communities, many
most meaningful definition of of our employees (and their families) also volunteer to
volunteering: Doing more than you help during our member events. They might set up tents,
have to because you want to, in a carry boxes of t-shirts, or serve hot dogs to members.
cause you consider good.” – Ivan Regardless of how they contribute to the events, we
Scheier couldn’t do it without them! We would like to send a
special thank you to our employees who work hard for
Concern for Community is the our members every day. With their help and support, we
Gary Baker seventh cooperative principle. It can host events for your family and collectively make a
Gary Baker
is also something employees of big difference in our communities.
The Energy Cooperative (TEC) value
year-round. Our employees are your neighbors. They live If you haven’t yet attended one of our events, we hope to
in the communities we serve and work to improve the see you this year!
quality of life for our members. Our employees coach
little league, volunteer at church, and serve with you in
any number of community organizations. This is often
SAVE THE DATE
after spending the day delivering propane, working • Earth & Energy Day Sunday 4/28/19
to keep the lights on, or bringing natural gas into your • Annual Meeting Monday, 5/20/19
home. • Kids Day Sunday 6/23/19
12 THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019COOPERATIVE ELECTIONS
BY LIJA KALEPS-CLARK, DIRECTOR OF LAND AND LEGAL SERVICES
COOPERATIVE ELECTIONS ARE ballot. More information about electronic voting will
COMING SOON be available soon on our website and by mail. If you
As a Cooperative member, have any questions regarding electronic voting, please
you have a voice in how your contact our member services department at 1-800-255-
Cooperative is operated. The 6815.
Board of Directors that manages
the business and affairs of the INTERESTED IN BECOMING A BOARD MEMBER?
Cooperative is elected by you, the This year the Board of Director seats in Districts 3, 4
member. Elections for The Energy and 7 are up for election. To find out more about the
Cooperative’s board of director Cooperative Districts, visit myenergycoop.com/board-
Lija Keleps-Clark
positions are coming up soon. of-directors/. A letter will be mailed to all members
You will receive this year’s ballot by mail in early April. in these three districts in January with instructions on
The results of the elections will be announced at the submitting recommended nominations. If you would
annual meeting on May 20, 2019. like to run for the board or know someone who you
feel is qualified, please send in the postcard from the
ELECTRONIC VOTING IS HERE! letter for their nomination. The candidates will then
This year we will be introducing electronic voting, be interviewed by the nominating committee in late
which will allow members to vote for board of directors February or early March and, if nominated by the
candidates online in addition to traditional mail-in committee, the candidate will be added to the ballot.
paper ballots. The Energy Cooperative is working with To run for the board, you must be an active member
Survey & Ballot Systems to offer electronic voting to for the past three consecutive years and reside in the
make it easier for our members to vote. Electronic district you plan to represent. Additional qualifications
voting is a secure and easy way to vote. All members and information on running for the Board are provided
will receive a paper ballot by mail that will include a on our website and in the Code of Regulations. If you
special code for voting electronically, giving members have any questions regarding the election process,
the option to vote online. You can easily vote through please call our member services department at
SmartHub or The Energy Cooperative’s website. 1-800-255-6815 for more information.
Members will still be able to vote by mail-in paper
In December of 2018, The Energy Cooperative Operation Round Up Foundation, Inc.
awarded $67,338 to the following community groups in our service area:
• Newark Campus Development Fund towards new Science & Technology building
on Newark Campus
• Hebron Fire Department for CO and gas detectors
• Centerburg Senior Services, Inc. for window air conditioners at the Center
• Licking Valley Intermediate School towards chromebooks and charging cart
• Mental Heath America of Licking Co towards computer system upgrade
• Newark Catholic High School towards new Performing Arts Center
• Licking County Sheriff’s Office for AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator)
• The Dawes Arboretum towards interpretive carts
• Fredericktown Local Schools Library to repair and replace books
• Utica Area Foundation towards mural on historic building
• Harrison Township towards Township Pool renovation.
MAKES CENTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
For more information on the Operation Round Up Foundation,
Inc. or to apply for a grant visit myenergycoop.com.
WWW.THEENERGYCOOP.COM JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 • THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES 13Featured
Recipe
Fruit Bars
Submitted by Harlene Reidenbach
INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS:
• Fruit (1 can cherries) 1. Mix melted butter with sugar.
• 2 cups sugar 2. Beat in eggs, one at a time.
• 2 sticks of butter 3. Add vanilla.
• 3 cups flour 4. Slowly mix in the flour.
• 4 eggs 5. Grease and flour a 9” x13”(or larger) deep cookie sheet.
• 1 tsp vanilla 6. Pour 3/4 of the batter into the cookie sheet.
• Powdered sugar 7. Add fruit.
8. Add the rest of the batter in drops.
9. Bake at 350 degrees 25 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Sprinkle powered sugar on top when cool.
11. Cut and enjoy!
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14 THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 (800) 255-6815Winter
Word Search
Find these words hidden in the puzzle below:
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FOR MEMBERS OF THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE:
• TO REPORT AN ELECTRIC POWER OUTAGE OR A DOWNED POWER LINE: CALL (888) 535-5732.
• TO REPORT A NATURAL GAS OR PROPANE OUTAGE OR EMERGENCY: MOVE AWAY FROM THE AREA AND FROM A SAFE DISTANCE
CALL (800) 255-6815.
SAFE, RELIABLE, AFFORDABLE PROPANE
ALREADY A PROPANE MEMBER?
REFER A FRIEND AND RECEIVE A $50 CREDIT OFF YOUR BILL.
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