TIMES - LOOKING FORWARD TO A NEW YEAR PG 3 ELECTRIC NATURAL GAS PROPANE - The Energy Cooperative

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TIMES - LOOKING FORWARD TO A NEW YEAR PG 3 ELECTRIC NATURAL GAS PROPANE - The Energy Cooperative
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
TIMES - LOOKING FORWARD TO A NEW YEAR PG 3 ELECTRIC NATURAL GAS PROPANE - The Energy Cooperative
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
TIMES - LOOKING FORWARD TO A NEW YEAR PG 3 ELECTRIC NATURAL GAS PROPANE - The Energy Cooperative
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
TIMES - LOOKING FORWARD TO A NEW YEAR PG 3 ELECTRIC NATURAL GAS PROPANE - The Energy Cooperative
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
TIMES - LOOKING FORWARD TO A NEW YEAR PG 3 ELECTRIC NATURAL GAS PROPANE - The Energy Cooperative
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
TIMES - LOOKING FORWARD TO A NEW YEAR PG 3 ELECTRIC NATURAL GAS PROPANE - The Energy Cooperative
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
TIMES - LOOKING FORWARD TO A NEW YEAR PG 3 ELECTRIC NATURAL GAS PROPANE - The Energy Cooperative
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
TIMES - LOOKING FORWARD TO A NEW YEAR PG 3 ELECTRIC NATURAL GAS PROPANE - The Energy Cooperative
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
TIMES - LOOKING FORWARD TO A NEW YEAR PG 3 ELECTRIC NATURAL GAS PROPANE - The Energy Cooperative
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
TIMES - LOOKING FORWARD TO A NEW YEAR PG 3 ELECTRIC NATURAL GAS PROPANE - The Energy Cooperative
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) 255-6815
High 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         11
Concern 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 2019
COOPERATIVE 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             13
Featured
 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) 255-6815
Winter
            Word Search
                                    Find these words hidden in the puzzle below:
                                    BRRR                                    MITTENS
                                    CHILLY                                  SCARF
                                    HOT CHOCOLATE                           SNOWFLAKE
                                    ICE SKATE                               SNOWMAN
                                    ICICLE                                  WINTER

            R    I      L   U   J    M       Q    T    G     S    R     I     R     P    S
            Q    D      C   X   G    C       S    N    O     E    Q     W     E     R    N
            N    N      Z   I   R    V       I   T     T     D    H     M     O    W     E
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            T    P      S   D   O    M       Q    N    U     G    H     A     F    H     M
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            D    W      F   O   L     I      X    I    X     B     L    O     R    O     Y

WWW.THEENERGYCOOP.COM                        JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 • THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES   15
1500 Granville Road                                                       PRSRT STD
                                                                                              U.S. POSTAGE
                     P.O. Box 4970
                     Newark, Ohio 43058-4970                                                   PAID
                     (800) 255-6815                                                          COLUMBUS, OH
                     theenergycoop.com                                                       PERMIT NO. 608

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.

                                 (800) 255-6815 • theenergycoop.com
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