DO THE SUMMER SHIFT - 80 STUDENTS RECEIVE CO-OP SCHOLARSHIPS ELECTRIC CARS PART OF CO-OP FLEET - MIENERGY COOPERATIVE
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
MiNews
J u n e 2 0 1 9 Vo l . 3 I s s u e 6
A m o n t h l y p u b l i c at i o n fo r m e m b e r s o f
M i E n e rg y C o o p e r at i ve .
Be a laundry superhero
Do the
Summer 3-step test for
Shift your heating &
cooling system
80 STUDENTS
RECEIVE CO-OP
SCHOLARSHIPS
ELECTRIC
CARS PART OF
CO-OP FLEET
CEO MESSAGE Brian Krambeer, president/CEO | 800.432.2285 | bkrambeer@MiEnergy.coop Adopt the Summer Shift to keep electricity affordable
Make today’s new habit part of tomorrow’s lifestyle
©Ross Himlie Photography
Our message in Washington D.C.
Last month over 2,000 electric cooperative representatives we are currently working with
Are there products you purchase or tasks you perform on certain
days of the week because that was part of the routine when you were
growing up? When was the last time you thought about how your
habits today can affect the next generation?
from across the United States participated in the annual FEMA for recovery of nearly a half This summer, consider a new habit – one for all ages; one that can
National Rural Electric Cooperative Legislative Conference million dollars from Winter Storm Wesley and are making be started without spending a dime, yet can help your local electric
that is held in Washington, D.C. I attended, along with application for both state and federal broadband grant
ER
cooperative keep your electricity rates stable and affordable. It’s called
Director Jenny Scharmer and Ted Kjos representing opportunities. the Summer Shift.
M The
SUM IFT
Do
MiEnergy Cooperative. We joined a delegation of over 60 The Summer Shift is when you shift electric use to the hours before
participants from Minnesota and 40 from Iowa, coordinated RURAL COMMUNITIES INFRASTRUCTURE PACKAGE 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on weekdays during the months of June, July
by our statewide associations.
Our top two issues were: protecting and maintaining
As Congress and the Administration explore options
for a broad infrastructure package, we asked them to look
and August. This helps MiEnergy keep rates affordable by purchasing
less power when electricity is in high demand and most expensive,
SH
our not-for-profit status and promoting the needs of rural beyond urban centers and the traditional improvements thus “shifting” the demand for electricity to times of the day when
communities in an infrastructure package. such as roads and bridges. We asked them to support three electricity costs less to purchase.
key infrastructure investments: modernize the electric grid,
NOT-FOR-PROFIT STATUS expand rural broadband access and electrify the economy. SUMMER SHIFT TIPS:
Most electric cooperatives are tax exempt organizations 1. Set the thermostat to 78 degrees. Using a programmable thermostat
under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c) means one less thing to remember!
(12). In order to maintain tax exempt status, an electric 2. Start a load of laundry after 7 p.m. (use cold water, if possible), a
cooperative must receive at least 85 percent of its income l Wash your clothes before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
member could get a load (or two) of clothes washed and hung up
from its members. We often refer to this as the 85% rule. to dry overnight before going to bed. Or, wash clothes first thing in
l Be a laundry superhero! Wash clothes in cold water.
The recent changes in the tax code created an unintended the morning and dry your clothes outside on a clothesline during
consequence. Contributions to a corporation by a non- the day.
shareholder government entity or civic group is no longer 3. Start the dishwasher to avoid running between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Minnesota. Iowa.
considered capital. Under prior tax law, such contributions
TM
4. Shut off lights when you are not using them. My electricity. My cooperative.
were capital and excluded from the income of a corporation. 5. Enjoy a picnic lunch and/or dinner at least once a week with foods Cresco, IA | Rushford, MN
800-432-2285 | www.MiEnergy.coop
If a government grant or reimbursement is not a capital that do not require a microwave or stove to prepare.
contribution, then the grant may be considered nonmember
income and could jeopardize a cooperative’s tax-exempt Grid modernization is a response to evolving
status. consumer expectations. Electric co-ops are adopting grid
This is significant and could have a profound impact on modernization and implementing security and resilience
Do The
SUMMER Watch for messages in local newspapers, online, social media and on the
cooperatives. Historically, electric cooperatives have received technologies. We are investing heavily in energy innovation, radio to remind you to do the Summer Shift in June, July and August!
grants from a variety of federal, state and local governments including advanced metering, community solar, battery SHIFT
to assist in providing services, economic development, storm storage, electric vehicle infrastructure and energy efficiency.
restoration and rural broadband initiatives. We asked lawmakers to recognize and support electric co-op
The treatment of government grants as income could modernization efforts by:
impair a cooperative’s ability to use the full value of the
grant to benefit its members. Moreover, it means that an
• Funding research and development programs that enable
the use of artificial intelligence and technology to get
Co-op adds electric vehicles to fleet
electric cooperative struck by disaster may have to consider the most out of grid-enabled devices. The all-electric Chevy BOLT – our new way to plug-in and save!
whether it can afford to use FEMA’s Public Assistance • Investing in programs that promote more efficient Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasing in popularity and are becoming more readily
Program to help restore power to its community. In fact, data transfer and feedback between transmission and available and affordable. Your electric cooperative recently added two all-electric Chevy
distribution systems and support the development Bolts to its fleet of service vehicles at both the Rushford and Cresco locations. The
of distributed energy resources, which help enhance vehicles use 100% electricity from the grid, no gasoline. The Bolt has an EPA-estimated
Board room highlights | May 29, 2019 resiliency and reliability. range of 238 miles on a full charge. The actual range may vary due to factors including
temperature, terrain and driving technique. Be sure to look for the MiEnergy all-electric
• Approved 15 new member-owned generation agreements. Expanding rural broadband access to broadband
car buzzing around our service territory.
• Reviewed and approved the annual update to the Minnesota infrastructure is essential for a modern economy. According
Distributed Generation Rate Tariff. to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) an
• Reviewed policies for suggested amendments. IS AN ELECTRIC CAR IN YOUR FUTURE?
• Approved a pole inspection contract for Iowa and Minnesota. estimated 6.3 million households in electric co-op service MiEnergy is pleased to announce that the installation of two EV charging stations for public use will be completed in the near future.
• Received updates regarding MiBroadband. areas lack high-speed internet access. Southeast Minnesota Watch for more information in the coming months. Charging is as easy as plugging in your smartphone. Did you know that MiEnergy
• Received updates on recent activities and projects. and Northeast Iowa are testaments to that statistic and also has a Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) Program? It is based on a time-of-use rate, which is designed for maximum flexibility and a way
The next board meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on June 26 at the
the reason MiEnergy partnered with two local telephone for you and the cooperative to save money on the energy bill. If you can charge your PEV during off-peak times (weekends, holidays and
Cresco office. cooperatives to deliver broadband across our service territory. weekdays 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. ), there is potential to save monthly. Visit www.MiEnergy.coop for more information.
2 MiNews | June 2019 Washington cont. on Page 5 June 2019 | MiNews 3
Powerful scholarship program Tips for maintaining an efficient
80 students receive awards heating and cooling system
for community involvement
MiEnergy recently awarded $40,000 in scholarships to 80 Houston: Lillian Carlson, daughter of Robert & Mimi Carlson;
Ah, summer. Cookouts, swimming pools, camping––it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends.
And when it’s time to come back indoors, there’s nothing better than that cool blast you feel from your home’s air
conditioning unit.
local high school students who exemplified a strong presence Hayley Carr, daughter of Richard & Becky Carr; Alyssa Rostad, Your heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system is essential to keeping your home comfortable during
in their communities. As a cooperative, MiEnergy has a strong daughter of Rick & Gwen Rostad; Kate Thompson, daughter of summer months, and if it breaks down, it’s also the most expensive equipment to repair or replace. Luckily, there are simple
commitment to youth and community, thus our scholarship Steven & Heidi Thompson. steps you can take to lengthen the life of your HVAC system.
program reflects those core cooperative principles. The Kingsland: Molly Peshel, daughter of Robert & Kelly Peshel;
program recognizes high school seniors who demonstrate Jenna Schmidt, daughter of Darvin & Maureen Schmidt; and CHANGE OR CLEAN FILTERS. Dirty filters block airflow, which can greatly decrease the efficiency of your system. If your unit
cooperative spirit through service to others. The money Megan Schultz, daughter of Kevin & Kim Schultz. is in constant use or is subjected to dusty conditions or pet hair, consider checking filters more frequently.
for the scholarships is funded through unclaimed capital Lanesboro: Joseph Gathje, son of Alan & Rochelle Gethje;
credits. The cooperative is a non-profit organization where and Kjersten Peterson, daughter of Jason & Michele Peterson. CLEAN THE HVAC UNIT. Outdoor condenser coils
margins remaining after the cost of providing electric service Lewiston-Altura: Hannah Harper, daughter of John & Emily can become clogged with pollen, dirt and small
are returned to members as capital credits. Each of the Harper; Madelyn Neldner, daughter of Mike Neldner, Bree Maki debris. Use a hose to spray the HVAC unit once
scholarship recipients are listed below: & Jeff Schwarze; and Creighton Sauer, son of Chris & Heather each season to ensure maximum airflow. (Warning: 3-Step 1. Using a digital probe thermometer (about $12),
HVAC Test
measure the temperature of the air being
Caledonia: Heidi Bolduan, daughter of Mike & Cindy Sauer. Do not use a pressure washer to do this, as it can pulled into your HVAC filter.
Bolduan; Kyle Cavanaugh, son of Kevin Cavanaugh & Shelly Luther: Cianna Hoppe, daughter of Karl & Lori Hoppe; and damage the equipment.) As summer temperatures
2. Measure the temperature of the air blowing out
of your A/C vent.
Tollefson; Kaitlin Conniff, daughter of Mark & Shannon Conniff; Elliott Schroeder, son of Tony & Gwen Schroeder. rise, so do electric bills.
Alissa Johnson, daughter of Curtis Johnson Mabel-Canton: Maddison Michels, daughter CLEAR SPACE AROUND THE HVAC UNIT. Dryer Follow these steps to test the
3. Subtract the A/C vent temperature from the
HVAC filter temperature. You should see a difference
& Darcy Bassett; Colby Mann, son of Curt & of Bruce & Tina Michels. vents, falling leaves and grass left behind from the efficiency of your HVAC unit. of about 17 to 20 degrees. If the difference is less
than 17 degrees, you may need a licensed technician
The outdoor temperature should
Stephanie Mann; Kiley Meyer, daughter of New Hampton: Evan Gossling, son of LeRoy lawnmower can create buildup. Remove any debris be above 80 degrees, and you to check the coolant. If the difference is greater
than 20 degrees, your ductwork
Scott & Joyce Meyer; Maria Miller, daughter & Sue Gossling; Mitch Pickar, son of Mike around the HVAC unit. If you have foliage near the should set your thermostat well
below the room temperature to may need to be inspected for
of Mike & Brenda Miller; Tessa Pieper, & Sarah Pickar; Dezirae Quass, daughter of unit, trim it back at least 2 ft. around the condenser ensure the system runs long airflow restrictions.
enough for this test.
daughter of David & Elizabeth Pieper, Jeremy & Kandy Quass; Alexis Rings, daughter to increase airflow.
Jenna Scanlan, daughter of Bob & Michelle of Jeff & Mary Jo Rings; Adrian Rings, son of If you want to evaluate the efficiency of your
Scanlan; Ashley Schroeder, daughter of Joel Jeff & Mary Jo Rings; and Max Schwickerath, HVAC system, try this quick test pictured at right.
& Amy Schroeder; Ryan Wagner, son of Curt
& Maureen Wagner; and Tyler Wiebke, son of
Jason & Dana Wiebke.
$40,000 daughter of Curt & Lynette Schwickerath.
Riceville: Abigail Marr, daughter of Mike &
Sherry Marr; and Christopher Dunn, son of
You should also have your HVAC system
periodically inspected by a licensed professional.
Crestwood: Hallie Frohn, daughter of in scholarships to Tom & Kari Dunn.
With a little maintenance along the way, you can
add years to your system’s lifespan.
80
Robert & Lisa Frohn; Kristen Reicks, Rushford-Peterson: Kaitlyn Bieberdorf,
daughter of Robert & Barbara Reicks; daughter of Dan & Crystal Bieberdorf; and
Adeline Sopha, daughter of Steve & Julie Chloe Bunke, daughter of Brent & Lorelei
Sopha; and Eric Trautsch, son of Bradley &
Becky Trautsch.
students Bunke.
Spring Grove: Rhiannon Skauge, daughter
Washington from Page 2
We also took advantage of the opportunity of being in our
Decorah: Cassidy Carolan, daughter of Jason & Sherri of David & Christy Skauge.
nation’s capital to schedule a meeting with FCC staff and
Carolan; Skyler Malone, daughter of Greg & Tina Malone; South Winneshiek: Mason Elsbernd, son of Gary & Marie
Sarah Mumford, daughter of Brett Mumford & Jane Busch; Elsbernd; Mia French, daughter of Philip French & Dawn communicated the challenges of delivering broadband in our
Tynan Nelson, daughter of Kevin Nelson & Lisa Nelson; French; Cole Klimesh, son of Corey & Lynette Klimesh; Ellie service territory, which was well received.
Kaylee O’Connell, daughter of David & Karla O’Connell; Ryan Loesch, daughter of Robert & Ruth Loesch; Levi Lukes, son of Specifically, we asked lawmakers to target federal resources
Schneberger, son of Dennis & Charity Schneberger; Daniel Randy & Dawn Lukes; Helen Neuzil, daughter of Craig & Sara at unserved and underserved communities through existing
Schwartzhoff, son of Mike & Michelle Schwartzhoff; and Neuzil; Dahlyn Ott, daughter of Joshua & Rebecca Ott; and grant and loan programs that:
Julianna Wise, daughter of Dick & Julie Wise. ZeAnna Phillips, daughter of Anthony & Julie Phillips. • Leverage federal funds to support networks that will economy, including the expansion of electric vehicles and
Fairbault: Marissa Bernau, daughter of Marlin & Brenda St. Charles: Brynn Danielson, daughter of Troy & Angel meet the growing speed and data needs of the future. charging infrastructure to optimize the grid. This also
Bernau. Danielson; Emma Lindsey, daughter of Sara Mollert; Tyler • Improve the accuracy of federal broadband data maps includes improving the management of electric use and
Fillmore Central: Madison Bakken, daughter of Robert & Mathison, son of Mike & Melissa Mathison; and Talyn Pearson, to better identify broadband coverage gaps and target integrating renewable energy resources.
Kayla Carroll; Katrina Bergey, daughter of Jerry Bergey & Jodi daughter of John Pearson. federal resources to close the digital divide. While I always recognize the importance of traveling to
Bergey; Daysha Erickson, daughter of Brian & Annie Erickson; Turkey Valley: Jason Herold, son of Keith & Jennifer Herold. our nation’s capital to meet with the Iowa and Minnesota
Electrifying the economy is in response to advances in
Joseph Lange, son of Rob & Angie Lange; Katelin Prinsen, Winona: William Brand, son of Tim Brand & Christi congressional delegations and communicating our
technology and the diversification of the electric fuel mix.
daughter of Ricky & Janet Prinsen; Taryn Raaen, daughter of O’Donnell; Brandon Brommerich, son of Brad & Rhonda cooperative message, I equally enjoy coming back home. It
Kurt & Tracy Raaen; Tyler Raaen, son of Kurt & Tracy Raaen; Brommerich; Caitlyn Scharmer, daughter of Daniel & Stephanie Substituting electricity for other energy sources can provide
economic and environmental benefits. Electrifying the leaves me with a greater appreciation for where we work, live
Hannah Rolfs, daughter of Michael Rolfs; Madison Scheevel, Scharmer; and Lauren Whyte, daughter of Brett Whyte & Linda
transportation sector, for example, would result in lower and raise our families.
daughter of Eric & Tiffany Scheevel; Madilyn Smith, daughter Oddy-Whyte.
of Todd & Tina Ristau; and Jaclyn Thomas, daughter of Lynn & vehicle emissions, improved air quality and a reduction As always, I welcome your calls, emails and personal visits.
Mary Thomas. in petroleum consumption. We support policies and Have a safe summer season.
investments that promote electrification throughout the
4 MiNews | June 2019 June 2019 | MiNews 5
TM
out & about in your
COMMUNITY
OFFICE INFORMATION
Open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
IOWA 24049 Highway 9, PO Box 90, Cresco, IA 52136
MINNESOTA 31110 Cooperative Way, PO Box 626,
Rushford, MN 55971
**This institution is an equal opportunity provider and
employer.**
PHONE NUMBERS
LOCAL 563-547-3801 (Cresco); 507-864-7783 (Rushford)
TOLL-FREE & 24/7 OUTAGE REPORTING 800-432-2285
If you’re driving on roadways in Minnesota and PAYMENT LINE 24/7 877-853-6517
Iowa, what should you do if you approach a utility UNDERGROUND CABLE LOCATING 811
vehicle stopped on the shoulder with its flashing lights ONLINE
activated? According to state laws, motorists must slow WEBSITE www.MiEnergy.coop
SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram
down or move over, or you could be fined $100 for not
GREENTOUCH DAY — PRESTON
complying. This includes MiEnergy’s utility maintenance We would like to thank the volunteers who helped prepare our local state park for the busy BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DISTRICT 1 Roger Hegland, Dennis Ptacek, secretary,
vehicles which will help to keep our lineworkers safe. As summer season. Employees and members of the community volunteered at the annual
Darla Rance and Jeff Redalen
a licensed driver, you are required to move over or slow GreenTouch Day on May 1 at Forestville State Park in DISTRICT 2 Dean Nierling, chair and Ron Stevens, vice chair
Preston, Minn. DISTRICT 3 Don Petersen, treasurer, Skip Wieser and
down when approaching an emergency or maintenance Dennis Young.
utility vehicle on the side of the road that has its flashing PROGRESSIVE AG DAY — LEWISTON DISTRICT 4 Dean Fisher, Charles Frana and Carl Reicks
lights activated. Tyler Eide (l) and Bill Cox (r) attended the Progressive DISTRICT 5 Beth Olson and Jenny Scharmer
Ag Safety Day at Farmer’s Park in Lewiston. The event
MANAGEMENT STAFF
was for third graders throughout Winona County. Over
Grain bin clearance notice for Iowa members
BRIAN KRAMBEER president/chief executive officer
400 students took part to learn about topics such as KAYE BERNARD chief operating officer
ATV/UTV safety, grain bin safety, conservation, and CHAD CHAFFEE vice president of operations - Minnesota
electrical safety. SHELLY HOVE chief financial officer
When you start to plan for a new grain bin, please contact MiEnergy. We will provide assistance in planning for a safe environment TED KJOS vice president of marketing and external relations
for everyone working and living around grain bins. ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY — RUSHFORD VASSIL VUTOV vice president of information technology
According to the Iowa Electric Safety Code found in the Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 199 – 25.2(3) b. An electric utility may MIKE WALTON vice president of operations - Iowa
Employees recently walked the ditches
refuse to provide electric service to any grain bin built near an existing electric line which does not provide the clearances required of Highway 16 near the Rushford office MINEWS STAFF
by The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C2-2012, page 120. to pick up trash as part of the Adopt- MEAGAN MOELLERS communications specialist, editor
A-Highway program. L-R: Lori Clobes, ANNIE HOILAND communications specialist
“National Electrical Safety Code,” Rule 234f. This paragraph “b” shall apply Heather Larson, Steve Culhane, BRENDA TESCH public relations director
only to grain bins loaded by portable augers, conveyors or elevators and built Rhonda Bauer, Audra Skalet, Annie
after September 9, 1992, or to grain bins loaded by permanently installed Hoiland, Kent Whitcomb and Mike 2019 OFFICES CLOSED
augers, conveyors or elevators built after December 24, 1997. (As adopted by Ebner. JUNE 19 Employee Development Day
JULY 4 Independence Day
the Iowa Utilities Board) SEPTEMBER 2 Labor Day
MiEnergy is required by the Iowa Utilities Board to provide this annual SEPTEMBER 25 Employee Development Day
notice to farmers, farm lenders, grain bin merchants, and city and county NOVEMBER 28-29 Thanksgiving
DECEMBER 12 Employee Development Day
zoning officials. If you have any questions concerning clearance regulations, DECEMBER 24-25 Christmas
please call MiEnergy 800-432-2285. DECEMBER 31 New Year’s Eve close at 11:30 a.m.
Disclaimer: These drawings are provided as part of Iowa electric cooperatives’ annual
public information campaign and are based on the 2017 Edition of the National Electrical MiEnergy will
© Brad Pict - stock.adobe.com
Safety Code. To view the be conducting
actual drawings, refer to
that publication. Every a member
care has been taken satisfaction survey
for the correctness of starting June 24.
the contents for these
drawings. However, the The telephone
Iowa Association of and online survey will
Electric Cooperatives and randomly select co-op
its member cooperatives
accept no liability members and is conducted by a third-
whatsoever for omissions party independent research group. If you
or errors, technical are contacted, we strongly encourage
inaccuracies, typographical
mistakes or damages of you to take the short survey. We
any kind arising from the appreciate your time and input because
use of the contents of your feedback helps us discover ways to
these drawings, whether
textual or graphical. better serve you.
6 MiNews | June 2019 June 2019 | MiNews 7
Personnel TM
PRSRT STD
changes U.S. Postage
PAID
around the IOWA PO Box 90, Cresco, IA 52136
DPC
co-op
MINNESOTA PO Box 626, Rushford, MN 55971
RETIREMENT
Lorraine Benson retired
from MiEnergy on May
31 as a member services
representative. She has
worked for the cooperative
since December 1963.
Lorraine has attained
tenure that will most
likely never be overcome.
She has always had the members’
best interest at heart and made her
“cooperative career” a true priority in her
life. Thanks to Lorraine for her 55 years of
dedication. We wish her the very best in
retirement.
NEW EMPLOYEES
Kim Larson accepted
the member services
representative position
for MiEnergy’s Cresco
office and started on
June 3. Kim resides in
rural Decorah and has
previously been working
for the State of Iowa.
Darrin Peterson accepted the position
of journeyman lineworker
for the MiEnergy’s Spring
Valley outpost and started
on May 20. Darrin grew up
in south central Minnesota
but has been living in the
Chatfield area most of
his life. Darrin has been
working for People’s Energy Cooperative
for the past three years. Prior to that, he
worked for Alliant Energy.
We welcome Kim and Darrin to SEE US AT THESE IOWA COUNTY FAIRS
MiEnergy Cooperative. MiEnergy is sponsoring the following contests. will receive a new LED light
Food entries are judged on appearance, taste bulb. Judging will take place on
and texture. Prizes: 1st Place - $25 cash; 2nd Thursday, June 27. Entry time: 10
PROMOTION Place - $15 cash; and 3rd Place - $10 cash a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June
Andy Kappers accepted 26.
the position of foreman for HOWARD COUNTY FAIR | JUNE 25-30
MiEnergy’s Spring Valley Homemade Salsa Contest: Judging at 12 WINNESHIEK COUNTY FAIR | JULY 9-13
p.m. (noon) on Wednesday, June 26. Entry time: Homemade Bread Contest:
outpost and began his role 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. One pint per entry. Judging at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9. Entry
on April 1. Kappers has Chips will be furnished. times: 11:00-11:30 a.m.
worked for the cooperative Strawberry Dessert Contest: Judging at 1 p.m. Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest: Judging
on Wednesday, June 26. Entry time: 11:30 a.m. at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9. Entry time:
since 2015. We welcome
– 12:30 p.m. Must be in a disposable container. 11:00-11:30 a.m. Any type of chocolate chip
Andy to his new position. Light Bulb Decorating Contest: Open to kids cookie allowed. Four cookies on a paper plate
12 years of age and under. Each child entering per entry.
You can also read
