On the line New campaign encourages cooperative commitment to safety - PLUS - REA Energy
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MAY 2 0 2 0
T H E M AGA Z I N E YO U C O M E H O M E TO
On
the line
New campaign
encourages cooperative
commitment to safety
PLUS
Morning indulgences
Clear decisions on new windows
Moving on
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MAY 2020
Contents
Vol. 55 • No. 5 4 FIRST WORD
Editor
Invisible dangers
Peter A. Fitzgerald
Senior Editor/Writer
6 Keeping Current
Katherine Hackleman News from across
the Commonwealth
Associate Editor
Michael T. Crawford
8 feature: On the line
Layout & Design New campaign encourages
W. Douglas Shirk cooperative commitment to safety 8
production coordinator
Michelle M. Smith 12 Time Lines
Contributing Columnists Your newsmagazine
Janette Hess through the years
Yvonne Butts-Mitchell
12a Cooperative
Connection
Penn Lines (USPS 929-700), the newsmagazine Information and advice from
of Pennsylvania’s electric cooperatives, is published your local electric cooperative
monthly by the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Associa-
tion, 212 Locust Street, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg,
14 E nergy Matters
PA 17108-1266. Penn Lines helps 166,000 house-
holds of co-op consumer-members understand issues This summer, seek savings 16
that affect the electric cooperative program, their local through energy efficiency
co-ops, and their quality of life. Electric co-ops are not-
for-profit, consumer-owned, locally directed, and tax-
upgrades
paying electric utilities. Penn Lines is not responsible
for unsolicited manuscripts. The opinions expressed
in Penn Lines do not necessarily reflect those of the
16 COUNTRY KITCHEN
editors, the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, or
Morning indulgences
local electric distribution cooperatives.
Subscriptions: Electric co-op members, $5.39 per 17 S mart circuits
year through their local electric distribution coopera- 5 steps to a clear decision
tive. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Harrisburg, on new windows
PA 17107 and additional mailing offices. POST-
MASTER: Send address changes with mailing label
to Penn Lines, 212 Locust Street, P.O. Box 1266, 18 TECH TRENDS 19
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1266. The little blue logo that changed
Advertising: Display ad deadline is six weeks prior to efficiency standards
month of issue. Ad rates upon request. Acceptance
of advertising by Penn Lines does not imply endorse-
ment of the product or services by the publisher or 19 r ural views
any electric cooperative. If you encounter a problem Moving on with pets, plants,
with any product or service advertised in Penn Lines, possessions
please contact: Advertising, Penn Lines, P.O. Box
1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108. Penn Lines reserves
the right to refuse any advertising. 20 Classifieds
22 Punch Lines
Nappers rank high in positive
qualities 23
23 Rural Reflections ON THE COVER
Board officers and staff, Pennsylvania Rural Electric May flowers
Association: Chairman, Leroy Walls; Vice Chairman,
Electric cooperative
Tim Burkett; Secretary, Barbara Miller; Treasurer, lineworkers practice
Rick Shope; President & CEO, Frank M. Betley climbing poles and using
© 2020 Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association.
“hot sticks” to push away
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part an energized power line
without written permission is prohibited. before beginning a simu-
lated conductor change
Visit with us at Penn Lines Online, exercise during the Job
located at: www.prea.com/penn-lines- Training & Safety School’s
magazine. Penn Lines Online provides an Advanced Hot Stick
email link to Penn Lines editorial staff, course at Indiana-based
information on advertising rates, and an REA Energy Cooperative.
archive of past issues.
Member Of:
| M AY 2 0 2 0 3
firstword
Invisible dangers
Safety in the time of coronavirus
By Frank M. Betley
M
ay is the time we traditionally instituted staggered work schedules, danger. Nowhere is this more apparent
observe National Electrical social distancing, and remote oper- than at your local electric cooperative,
Safety Month across the ations for employees. To keep the where there is a conditioned response
country. This May, however, safety power flowing, they reacted quickly to matters of safety. Understanding the
has taken on a much broader context to ensure the safety of the coopera- potential for danger, the cooperatives
as the world contends with the tive workforce, including lineworkers immediately placed a priority on the
COVID-19 pandemic. From a trip to and office personnel. Member meet- health and safety of their employees,
the grocery store to simply greeting our ings were canceled or postponed in their members, and the general public.
neighbors, public health concerns have response to the pandemic, and the Much like their storm response, coop-
come to dictate our daily lives. In this cooperatives launched an extensive eratives are conditioned to take care of
crisis, we are all being asked to keep outreach effort via social media, Penn their communities in a time of need.
safety in mind. Lines, and their websites to communi- This “concern for community” is
cate operational changes. a guiding cooperative principle, and
Keeping safety in mind is nothing Your generation provider, Allegheny it goes beyond providing electricity.
new to electric cooperatives. In this Electric Cooperative, Inc., also activated In recognizing the financial impact
business, safety month is every month, crisis response measures to ensure of the crisis, electric cooperatives in
and responding to crisis situations is the safe flow of electricity from its Pennsylvania were among the first
just part of the job. Electric cooper- source to your local cooperative. Office utility providers in the Commonwealth
atives regularly plan and prepare for personnel moved to a mostly remote to address members facing financial
emergencies. Each cooperative strives working posture, while power plant difficulties. As part of their outreach,
to build and maintain a culture of workers at our Raystown Hydroelectric cooperatives encouraged members
safety that lends itself to responding facility and the Susquehanna Steam struggling with power bills to contact
quickly in crisis situations, including Electric Station nuclear plant instituted their local electric cooperative for
the current pandemic. Working daily industry protocols to protect personnel assistance.
with electricity, cooperative employ- and ensure compliance with state and It goes without saying this is an
ees fully appreciate the dangers of an federal pandemic safety guidelines. unprecedented time, with the crisis
invisible threat that has the potential The Pennsylvania Rural Electric still very much with us. In just over
to be deadly. Association (PREA), which represents one month we have gone from zero
As the COVID-19 threat emerged in electric cooperatives in Pennsylva- to nearly a million COVID-19 cases
the Commonwealth this past March, nia and New Jersey, also instituted in the United States alone, with more
the state’s electric cooperatives imme- safety protocols, moving personnel to than 50,000 American lives lost. While
diately mobilized. Cooperatives closed work remotely while continuing to we are all looking for hopeful signs
off office lobbies to the public and coordinate with state and federal gov- that this pandemic will slow its spread,
ernmental agencies, and our member we must remain vigilant. At this time,
cooperatives. PREA also produces your there is still no cure for the coronavi-
Frank M. Betley Penn Lines magazine, and was able to rus, so we must all proceed cautiously.
President & CEO coordinate its production remotely this As this crisis continues, your electric
Pennsylvania Rural Electric past month. cooperative remains committed to pro-
Association
Allegheny Electric These actions reflect a cooperative viding you this essential service — and
Cooperative, Inc. commitment to safety at all levels, as doing it safely, this month and every
well as a healthy respect for potential month. l
4 | M AY 2 0 2 0
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keepingcurrent
News from across the Commonwealth
U.S. Census Bureau adjusts Funds available for fire nominal fees for services. These online
2020 census operations companies to fight wildfires educational experiences will help the
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the The state has announced funding is entire family learn how to be a safe
U.S. Census Bureau is adjusting the now available to help Pennsylvania’s boater and direct them to the best local
2020 census operations in order to pro- rural communities increase protections boating or paddling destinations.
tect the health and safety of the public from wildfires. Online courses include:
and bureau employees, and ensure In 2019, almost $620,000 was k Boating Safety Education Certificate
a complete and accurate count of all awarded to more than 130 volunteer and Boater Safety Courses. A Boating
communities. fire companies serving rural areas and Safety Education Certificate is required
In March, the bureau suspended field communities where forest and brush by the PFBC for anyone who operates
data collection activities. Current plans fires are common. The grant program, a personal watercraft, and for those
are for the field offices to be reactivat- offered through the Department of born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, who
ed on June 1 with resumption of field Conservation and Natural Resources operate a boat powered by motors
data collection operations to begin as (DCNR) and paid through federal grants greater than 25 horsepower. Although
soon as possible after that date. All from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
in-person activities will incorporate the Forest Service, has awarded more than
most current guidelines to promote the $13 million since it began in 1982.
health and safety of bureau staff and the Local firefighting forces in rural
public. areas or communities with fewer than
Once 2020 census data collection 10,000 residents qualify for the aid,
has been completed, the bureau will which is used for training and equip-
begin a lengthy process to produce the ment purchases directly related to
apportionment counts, redistricting fighting brush and forest fires. Priority
information, and other statistical data will be placed on projects that include in-classroom boating courses are
products that help guide hundreds of the purchase of wildfire suppression not taking place at this time, boaters
billions of dollars in public and private equipment and protective clothing. can earn a boating safety education
sector spending per year for the next Grant applications must be electron- certificate through online courses.
decade. ically submitted through DCNR’s grant There are two courses approved by
The bureau is seeking statutory website by 4 p.m. on May 21, 2020. the PFBC. The courses cost $34.50
relief from Congress of 120 additional Applicants should visit the volunteer each. Those who successfully
calendar days to deliver the final fire assistance grant webpage at grants. complete the course receive a
apportionment counts due to the dcnr.state.pa.us/Dashboard/VFAGrants. temporary certificate valid for 60 days
delay in obtaining information this from date of issue and can receive a
year. Under Online courses available for permanent certificate from the PFBC
this plan, the boaters, paddlers for an additional $10 fee.
U.S. Census During a time when many Pennsyl- k Paddlesports Online Learning. The
Bureau would vanians have been advised not to leave PFBC recommends that anyone
extend the their homes, the Pennsylvania Fish and paddling a canoe, kayak, or stand-up
window for field data collection and Boat Commission (PFBC) is encourag- paddleboard complete basic safety
self-response to Oct. 31, 2020, which ing boaters and paddlers to take advan- training from an accredited source,
will allow for apportionment counts tage of online educational resources. such as the American Canoe Associ-
to be delivered to the president by Many of these resources designed to ation or certified PFBC instructors.
April 30, 2021, and redistricting data enhance knowledge of boating regula- The Pennsylvania Boating Handbook
to be delivered to the states no later tions and best safety practices are free can be downloaded for free on the
than July 31, 2021. of charge, while some providers charge PFBC website at fishandboat.com. l
6 | M AY 2 0 2 0
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On the line
New campaign encourages cooperative commitment to safety
T By Michael T. Crawford
here is no doubt electric HANDLE WITH CARE: Lineworkers cover power
lineworkers have a tough job lines with rubber mats to avoid electrical contact
Associate Editor
before practicing equipment change-outs during
— harsh weather, long hours a JT&S Advanced Rubber Glove School at
and slim margin for error make for a REA Energy Cooperative in Indiana, Pa.
dangerous profession. But dangerous entering the workforce, which provides
work can still be accomplished safely, a solid foundation of safe work practic- Grim data
and each cooperative throughout es. This allows cooperative safety and Overcoming complacency has be-
the Commonwealth has invested in operation supervisors to focus on the come a concern in cooperatives across
programs and procedures to foster a potential No. 1 threat to safety: short- the nation. There’s hard — and grim —
culture of safety. cuts. data to back up cooperative concerns.
“Our brains will instinctively take According to the Occupational Safety
Due to the risk inherently present in shortcuts — if you can save time doing and Health Administration (OSHA),
line work, most lineworkers go through it another way and it works, our brains 5,147 workers were killed on the job in
apprenticeship programs that empha- will say ‘Take the shortcut,’” Daugherty 2017 — about 14 a day — with electro-
size the necessary safety fundamentals, notes. “We’re instructing our employ- cution being the third-leading cause of
explains Dave Daugherty, safety and ees to fight instinct — stop and focus death. Looking at its own data, Feder-
rights-of-way manager at Indiana-based to avoid shortcuts that can result in ated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange
REA Energy Cooperative. Most contin- negative outcomes to employees and (Federated), the insurance provider for
ue on to formal school training before the cooperative.” electric cooperatives nationwide, no-
8 | M AY 2 0 2 0
ticed a startling trend — the number of pitfalls of what they’re doing and what He adds, “Now, with a qualified
fatalities from electrocution was staying they can do to make it better.” observer notifying a coworker to put
the same even as the number of claims Federated’s Commitment to Zero on their personal protective equip-
was dropping. Contacts safety campaign calls on ment — rubber gloves and sleeves
“At Federated, we were seeing a nearly cooperatives to sign a pledge to im- — before approaching the minimum
constant number of serious injuries prove — and talk about — safety to approach distance of an energized line
and fatalities, staying around 23 to 24 a prevent contacts with energized equip- or equipment and to add another piece
year,” explains Jason Springs, Federated ment. In return, Federated offers ideas of rubber cover-up to prevent their
safety and loss prevention consultant. and resources to help cooperatives coworker — their friend — from suffer-
“In this business, one accident is too eliminate serious injuries. ing a serious injury, or even death, is
many, but we just weren’t seeing the “Federated has emphasized the use what it is all about.”
improvement we had hoped for, even of a qualified observer, an electrically
though we were bringing down the qualified employee that is a second set Tough talk
total number of claims. We talk about it of eyes for a lineworker conducting Even with dedicated safety personnel
every meeting we go to — we actively energized work,” Daugherty explains. on a job site, cooperative safety leaders
participate in cooperative safety meet- “We’ve communicated this practice to emphasize the need for lineworkers to
ings, we do annual observation visits our employees and have included it in speak up when they see something that
with each co-op and we also attend our Safe Work Practices revision. Fed- doesn’t look — or even feel — right.
conferences. We never pass up an op- erated, as they were sifting through all “Through our Speak Up, Listen Up
portunity to talk about it.” this data from electrical contacts, found program, even if you’ve only been here
In 2018, the continued fatalities that after an incident, when crews were one day, we want you to speak up when
prompted the cooperative insurer to asked what happened, most would say, you see something wrong, something
launch a far-reaching safety campaign ‘I don’t know. I didn’t see it.’” unsafe,” Farrell says. “We’re going to
— Commitment to Zero Contacts — to
double down on reinforcing basic safety
protocols. The issue, as far as safety
advocates could see, isn’t a lack of
knowledge or distaste for regulation —
it’s a fight against instinct.
“Whenever you take a shortcut, it
becomes easier to take it again, and it
becomes easier to get hurt,” explains
Shane Farrell, operations manager for
DuBois-based United Electric Coopera-
tive (EC). “We fight that with our safety
meetings — restating our safe practices
and making sure everyone knows what
they’re supposed to be doing.”
Indefinite commitment
Springs stresses that the key to over-
coming the instinct to take a shortcut
is replacing it with a new one. Rather
than be a once-and-done campaign, the
goal of the commitment is, well, just
that — an indefinite commitment to
safety.
“If the only time we’re talking about
safety is at safety meetings, we’re not
talking about it enough,” Springs says.
“We found that the more you talk about
it, the more you discuss it, the more sec-
ond nature it becomes to the linemen,
so we wanted to raise their awareness CAREFUL INSPECTION: Joe Selnekovic, PREA/Allegheny manager, JT&S/environmental adviser,
and make sure they all understand the inspects a bucket truck at New Enterprise REC during an unannounced RESAP inspection in 2019.
| M AY 2 0 2 0 9
stop the job and talk about it. We use (Swartzlander, CEO for United EC) SAFETY CHECK: Shane Farrell, opera-
the S.A.F.E. (Stop and Focus Everyday) really wanted to show the cooperative’s tions manager for United EC, left, and Jeff
Young, safety & loss prevention consultant
app that Federated developed, and that commitment to the JT&S program.” for Federated, right, discuss work procedures
helps walk our crew chiefs through a during an unannounced crew observation in
detailed job briefing to help address Working together 2019 as United EC lineworkers set a pole to
potential hazards on the job site.” The program, Farrell notes, brings provide electricity to a new member’s home.
He adds, “We have to keep on it, together cooperative lineworkers and
keep with the message and talking engineers from across the Common- wealth, giving them the chance to work
about it so we keep making sure they together before meeting on a job site
all go home safe.” when a storm disrupts power.
To help support each cooperative’s The JT&S program also supports
own safety policies, the Pennsylvania cooperatives’ participation in the Rural
Rural Electric Association’s (PREA) Job Electric Safety Achievement Program
Training & Safety (JT&S) Program ex- (RESAP), an initiative designed by the
ists to share the latest industry knowl- National Rural Electric Cooperative
edge and resources. The program offers Association (NRECA) to re-enforce
training classes year-round to electric cooperatives’ own safety policies.
cooperatives across the state, ranging “All the CEOs feel it’s their responsi-
from schools on climbing and operating bility to participate in RESAP,” says Jeff
winches to changing transformers and Dishong, operations supervisor for REA
stringing new power lines. Lineworkers Energy Cooperative. “It’s all in an effort
and crew chiefs assist the program by to get a handle on complacency. You
offering their services as instructors, do the same job day in, day out, and …
and, in most cases, JT&S schools take something you may have grown accus-
place at cooperative training yards. tomed to could be slipping by. It’s just an
“We built a training yard behind effort to make sure everyone goes home
our office building to help host JT&S the same way they came to work.”
schools,” Farrell says. “PREA does an RESAP adds a layer of safety and
outstanding job of providing beneficial UNDERSTANDING ELECTRICITY: Dave accountability on top of cooperatives’
Allison, a meter technician for Bedford REC,
training for apprentices, journeymen, in-house crew observations. Operations
examines wiring in a simulation box for a meter
all the way to guys who have been replacement exercise during the JT&S Metering supervisors from electric cooperatives
doing this for 30 years, and Brenda School held in 2019 at Somerset REC. across the state enlist the aid of the
10 | M AY 2 0 2 0JT&S crew to conduct unannounced
crew visits and workspace inspections Local leadership on the national level
at the request of each cooperative’s Co-op director chairs national insurance group with a commitment to safety
CEO.
“Onsite inspections are done ev-
ery three years,” says Doug Nichols, L ocal leadership is the cornerstone of the electric cooperative model. Cooperatives
are led by members of the local community — directors who are elected by
their fellow members and neighbors. These leaders, armed with local insight and a
director of operations for Wysox-based
Claverack Rural Electric Cooperative commitment to service, can bring great value to organizations far and wide.
(REC). “We know the year we’re up Tim Burkett is the vice chairman of keep everyone vigilant. Chances are if
(for inspection), but we don’t know both the DuBois-based United Electric you’re following up on the little things,
when they’re going to come, which I Cooperative Board of Directors and the the big things fall into place.
think is a very good thing because it Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association P. L.: What steps has Federated taken
keeps you in the mindset of ‘You always Board of Directors. He also serves as the to encourage a culture of safety at its
have to be prepared.’ It should be just board chairman of Fed- member cooperatives?
another day at the office.” erated Rural Electric T. B.: In April 2018, Federated,
Insurance Exchange along with the National Rural Electric
Above and beyond (Federated), the Cooperative Association, introduced
RESAP takes safety beyond what insurance provider for the Commitment to Zero Contacts
is dictated by regulations and make electric cooperatives initiative to provide ideas and resources
suggestions on how to improve safety. nationwide. Burkett, to help eliminate serious injuries and
Tim Burkett who owns and operates fatalities due to electrical contact. In
For cooperative inspectors, the visits
provide a chance to learn new and a machine shop — R & S Machine in the first year, more than 540 coopera-
different ways to maintain safe working Porter, Pa. — spoke with us about his tive CEOs signed the pledge to commit
environments. interest in fostering a culture of safety at to zero contacts, and that number has
“There are some regulations in- electric cooperatives across the state and been growing ever since.
volved, and each co-op goes above and the nation. P. L.: What more can cooperatives
Penn Lines: How does your service do to build upon their own cultures of
beyond regulations,” Dishong says.
on the board of Federated help support safety?
“We do more of pointing out things
cooperative safety efforts? T. B.: Electric cooperatives have high
co-ops excel in than we do finding
Tim Burkett: I like to think of Fed- standards for safety that exceed Occu-
faults. I may see something here that erated as a safety company that also pational Safety and Health Administra-
I can take back to my own co-op … provides insurance. The safety of line- tion regulations, and most fatalities can
and that’s another reason for everybody workers, and the members who depend be prevented simply by taking the time
being involved. Every co-op you go to, on them, is every to review those basic safety protocols
there’s always something you can learn cooperative’s chief concern, and Fed- that are already in place. Last year,
and always something you can share — erated is, in fact, a cooperative. And we launched the S.A.F.E. — Stop and
it’s cooperation among co-ops.” we support our members by helping Focus Everyday — app in an effort to
After completing a RESAP observa- them identify areas for improvement eliminate shortcuts and missed steps,
tion, inspectors upload their findings and sharing best practices from around and conduct more effective job plan-
to NRECA, compiling data to show the nation. It’s not enough to just tell ning. It makes you slow down, have
where a cooperative stands in compari- lineworkers, “Wear your gloves and discussions and consider possible near
son to cooperatives across the state and your hard hat.” Safety has to be part of misses.
the nation, as well as comparing the the workplace’s culture. P. L.: What is a “near miss?” Why do
cooperative to those of similar size and P. L.: What does it mean to have a we want to identify those?
membership. Inspectors pass along these “culture of safety?” T. B.: A near miss is a potential
numbers to cooperative CEOs along T. B.: It’s easy to work on the big hazard or incident that has not resulted
with comments and recommendations. things — everybody knows you’re in any personal injury, but these can
“It definitely gives us a reset button supposed to wear personal protective help identify working conditions, work
every three years of things that we need equipment — but a culture of safety habits, or use of equipment that could
to look at,” says New Enterprise REC means viewing the smaller details as present a danger to employees. In any
equally important. If you go to a co- workspace in any industry, we get ac-
General Manager/CEO Mark Morrison.
op — or any business, for that matter customed to our environment and can
“Everybody needs to work safely —
— and their workspace is neat and overlook a hazard because we don’t see
you can’t get complacent — so I think
organized and regulations are posted it as one. Sharing near-miss reports on
it’s a really good program. We use it in plain sight, you can tell that they are one side of the state can help another
as an educational tool to make things paying attention to the little things that make a change that could save a life.
better.” l
| M AY 2 0 2 0 11timelines
Your Newsmagazine Through the Years
1990
2010
James “Biff” Houl-
din, a member of
Valley Rural Electric
Cooperative, is a
regular volunteer at
Habitat for Humanity
worksites, both locally
and around the world.
2000
Penn Lines checks
into claims that the
“gold standard” of
American safety in
appliances – the
Underwriters Labora-
tories seal – may be
tarnished.
T
hirty years ago, the final portion of a multi-year project
aimed at controlling electricity costs for rural residents of 1980
Pennsylvania and New Jersey began service. Completion Allegheny Electric
of the central computer and monitoring system at the Allegheny Cooperative Inc. files
an application with
Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Allegheny) office in Harrisburg al- the Federal Energy
lowed engineers there to monitor power supply and use so they Regulatory Commis-
can better forecast exactly when peak periods of electric demand sion for a license to
will occur in cooperative territories. build a small hydro-
The coordinated load management system (CLMS), initiated electric power station
at Raystown Lake.
in 1986, helps temper power costs by trimming demand during
peak use periods by temporarily switching off water heaters and
other appliances in the residences of participating cooperative
consumer-members.
The program provides cost benefits to cooperatives because the 1970
price Allegheny pays for its purchased power is partly based on Harold Ritchey and
its power use during suppliers’ peak periods. Power purchased Douglas Smith, Valley
during peak demand periods is more expensive because auxiliary Rural Electric Coop-
erative, are among 20
generating stations must be brought on-line to satisfy increased
cooperative repre-
demand for power. By avoiding the need to purchase that supple- sentatives visiting
mental energy, the cooperatives can reduce energy costs for their congressional offices
members. Since 1986, CLMS has saved cooperative consumers in Washington, D.C.
more than $150 million in avoided power purchase costs.
12 | M AY 2 0 2 0energymatters
This summer, seek savings through
energy efficiency upgrades
By Derrill Holly
I
f May’s warmer weather has you a series of recommendations that, if
thinking about the sultry summer accomplished, can produce savings.
months ahead, this could be a Homeowners can then decide which
great time to consider energy-saving measures fit into their budgets or
options and make plans to help con- schedules as they consider improve-
trol your energy costs. ment projects.
There’s a combination of things you Small changes add savings
can do yourself, like making slight When the goal is keeping the house
modifications to your family’s routine cool and comfortable, remembering
that can help identify and achieve that any activities adding heat and
opportunities for savings while keeping humidity to your air-conditioned
CONSIDER A SLOW COOKER: During sum-
your home more comfortable through- mer months, consider using smaller appliances spaces can increase your costs.
out the summer cooling season ahead. like a slow cooker to eliminate heat gain in the Open doors don’t just allow people
kitchen. to come and go. They also provide an
HVAC tune up instant exchange of cooler inside air
When it comes to heating, ventilation efficiency and getting real value for for warm, moist air, much the same as
and air conditioning (HVAC) equip- your home improvement dollars, pro- the cooling effect you experience when
ment, spending a few dollars at the fessional advice is a good place to start. standing in front of an open refrigera-
beginning of the season can add up to Your local electric cooperative may tor. A cooler stocked with cold drinks
big savings and help you avoid expen- be able to recommend professionally and chilled snacks and placed outdoors
sive surprises and system failures. trained energy advisers who can con- can help cut down on household traffic
A qualified service technician can duct comprehensive assessments and on hot summer days.
check key components like the com- provide recommendations that could When cooking, consider using smaller
pressor and condenser, clean the coils help you control energy costs and appliances like a slow cooker — or bet-
and inspect the ductwork. A technician improve comfort. ter yet, take the extra heat from cooking
may also offer advice on how to get Energy audits include examination outdoors and fire up the grill.
the most value out of a programmable of heating, cooling, and water heating Ceiling fans operating in air-condi-
thermostat. equipment, as well as interior and exte- tioned space can make you feel about
According to experts, sealing and rior lighting. Other available services 4 degrees cooler while you are in the
insulating ductwork can improve the can include inspections and assess- room. But the benefits only occur
overall efficiency of your HVAC equip- ments of windows, crawl spaces, and when a room is occupied. Make it a
ment by as much as 20%. other voids for air leaks, which can habit to turn off the fan when you
Consider replacing systems that are degrade HVAC performance. leave the room. l
more than 10 years old (or those that According to the U.S. Department of Derrill Holly writes on consumer and
no longer keep your home comfort- Energy’s Energy Information Admin- cooperative affairs for the National Rural
able) with a high-efficiency system that istration, a professional energy auditor Electric Cooperative Association, the
is properly sized and designed to meet will review monthly, seasonal, and national trade association representing
your needs. annual energy bills, consider house- more than 900 local electric cooperatives.
hold occupancy patterns, and examine From growing suburbs to remote farm-
Gain insights from energy condition, age, and use of appliances ing communities, electric co-ops serve
audits and other electronics. as engines of economic development for
Sometimes it pays to get the big An analysis developed from the col- 42 million Americans across 56% of the
picture, so when it comes to energy lected information can help determine nation’s landscape.
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year White Bear Lake, MN 55110-0748cooperativeconnection
REA Energy
From the President & CEO
Cooperative, Inc.
REA
ENERGY
Working for you
One of 14 electric cooperatives By Chad Carrick, MBA, CFPC
serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey President and CEO
REA Energy Cooperative, Inc. As we all deal with the new realities “good old” U.S. Postal Service to pay
75 Airport Road • P.O. Box 70 brought on by the coronavirus, I want bills.
Indiana, PA 15701-0070 to assure you that your local electric Many of our employees are working
724-349-4800 • 800-211-5667
cooperative is here to help you. We from home. We’ve divided departments
Ebensburg District Office
127 Municipal Road
have always had an emergency plan into shifts so they can practice social
Ebensburg, PA 15931 that has served us well in a variety distancing even when in the office. If
814-472-8570 of circumstances, from ice storms, to you call, the phones will be answered
Website: www.reaenergy.com
Email: reaenergy@reaenergy.com
tornadoes, to flash floods. Early in this as always.
crisis, our staff updated that plan with We have separated our line crews
Staff
Barry Baker a special emphasis on ensuring we can from other employees and even from
Indiana Operations Manager continue to provide the reliable electric each other to limit possible spread of
Erin Bauer service you have come to expect from the virus. New routines are in place for
ACRE Coordinator
Shane Cribbs your electric cooperative. contractors working on our system in
Network & Systems Manager So far, that is exactly what has hap- order to keep them away from employ-
Dave Daugherty pened. We know that after a sufficient ees. Deliveries are delivered outside of
Safety & Right of Way Manager
Jeff Dishong supply of food and water, electricity is the building prior to being received.
Ebensburg Operations Supervisor the No. 1 thing you need to maintain Our management team and board
Lisa Gardill some sense of normalcy as we hunker are constantly working to fine tune
Accounting & Finance Manager
Stacy Hilliard, CCC, CKAE down in our homes. With that in mind, this plan. We are in constant contact
Communications & Marketing Manager keeping the power flowing is “Job 1” with the other electric cooperatives in
Local Pages Editor for everyone involved in maintaining Pennsylvania and New Jersey and with
Chris Masterson
Reliability Supervisor the electric cooperative system. the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Associ-
Patrick McAndrew That starts with our generation ation, which in turn is working closely
Manager of Engineering cooperative, Allegheny Electric Coop- with our national association, the state
Bryon Roland
Purchasing & Facilities Manager erative, Inc., which has taken extreme legislature and Gov. Tom Wolf.
Brendan Short measures to ensure its workforce So far, it is working well, and ev-
Right-of-Way/Forestry Supervisor is healthy and its power plants are eryone has adapted to the new norm.
Renee Spalla
Supervisor of Consumer Services functioning as needed. That extends That’s because we’ve done this before.
Chris Weller to the 14 cooperatives that wheel that Nothing brings out the best in our em-
Load Management Supervisor electricity in Pennsylvania and New ployees better than a crisis situation. It’s
Outages & Emergencies Jersey, which includes REA Energy Co- kind of like gold that has been tested in
1-800-332-7273
724-463-7273
operative Inc., where business may be fire … stronger and more beautiful!
a bit unusual, but our service remains Our focus here is on doing our part
Office Hours
Indiana Office: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. the same. to keep your life as normal as possible
Ebensburg Office: We thought you might want to know through this situation and beyond. The
7 - 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. some of the steps we have taken in or- cooperative way of doing business has
Monday - Friday
der to keep your power flowing. We’ve brought us this far, and the cooperative
closed our lobbies to prevent the spread way will help us through this crisis.
of germs. Instead, we are encouraging All the best to everyone. Stay healthy,
members to use our drop box, online stay home, and we will get through this
and phone payment options and the together the cooperative way! l
| M AY 2 0 2 0 12area energy cooperative, inc
We’re in this together
There are so many ways to say “Thank you,” and
now more than ever, the REA Energy Cooperative
Board of Directors, management, and employees
want to extend our sincerest thank you to our
membership for your patience and understanding
during this unprecedented time.
The board and management of REA Energy would
also like to thank all our employees for their con-
tinued hard work to “keep the lights on.”
12b | M AY 2 0 2 0Tips for entertaining kiddos during social distancing
Social distancing can be hard on any- Put on some of your favorite tunes and for an internet connection! But, just in
one, but it is especially challenging for dance like no one is watching! This is a case you want some guidance, you can
young kids (and their parents!). What great way to get your heart pumping and check out the Food Network’s Family
can you do when school is out, and you relieve a little bit of pent-up energy! and Kids page.
need to stay home? Here are some tips Do a book-work workout Have a karaoke party
on how you can destroy boredom and This is a great way to combine educa- You don’t need to leave the house to
keep your kids entertained. tion and exercise! Pick a book that has have a sing-off! Check out SingSnap,
Keep them moving a word that’s often repeated. Every time which has a library of free karaoke tunes.
Kids need to exercise, too! In fact, the word comes up in the story, get your Do some virtual learning
preschoolers need at least 180 minutes kid to do a jumping jack. Just because school is out doesn’t
of physical activity each day, while kids Get “outdoors” mean the learning has to stop. Check
aged 5 to 17 need 60 minutes of mild to Did you know that five of the national out these online learning sites:
moderate exercise a day. Here are some parks have virtual park tours? Take a k From ABCs to ACTs — Hundreds of
things to keep them moving: tour of these incredible places, all from resources, hands-on activity ideas and
Yoga for kids the comfort of your living room! printables to choose from.
Yoga for kids has become a movement k Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska k From Homeschool Hideout, 150+
around the world, and there is no time k Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii Educational Shows on Netflix — With
like the present to start your kids on this k Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New educational programming you can
fun exercise journey. Cosmic Kids Yoga Mexico feel better about doing a bit of binge
is a great YouTube resource with yoga, k Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah watching.
mindfulness and relaxation designed k Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida k From We Are Teachers, 60+ Awesome
especially for kids aged 3+. As an added Take a virtual field trip Websites for Teaching and Learning
bonus, this channel also has meditation The Great STEMporium offers virtual Math — If you find yourself struggling
exercises for kids, perfect to help relieve field trips of famous museums, zoos and to incorporate some math education
stress during uncertain times. more! into your kids’ day, look no further than
Have a dance party Get the kids cooking this helpful list of teacher approved,
This is good for the kids AND you! Educational, hands-on and no need online math education sites. l
Safety above all else and the community safe around elec-
tricity. We established and follow safety
Keeping the community safe
Because we live and work in the
“Safety” is a universal word that protocols based on leading national community we serve, we care about our
is mentioned often and used loosely. safety practices for the utility industry. neighbors. REA Energy conducts electri-
Communities large and small, as well as We require our lineworkers to wear spe- cal safety demonstrations in schools and
companies across all industries, are com- cialized equipment when working next for community events.
mitted to safety. Sports leagues at every to or with power lines. There are specific May is National Electrical Safety
level take safety seriously. protocols that our lineworkers follow Month. According to the Electrical
Safety is an especially serious issue when dealing with electricity. Our safety Safety Foundation, each year thousands
when it comes to electrical safety. For team has regular meetings where they of people in the United States are
REA Energy, it’s the No. 1 priority. Over discuss upcoming projects from a safety critically injured and electrocuted as a
time, REA Energy has created a culture perspective. They monitor and track result of electrical fires, accidents, and
of safety by putting our employees’ near-misses of accidents in order to un- electrocution in their own homes.
safety and that of the community above derstand them, share “lessons learned,” Many of these accidents are preventable.
all else. At its essence, REA Energy’s and improve in the future. There is much you can do to keep
mission is to provide safe, affordable and As importantly, we encourage all of yourself and your community safe
reliable electricity to its owner-members. our crews to speak up and hold each around electricity.
At the end of the day, we strive to deliver other accountable for safety. By cultivat- Don’t attempt electrical do-it-your-
affordable and reliable electricity to our ing a culture of openness and transpar- self projects or overload your outlets.
owner-members, but equally important, ency, we promote problem-solving with Report downed power lines, unlocked
we want to return our workers home regard to safety, rather than defaulting to substations or padmount transformers
safely to their loved ones. To do this a blame game. We examine the informa- that look amiss. Contact REA Energy for
requires ongoing focus, dedication and tion and data gleaned from near-misses additional electrical safety tips. If you
vigilance. and accident reports to discern patterns would like us to provide a safety demon-
Following national safety standards and use safety metrics to improve in stration at your school or community
Working with electricity is an in- those areas where we have fallen short. event, email reaenergy@reaenergy.com.
herently dangerous job, especially for As appropriate, we brief contractors on Be mindful when it comes to electrical
lineworkers. REA Energy has a safety our safety protocols and set expectations safety. Pause and take the extra time to
team whose focus is keeping employees for their engagement. plug into safety. l
| M AY 2 0 2 0 12cYou can also read
