in this issue:

Arbor Day continued B

75 Years of Service C

Efficiency of LEDs D

Together We Save E

Winter Outages F

Lineman Wins Statewide Competition G

Right-of-Way Clearing & Holiday Office Closings H

Photo at top: The Cooperative’s fleet, taken in the first decade after incorporation.

Energy for Today, Power for Tomorrowreviewcooperative

co-op partners withlocal farm for arbor day eventOne Saturday in early summer, Wil Ortiz and his wife, Debby, had a taste for fresh strawberries. The couple decided to visit Wise Acres, an organic farm five minutes from their home. That visit resulted in a unique relationship, one that would bring the farm’s owners, Union Power Cooperative, and a Poplin Elementary School class together for an unforgettable Arbor Day celebration.

Wil Ortiz has been a plant person all his life. He’s especially in tune with trees. While picking strawberries at Wise Acres Farm, Ortiz noticed extensive tree damage to two large oaks shading the playground area. “This was damage that could bring down some of the larger branches at any time,” he says. Concerned for the safety of owners Bobb and Cathy Thorstenson and

their guests, Ortiz cautioned them to have something done as soon as possible. The owners didn’t delay, scheduling someone to come out and take care of the problem the following Monday.

“Powerful straight line winds came through that part of our service area the next day. The winds wreaked havoc on the

(continued on page B)

Left to right: Union Power Manager of Vegetation Management Wil Ortiz, Bobb and Cathy Thorstenson (owners of Wise Acres Farm) Bryan O’Neal and Marshall Crouse with Carolina Tree Care, Andy Braswell with Rocky River Construction, ACRT Senior Utility Forester Carrie Lorenz-Efird, and Poplin Elementary Teacher Kim Parker with some of the 3rd graders who helped plant trees.

december 2014

oaks, but fortunately the heavy branches weren’t blown in the direction of the power line that runs across the property.”

That particular line, which surely would’ve been brought down, also feeds Poplin Elementary School, which is located on the property adjacent to the Thorstenson’s farm.

“I confirmed to Bobb that the two oaks were hazard trees at that point and the Cooperative could step in to help,” said Ortiz.

Normally, Union Power’s policy is to cut down hazard trees, and if they are located in a member’s yard, to remove them. But after hearing the owners’ concern about losing the two trees, the Co-op topped them off, keeping the large trunk sections for stretching a mesh climbing area between them.

The owners purchased diagonal tarps to replace the shade the trees had cast, and the Co-op offered to plant two new trees on the property — one tree for each of the oaks. Ortiz saw a great opportunity to turn this into an Arbor Day celebration.

Arbor Day & Elementary Students“We usually partner with a service-area elementary school for an Arbor Day event either in the spring or fall,” said Ortiz. He and Thorstenson worked with Poplin Elementary staff and scheduled an October 9 date that fell in the beginning of tree-planting season.

Ortiz talked with the students about tree care, electrical safety as it relates to trees, explained why the older trees on the property had been cut, and answered the children’s questions. Teacher Kim Parker later commented, “The kids were so interested in what Wil was saying — they kept crowding in closer and closer when he was speaking!” The students were then divided into groups that helped plant the trees.

When asked what they enjoyed about their tree-planting

experience, the third graders piped up simultaneously: “Learning!” “Putting fertilizer on it!” “Spreading the mulch!” “Kicking the dirt in!”

Ortiz summed up the experience: “It was a pleasure to partner for the celebration of Arbor Day and to assist this member by providing trees through our unique tree replacement program. It proved hugely successful!”

For more information about Wise Acres Farm, visit wiseacresorganic.com. For more information about the Co-op’s Tree Replacement Program and right-of-way approved vegetation, visit union-power.com and check out Right-of-Way, Tree Replacement Program page.

Union Power is the only electric cooperative in North

Carolina to earn the distinction of being named a Tree

Line USA utility by the Arbor Day Foundation for nine

consecutive years for its commitment to proper tree

pruning, planting and care in its five-county service

area. The Co-op also trains employees in quality tree-

care practices, educates the public about planting trees

for energy conservation and helps homeowners plant

appropriate trees near utility lines.

arbor day event . . .

december 2014 Union Power CooperativeB

Throughout 2014, Union Power Cooperative has been commemorating its 75th year of providing electric service to members in five counties. Formed in 1939, the Co-op’s story began with less than 400 local founders determined to bring electricity to their farms and residences after watching city dwellers enjoy the benefits of power for nearly two decades. At that time, only one out of every 10 rural homes enjoyed the luxury of electricity. Union Power’s story continues to be the story of people — members and employees working together to improve the quality of life for those in our communities.

Members Recall When the Lights Came OnNinety-three-year-old Inez Byrum of Waxhaw recalls how her husband and others traveled through the area, going up and down New Town, Cuthbertson and Byrum Roads getting neighbors to sign for permission to put poles on their Union County properties. People in parts of Mecklenburg, Stanly, Cabarrus and Rowan counties did the same. Many of Union Power’s original members helped clear the rights-of-way and set the first poles by hand. Power lines soon began to stretch across the countryside.

Suddenly life was easier and much more efficient. Farm production jumped, and a world of possibilities opened up for rural folks — running water, lights and storing food by refrigeration.

Kirksey M. Shaver of Richfield recalls the excitement his family felt: “It was a happy day in June 1940 when electricity came to our community. The first things my family bought were a wringer washing machine, an electric iron and a radio. Electricity made our lives so much easier. It’s the best thing that has happened for our community in my lifetime.”

Peggy S. Drye of Mt. Pleasant remembers, “When electricity came, we were able to see to read, sew and needle work at night. For our birthdays that year, we girls got little lamps for our bedrooms.”

At the country store Kirksey Shaver’s father owned, “The thing most appreciated by the customers was the new electric radio. They listened attentively to the news broadcasts during World War II, because many of them had loved ones fighting overseas.”

Growth & ProgressUnion Power has become one of the fastest-growing electric cooperatives in the state as well as in the nation. We are currently the fifth largest electric co-op in North Carolina and the 55th largest in the country. One single substation served members from Monroe to Rowan County through 1956; now there are 23

substations delivering power to members.Today’s crews use modern equipment to keep

uninterrupted and reliable power flowing to members an impressive 99.9 percent of the time. Union Power’s team has kept pace with technology in every area from advanced metering and the development of a digital and mobile automated mapping system to providing online tools for members to pay their bills or perform online energy audits.

At Union Power’s 75th Annual Membership Meeting, held on October 4 at Wingate University, the Co-op’s Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Andress shared these sentiments with today’s members: “The power of membership is the reason the Cooperative exists, why we have a proud heritage to share, and why we look to another bright 75 years ahead.”

Learn about the Co-op’s history and view the 75th Anniversary Video at union-power.com, About Us page.

75 years — then and now

Union Power Cooperative december 2014 C

switch on savingsconsider efficiency of LEDsIn 2007, Congress called for improved energy efficiency standards for traditional incandescent bulbs. Standards specified that in 2014, light bulbs using between 40-W to 100-W must consume at least 28 percent less energy than classic bulbs. This change will save Americans an estimated $6 billion to $10 billion in lighting costs annually.

The next wave of standards is making traditional 40-W and 60-W incandescent bulbs unavailable. In their place, some consumers are filling the gap with a solid solution: light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

‘Solid’ lightingIncandescent bulbs create light using a thin wire (filament) inside a glass bulb—a delicate connection that can easily be broken, as frustrated homeowners can attest. In contrast, LEDs are at the forefront of solid-state lighting—small, packed electronic chip devices. Two conductive materials are placed together on a chip (a diode). Electricity passes through the diode, releasing energy in the form of light.

Invented in 1960 by General Electric, the first LEDs were red—the color depends on materials placed on

the diode. Yellow, green, and orange LEDs were created in the 1970s and the recipe for the color blue was unlocked in the mid-1990s. Originally used in remote controls, exit signs, digital watches, alarm clocks, and car signal lights, LEDs quickly gained momentum for large-scale lighting.

Measuring LED potentialThe Arlington, Va.-based Cooperative Research Network has partnered with several electric cooperatives throughout the United States to test LEDs. Researchers are cautiously optimistic; LEDs offer several benefits:

• LEDs could last longer, perhaps for decades

• The energy to use LEDs could be substantially less than that of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or other fluorescents

• With no mercury content, LEDs are more environmentally friendly

• The products are rugged and more resistant to breakage

december 2014 Union Power CooperativeD

Union Power Cooperative

GUESS WHICH HOUSE HAS BETTER INSULATION IN THE ATTIC.

Effective insulation keeps heat from getting to your roof.

Find out what you can do at TogetherWeSave.com.TOGETHERWESAVE .COM

• LEDs perform well in cold climates, especially outside

• LEDs can be dimmed and produce a more pleasing light

However, some consumers avoid LEDs because the price tag exceeds normal light bulb costs. But the true value lies in the lifetime of the bulb. It takes about 50 traditional incandescent bulbs, or eight to 10 CFLs, to last as long as one LED lamp.

Buyer BewarePoor quality LED products are flooding the marketplace. Some are manufactured outside of the United States with components that produce low light levels, don’t boast a long service life, or make exaggerated energy saving claims.

Don’t be fooled. Look for the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR logo for guaranteed color quality over time, steady light output over the lifetime, high efficiency, and a warranty.

Shedding Light on LEDs More lighting efficiency changes are coming. Congress’ measure mandates lightbulbs become 70 percent more efficient by 2020.

Curious to know if LEDs are right for you? Learn about using LED labels at lightingfacts.com/About/Consumers. Homeowners can visit energysavers.gov/lighting to compare LEDs to incandescent bulbs and CFLs.

Sources: The Association of Electrical Equipment and Medical Imaging Manufacturers; U.S. Department of Energy; Cooperative Research Network

Union Power Cooperative december 2014 E

helping local businessesBusiness Owners! Have you checked out our FREE

marketing program? Visit the Co-op Connections for

Participating Businesses page at union-power.com!

Welcome New Business:

Generations United, Indian Trail . . . . . . . 704-909-963010% discount on adult daycare and child daycaregenerationsuniteduc.wix.com/generationsunited

Congrats to Top Co-op Connections Business of 2014!Congratulations to Flynn’s Automotive, the business

that got the most web traffic from the Co-op

Connections Card during the past year.

Union Power

thanks each

of the 80 local

businesses

participating

in the Co-op

Connections

Card program and offering discounts to our

members! You’re helping us to invest in the

communities we serve and adding value to our

members’ everyday lives.

Members who don’t have a Co-op Connections Card

may print one out at connections.coop.

be prepared for winter outagesIf the power goes out, take the following steps to protect your property and family: • If you use a portable generator, isolate it from our power lines. Generators that are not isolated can feed back into the utility company’s electrical system and possibly electrocute anyone coming into contact with those wires.

• Be extra careful when using kerosene heaters and fireplaces. If it’s winter, try to keep exterior door openings to a minimum.

• Limit refrigerator and freezer door openings to prevent food spoilage. Never use outdoor grills or gas-powered generators inside or in attached garages. This could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be deadly.

• Turn off large appliances that come on automatically, as well as appliances you were using when the outage occurred. Disconnect sensitive electronics to avoid damage from surges or lightning strikes.

• When the power comes back on, give the system a chance to stabilize by turning appliances back on gradually.

• Winter storms can bring down trees and power lines. Please remember to stay away from any downed lines including power, telephone or cable and call 911 to report them immediately. Do not touch any object that is in contact with downed power lines — especially objects that can transmit electricity such as water and metal. Never drive your car over power lines. If a power line falls over your car while you are driving, stay inside your car until you receive appropriate help.

In the event of major outages, rest assured that our crews will be working around the clock to restore power. Keep the following in mind if you see crews working: • Because of the location of many power lines, utility employees frequently work along roadsides. The North Carolina Move Over law requires motorists approaching or passing any public service or utility vehicle that is operating a warning signal to reduce speed and move their vehicles into a nearby lane if possible. In extreme weather, it’s better to keep off the roads unless it’s an absolute emergency.

• If you see crews working in your area, please don’t go near them. They are working in dangerous surroundings. Your distraction could present a hazard and slow their progress.

Visit our website, union-power.com, and click on Storm Center for more helpful information.

To report an outage, call 1-800-794-4423.

december 2014 Union Power CooperativeF

co-op lineman wins top honorat statewide competitionThe Co-op congratulates Chris Griffin, a Stage 5 Apprentice Lineman, who placed first in North Carolina’s electric cooperatives’ statewide Pole Top Rescue Competition on October 16.

This year’s competition had two categories based on the type of fall restraints used by the competitors. One group secured themselves in the traditional way with a lifeline and life hook, while the other group used personal fall restraints that protect from falls during the ascent and descent. Griffin set a new course record with a time of 1:33:47 and took home the top honor along with a $1,000 prize for those competing in the category with personal fall restraints.

Griffin has worked for Union Power Cooperative for four years, and this is his second time participating in the Pole Top Rescue competition. In 2012, Chris

competed for the first time at the statewide level and placed third in his category.

The CompetitionMore than 600 North Carolina electric cooperative line workers began the year competing for the 2014 title. Winners of local cooperative and regional competitions advanced to the state championship, and a total of 24 people competed.

In the Pole Top Rescue scenario, line workers place an emergency radio call, don climbing gear, scale 20 feet up a utility pole, rig a rope, lower a 105-pound mannequin and begin CPR. The scenario used at the Pole Top Rescue Competition is the same scenario all North Carolina electric cooperative line workers must perform in less than five minutes in order to maintain their certification to work on co-op lines.

Griffin’s Union Power co-workers were thrilled when he was announced the winner.

First place winner Chris Griffin (middle) set a new course record with a time of 1:33:47; Griffin wore his pink hard hat that all Union Power linemen wore throughout October to raise awareness for Breast Cancer.

Second place winner was Leonard Person (right), Tri-County EMC (1:35:48) and third placer was Kenny Simmons (left), Pee Dee EMC (1:37:97)

Union Power Cooperative december 2014 G

Find all the ways to save attouchstone.foryourpeople.com/shop/shopping

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1. Register 2. Download Shopping Assistant 3. Surf & Shop

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Connections® Card program and earn an extra 1-40% cash back this holiday season!

Cooperative Review is published monthly by

Union Power Cooperative provides safe and reliable power with exceptional value to more than 70,000 member accounts in Union, Stanly, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, and Rowan counties.

Greg AndressExec. Vice President & General Manager

Carrie C. Stroud, CCCEditor

Rhonda Smith, CCCAssociate Editor

BOARD OF DIRECTORSB. L. Starnes, PresidentLee Roy Kirk, Jr., Vice PresidentJan Haigler, Secretary-TreasurerDent H. Turner, Jr., Asst. Secretary-TreasurerJuanita W. PoplinNeil W. Hasty, Jr.Carole P. JonesJim T. HartsellDavid G. HyattTom J. Caudle

Business Hours8 AM to 5 PM Monday–Friday704-289-3145 or 704-485-3335Toll-free: 1-800-922-6840union-power.com

24-Hour Outage Reporting Serviceand Account Information1-800-794-4423

Call Before DigNC One Call Center — Dial 811

SERVICE CHARGES:Security Deposit-charges vary $0, $175, $375Connection Fee $25Late Payment Charge $5 or 1.5% of past due balance, if greaterReturned Check Fee $25Meter Test $75 (refunded if not accurate)Dual Meter Comparison $50 (refunded if not accurate)Trip Charge $25 (checks or money orders only, no cash)

RECONNECT CHARGES:(collected in advance)Normal Hours $50 (if called in before 4:00 PM)After Hours $100 (if called in after 4:00 PM)Weekends and Holidays $100

During the next month, you may see our tree-trimming crews in your neighborhood. ABC Professional Tree Services and Carolina Tree Care will be working in Union County:

Union: Aprilia Ln, Burgess Helms Rd, Cane Creek Rd, Crow Rd, Double Oaks Dr, Dudley Rd, Effie Whitley Rd, Floyd Moore Rd, Griffith Rd, Gum Ln, HB Starnes Rd, Hinson Rd, Jack Davis Rd, Jug Broome Rd, Lancaster Hwy, Leslie Dr, Long Hope Rd, Luther Ln, Mangum

Dairy Rd, Mt Pleasant Church Rd, Mullis Rd, Nesbit Rd, Old Highway Rd, Parks McCorkle Rd, Parkwood School Rd, Pigg Mattox Rd, Pine Ln, Rape Rd, Reid Circle, S Potter Rd, S Rocky River Rd, Sara Hinson Rd, Tom Greene Rd, Tom Starnes Rd, Whispering Hollow Ln

For more information about Union Power’s vegetation management program or tree trimming practices, please call (704) 289-3145 and speak with Wil Ortiz (ext. 3323) or Carrie Lorenz-Efird (ext. 3291). Visit our website, union-power.com, for monthly right-of-way clearing updates.

right-of-way clearing

Our offices will be closed December 24 & 25 for the Christmas holidays.

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

holiday office closings