and 49 feet in diameter and consists of an octagon-shaped base, constructed of 26.5 tons of steel rebar and275 cubic yards (which is about 1.5 million pounds) ofpoured concrete. On the top of the octagon-shaped baseis a round concrete pedestal, made up of steel rings andlong anchor bolts, which will hold the towers in place.The foundations for all 14 turbines have been installedand only the top six inches of the round concretepedestal is now exposed as the two project sites awaitsthe arrival of a large crane to hoist the upper sections ofthe towers into place.

The final pre-construction job was installing ap-proximately five miles of underground electric service,called the collection system, that runs from each tur-bine pedestal to the distribution substation. Includedin the trenches with the collection system is the fiberoptics system.

article continues on page 6

Progress on your Cooperative’s two wind farms iswell underway since construction began this summer.While the most visible construction will take place inJanuary and February 2009 with the erection of the windturbines, preparing for the delivery of turbines is nearingcompletion. Construction is being done in phases, be-ginning with the construction of new roads, turbinefoundations and the underground electric lines andcommunication system.

ACCESS ROADS Approximately five miles of new industrial-graderoads were constructed to enable the delivery of the tur-bines to each of the 14 turbine site locations. Eventhough the construction of the roads was a major un-dertaking, they are a key element in a wind farm project.“We not only need access roads to drive cement trucksto the site to pour concrete for the foundations, we alsoneed to get a crane beside each turbine site to lift the tur-bines into place,” said Vice President of Operations andEngineering, Rick Olesen. Although the wind turbinesare brought to the site in pieces, the individual pieces arestill enormous – one blade is 128 feet long. The parts arebrought in on elongated semi tractor-trailers.Without afinished road surface and “turning corners" to allow tur-bine-carrying trucks to make wide turns, the semi truckswould not be able to access the turbine site.

TURBINE FOUNDATIONS Once the roads were in place, work began on themassive turbine foundations. The foundations need tobe substantial to withstand the large turbines. Accordingto Olesen, each turbine’s foundation is eight feet deep

inside

67

2Manager’s Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Energy Conservation Starts at HomeWhere were you on Aug. 14, 2003? . .3Construction Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Linemen on Patrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Oahe/Basin Tours 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . .5Hummel Family Honored . . . . . . . . . .5New Faces at Your Cooperative . . . . . .6New Emmetsburg Service Center . . . .6Basin Hosts Carbon CaptureDemonstration Project . . . . . . . . . . .6

Be a Cooperative Leader . . . . . . . . . . . .72009 Nominating Committee . . . . . . .710 Ways to Save Energy . . . . . . . . . . . .8Christmas LED Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Barn Quilts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Managing Heating Costs . . . . . . . . . . .9Tree Trimming Available . . . . . . . . . . .9Fact or Fable: Conditioning DevicesSave Energy? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Pole Top Rescue Training . . . . . . . . . .10New Online Power Outage Info . . . .10Do You Have Stray Voltage? . . . . . . . .11Jelly Cell Mates Make Useful Tool . . .11Bird on a Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Operation Round-Up Funds Dispersed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12What to do in a power outage . . . . .13Mobile Substations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Another Great Year at the ClayCounty Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Buy, Sell, Swap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Fall 2008Iowa Lakes Electric CooperativeILEC NEWS

Construction on Wind Farms Underway

The ILEC NEWSis a quarterly publication for ILECmember-owners. Look to the ILECNEWS for Cooperative news andevents, industry updates, helpful hints and special features.

Our MissionIowa Lakes Electric Cooperative is dedicated to leadership, growth andenvironmental responsibility by providing reliable, competitively-priced energy while offering valuableservices to benefit our members, our customers and the communities we serve.

Industrial-Grade Access Roads Being Built

Concrete octagon-shaped base being formed

The round concrete pedestal will hold the towers

Leng

th o

f Tim

e (M

inut

es)

Degree Days - Year to Date, Sept. 2008

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Iowa REC Average(in white)

2005 2006 2007 2008

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

Heating Cooling

4,853

816

4,912

824

5,248

809

5,771

604

Terry L. BrunsPresident/CEO

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative

2

Energy Conservation Starts at Home

A recent report from the Energy InformationAdministration (EIA), a branch of the U.S. De-partment of Energy, identified residential pricesfor electricity will climb an average of 9.8 percentnationwide for the 2009 calendar year. House-holds heating with natural gas (18 percent),propane (16 percent) and heating oil (23 percent)will be the hardest hit, while those householdsheating with electricity will experience the small-est increase. Generally, the increasing cost of electricity canbe attributed to several key factors: the cost of newgeneration resources used to meet load growth,increasingly expensive environmental compliancecosts, the rising market price for the fuels neededto produce electricity and the increasing globalcompetition for more generation resources, espe-cially from the developing countries of India andChina. Your Cooperative is facing wholesale pur-chased power cost increases for 2009 in the rangeof 15-20 percent. During 2008, almost 70 cents ofeach dollar that you pay your Cooperative goes topay for the cost of wholesale purchased power. The surest and most reliable method availablefor member-owners to lessen the efforts of theseenergy price increases is to use less energy athome. That’s a definite challenge in NorthwestIowa where it takes a lot of energy to surviveIowa’s cold climate. As you can see by the graph below, the heatingdegree days year-to-date for the winter monthswere greater than in the past and the cooling de-gree days for the summer were much less.

However, there is some practical, low costways to meet the challenge of decreasing your per-sonal energy costs at home. It’s as simple as turn-ing off unnecessary lighting and unpluggingappliances that use electricity even when turnedoff (i.e. phantom electric loads). First, let me suggest that you change all of themost frequently used incandescent light bulbs inyour home to compact fluorescent lights (CFL’s).In a normal household this may save you approx-imately 150 kWhs per month and the CFL bulbslast much longer than incandescent bulbs. Next replace your old dishwasher, refrigeratoror washer/dryer with an Energy Star rated appli-ance. But don’t place that old refrigerator in thegarage or basement to be used as a spare — get ridof it! Also consider installing a setback thermostatto replace your manual heating/cooling thermo-stat. The rule of thumb for saving on your heatingbill is about a one-percent energy savings forevery degree that your thermostat is set back orturned down for an eight-hour period. Consider contacting your Cooperative at 800-225-4532 and request a free home energy audit ora free energy efficiency kit. Your local energy ad-visors will be more than happy to arrange a con-venient time to meet with you and analyze theenergy efficiency improvements necessary tomake your home more energy efficient. It’s free,it’s convenient and it will save you money on yourenergy bill! Energy conservation is about changing ourpersonal behavior in order to reduce our overallenergy consumption locally here in Iowa as wellas nationally. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)estimates that energy consumption can be re-duced through the wise use of energy efficiencyand the savings can be huge. This is good for you,the member-owner, and good for our environ-ment. It’s a perfect win-win! Last, help us to help you by contacting yourlegislators and enrolling in your Cooperative’s“Our Energy, Our Future” campaign and ask yourfederal legislators some difficult but very impor-tant energy questions.

In today’s difficult and uncertain economic times, America’s consumers continue tosee the price of retail goods and services climb. The price for your electricity is no exception to this trend.

Start by asking your elected officialsthese important questions in order toget the energy issues discussion headedin the right direction:

n CAPACITY:Experts say that our na-tion’s growing electricity needs will soongo well beyond what renewables, conser-vation and energy efficiency can provide.What is your plan to make sure we willhave the electricity we’ll need in the fu-ture?

n TECHNOLOGY: Our country facesan energy crisis as electricity use in-creases faster than the available supply. Ibelieve that by unleashing American in-genuity we can solve this problem. Whatare you doing to speed up the develop-ment of new technology, which willallow me to have the electric power I willneed while meeting our national climatepolicy goals?

n AFFORDABILITY: Balancing elec-tricity needs and environmental goalswill be difficult. How much is all thisgoing to increase my electric bill andwhat will you do to make it affordable? Over one million Cooperative mem-ber-owners nationally have joined thisimportant campaign with their e-mailsand letters to our legislators. Please startyour dialogue today by accessing thiswebsite through www.ilec.coop. YourCooperative’s website also has manymore cost saving ideas and energy tips inorder for you to save yourself somegreen. Don’t delay and start today! Helpus to help you.

Fuerstenau Receives Credentialed Director Certificate

I LEC NEWS

3

For some 50 million people, five yearsago, the lights went out for large parts ofthe Northeast and the Midwest in the

United States for as much as four days. In past newsletter articles, I have cautionedthe member-owners of Iowa Lakes ElectricCooperative about the increased potential orthe likelihood for more frequent brownouts orblackouts as the demandfor electricity continuesto grow, while the resist-ance to building morebaseload generationplants has increased dueto the growing concernover climate change is-sues. Excess electricity re-serves from the nation’sgrid continues to shrink as the costs to licenseand build new generation plants and operatethe current generation plants continue to soar. It is estimated that electricity use in theUnited States will increase 29 percent between2006 and 2030, according to the Departmentof Energy’s Energy Information Administra-tion (EIA). Rick Sergel, President of the North Amer-ican Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC),which oversees the security of the nation’spower grid has stated, “Were to the pointwhere we need every possible resource: renew-ables, demand response, energy efficiency, nu-clear and clean coal.” Mr. Sergel went on to say, “We especiallyneed the transmission lines that will bring thepower generated by these new resources to

consumers.” Electric utilities, including Iowa LakesElectric Cooperative have spent millions ofdollars to make system improvements in orderto provide member-owners with the reliableelectric service that you deserve and expect.Those expenditures will be useless if the elec-tricity generation resources and transmission

lines are not available tosupply and move thatpower to our local distri-bution substations.The economic losses fiveyears ago due to thatblackout were estimated tocost up to $10 billion dol-lars and the lifestyle ofsome 50 million peoplewas significantly disrupted

for many days in August 2003. The facts are clear, cheap electricity pricesas well as the price for other energy resourcesare a thing of the past. However, you can be confident that yourCooperative’s business model will continue toprovide the member-owners of Iowa LakesElectric Cooperative with reliable, affordablypriced and environmentally responsible elec-tricity as possible during the challenging timesahead. Please log on to Our Energy, Our future atwww.ourenergy.coop to learn more about thiscritical situation and establish a dialogue withyour nationally elected legislators about yourenergy concerns for the future. Help Us toHelp You by contacting your legislators imme-diately!

W H E R E W E R E Y O U O N A U G U S T 1 4 , 2 0 0 3 ?

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooper-ative is pleased to announce thatBoard Director, Gerald Fuerste-nau of Mallard, Iowa, receivedthe Credentialed CooperativeDirector certificate from the Na-tional Rural Electric CooperativeAssociation (NRECA). Today’selectric utility environment im-poses new demands on electriccooperative directors, particu-larly increased knowledge of

changes in the electric utilitybusiness, new governance skillsand a working knowledge of thecooperative principles. Iowa Lakes Electric Cooper-ative’s Board of Directors has astrong commitment to workthrough NRECA to sharpen thisbody of knowledge for the bene-fit of their electric cooperativemember-owners. The NRECA Credentialed

Cooperative Director or CCD,program requires attendanceand demonstrated understand-ing of the basic competenciescontained in five core courses:Director Duties and Liabilities;Understanding the Electric Busi-ness; Board Roles and Relation-ships; Strategic Planning; andFinancial Decision Making. Congratulations to Director,Gerald Fuerstenau!

supportingcooperatives

The facts are clear,cheap electricityprices as well as theprice for other energy resourcesare a thing of thepast.

1

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative’s line crews have been extremelybusy during this year’s summer construction season as theywork to complete the Cooperative’s 2008 Construction Work

Plan before Iowa’s cold winter weather sets in and halts constructionfor the year. The Cooperative’s construction work plan is a four-year planthat provides a comprehensive analysis of its distribution systemand identifies specific areas for improvements. This plan determinesthe most cost effective construction projects that will result in thegreatest improved system reliability and efficiency for all member-owners. Your Cooperative’s line crews are in the final stages of complet-ing the most aggressive construction schedule in the history of theCooperative. This year, line crews constructed approximately 46miles of new overhead distribution facilities and replaced approxi-mately 16 miles of aging overhead copper lines with a new, heavierand more reliable aluminum power line. During the construction,line crews use digger derrick trucks equipped with augers to set the22 utility poles required for each new mile of overhead service built. During the yearly inspection of the Cooperative’s distributionfacilities, line crews set an additional 300 utility poles in the Poca-hontas County area. Some of the utility poles the crews replacedwere due to rot or decay while other utility poles were added be-tween existing poles to decrease the span length between the poles.These interset poles increase the overall strength of the overheadservice, which increases member-owners service reliability duringice storms. This cost-effective, reliability-based inspection and polemanagement program can extend the useful life of the pole almostindefinitely when applied at regular ten-year intervals. Iowa Lakes’pole inspection and management program is a critical componentin maintaining a high level of electric service reliability.

Vice President of Operations and Engineering, Rick Olesen, andhis department are continually monitoring both long and shortterm planning to meet load growth and maintain the distributionfacilities. According to Olesen, “Sparing no unwelcome surprisesfrom Mother Nature this fall, the Cooperative is on a record pacethis year for providing our member-owners with the lowest numberof outage hours since 1999.” This year, Iowa Lakes’ member-ownershave only experienced an average of just under 25 minutes of serviceinterruptions compared to the previous record of over 37 minutesin 1999. The line crews also installed nearly 22 miles of new under-ground electric distribution facilities through out the Cooperative’sservice territory. This tremendous amount of construction and up-grades to the Cooperative’s distribution facilities was done withoutthe assistance of an outside contractor services at a financial invest-ment of over $3 million. Iowa Lakes’ crews also completed building the distribution fa-cilities needed for two new substations that were energized this year.The Range substation, located northeast of Milford, was energizedearlier this year to meet thegrowing power requirements inthe Lakes area. The Hummelsubstation, west of Superioralong Highway 71, serves theSuperior Ethanol plant. In addition to scheduledconstruction, line crews alsobuilt five miles of undergroundelectric services to accommo-date the Cooperative’s two newwind projects.

4

2008 Operation Department

Construction UpdateYour Cooperative’s line crews are in the final stages ofcompleting the most aggressive construction schedulein the history of the Cooperative.

As a part of an ongoing system maintenance program,your Cooperative will start inspecting the entire distributionsystem in January. The operation’s line crews check for poten-tial problems such as cracked poles or trees hanging danger-ously close to power lines. With your help we can make this

program even more successful. You may be notified of our re-quest to clear problem vegetation (normally trees). IowaLakes Electric Cooperative appreciates your cooperation bybeing prompt in returning your reply forms as to how youwould like the Cooperative to proceed.

LINEMEN ON PATROL

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative dedicateda new substation in honor of three generationsof the Hummel family, Ed, Dean and Dan whohave served as directors of the Cooperative. “It’s great to have the Hummel family hon-ored,” said L. Kirby Range, Iowa Lakes’ BoardChairman. “Three generations dedicating thehours and time to the rural electric program issomething to be proud of and on behalf of theCooperative’s Board of Directors, I’d like to saythank you for all of the time and effort you haveput into the rural electric program.” In 1964, Ed Hummel was elected to theD.E.K. REC Board of Directors (now known asIowa Lakes Electric Cooperative) and served asthe Board President from 1965—1966. Ed re-tired from the Cooperative’s Board in 1974. Dean Hummel, Ed’s son, was elected to theD.E.K. REC Board of Directors in 1974. Deanserved as Vice President of D.E.K. REC in 1985and then in 1986, when D.E.K. REC mergedwith two neighboring cooperatives to form IowaLakes Electric Cooperative, Dean served as thefirst Board Secretary until his retirement in1989. “It’s quite an honor and our family ishumbled by this dedication. My dad (Ed), Dan

and I never thought of this boardsmanship as ajob. We enjoyed the fellowship and we lent ourexpertise to further the accomplishments of theCooperative. I can’t thank you enough for thishonor. Those of you who knew my father Edknow how proud he would be of this dedicationin his family’s honor,” Dean said during the ded-ication.

Dan Hummel, son of Dean and grandson ofEd, served on the Iowa Lakes Electric Coopera-tive Board of Directors from November 1991until his resignation in April 2003. “Thanks tothe Board of Directors and management todayfor the honor bestowed upon my family. It was

an honor to serve one of the most respectedelectric cooperatives in the state and in the na-tion. Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative’s score of94 out of 100 on the national customer servicesatisfactory survey is 22 points higher than theaverage electric utility. I was proud to serve andit’s an honor for three generations of my familyto help shape this Cooperative to what it istoday,” stated Dan Hummel. “It was an honor to work with both Danand Dean,” stated Terry L. Bruns, Iowa Lakes’President/CEO. “This is the third substationdedicated to the renewable fuels industry. It’san exciting project and in six months we willsee wind turbines generating electricity just tothe northwest of the substation. It’s the firstproject in the U.S. of renewables serving re-newables. This wind project will be a win forthe ethanol industry, a win for Iowa LakesElectric Cooperative and a win for our mem-ber-owners,” Bruns said. The Hummel Substation is located west ofSuperior, Iowa and serves the Superior EthanolPlant. The new substation is owned by Corn BeltPower Cooperative, one of Iowa Lakes’ twowholesale power suppliers.

5

OAHE/BASIN TOURS 2008Several member-owners of Iowa Lakes Electric

Cooperative traced their electric power right toits source this summer.They participated in three-day educational

power supply tours sponsored this summer byIowa Lakes Electric Cooperative and North-west Iowa Power Cooperative (NIPCO), one ofyour cooperative’s wholesale power suppliers.In addition to the educational portion of thetour, member-owners enjoyed good food andfellowship.At the Oahe Power House near Pierre, S.D.,

participants had the opportunity to try theirskill at controlling the Missouri River duringadverse weather conditions. The interactivedisplay shows the many considerations the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers takes when operat-ing the dams.On the second day of the tour in west-cen-

tral North Dakota, the member-owners wereamazed at the number of products made fromlignite coal at the Great Plains Synfuels plantand Antelope Valley Station. Electric powerand natural gas are the principle products, butthere are also many other chemicals, fertilizersand adhesives, as well as carbon dioxide (CO2)

Tour I (above): Robert Hartwig and Ralph Kaufman; Bernie and Sally Verbrugge; Trent, Bethand Alex WillTour 2 (top left): Boyd and Lois NortheyTour 3 (bottom): Jim and Maxine Antoine; Dale andJoyce Doescher; Ralph and Herta Rupp

which is piped to Canada and used for oil recov-ery purposes.Another highlight of the tour was a visit to the

adjoining coal mine. Seeing some of the largestequipment in the United States in operation isspectacular. The member-owners were pleasedto know there is enough coal for generations tocome and to see the successful results of reclama-tion of the land after mining is complete. Theland is carefully returned to either natural prairieor cropland depending on its original use. Oftenmember-owners catch a glimpse of the antelope

that graze on the reclaimed acres.In addition to the tours, the member-

owners get a brief look at electric coopera-tive history, and gain new understandingand pride in their ownership of the cooper-ative. The tours are part of the cooperative’scommitment to provide education for di-rectors, employees and member-owners.If you would like to be a part of this ex-

perience during the summer of 2009, watchthis newsletter in the spring for the oppor-tunity to enter the drawing.

Hummel Family Honored

I LEC NEWS

Dean (left) and Dan Hummel (right) addressing thecrowd at the substation dedication

6

T H E L A T E S T H A P P E N I N G S A T Y O U R C O O P E R A T I V E

Joel Quastad began working for Iowa LakesElectric Cooperative in August 2007 as anapprentice lineman. Joel is currently work-ing for the Estherville service center crew.Joel graduated from Northwest IowaCommunity College and worked threeyears at Heartland Power Cooperative inThompson, Iowa before joining Iowa Lakes

Electric Cooperative last year.

Tyson Nielsen started workingfor the Cooperative in May 2008 as an in-tern and began working as a full time em-ployee in August 2008. Tyson is currentlyan apprentice lineman for the Swea Cityservice center crew. Tyson is a Ringsted,Iowa native and currently resides in Ring-sted with his wife, Kimberly and two daugh-ters, Samantha and Hannah.

Nathan Reiss joined the Cooperative inAugust 2008 as an apprentice lineman forthe Emmetsburg service center crew.Nathan is a 2008 graduate of the North-west Iowa Community College PowerLine Program. Nathan and his wifeCarrie reside in Emmetsburg with theirtwo children, Kyler and

Piper.

The Cooperative’s newestemployee is Mat Kilgore, an Estherville, Iowanative. Mat started with Iowa Lakes ElectricCooperative as an intern in May 2008 whichled to a full time position. Mat is currently anapprentice lineman for the Estherville servicecenter crew. In his free time, Mat enjoys hunt-ing, fishing, and riding his motorcycle.

Member-owners of Iowa LakesElectric Cooperative are part of anetwork that has stepped up to theplate to protect our atmosphere. Basin Electric Power Coopera-tive of Bismarck, N.D., has teamedup with Powerspan Corp. on agroundbreaking demonstrationproject that may make carbon diox-ide (CO2) capture technology eco-nomically feasible. The twocompanies reports results of an ini-tial study as positive. It’s all part of an effort to reducethe amount of CO2 (created byburning carbon-based fossil fuels)

from entering the atmosphere. The project will be at AntelopeValley Station near Beulah, N.D.Construction of the CO2 capturesystem will begin in late 2009 withcompletion in 2012. The projectwill capture about one milliontons of CO2 from the generatingstation’s exhaust, making this proj-ect among the largest in the world.The project will send capturedcarbon dioxide into an existingCO2 pipeline system owned byBasin Electric’s wholly owned sub-sidiary, Dakota Gasification Co.The gasification company sells

CO2 to a Canadian oil productioncompany that injects it deep intothe earth, helping to pump the oilto the surface. Powerspan’s process uses anammonia solution to remove theCO2 after other emissions such assulfur dioxide, mercury and fineparticulate matter are captured.The ammonia is recovered andreused. No separate by-product iscreated. The cost of the demon-stration project is estimated at$200 million to $300 million. President/ CEO, Terry L.Bruns said, “Iowa Lakes Electric

Cooperative is proud to be part ofthe cooperative network that istaking the lead in developing newenvironmental protection tech-nology. This project will use coal– a homegrown, abundant energysource – so we can meet our fu-ture energy needs in a pioneering,green way.” Iowa Lakes purchases a portionof its power from Northwest IowaPower Cooperative (NIPCO) of LeMars, Iowa, which obtains about 75percent of its power supply throughBasin Electric.

BASIN ELECTRIC HOSTS CARBON CAPTURE DEMONSTRATION

New Faces at Your Cooperative

Construction on Wind Farms Underway,continued

WHAT’S NEXT? In December the cranes, turbines and blades will start arriving.First, two mobile 120-ton cranes will arrive on a semi tractor-trailer.These two 120-ton cranes are used to assemble the special purpose500-ton crane that will be used to erect the wind turbines. The tower section of the wind turbines are 262 feet long, brokeninto three sections. The blades, three for each tower, are 128 feet long.The nacelle, which is about the size of a school bus, sits at the top ofthe tower near where the blades attach. The blades will come fromSouth Dakota, the nacelle from Florida and tower sections fromTexas. It is a major coordinated effort to make sure the turbine partsarrive at the same time from different places throughout the UnitedStates. The three towers of the turbine are erected first, the nacelle is nextand finally the blades are installed. The plan is to erect all seven tur-bines in about one week but ironically, wind is a problem. “You wanta windy site to locate a turbine, but if it is too windy construction ishalted until the wind dies down - it’s a quirk of wind farm construc-tion,” Olesen said. By March 2009, both of Iowa Lakes’ wind farms are scheduled tobe generating approximately 71 million kilowatt hours of wind gen-erated electricity each year, which is the equivalent to serving almost3,700 of our member-owners’ farm/residential homes.

The underground electric service being trenched

E C O N O M I C G R OW T H N E W S

POLE TOPRESCUETRAINING

7

Be a Leader of Your Cooperative

KossuthDickinson

Clay Palo Alto

Buena VistaCherokee Pocahontas

Emmet

• Be an independent thinker, but capable of cooperating.• Acquire the knowledge necessary to cope with the issues of a modern electric utility, including finance, management and communications.• Possess the character and demeanor that will reflect favorably on behalf of the Cooperative.• Be willing to listen and learn.• Be of sufficient stature to command the respect of management, employees, fellow board members and the general public.• Be willing to commit adequate time to the work of the board, to be an effective

member and properly discharge duties of the board of directors.• Subordinate personal and other business interests to the needs of the Cooperative when making a decision.• Be willing to accept the unpleasant moments of a director’s experience.• Let management manage.

Other criteria include:• Be a resident of one of the districts open for election.• Receive electric service from the Cooperative.• Have an account in good standing.

DIRECTOR NOMINEE APPLICATION

I, the undersigned, a member of Iowa LakesElectric Cooperative, hereby applies as a nomineefor directorship of Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperativefrom Districts I, II, III, or IV, and request that myname be submitted to be placed on the ballot forthe 2009 election for directorship from said districtto be held at the 2009 annual membership meeting(April 18, 2009) in Spencer, Iowa. I understand the nominating committee willstrive to select other candidates in my district. I certify that I am receiving electric service fromIowa Lakes Electric Cooperative in Districts I, II,III or IV (circle the appropriate district) and ama member in good standing of Iowa Lakes ElectricCooperative. I certify that I am not employed by, financiallyaffected by, or have other interests in a businesswhich is in competition with Iowa Lakes ElectricCooperative, its affiliates, or sells its products orservices to the Cooperative. If elected as a director, I agree to abide by theArticles of Incorporation and Bylaws and Policiesof Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative.

Signature__________________________________

Account No: ______________________________

Date: ____________________________________

Other criteria of a board member as identified by NRECA include:

District I, II, III and IV Elections in 2009 Are you interested in serving as a board director for your Cooperative? A director’sresponsibility consists of having the ability and knowledge to set policies and approveprograms that are the basis for operating your Cooperative, according to informationcompiled by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) in Arling-ton, Virginia. A director must have the time to attend monthly board meetings, otherspecial meetings and educational seminars. These special sessions are necessary to keepdirectors informed on the various aspects of your Cooperative and the electric utilityindustry.

If you would like to apply, complete the “DirectorNominee Application” below and return it to IowaLakes’ Estherville office to the attention of the Presi-dent/CEO, Terry L. Bruns, prior to January 20, 2009.Thank you for your interest.

2009 Nominating CommitteeJANUARY 2009 The 2009 Nominating Committee of Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative will meet on

Tuesday, January 20, 2009, to select candidates for Districts I, II, III, and IV directorelections and candidates for the 2010 nominating committee in each district. The up-coming elections will be held as part of Iowa Lakes’ Annual Meeting on April 18, 2009,at the Clay County Regional Events Center located on the Clay County Fair Grounds inSpencer, Iowa. If you interested in serving as a director or nominating committee can-didate, please contact your Cooperative! The Cooperative’s By Laws provide that “any fifteen or more members may makeother nominations from their district in writing over their signatures, not less than 45days prior to the annual meeting.” Any such nominations by petition must be deliveredto Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative’s Estherville office within the required timeframeon or before March 4, 2009, to the attention of Terry L. Bruns, President/CEO. IowaLakes uses a mail ballot for the Annual Meeting voting. Nominations for director andnominating committee by petition are accepted as described above. Help us to help you!

I LEC NEWS

S M T W T F S 1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31

DATES TO REMEMBERANNUAL MEETING .................April 18

District IDistric IIDistrict IIIDistrict IV

The holiday season is here! To help brighten your holidays thisseason, your Cooperative is excited to announce is our EnergyEfficient Holiday Lighting promotion During your Cooperative’s Holiday Lighting pro-motion, you, the member-owner, have the opportu-nity to exchange your current inefficient,incandescent holiday light sets and receive a newLED holiday light set. LED, which stands for light emitting diodes, gener-ates very little heat in order to generate light, so theconsumption of electricity is greatly reduced and thelife span of these new lights is greatly enhanced.Technology has advanced in LED lighting and the“Stay Lit” technology allows you to interchangethe colors on a single string or replace the indi-vidual lamps – so these lights are repairable andlong lasting. In addition to a 90 percent energysavings, a 10 times longer life span than thetraditional incandescent bulbs, the LEDholiday light sets stay cool to the touchand doesn’t create a potential fire hazard. Contact your Cooperative aboutour new Energy Efficiency HolidayLighting promotion where you, themember-owner, can bring in your inef-ficient, incandescent light set and wewill replace them with an energy effi-cient LED light set.

M i t t e n Tr e e Your Cooperative will give you your first LED light set for free if you bring inyour old incandescent holiday light set, a donation of a canned food item and a newpair of mittens for our mitten tree. Your Cooperative’s annual mitten tree fundraiser is in its fourth year. This won-derful, charitable event collects new hats, mittens, scarves and boots for deservingarea children and these items adorn the Christmas Mitten tree in the Estherville of-fice until they are donated to Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc. at local locationsthroughout your Cooperative’s service territory for proper distribution.

E N E R G Y T I P S F O R Y O U

Here are 10 easy and inexpensive ways to shave your energy use this winter—without feeling cold:

1. Turn on your ceiling fan—yes, in the winter. Switch thedirection of the fan blades (just flip the switch on thefan’s base into the “winter” position), and run the unitslowly. It will circulate the warm air that rises to yourceiling and make you feel warmer while you’re in theroom.

2. Add weather-stripping or caulk around windows anddoors to keep warm air from leaking out and cold airfrom sneaking in.

3. Rearrange your furniture. Move it away from heatingvents. Push your most frequently used furniture awayfrom exterior walls, which can feel colder than interiorwalls.

4. Install a programmable thermostat. Turning back yourthermostat by 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day cansave you up to 15 percent on heat.

5. Open drapes and blinds every day to let the warm sunnaturally warm the room. Close them when it gets dark.

6. Repair leaks in your ductwork’s seams and joints with aduct-sealing compound.

7.Wear a sweater so you can lower the thermostat a few de-grees. You can save one-percent on your heating bill forevery degree you drop the heat.

8.Close the vents and doors in unused rooms. 9.Replace burned-out light bulbs with compact fluorescentlights. CFLs use 75 percent less energy than incandescentbulbs.

10. Switch to cold water for washing clothes.

seal up for savingsThe quickest way to cut your cold-weather energy use is tokeep your home’s comfortable, heated air from leaking out-doors through tiny holes and cracks around windows,doors and other openings in the house. Weatherproofingis cheap. Use it to seal gaps in or around windows, doors, light fixtures, electrical outlets and air ducts.

Also: � Caulk wherever walls meet floors and door frames, and between the outside of the window frame and siding. Choose a high-quality, long-lasting caulk. � Apply weather-stripping on exterior doors and windows. Weather-stripping seals the gap at the point where the door or window meets the jamb. Self-stick foam pieces are quick and easy to apply. � Replace worn exterior-door sweeps to help prevent heat from escaping under the door. � Seal windows with thin sheets of plastic using an insulator kit. Shrinking the plastic film with a hair dryer ensures a smooth and tight seal.

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10 WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY THIS WINTER

Customer Safety News

Cool Off Your Christmas Tree

w i t h L E D L i g h t s If you are one of the 33 million Americans who fills your Christmastree stand with a live tree, you know those tiny, twinkling lights can get hot. Cool things off this Christmas by replacing your holiday lights with LEDs—light-emittingdiodes. They are cool to the touch, so they don’t heat up your tree branches. That’s good news at holiday time. The sad fact is that Christmas trees account for 200 firesevery season, estimates the U.S. Fire Administration. Well-watered trees don't ignite as easily asdried-out, brittle branches, which can catch fire within seconds of contacting a hot light bulb, anoverheated wire or an open flame. Decorative LEDs don’t just burn cooler; they’re more energy efficient than your traditional in-candescent holiday bulbs. Although they are more expensive than regular strands, they last longerand feature a nearly unbreakable epoxy plastic coating. Newer versions comes in all shapes, sizesand colors.

Have a “Green” Christmas

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BARN QUILTSTHE PROJECT CONTINUESBy Amy Howard, Manager of Customer Services

P R O F E S S I O N A L T R E E T R I M M I N G S E R V I C E S U T I L I Z E D

Managing Heating Costs The winter season is right around the corner and it’s aperfect time to be thinking what energy efficiency initia-tives you can take to manage your heating expenses. Youwill not only save money, but you will also help the envi-ronment. Here are some helpful energy saving tips:

1. Change your light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light (CFL)bulbs use 65 percent less energy than regular ones. Theycost about 30 percent more but last up to 10 times longer.

2. Use an electric blanket and turn down your thermostat at night.Install an automatic or programmable “set back” ther-mostat for nights or during the day when no one ishome.

3. Add more insulation. A typical home can lose as much asone-third of its heat through poorly insulated roof orwalls. Use materials with a high efficiency rating number.

4. Caulk or weather strip windows and doors. Drafts can occurwherever two different building materials or parts of abuilding meet. A typical home can lose as much as one-third of its heat through drafts.

5. Investigate the advantage of installing a ground source heatpump, which is 300 percent energy efficient. Call your localenergy advisor for more details about using the earth’senergy in your home as a heating/cooling source.

6. Turn off your computer and home entertainment equipment. Ifyou’re not going to use them for awhile, save some en-ergy and shut down or unplug. Turn off unnecessarylights and televisions in rooms that are unoccupied.

7. Watch what you purchase and look for the Energy Star rating onall new appliances. Think about purchasing Energy Stargifts when it comes to electronics.

8. Use cold water to wash your clothes.Or, at least always rinsein cold water.

9. Clean your dryer lint filter. Also, having the exhaust ductcleaned annually will help save energy and reduce a firehazard.

10. Keep the draperies and shades on your south facing windowsopen during the day to allow the sunlight to enter yourhome and closed at night to reduce the chill you mayfeel from cold windows.

Taking control of your electricity usage can provideyour budget with long term energy savings. Your Cooper-ative’s Web site www.ilec.coop or the www.useelectric-wisely.com Web site has more information andrecommendations about energy conservation and energysaving tips. Help Us to Help You!

Trees can cause serious electrical outages when the branches come in contactwith overhead distribution power lines. Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative is dedi-cated to bringing you the most reliable service available. One of the ways we ac-complish this is by integrating a professional tree trimming program.

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative has contracted with Jacobsen Tree Experts,from Brandon, S.D. to clear, trim and cut back unnecessary tree growth that gets

close to your Cooperative’s overhead distribution power lines. Jacobsen Tree Ex-perts is an approved tree contractor and works in accordance with the NationalArbor Foundation guidelines.

The tree trimming program provides you, the member-owner, with a moresafe and reliable electric service as well as saving your Cooperative money throughreduced line loss. Help us to help you!

Above: a barn quilt hung on Lindell “Pete” and Jackie Petersen’s barn in Spencer, Iowa.

They are amusing, they are beautiful, and they arean Iowan connection to its pioneer quilting heritage.Iowans are seeing more and more barn quilts beingmounted on historic barns and corncribs featuringcolorful quilt blocks with ties to rural life.Over the years, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative

has continued to play an essential part in the barnquilt process by the line crews using boom trucks tohelp mount the barn quilts. Line crews have con-

tributed many volunteer hours so far this year, mounting16 barn quilts in Pocahontas, Buena Vista, Clay, Cherokee

and Palo Alto counties. “This is an excellent example of IowaLakes Electric Cooperative’s commitment to the communities welive in and serve,” said Terry L. Bruns, President/CEO.One of the newly mounted barn quilts Iowa Lakes’ line crew

helped mount is on the century farm owned by member-ownersLindell “Pete” and Jackie Petersen of Spencer, Iowa. The Petersen’sbarn quilt is no ordinary barn quilt; rather it will be a memento tothe Petersen’s four daughters for many years to come. “Pete had always thought it would be nice to have a barn quilt,”

said Jackie. Their third daughter, Kim, was assigned the job of de-signing the quilt. Kim found a pattern and Pete worked with KenJohannsen, the owner of Spencer Signs, to construct the black alu-minum sign board with colored vinyl squares representing each ofthe daughters’ birthstones. Once the quilt was complete, Pete contacted the Cooperative to

have it mounted on the barn. “Thank you to the Iowa Lakes crewfor taking time to hang the barn quilt,” said Pete. “Iowa Lakes hasalways been willing to help out and we appreciate that very much.” Over the last few years, the Cooperative’s line crews have helped

mount over 50 barn quilts throughout the counties in Northwest Iowa.

PRESERVINGIOWA’S RURAL

HERITAGE

Information about power outages affectingIowa Lakes Electric Cooperative’s member-owners is now available on our Web sitewww.ilec.coop. This Web-based resource pro-vides a statewide view of power outages at elec-tric cooperatives. When you log on to the poweroutage tool, you will see a map of Iowa, and youcan view not only widespread power outages atyour Cooperative as well outages throughoutthe state of Iowa. “Iowans have become accustomed to being

E C O N O M I C G R OW T H N E W S

New Online Power Outage Information Resource at www.ilec.coop

I LEC NEWS

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Generally speaking, this is a Fable. The primary purposeof power conditioning devices, such as transient voltage surgeprotection devices, is to protect equipment. Several surge pro-tection device manufacturers are pushing the energy savingsaspect of power quality. Some manufacturers are claiming en-ergy savings in the 20 percent range, which is a significant sav-ings. The purchaser of surge protection devices or other powerconditioning equipment needs to understand the basis forthese energy savings claims before assuming an expectation forsimilar performance.

There is no debating the claim of some energy savings withimproved power quality, but the expectation that this energysavings will be over 20 percent is not realistic unless the exist-ing power quality is extremely poor. If the power factor in yourfacility is above 95 percent, and the three-phase loading hasbeen properly designed so that the phases are balanced, the en-ergy savings may be very small.

Even if there were some mechanism by which surge pro-tectors could save energy (and there is not), the reality is thatthere is simply no opportunity for these devices to do so, be-cause they are completely dormant well over 99.999 percent ofthe time. They only become active when some unique event(which may be on the customer or the utility side of the meter)creates a very high voltage spike. Even in a very "noisy" (in anelectrical sense) industrial environment where these spikes arerelatively frequent, their duration is so short—measured inmillionths of a second—that when added together they occupya minuscule percentage of plant operating time.

A 1981 Electric Power Research Institute study found that"properly conducted laboratory tests show that electric tran-sients do not increase the energy consumption of typical elec-tronic equipment, nor do transient voltage suppressors saveenergy for electrical equipment operating from typical electricsupply systems."

- Reprinted with permission from Qwestline

While they hope and pray it is a skill they never have to use, Iowalakes Electric Cooperative’s linemen participated in pole top rescuetraining during the Cooperative’s monthly safety meeting on October14, 2008, at the Spencer service center in Spencer, Iowa.

Pole top rescue training is designed to provide instructions andtraining for linemen who may need to rescue fellow lineman who areinjured and are left hanging on the pole or in a bucket. The speed andcare involved in this process could make the difference between the lifeand death of a co-worker who is unconscious.

The unconsciousness could be caused from contact with an ener-gized line or even because of some sudden illness such as a heart attack.The pole top rescue training simulates emergency rescues. How quicklyand accurately a lineman can perform the necessary procedures is crit-ical during this practice program.

The rescue training requires a lineman to call in the “May Day” emer-gency on the radio so that Iowa Lakes’ dispatchers know where to sendemergency help. The lineman must then get climbing gear from theirtruck, survey the scene for potential hazards, put on their climbing gearand climb a pole to lower a 200-pound mannequin down to the groundwith the help of a rope, known as the life-line.

After the mannequin is on the ground, the lineman must climbdown the pole, remove his high-voltage safety gloves and climbing gearand begin administering CPR. To complete the exercise successfully,the entire procedure has to be completed in less than four minutes toprevent potential brain damage to a victim due to lack of oxygen. Poletop rescues are not common, but they do happen. Safety First, Always!

POLE TOPRESCUETRAININGLineman Dennis Rodger

Fact or Fable:Conditioning Devices Save Energy

able to see power outage information on the In-ternet,” said Terry L. Bruns, President/CEO.When there are widespread power outages inIowa or isolated power outages impacting largenumbers of Iowans, your Cooperative will enterthe number of member-owners experiencingoutages onto the Web site. The Web site will au-tomatically refresh every 10 minutes, so it willreflect the most recently entered information. Please continue to report power outages bycontacting your Cooperative at 800-225-4532.

Electrical supply systems delivering power to farms, homesand businesses are grounded to the earth to make them as safeas possible and to ensure service reliability. Proper grounding ofthese electric systems is necessary. When not properly grounded,animals can respond to the voltage differences between twopoints, a condition commonly referred to as ‘stray voltage’.

Stray (extraneous) voltage occurs when electric current findsa pathway out of your electric system and into the ground, pipesor other conductive material. Your livestock may exhibit reluc-tance to enter a barn or other area, nervousness, reduced wateror feed intake, lower milk production, uneven or incompletemilk out, increased mastitis and/or somatic cell count. You mayexperience stray voltage such as a tingling sensation when show-ering or touching a faucet.

Causes of stray voltage include: � Faulty, improper or outdated electrical equipment and wiring � Bad water heater or livestock waterer elements � Poor grounding conditions � Dirty or damaged electrical boxes and devices � Unbalanced 120 volt loads � Undersized neutral conductors � Poor connections on neutral or ground � Incorrectly grounded trainers or fencers

Less likely sources are heavy loaded power lines, or power loadsat neighboring farms. If you suspect stray voltage, immediatelycontact Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative at (800) 225-4532 oryour local electrical contractor. Safety First, Always!

“After sharing these findings with Iowa Lakes Electric

Cooperative, we were thrilled to receive many more Jelly Cell

Mates to meet the needs of the many students we serve.

Thanks to your kindness and generosity, many of the teachers

and students in Des Moines Public Schools are benefitting

from the use of Jelly Cell Mates donated from Iowa Lakes

Electric Cooperative. The students and staff of the Des

Moines Public Schools are thankful for your generosity.

With Gratitude,Ronda Christensen, Occupational Therapist

Des Moines Public Schools

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J ELLY CELL MATESMAKE USEFUL TOOLDid you know that the Jelly Cell Mates given to member-owners haveproved to be very useful for more than their intended purpose? Specialeducation teacher, Kristi Wickre, used the Jelly Cell Mate her parentswere given to stabilize and position adaptive equipment that her studentsneed to increase their independence in accessing their educational pro-gramming. Kristi is the daughter of Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperativemember-owners, Wes and Dolly Huffman.

Nationwide animals are the third-leadingcause of electrical service interruptions. Themajority of problems occur on overheadpower lines, but problems can also occur insubstations. When an animal touches twowires at the same time they can create a shortcircuit and cause the equipment to shut downto protect the rest of the system from power

surges. Wildlife related power outages causeequipment loss and related replacement costs.To minimize damage to our distributionpower lines, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperativeregularly inspects our overhead lines, clearsright of ways, and trims trees back away fromthe power lines. Your Cooperative also in-stalls 24-inch tin shields on utility poles and

insulators on bushings, fuses and jumpers inlocations where problems have occurred. Ifyou see a live animal on the line, leave it aloneand it will probably find its way down. If theanimal is dead or has caused an outage, con-tact Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative at(800)225-4532. Safety First, Always!

Do you have a stray voltage problem?

Plentiful American Coal

Coal is our most abundant American fuel. America has more than 250 billion tons of recoverable coal reserves, the equivalent of 800 billion barrels of oil, more than three times Saudi Arabia’s proven oil reserves.

n B I R D O N A W I R E : W I L D L I F E R E L A T E D O U T A G E S

T H E L A T E S T H A P P E N I N G S A T Y O U R C O O P E R A T I V E

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I N T H E S P O T L I G H T :Operation Round-Up Funds Add Up to Big Benefits

n V O L U N T A R Y P R O G R A M A M O U N T S T O $ 6 , 7 5 0

OPERATION ROUND-UP recipients FOR 2008

Operation Round Up is a voluntary member-owner giving program. This program allows mem-ber-owners to “round up” their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar. The spare change is accu-mulated and distributed to organizations in need through an application process and approval fromyour Cooperative’s Board of Directors. In 2008, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative has donated a totalof $6,750 among various organizations throughout our eight county service territory.

Spencer Family YMCA ........................ $500Okoboji Camp Foster YMCA ............... $500Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Department ...................................... $500Spencer Police Department .............. $500

Faith, Hope & Charity ........................ $500Gruver Fire Department ................... $500Dickinson County Kinship .................. $250Royal Clay Lincoln Fire Department................................ $500

Alta Fire Department......................... $500Emmet County Conservation Board ................................................ $500Area Food Pantries ......................... $2,000TOTAL......................................$6,750

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative Board Member, Vernon Win-terhof (right) presents Alta Fire Chief, Gary Molgaard a $500donation. This donation will be used towards a new buildingfor the Alta Fire Department.

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative Board Member, Jerry Beck(left) presents Royal Clay Lincoln Fire Chief, Mike Wimmer a$500 donation. According to Wimmer, this donation will beused towards the purchase of a new fire truck for the de-partment.

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative Board Member, Alan Madden(right) presents Dan Harvey, Fire Chief of the Gruver Fire De-partment, a $500 donation that will be used to purchase up-dated safety equipment for the fire department.

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative Board Chair, Kirby Range(left) presents Jan Ridenour, Executive Director of DickinsonCounty Kinship, Inc a $250 donation that will be used to-wards various community service projects.

Above, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative Board Member,Alan Madden (right) presents Dawn Peta of the EmmetCounty Upper Des Moines Opportunity office a $250 dona-tion to be used towards purchasing items for the EmmetCounty food pantry.

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative’s Board Member Dick Hanson(left side of check), presents Eric Anderson (right side of check),Director of the Emmet County Conservation Board a $500 do-nation for the Emmet County Nature Center Foundation. Alsopictured in the photo from left to right are park attendantsHarvey Schroeder, Jim Bishop and Steve Schroeder.

Operation Round-Up Funds Dispersed During the Year

The steps to restoring power

Step 1. Transmission towers and lines supply power to one or more transmission sub-stations. These lines seldom fail, but they can be damaged by a hurricane or tornado. Tens ofthousands of people could be served by one high-voltage transmission line, so if there is dam-age here it gets attention first.

Step 2. A co-op may have several local distribution substations, each serving thou-sands of consumers. When a major outage occurs, the local distribution substations arechecked first. A problem here could be caused by failure in the transmission system supplyingthe substation. If the problem can be corrected at the substation level, power may be restoredto a large number of people.

urricanes and ice storms.Tornadoes and blizzards.

Electric cooperative members have seenthem all. And with such severe weathercomes power outages. Restoring powerafter a major outage is a big job thatinvolves much more than simply throwing aswitch or removing a tree from a line.

The main goal is to restore power safelyto the greatest number of members in theshortest time possible.

The major cause of outages is damagecaused by fallen trees. ThatÕs why your elec-tric cooperative has an ongoing right-of-way maintenance program.

This illustration explains how power typi-cally is restored after a major disaster.

Step 3. Main distribution supply lines are checked next if the problem cannot be iso-lated at the substation. These supply lines carry electricity away from the substation to a groupof consumers, such as a town or housing development. When power is restored at this stage,all consumers served by this supply line could see the lights come on, as long as there is noproblem farther down the line.

Step 4. The final supply lines, called taplines, carry power to the utility poles or under-ground transformers outside houses or other build-ings. Line crews fix the remaining outages based onrestoring service to the greatest number of con-sumers.

Step 5. Sometimes, damage will occuron the service line between your house and thetransformer on the nearby pole.This can explain why you haveno power when your neighbordoes. Your co-op needs to knowyou have an outage here, so aservice crew can repair it.

Co-opoffice

Localsubstation

Localsubstation

Local substation

Otherco-ops

Report your outage to the cooper-ative office. Employees or responseservices use every available phoneline to receive your outage reports.Remember that a major outage canaffect thousands of other members.Your cooperative appreciates yourpatience.

During a major outage, othercooperatives send line crews toassist with restoring power. Theseadditional crews, as well as commu-nications equipment and supplies,are coordinated through the coop-erativesÕ statewide organization.

After a major power outageArea enlarged: Consumers themselves

(not the co-op) are responsible for damage tothe service installation on the building. Yourco-op canÕt fix this. Call a licensed electrician.

Transmissionsubstation

Individual households may receivespecial attention if loss of electricityaffects life support systems or posesanother immediate danger. If you or afamily member depends on life sup-port, call your cooperative before anemergency arises.

Tap Line

Tap Line

DANGER!Stay clearof fallen

lines

Illustration by Katherine Fowler

Reprinted from Carolina Country, the magazine of the N.C. Association of Electric Cooperatives

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CALL IOWA LAKES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE AT 800-225-4532 | TURN OFF MAJOR APPLIANCES | LEAVE A LIGHT SWITCH ON | BE PATIENT | MONITOR BY RADIO

Call the 800-225-4532 emergency num-ber. Keep this number in a convenientlocation – on or near your telephone.The customer service representative willask for the following information:

• Account number, which includes yourtownship, section and general location(for example #123-45-678)

• Correct spelling of the name on your ac-count

• Telephone number for the account anda call back number

• Estimated time the electricity went out

Turn off major appliances. Turning offmajor appliances helps to protect themfrom any high or low voltage conditionsand to decrease the load when the lines arereconnected.

Leave a light switch on to know when yourelectric service has been restored.

Be patient. Once you or your neighborhave called in an outage, please do not con-tinue to call for information about whenthe power will be restored. You will onlytie up the telephone lines making it impos-sible for others to report outages in otherareas. If the outage is widespread,use a battery operated radioto monitor the situation. If your neighbors’power is restored andyours remains off, thenyou should call to makeour office aware of thesituation.

What to do in a power outage Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative makes every effort to provide safe and reliableelectric service. While we use sound engineering practices and regular preventativemaintenance such as tree trimming and pole treating, it is impossible to completelyprotect our distribution system from outages. If your electricity goes off during badweather for 15 minutes or more, please follow the steps indicated below.

What happens during a power outage? Restoring your electricity after a thunderstorm, tornadoor ice storm involves much more than just flipping a switch ata substation or pulling a tree off a downed power line. If yourCooperative’s distribution system is affected by a severe storm,listed below are the steps your Cooperative’s line crews followto restore your electricity. At each step, the primary goal isgetting the greatest number of member-owners back in servicein the shortest time possible, safely.

3Check the substationsYour Cooperative has several distribution substations thateach serves hundreds of member-owners. When a major out-age takes place, these substations are checked first to see if theproblem is in the transmission lines that feed the substationor the substation’s equipment.3Check the distribution linesIf the problem cannot be isolated at the local distribution sub-station, the next step is to check the distribution lines thatcarry electricity from the substation to groups of member-owners.3Check the supply linesLine crews work on outages that are more isolated or localizedby inspecting the distribution lines that carry electricity to util-ity poles outside member-owner homes, farms and businesses.

STEPSYOU CANTAKE

Another Great Year at the Clay County Fair!Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative would like to thank

everyone who visited us and made it another great yearat the Clay County Fair. Employees had the opportu-nity to visit with member-owners about energy efficientproducts, renewable energy sources and the importantchallenges the utility industry is facing today. Thebooth had a number of interactive electric gadgetswhich included the Van de Graaff generator that pro-duces static electricity to give those who participated a

“hair raising” experience, a r2d2 droid from the Star Wars films that responds tovoice commands and some visitors even braved trying to ride the self balancingSegway® Personal Transporter, a two-wheeled scooter. The 2008 Clay County Fair attendance slipped slightly from 319,307 visitors in2007 to 316,373 in 2008. Although the number of coupons redeemed was downthis year compared to 2007, over 640member-owners received their free, bat-tery operated mini fan by filling out thefair coupon located in the Summer ILECQuarterly News. The fans are customizedwith our new logo and have a lighted LEDmessage that flashes “The Power of Many,Working as One” and our website addresson the fan blades. Congratulations to the winners of thedaily drawings who received an energy efficiency kit. Winners were: Tom Brekke,Spirit Lake; Harold Rustad, Wallingford; William Lawson, Sheldon; Craig Smith,Storm Lake; Lyle Williams, Webb; Charles Berg, Terril; Stanley Berkland, Fenton;Paul Rebhuhn, Fonda; John Anderson Jr., Palmer. Jim Sonius of Spencer was thegrand prize winner receiving a Convect Air heater donated by Michael Riedman,Electric Technology Coordinator, Basin Electric Power Cooperative. Thanks againto everyone who stopped by the booth and hope to see you all again next year!

N e w s Y o u C a n U s e

Secur i ty Se rv i ces

I LEC NEWS

6

Heartland Security of Melrose, Minn., along with Co-operative Response Center, Inc. (CRC) of Austin, Minn., ispleased to announce their sponsorship of a project fea-tured on ABC’s hit television show Extreme HomeMakeover. The Extreme Home Makeover team rolled into AlbertLea, Minn., September 30,2008, to build an extreme homefor a family in the Albert Lea community. Heartland Secu-rity has committed to make this family’s new home a safeplace to live and call home now, and in the future. Heartland Security, donated an electronic home secu-rity system and installation of the system for the family.The security system installed included intrusion and fireprotection. “Heartland Security is excited to have the opportunityto give back to the community through the Extreme HomeMakeover project,” says Guy Adams, General Manager ofHeartland Security. “Providing this deserving family thepeace of mind that a security system offers will help maketheir new home very comforting,” Adam adds.

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative is one of 13 electric coop-eratives in Minnesota and Iowa who are owners of Heart-land Security Services. Heartland Security offers medicalalarm pendants in this area as well as residential and com-mercial alarm systems with 24-hour monitoring.

Heartland Security Provides Security forOne Lucky Extreme Family

Sometimes your Cooperative has to call inthe reserves. When an entire substation must betaken off line for repairs or construction, or whena small substation needs to serve more powerthan it was built to handle, Iowa Lakes ElectricCooperative can call on one of three mobile sub-stations owned by one its wholesale powerproviders, Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative(NIPCO). NIPCO, of Le Mars, Iowa, has three mobile-substations on wheels. The newest and largest –a 12-MVA mobile substation – arrived this sum-mer. This 106,000-pound machine is powerfulenough to stand in for the largest substationsserving power to industrial customers, such asethanol plants or manufacturing companies. A typical farm/home is served by a 15 kVA-transformer, which is 15,000 volt-amperes. Incomparison, NIPCO's 12 MVA mobile substa-tion (transformer) is 12 million volt-amperes,enough power to serve 1,000 farms/homes.NIPCO’s two smaller mobile substations arerated 1.5-MVA and 5-MVA, respectively.

While the new largest mobile substation isreserved for industrial sites with heavy electricuse, the smallest unit goes out more often. The1.5-MVA unit can provide temporary con-struction power while a new substation is built,or it can be installed in a smaller substation toboost the power output until the existing sub-station can be permanently upgraded. The mobile 5-MVA substation most oftensubstitutes for a substation taken off line for up-grades, repairs or replacing a transformer. While the mobile substations are only usedtwo to four times a year, they provide assur-ances that member-owners will not have to suf-fer through an outage while repairs or upgradesare made. Terry L. Bruns, President/CEO said, “Weknow our member-owners appreciate havingsafe and reliable electric power. By your Coop-erative having mobile substations availablefrom NIPCO, we can provide that reliability.”

Mobile Substations | Power on Wheels

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NIPCO’s newest mobile substation will handle enoughpower for large industrial customers should a perma-nent substation need to be off line. NIPCO’s fleet ofmobile subs enhances the reliability of electric coop-eratives throughout western Iowa and Iowa LakesElectric Cooperative.

Storm Lake Service Center Crew

ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLESFor Sale: Oliver 2 row cultivator, 1940 model.712-446-2104AUTOS AND AUTO PARTSFor Sale: 1984 Honda 4-wheeler, two wheel drive,in running condition. 712-296-3290.For Sale: 1978 Ford Pick-up F150 Series; V-8 en-gine; automatic transmission; needs rear brakes.$300. 515-272-4891.For Sale: Ford F150 Series Construction Rack (forhauling lumber, ladders, etc.) $75 firm. 515-272-4891.For Sale: 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager. PS, PB,PW, PDL, AC, Rear air, 2nd sliding door, roof rack.177,000 miles - oil changed every 3,000 miles.$2800 OBO. Call 712-262-4370.For Sale: Four(4) used ultra 14x6 AluminumWheels with center cap and lug nuts. 712-732-5228.For Sale: 1974 Ford ¾ ton Canadian HiBoy 360Auto. $800. 712-335-3712.For Sale: 1997 Dodge Caravan SE. 712-336-5017,leave message or 712-330-4998.FARM EQUIPMENTFor Sale: 2006-610 KAWA Mule, full enclosed cab,winch/snow blade, 4 whl dr. less than 100 hrs.$8,000. 712-837-5436

For Sale: WD Allis Chalmers Tractor, narrow frontend with heat houser and chains. 515-272-4891For Sale: JD 220 Flex bean head--good shape.515-320-0220 after 5pm.For Sale: 8" 60' feterl auger w/electric motor orpower take off. 515-320-0220 after 5pm.For Sale: AB 8 Electric Farm Fans; AutomaticBatch Dryer w/holding bin. 515-320-0220 after5pm.For Sale: Farm Fans Grain Dryer, 24" fan & heater.Approx 14 yrs old. Rebuilt control box w/newtimer clocks. $2,000. 712-284-1913.For Sale: 740 Brent Grain Wagon $12,500. AlwaysWashed & Shedded. 712-848-3215.For Sale: Machine to poison gophers. 712-843-2085.FARM PRODUCTSFor Sale: Grass hay in large, net wrapped roundbales. Delivery available. 712-320-4603.For Sale: Grass hay in small square bales. Shed-ded. 712-225-5811.HOUSEHOLDFor Sale: Single Craftmatic bed with headboard.515-924-3690.PETS & LIVESTOCKFor Sale: 2 Appaloosa and 2 Quarter Mares. 712-864-3684.For Sale: Bred Heifers, Purebred Angus AI’ed for

February calving. Clean up bull Easy calving Pure-bred Angus. Also For Sale bulls and Open Heifers.Call for details. 712-260-8068.FREE! Free puppies! 5 black and 4 brown lab/col-lie. Mom: 3 year old pure bread choc. Lab; verygood hunter; calm . Dad is part collie and mix.Born 7-20-08; ready 9-15-08. Gene 712-857-3432.For Sale: Dog pen approx. 14 1/2' x 5 1/2' x 6' tallwith top. Extra strong, built from steel corn cribmaterial, $200. 712-296-4405.PROPERTYFor Sale: House in Laurens, near main street, 2bedrooms, main floor laundry, updated bath,steel siding, a/c & electric furnace, located 113 S5th St., Laurens. REASONABLE. 712-358-0179.RECREATIONALFor Sale: 1988 Palomino Stallion Pop-Up Camper.Sleeps 5 adults, refrigerator, built-in cooler, fur-nace. Great starter camper! $1000 OBO. Call 712-262-4370.RENTALFor Rent: One 12,000 bushel and one 13,000bushel grain bin for rent, west of Estherville. 712-209-2472.WANTEDWant to buy: 6600 JD combine parts or goodsnow blower for 1450 cub cadet. 712-852-9307.

n We would like to thank you for the electric space heater that you presented to us because of the drawing at the Clay County Fair. It is great that ILEC participates at the Clay County Fair and many other local events. - Thanks again, Jim & Cindy Sonius

n Just a note to say a “Big thank you” for leveling the dirt, planting grass seed, and cutting down the dead tree. We appreciat- ed it very much. - Lavonne & Ken Meyn

n Iowa Lakes Electric Thanks to the guys for doing such a neat and careful job in our yard. It was noticed and appreciated. - Lee & Mary Demers

n Thank you for helping the Cavalier 4-H Club realize a dream! With every little

thing done, great things are able to happen! Thank you, - Cavaliers 4-H Club

n Friends, Once again it is time for the Marcus Fair Livestock committee to say thank you for your continued support of the Marcus Fair livestock shows. This year we paid premium money for 60 sheep, 78 hogs and 67 cattle. This would not be possible with- out your generous support. Thanks again, Ronald Schmillen, Clark Rainboth & Marvin Simons

n Thank you for the Energy Efficiency Kit we won at the fair drawing. It has come in handy. - Charles and Mary Berg

n Thank you for your donation of a $250 hole sponsor for the 2008 Abben Cancer Center Golf Classic. Your generosity is touching the lives of people dealing with cancer who live in northwest Iowa and southern Minnesota. - The Abben Golf Classic Committee, Co Chairs Mickey Harrington & Mike Gathma

n Thank you to All: We wish to express our thanks to all who were involved in providing or organizing the 2008 Oahe Basin electric Tour. The tour was not only educational, but also very enjoyable. We would especially like to commend Cathie Shively for her trip organization. We would recommend the tour to all members of ILEC. Sincerely, Dale and Joyce Doescher

L E T T E R S F R O M O U R M E M B E R - O W N E R S

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Ads are printed in the order in which they are received. The ILEC NEWS publication is published quarterly. Classified ads are published only in the ILEC News quarterly newsletter. Pleasemail or email your classified ads by the 20th of the month prior to the ILEC News publication. Ads are limited to 25 words or less. Please, no real estate, commercial business or competingproduct ads. Iowa Lakes accepts no responsibility as to the accuracy or condition of the items listed below. In addition, Iowa Lakes does not warrant or express any opinion whatsoeveras to the fitness or appropriate usefulness of any item as listed by owner. Email classified ads to maryd@ilec.coop or mail to 702 S. 1st St., Estherville, IA 51334.

6

QUIZ CORNER

1. At the time of this publication, how many outage hours have Iowa Lakes’ member-owners experienced so far in 2008? ______________________________________________________

2. In what month do we expect the wind turbines and blades to arrive at Iowa Lakes’ two the wind farm sites? ________________________________________________________________

3. What is the date set for Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative’s 2009 Annual Meeting?__________________________________________________________________________________________

Name ________________________________________________________________________________

Account Number ______________________________________________________________________

Iowa Lakes will continue to draw fourlucky members each quarter who will re-ceive $25 credits towards their electricbills. This quarters $25 winners were:Dean Budd, MallardRoger Schaefer, Buffalo CenterPat Morgan, Storm LakeGregg & Noreen Bohl, Graettinger

Please continue to send in your completed Quiz Corner forms by the 15th of the month prior to thenext quarterly publication.

!

Sign up to receive Smart Choices, our monthly e-newsletter. Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative offersSmart Choices as a way to keep in touch with you, our members-owners, about energy efficiency newsand important local information. Smart Choices readers also find out about drawings for prizes, spe-cial promotions and more. Go to ILEC’s homepage www.ilec.coop and enter you email address, clickJoin Now! and start receiving Smart Choices.

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAIDSIOUX CITY IA

PERMIT 138

702 South 1st St. • Estherville, IA 51334

OFFICE HOURS:8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Mon- Fri)Contact Iowa Lakes 24hours/day, 7 days/weekwith the following toll-freenumbers:

Customer Service:(800) 225-4532 (24 hr.)(Primary and Emergency) Internet Services: Sales (800) 225-4532Tech Support:(888) 326-5196

Customer and InternetServices Fax: (712) 362-2819

Call Before You DigIowa One-Call (800) 292-8989

Visit Us Online: www.ilec.coop

E-Mail: ilec@ilec.coop

Newsletter Editor: Tresa Hussong