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Parents or guardians must be Members of Clearwater Power Company.
$20Sponsorship for
Market Livestock Project
$20Sponsorship for
Electricity ProjectPrint your sponsorship form at: www.clearwaterpower.com
Or call: 1-888-743-1501
andor
We commend the hard-working youth who participated in theAsotin County Fair! Don’t forget to apply for a sponsorhip:
4230 Hatwai Road • PO Box 997Lewiston, ID 83501(888) 743-1501(888) 798-5280 (Propane)www.clearwaterpower.com
Board of Directors:Alan Lansing, Lenore, Idaho PresidentKenneth Weiss, Asotin, Washington Vice-PresidentM.M. Harris, Saint Maries, Idaho Secretary-TreasurerRobert Callison, Kendrick, Idaho Assistant Secretary-TreasurerThomas Hutchinson, Craigmont, IdahoPamela Anderson, Potlatch, IdahoRichard E. Butler, Culdesac, Idaho
Management & Staff K. David Hagen
General ManagerReed Allen Director of Information SystemsEdwin Ausman
Director of Purchasing and WarehousingLisa Hall
Manager of Financial and O� ce ServicesLorrie McCabe Director of Member ServicesDouglas Pfaff Manager of EngineeringRobert Pierce Manager of Member ServicesCynthia Tarola Director of AccountingStanley Vannoy Manager of Operations
Business Hours:Monday - Thursday7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.Closed Fridays
ID-1
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offi ces, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint fi ling deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202)720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800)877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To fi le a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint fi ling cust.html and at any USDA offi ce or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Offi ce of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7 442; or (3) email: [email protected]. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
32 J U N E 2016
Board of DirectorsPresident John Qualls, HeppnerVice President Gerry Arnson, HeppnerSecretaryRoy Carlson, Fossil Treasurer Deacon Heideman, Ione
Lori Anderson, CondonDan Lindsay, LexingtonGary Wilde, Olex
ManagerThomas Wolff, Heppner
171 Linden WayP.O. Box 398
Heppner, OR 97836 (541) 676-9146
Columbia Basin Electric Cooperative’s main objective is to provide reliable electric service to its members at the lowest cost consistent with good business practice.
OR-2
32 J U N E 2016
Manager’s MessageDear Members,
Since 1972, ratepayers of consumer-owned utilities in the Pacific Northwest, including Columbia Basin Electric Cooperative, have spent nearly $16 billion to mitigate fish passage in our rivers. During this time, salmon returns have gone from approximately 500,000 to more than 2.5 million.
In a 2009 review of the science supporting the federal salmon plan, also known as the Biological Opinion (BiOp), Dr. Jane Lubchenco, then-NOAA administrator and under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere, and other independent scientists, concluded: “Overall it was an excellent analysis that used the best available science that was used in an extremely thoughtful way. The assumptions made were perfectly reasonable and it was done as well as it could have been done.”
Last month’s ruling by U.S. District Judge Michael Simon that the BiOp violated the Endangered Species Act is a huge disappointment and a bitter pill to swallow.
The judge’s decision unwinds years of collaboration among federal agencies, Northwest states, tribes and other stakeholders. The ruling does not provide a path forward for the region, other than redoing the plan’s analysis and conducting an evaluation of alternatives, including dam removal, under the National Environmental Policy Act. The ruling simply creates years more of analysis and expense, which is of little value to the listed species.
“Unfortunately, this court has failed to give deference to the agencies with expertise on the science as called for under the law,” states Terry Flores, executive director of Northwest River Partners, a collaboration of farmers, utilities, ports and businesses. “This BiOp, with its unprecedented collaboration, measures, investment and sound science, was considered a model; if it is not sufficient, that raises a fundamental question of whether the Endangered Species Act is workable at all.”
Tom WolffGeneral Manager
Board of DirectorsClay Smith, PresidentHoward Gonser, Vice PresidentBarbara Nagle, SecretaryKen Leibham, TreasurerDan Williams, Director
ManagerRoger Kline
Board MeetingsUsually the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the PUD offices, 2345 River Rd. The public is always welcome.
Our MissionTo provide reliable, competitively-priced energy and related services that benefit our customers, in the tradition of public power.
Our Core Values and BeliefsLocal citizens championed and fought to create our People’s Utility District. They believed—and we believe—in the public’s right to own and control its electric utility.
Today, our values are a legacy from our public power heritage, as well as guideposts for a changing future.
We believe in: Public ownership and local control. Integrity. Keeping power rates as low as possible.
Providing quality essential services. Quality customer service. Community involvement.
2345 River RoadThe Dalles, OR 97058(541) 296-2226 FAX 298-3320www.nwasco.com Greetings,
I can’t believe six months have already gone by since I started here at Northern Wasco County PUD. In that time, we have been very busy identifying areas where we need to refocus effort and resources to serve you, our customers, to maintain all of the resources that you so graciously entrust us with. I want to take a brief moment to update you on some of those areas.
Firstly, our Power Resources Division and Engineering group have been very actively working towards repairing and rehabilitating the McNary Fishway Hydroelectric Project. There was a crane failure during the overhaul last November that has necessitated some rather large changes in scope in order to return that unit to full service. More on that in a future article.
Secondly, we’re making huge strides in the selection and awarding of a “design-and-build” contract for a new substation in the Columbia Gorge Industrial Park. We’re doing our part to support one of our large industrial customers and prepare the area to support future growth.
Thirdly, we’ve been very active in the update and refinement of our internal con-trols, work processes, and the technology required to do all of this effectively and efficiently. This aspect may not have much visibility outside of the organization, but please know it will make us better prepared to serve you and keep the costs of doing so down as we move forward into the future.
What I’m most proud of over these last six months isn’t the building or refining of anything. What I’m most proud of is that we’re safely accomplishing all of this on your behalf. The electric utility industry is inherently dangerous, and in that light your PUD staff takes their safety and the safety of the community very, very seriously. I’m most proud of that long lasting culture and that it remains steadfast in the minds of your PUD now and into the future.
Stay safe and cool, as summer has arrived!
Best to all,
Roger KlineGeneral Manager
OR-3
Manager’s Report
32 J U N E 2016
Board of Trustees President Ralph RiseDistrict 2, Elmer City
Vice President Chuck GoldmarkDistrict 9, Okanogan
Secretary/Treasurer Monte JosephDistrict 5, Nespelem
Cindy CorpeDistrict 1, Coulee Dam
Brad DudleyDistrict 3, Belvedere
Dorothy PalmerDistrict 4, Nespelem
Patrick Morin Jr.District 6, Nespelem
Ron HeathDistrict 7, Disautel
Albert PreugschatDistrict 8, Bridgeport
Board meetings are the fourth Tuesday of every month.
P.O. Box 31 • 1009 F St.Nespelem, WA 991558 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (M-F)Phone: (509) 634-4571Fax: (509) 634-8138 email: [email protected]: www.nvec.org
For after-hours emergencies, call 634-4571 to page an on-duty employee.
WA-5
32 J U N E 2016
Hi Everyone,
I want to take this opportunity to clear up any confusion about the recent electric rate increase that came into effect April 1.
As you know, Nespelem Valley Electric buys all of its power from the Bonneville Power Administration. In October 2015, BPA raised NVEC’s wholesale cost of power by 0.5 cents per kilowatt-hour. NVEC did not want to raise electric rates just before the winter heating season. Instead, we waited until spring before implementing the rate increase.
Because the NVEC rate increase was delayed until April, the cooperative will see only a 4 percent increase in annual revenue for the year. If we look at the percentage increase of the kWh charge only, the increase is approximately 7.7 percent. However, this percentage does not reflect the actual dollar amount increase on the electric bill.
If we look at a $100 residential electric bill, there is a $17 facilities charge and a usage charge for 1,277 kWh at 6.5 cents per kWh. Adding in the rate increase changes the kWh charge to 7 cents per kWh. This increases the electric bill by 6.38 percent to $106.38. This percentage will vary depending how much power is used in the month.
NVEC Yard Light Conversion NVEC has started converting yard lights to LED lights. LED technology and e� ciency have improved dramatically during the past few years. It is estimated LED lighting uses approximately half the power conventional high-pressure sodium lights use. � is energy savings allows the cooperative to qualify for an energy-e� ciency rebate to help cover the cost of the new lights and installation cost. Because of the rebate and energy savings, there is no rate increase for yard lights.
New Bill Pay Option I would like to let you know about the new online bill pay. NVEC now gives members the option to pay their electric bill through the NVEC website. At the time of this writing, this has been available for about three weeks. We already have had more than 40 members use this new system. This service is for your convenience. If you would rather come in to the office, we are more than happy to see you.
Sincerely,
Dan SimpsonGeneral Manager
Manager’s Message
Since 1972, ratepayers of consumer-owned utilities in the Pacific Northwest, including CPI, have spent nearly $16 billion to mitigate fish passage in our rivers. During this time, salmon returns have gone from approximately 500,000 to more than 2.5 million.
In a 2009 review of the science support-ing the federal salmon plan, also known as the Biological Opinion (BiOp), Dr. Jane Lubchenco, then-NOAA administrator and under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere, and other independent scientists concluded: “Overall it was an excellent analy-sis that used the best available science that was used in an extremely thoughtful way. The assumptions made were perfectly reasonable and it was done as well as it could have been done.”
Last month’s ruling by U.S. District Judge Michael Simon that the BiOp violated the Endangered Species Act is a huge disappoint-ment and a bitter pill to swallow.
The judge’s decision unwinds years of col-laboration among federal agencies, Northwest states, tribes and other stakeholders. The rul-ing does not provide a path forward for the region, other than redoing the plan’s analysis and conducting an evaluation of alternatives, including dam removal, under the National Environmental Policy Act. The ruling simply
creates years more of analysis and expense which is of little value to the listed species.
“Unfortunately, this court has failed to give
deference to the agencies with expertise on the science as called for under the law,” states Terry Flores, executive director of Northwest River Partners, a collaboration of farmers, utili-ties, ports and businesses. “This BiOp, with its unprecedented collaboration, measures, investment and sound science, was considered a model; if it is not sufficient, that raises a fun-damental question of whether the Endangered Species Act is workable at all.”
New BPA Deputy AdministratorIt is with great pride that we note the appoint-ment of Dan James to the position of dep-uty administrator for the Bonneville Power Administration. Dan comes to BPA from PNGC Power, of which CPI is a member. Although we will miss Dan’s valuable skills at PNGC, with his years of public power service he is well-placed to help BPA in its mission to deliver reliable power at low rates consistent with sound business principles.
Roman GillenPresident and CEO
OR-6
Judge Rules Against BiOpMAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 1180Philomath, OR 97370(541) 929-3124(800) 872-9036
LOCAL OFFICES
6990 West Hills RoadPhilomath, OR 97370
1900 W Oak St.Lebanon, OR 97355
Russ Sapp CHAIRMAN
Thad Springer VICE CHAIRMAN
Terry Plagmann SECRETARY
Kevin ChristopherASSISTANT SECRETARY
Roman Gillen PRESIDENT/CEO
Tony Wilson TREASURER/CFO
www.cpi.coop
Congratulations Graduates!
32 J U N E 2016
Dear Members,
This month, Benton REA will send Hannah Doyle, a high school junior from West Richland, to Washington, D.C. on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to represent your cooperative among her peers from across the country.
Hannah will join more than 1,500 students, each sent by their local electric cooperative to experience the history and power of our nation’s capital, meet their state and local representatives and experience the cooperative business model first hand.
The Youth Tour is the highlight of the sum-mer for many of these students, and Benton REA is proud to provide this opportunity to Hannah and future students from Benton and Yakima counties. Applications for the 2017 Youth Tour will be available on our website in the fall.
Although 2016 is the first year Benton REA will participate in NRECA’s Youth Tour, we’ve been supporting our students for years. Five graduating seniors from Hanford and Prosser high schools were awarded college and technical trade scholarships from Benton REA.
Kaarin Von Bargen, Cyrus Stephens and David Anderson of West Richland and Taylor Beightol and Jaymz Schab of Prosser were this year’s scholarship recipients.
The next generation of cooperative and community leaders are attending our schools and playing in our playgrounds and rarely think about the electricity they use every day. Electric cooperatives have a long and great history and an even greater future. I have no doubt that Benton REA, and the more than 900 electric cooperatives across the country, will continue to enhance the quality of life for our members if we invest in the generations to come.
Our youth programs, including the Youth Tour, scholarships and energy and safety education programs, are all available to you as member-owners of your Benton REA electric cooperative. Call us or visit our website to discover the opportunities avail-able for your children who will become our future leaders!
Sincerely,
Michael J. Bradshaw, Interim General [email protected]
Main Office402 7th StreetP.O. Box 1150
Prosser, WA 99350www.BentonREA.orgPhone: (509) 786-2913
Toll Free: (800) 221-6987Fax: (509) 786-0291
Toppenish Office410 South G Street
P.O. Box 744Toppenish, WA 98948Phone: (509) 865-2600
West Richland Office6095 W. Van Giesen
West Richland, WA 99353Phone: (509) 967-2921
WA-7
Benton REAThe Board meets the last Wednesday
of each month at 6:00 p.m.Trustees:President................................ Michael FreeponsVice-president................. ................ Virgil BoyleSecretary/Treasurer............................ Mark PlattTrustee, District #1.................. Buddy TreadwayTrustee, District #3 ............................ Bob EvansTrustee, District #5.............................Tim Grow Trustee, District #6 .......................... Kyle Shinn Trustee, District #7........................Connie KrullTrustee, District #8 ............... Catherine Russell
Staff:Interim General Manager..........Mike BradshawEngineering Manager.....................Derek MillerSpecial Services Manager..........Mike BradshawManager of Finance & Admin..........John PorterOperations Manager...........................Jeff EkrutI.T. Manager...................................Jeff BastowMember Services Manager..........Troy BerglundAttorney......................................Terry MundorfConsulting Engineer...................................HDRAuditor............Blodgett, Mickelsen & Adamson
WA-7
Manager’s Message
32 J U N E 2016
OR-8
Think Comfort, Rather Than SavingsIt’s common sense that if you use less electrici-ty, your bill will be lower. But where should you start?
Caulking around windows and doors, turn-ing off lights and using a programmable ther-mostat are ways to start saving. Changing out a
half-dozen incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs can save $50 a year.
Moving up the scale, there are more savings to be had. Sealing duct work in a mobile or manufac-tured home can improve the performance of your furnace or heat pump by
20 to 40 percent. In our climate, heat pumps offer an energy-
efficient alternative to furnaces and air condi-tioners.
During the heating season, heat pumps move heat from the cool outdoors into your warm house. During the cooling season, heat pumps move heat from your cool house into the warm outdoors. Because they move heat rather than generate heat, heat pumps can operate at as little as one quarter of the cost of conventional heating or cooling appliances, the U.S. Department of Energy says.
Heat pump designs have improved dramati-cally in recent years. If you heat with electrici-ty, a heat pump can trim the amount of power you use for heating by as much as 30 to 40 percent.
One UEC member recently installed a high efficiency heat pump – and also added insula-tion to her attic and floor – and saved 13,000 kilowatt hours in the first year alone. That’s a dollar savings of nearly $900, and the
cumulative savings over the years will pay for the upgrade.
Overall, the homes, businesses, farms and industries served by UEC saved 23,746,382 kilowatt hours last year by adopting energy efficiency measures, enough to power the equivalent of 1,400 average-sized homes.
But enough of the numbers – they alone won’t convince you to call us.
Put a better way, the benefit of adopting energy efficiency measures is that you and your family will be more comfortable year around. Your home will have fewer drafts, and it will warm up faster in the winter and cool down faster in the summer. That you’ll have more money left over after you pay your elec-tric bill to spend on yourself and your family is icing on the cake.
To begin the process of helping you evaluate your electric use, we will conduct a free home energy audit for you. Our energy auditor can assess air leaks, insulation gaps and other com-mon problems that cause homes to use more energy than they should. We will help you sort through the many options of using less energy for heating, cooling and lighting.
UEC is proud to offer these energy efficien-cy programs for you. We want to be your trusted energy resource. To find out more, call us at 541-567-6414, visit umatillaelectric.com or visit our Hermiston or Boardman offices.
Robert EchenrodeGeneral Manager & CEOUmatilla Electric Cooperative
O� cesHermiston O� ce750 W. Elm Ave.541 567-6414
Boardman O� ce400 N.E. Eldrige Drive541 481-2220
Toll-Free1-800-452-2273
To Report An OutageCall 888-465-5701 any time day or night
DirectorsPresidentBob MacPherson
Vice PresidentJe� Wenholz
Secretary-TreasurerRoseEtta Ansotegui
Lee DockenJohn Otis Glenn RohdeBryan Wolfe
General ManagerRobert Echenrode
MissionUmatilla Electric Cooperative is a member-owned business that sells energy and invests in and supports other services to improve the quality of life in our communities.
umatillaelectric.com
32 J U N E 2016
OR-9
32 J U N E 2016
105 E. 4th St.The Dalles, OR 97058Office phone: (541) 296-2740Toll-free phone: (800) 341-8580www.wascoelectric.com
Board of DirectorsRon Holmes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PresidentMichael Collins . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice PresidentJim McNamee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SecretaryMathew Clausen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TreasurerGary Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DirectorGary Carlson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DirectorRobert Durham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DirectorRobert “Bob” Hammel . . . . . . . . . . . . . DirectorDeOra Patton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director
StaffJeff Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General ManagerMarie Wilson . . . . Executive Admin . AssistantShannon Bessette . . . . . . . . Finance ManagerJim Green . . . . . . . . . Engineering TechnicianBrewster Whitmire . . . . . . . . . . . . . E&O AssistantTraci Brock . . . Marketing & Member ServicesLaura Correia . . . . . . . Customer Service Rep .Jennifer Lindsey . . . . Customer Service Rep .Kelsey Lepinski . . . . . Customer Service Rep .Casey McCleary . . . . . . . Operations ManagerMichael North . . . . . . . . . The Dalles ForemanRobert Gridley . . . . . . . . . The Dalles LinemanWesley Woods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ServicemanDan Funkhouser . . . . . . . . Grass Valley ForemanFrank Roeder . . . . . . . . . . . . Maupin Foreman
Mission Statement“Wasco Electric Cooperative Inc.will provide its members withcompetitively priced, reliable energyand related services.”
Office Hours:Monday - Thursday,7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Summer SafetyWith the arrival of summer comes an increase in outdoor activities. Whether you are out and about for work or pleasure, please be aware of where overhead power lines are in relation to your activities.
If you come across a downed power line, stay away from it. Protect the area and call Wasco Electric Cooperative immediately.
In addition to increased outdoor activities, summer also brings fire season. In the event of a fire that may threaten the cooperative’s distribution or transmission lines, please call the office immediately.
Have a safe and enjoyable summer!
High School Graduates The Wasco Electric Cooperative Board of Directors and employees congratulate the 2016 graduates from area high schools.
One of the ways the co-op supports local youth is through contributions to the high schools’ graduating class drug- and alcohol-free graduation parties.
The high schools we support in this manner are The Dalles-Wahtonka, Dufur, Sherman County, South Wasco County and Madras.
Congratulations, and good luck in your future, wherever it may take you.
As always, if you have any questions about your cooperative, please feel free to call or stop by the office.
Jeff Davis, General Manager
Manager’s Message
Dear Member,
Federal Judge Michael Simon’s recent rejection of the Biological Opinion for the Federal Columbia River Power System (BiOp) is a serious blow to the region’s suc-cessful and collaborative efforts to restore some runs of salmon in the Columbia Basin.
Oregon State University Professor Dr. Jane Lubchenco, led the Obama administration’s review of the BiOp. She an-nounced that she stood behind the BiOp 100 percent. Never-theless, Judge Simon disagreed. It is now up to the coalition of federal, state and tribal governments who supported the BiOp to decide where to go from here.
Most of the funding for Columbia and Snake river salmon recovery comes from you and others who buy electricity that is produced by the federal hydropower dams in the Northwest. By law, ratepayers must pay to mitigate the impact of the dam’s construction and operation on fish and wildlife. Currently, about one-third of the cost of wholesale power sold by the Bonneville Power Administration is attributed to their fish and wildlife programs, and the largest share of those program costs are dedicated to Columbia and Snake river salmon.
BPA receives no federal appropriations for any of its programs. By law, BPA recov-ers all of its power costs through its power sales and sets its rates every two years to recover its costs. BPA ratepayers provide all of the funding for all of BPA’s power operations – and they will provide any new additional funding for salmon recovery made necessary by Judge Simon’s ruling.
Unfortunately, external pressures such as salmon spending have driven BPA’s pow-er prices up dramatically in recent years – 30 percent over the last six years. Salmon recovery costs are a very large part of those rate increases. Generally, we benefit from rates based upon costs, not the market – but that is not necessarily the case today. BPA must cut its costs and lower its rates to attract future customers. Late last year, BPA began a program called Focus 2028 to find cost savings that would put BPA on a path to be market-competitive by the time they offer their next round of long-term power sales contracts to their customers. A nightmare scenario for BPA, and our entire region, is one where BPA’s prices are above market in the latter part of the next decade when Douglas Electric Cooperative and PNGC Power must make their next long-term power purchase decisions. Judge Simon just made that nightmare scenario even scarier. (Please see page 25 for additional BiOp details.)
Best Regards,
Paul LeonardGeneral Manager
OR-10
OwnedBy ThoseWe ServeDouglas Electric Cooperative Inc.,Roseburg, OregonPhone (541) 673-6616 (800) 233-2733
OfficersPresident. . . . . . . Evan BarnesVice President . . Robert PoageSecretary. . . . . . . Shirley CairnsTreasurer . . . . . . . Dick McHaffieDirector . . . . . . . . Larry ShipleyDirector . . . . . . . . Terry NelsonDirector . . . . . . . . Carey Weatherly
General ManagerPaul Leonard(541) 673-6616
SuperintendentTodd Sherwood(541) 580-7205
Member ServicesTodd C. Munsey
Douglas FastnetTodd Way
Mission StatementThe mission of Douglas ElectricCooperative, a member-owned and operated cooperative, is to provide affordable, reliable electric and other compatible services that enhance the quality of life for its members, using pro-gressive marketing in conjunc-tion with sound financial and management principles.
Fish Face Upstream Battle Through Courts
32 J U N E 2016
P.O. Box 97Monument, OR 97864
(541) 934-2311Toll free (888) 203-7638
DIRECTORS President Paul WaltonVice President Adam TempleSec./Treasurer Brian CampbellDan CannonDave Humphreys Cheryl JenisonLaReta Jones
MANAGERTroy Cox
The board of directors meets the second Monday of each month.
Columbia Power Co-op
POWER OUTAGE NUMBERSCo-op office . . . . . . . . . 934-2311Ed Andersen . . . . . . . . . 934-2255Guy Andersen . . . . . . . 934-2098Troy Cox . . . . . . . . . . . . . 934-2155Josh Hamilton . . . . . . . 934-2133Mike Osborne . . . . . . . . 934-2067Joe Ringering . . . . . . . . 805-9098Gary Warner . . . . . . . . . 934-2961Brian Woodell . . . . . . . . 934-2260
OR-11
32 J U N E 2016
Manager’s MessageDear Members,
We have been systematically upgrading our distribution system in recent years. The magnitude of the work to replace some of the original 1950s equipment would have put too much pressure on rates if we did not borrow money and stretch those debt-service payments into the future. We were able to use a low-interest Rural Utilities Service loan to pay for these improvements.
We rebuilt the older sections of our transmission line, worked on our substations and began rebuilding targeted sections of our three-phase distribution line during our work plan. These upgrades will improve the quality and reliability of our power for many years.
Our 2016 operating report indicates our operating margins have declined the past few years. Some of the major factors affecting our operating margins are inflation, cost of power bought from the Bonneville Power Administration and debt service on the RUS loans.
Our last rate increase of 15 percent was implemented in July 2013. It picked up inflationary costs and the cost of power from BPA, and covered our expenses until now. The 2013 rates are no longer able to keep up with these costs.
The largest unavoidable future cost is the cost of power from BPA, which increased by 7 percent October 1, 2015. We chose not to increase our rates then. However, to cover the BPA increase and other inflationary costs, we need to implement an increase effective July 1, 2016.
We made a 10 percent increase to kilowatt-hour use for residential and commercial sectors. We raised the basic monthly rate by $3 a month for all applicable services. You will not see this increase until you receive your bill at the beginning of August for your July use. We will increase the annual pump charge by 10 percent starting next year when we bill in February 2017.
This more or less sums up your board’s decision as to the rate structure, magnitude of the increase and the reason for the increase. Increasing rates is not an easy decision for your board to make, but it is prudent to ensure the future welfare of our co-op.
If you have additional questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to call or stop by the office. My door is always open.
Sincerely,
Troy CoxManager
D.C. Meetings Focused on Protecting Co-ops’ InterestsWhile it has been said all politics are local, we still must make our issues heard in Washington, D.C. In early May, I joined seven other representatives of Oregon’s electric cooperatives and traveled to our nation’s capital to make sure our congressional representa-tives and staffers know how decisions in Congress impact us.
One imminent issue involves a most basic piece of Central Electric operations: our approximately 45,000 power poles. Many of these poles hold communication cables of various types along with our lines. Any issues related to such joint-use arrangements have long been worked out before a state association. That approach is threatened by a bill to promote increased broadband infrastructure across the country.
On face value, it is a worthy objective. But one provision would put co-ops’ poles under the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission with its bur-densome regulations and the higher costs that accompany them. A one-size-fits-all approach to national regulation could cause CEC to under-collect our costs, there-fore subsidizing the communications companies using our poles. Our representatives assure us they will work to retain an existing co-op exemption from this costly and unnecessary federal mandate.
I have written before here about the difficulties we face maintaining our power lines on federal lands and given testimony before a House of Representatives committee in May 2014 and May 2015. In a nutshell, it can take months, even years, to acquire permits from the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management needed to main-tain an existing power line or replace an aging line. To their credit, the agencies have become much more responsive with CEC since I testified. We appreciate their efforts, but a piece of legislation making that approach a matter of law continues to grind through the legislative process. During our visit, we made it clear the issue remains critically important to co-ops across the country.
By 2028, our contract for wholesale power from the Bonneville Power Administration will need to be renewed. BPA has increased electricity rates 24 percent and transmission rates 15 percent since 2011, and indicates more increases are on the way. We shared our concern about BPA’s ability to remain price competitive in the future without significant and sustainable changes in how the agency is funded.
It certainly takes time for the seeds planted on such trips to bear fruit, but I am confident the results will always be dramatically better than if we don’t sit down and talk with our leaders in Washington.
Dave MarkhamPresident and CEO
OR-12
Central IssuesCentral Electric CooperativeDIRECTORS:
Chairman Tom Strand, TerrebonneVice Chairman Dan Steelhammer, BendSecretary/Treasurer Kip Light, Madras Beverly Clarno, RedmondWilliam J. Rainey, SistersBoyd Keeton, TumaloShirley McCullough, Prineville Kelly McFarlane, Powell ButteKenneth H. Miltenberger, Alfalfa
Attorney Robert E. Maloney Jr.Lane Powell PC, Portland
STAFF:President Dave Markham
Chief Financial Officer Rawleigh White
Operations & Engineering Director Brad Wilson
Corporate Information Officer Lisa Cutter
Member Services Director Jeff Beaman
Bend District ManagerKaren Lewis
24-HOURPHONE NUMBERS:
In Redmond, call (541) 548-2144or toll free at (800) 924-8736
Board meets the third Thursday of each month at the CEC office, 2098 N. Highway 97, Redmond, OR.
www.cec.coop
Mission StatementThe aim of Central Electric Co-op is to make electric energy available to its members at the lowest cost consistent with sound economy and good management.
President’s Report
32 J U N E 2016
The June issue of Ruralite is one of the most important communication pieces we do each year. It effectively highlights some of the ways an electric cooperative is differ-ent than other utility companies. With the enclosed ballots, members choose three of the board members to represent them on the Coos-Curry Electric Board of Directors. This year, directors will be elected from District 1 & 2: Brookings/Harbor area; District 5: Coquille area; and District 3, 4 and 5 At Large: Gold Beach, Port Orford and Coquille areas. We will announce the election results and provide updated finan-cial and operational information at this year’s annual business meeting June 23, 2016, at the Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative headquarters in Port Orford.
When preparing for director elections and the annual business meeting, I always reflect on our accomplishments during the past year. I am excited to report that the return of a more typical winter weather pattern last season bolstered kilowatt-hour sales. The cooperative finished last year and started this year in a much better finan-cial position than the end of 2014.
We were honored twice with national recognition for best practices/outstanding achievement. First, we were awarded second place out of 33 similar utilities in the Northwest Public Power Association annual safety contest. Then we won the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Service Excellence Gold Medal for our employee-driven strategic planning process. The strategic plan drove home the phi-losophies of safety first, providing service excellence through a strong commitment to our core cooperative principles, creating meaningful partnerships with the community and continuing our tradition of providing reliable service through affordable rates. Those are goals I can get behind!
In closing, I encourage all members to review the candidate bios in this issue and exercise your right to participate in the democratic process of electing your coopera-tive directors.
Roger Meader,General Manager and CEO
OR-13
Special MessageTo those we are committed to—and serve electrically—every day.
Board of Directors PresidentCheryl McMahan, Southern At-Large
Vice PresidentJohn G. Herzog, Brookings/Harbor
Secretary/ TreasurerGeorgia A. Cockerham, Brookings/Harbor
Edward Dowdy, Northern At-Large Jim Kolen, Gold Beach Peter C. Radabaugh, BandonDaryl C. Robison, Port Orford/Langlois
Attorney—Tyler Pepple
StaffGeneral Manager/CEORoger Meader
Corporate Services/CFOFrank Corrales
Engineering ManagerMatt Mjelde
Marketing and Member Services ManagerJacob Knudsen
Operations ManagerRandy McDonald
Public Affairs DirectorChristine L. Stallard
Local numbersCoquille ........................... (541) 396-3118Port Orford ..................... (541) 332-3931Gold Beach ..................... (541) 247-6638Brookings ....................... (541) 469-2103
Area office hours 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Closed Friday.
After-Hours Outage Number (866) 352-9044
Call Before You Dig811
www.ccec.coop
32 J U N E 2016 www.ccec.coop
Dear Members,
West Oregon Electric Cooperative has been around since 1944. During that time, a lot of water has passed under the old steel bridge on Highway 47 that leads out of Vernonia north to Clatskanie.
Water passing under a bridge is a metaphor for the passage of time that we are all too aware of ourselves.
It was brought to my attention that former General Manager David Seuss recently died peacefully at a nursing home in Vancouver, Washington. David was WOEC’s manager in the early ’90s. I did not know David, but have read several papers he wrote. From what I have read, he was very knowledgeable about the power industry and was a good writer. It is a small tribute to a man who once held the title of general manager of West Oregon Electric Cooperative.
Keeping with the theme of time, WOEC celebrated Robert Van Natta’s 30th year as a director serving the membership. You will find a dedicated article in this month’s Ruralite highlighting Robert’s career.
As time continues its march, we are now in summertime with longer days, warmer weather and plenty of things to do outdoors. The clock is ticking, so get out there and enjoy as much of the outdoors as you can before it is wintertime again.
In other news, look for a new bill format this month.We have rolled out an updated website that is compliant with the Americans with
Disabilities Act. Check it out at www.westoregon.org.
Bob PerryGeneral Manager
OR-14 652 Rose Ave.
P.O. Box 69Vernonia, OR 97064
(503) 429-3021 Toll free (800) 777-1276
www.westoregon.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORSPresident Robert VanNatta (Dist. 2 – Mist, Apiary, Birkenfeld)
Vice President Bob Paleck (Dist. 5 – Timber, Buxton)
Sec./Treasurer Larry Averitt(Dist. 7 – Manning, Hagg Lake,Yamhill County)
Brian Baker(Dist. 1 – Jewell, Elsie, Hamlet)
Jim Buxton(Dist. 3 – Vernonia, Keasey)
Dan Murphy(Dist. 4 – Vernonia)
Rosemary Lohrke (Dist. 6 – Chapman, Scappoose)
GENERAL MANAGERBob Perry
Contact the Board: [email protected]
Board meetings are the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.Members are welcome.
West Oregon Electric Co-op
32 J U N E 2016
Manager’s Message
SVEC Equipment InventorySurprise Valley Electric Corp. has hired Davey Resource Group as a subcontractor to perform a complete field inventory of all SVEC distribution and transmission systems.
Davey Resource Group technicians have nearly completed the inventory of SVEC’s California system and are moving into the Oregon service territory. They expect to complete most of the inventory within the next couple of months.
The techs are wearing DRG-identifying clothing and drive DRG trucks that also have an SVEC emblem on them. Please allow these techs access to your property for their quick survey.
We are performing this inventory to improve the operation of our electrical system to better serve you. The inventory will provide our engineers with accurate system components so modifications can be made, where necessary, to the existing system. It also means future expansion can be designed in a manner that is efficient, safe and reliable for our members.This inventory will provide us with accurate system maps for field and office use.
If you have any questions, please call our office at (530) 233-3511.
Nomination CommitteeA nomination committee will meet at 1 p.m. on June 23 at the Surprise Valley Electrification office to nominate candidates for districts 1, 5 and 6.
The SVE Board of Directors is elected directly from the membership. The co-op is divided into seven districts, roughly equal in population.
One director is elected from each district. The term of office is three years.It is the directors’ duty to plan and guide the development of your cooperative.
Directors are expected to keep themselves informed on all matters affecting the co-op. Directors serve without salary, but receive a fee and expenses for attending board
and other designated meetings.Section 4.06 of SVE’s bylaws sets forth the methods of nomination to the board.
You may be nominated to run for election by the nominations committee, or nomina-tion can be by petition signed by no fewer than 30 members. Petitions must be filed not less than 45 days prior to the annual meeting. A member may also be nominated to run for director from the floor at the annual meeting.
For more information on eligibility and nomination to the board of directors, please review the bylaws or stop by the cooperative’s office.
SVE’s 78th annual membership meeting is September 10, 2016, at 1 p.m. at the Cedarville Fairgrounds.
Surprise Valley Electrification Corp.516 U.S. Hwy. 395 E.Alturas, CA 96101
Phone (530) 233-3511Toll-Free: (866) 843-2667www.surprisevalleyelectric.org
Office open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.Monday through Friday
After hours and outages:Call office numbers above
Staff
Bradley Kresge, General ManagerJohn Minto, EngineerDennis Reed, Line SuperintendentLynn Culp, Member Service Manager
Board of directorSCraig Joiner, PresidentLookout
Dennis Flynn, Vice PresidentValley Falls
Raymond Cloud, Secretary/TreasurerNew Pine Creek
Wesley CookCedarville
Scott WarnerLakeview
John ErquiagaLake City
Duane McGarvaLikely
Board meets the fourth Thursday of the month at the SVE office.
“Owned by those we serve”
CA-15
32 JUNE 2016
32 june 2016
787 Bailey Hill Road / P.O. Box 21410Eugene, Oregon 97402
Office Phone: 541- 484-1151Website: www.laneelectric.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORSChris Seubert, President, Central District
J. Ingrid Kessler, Vice-President, Central District
Hugh Buermann, Secretary, Row River District
Jack Billings, Treasurer, Central District
Susan Knudsen Obermeyer, Oakridge District
Kathy Keable, McKenzie District
Jerry Shorey, Oakridge District
GENERAL MANAGERMatt Michel
MANAGEMENT STAFFTony Toncray; Mgr. Engineering & OperationsDebi Wilson; Mgr. Office & Staff ServicesDave D’Avanzo; Mgr. Member Services
BOARD MEETINGS4th Monday of each monthLane Electric’s Office, 787 Bailey Hill Road, Eugene, OR Meetings begin at 9 a.m. (Unless otherwise noted on LEC web site)
Down the line
In This IssueFeature: Page #
OR-16
4 & 5
8
25
28 & 29
32
LeC's Community Solar Garden By The numbers...
new Office Hours Begin On june 27...
Introducing LeC's 2016 Scholarship Recipients...
Preparing For The Big One. Are You Ready...?
Odds-n-ends...
A Touchstone Energy® Cooperative
Dear Lane Electric Community:
This month, I'd like to share a number of items with you in an odds-n-ends sort of way. The topics below are both timely and relevant to some of the activities going on here at Lane Electric. I hope these small snippets encourage you to visit the corresponding pages to find out more about what your Co-op is doing.
# # # # #
As you can see by looking over pages 4 & 5, our Community Solar Garden is performing very well. As of this issue, it has generated over 12,000 kilowatt-hours, almost one-third of its projected annual output, and it is going strong. There are still 21 panels available for subscription so get yours while they last. For additional details about our Community Solar Garden, contact Zechariah English or Dave D'Avanzo at 541-484-1151.
# # # # #
On page 8, you will find another reminder that Lane Electric's office hours are changing. Our office will be open for business earlier in the morning and later in the evening so members have more time during their day for co-op business. Beginning the week of June 27, our office hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and we will be closed on Fridays. Of course, we will still be available for outages 24-7 as we have in the past.
# # # # #
Page 25 showcases some of Lane Electric's finest up-and-comers. In all, Lane Electric granted a variety of scholarships to nine deserving students from across our service area. Judging from their applications and biographies, these young people are going to go far. Take a minute to learn about what this year's recipients are doing this fall.
# # # # #
There's been a lot of chatter about the Cascadia Subduction Zone or, "The Big One", lately and Lane Electric wants you to be aware, too. Pages 28 & 29 provide an insight and some suggestions as to how you might consider making preparations and readying yourself in case of a natural disaster. There is some interesting information and a host of useful suggestions that can help. Spend a few minutes learning how you can help yourself.
Matt Michel, General Manager
TM
Dear Members,In 2015, Blachly-Lane employees sustained no recordable inju-ries and had no work days lost. This accomplishment earned a first-place safety award from the Northwest Public Power Association in April.
Safety comes first in our mission to provide you with “safe, reliable electric service” by design. Each of our employees, direc-tors and managers assume a shared responsibility to increase safe behaviors and minimize risks to injury and unsafe acts. We all agree that safety is every bit as important as keeping the lights on.
No matter how good our safety record, there will always be room for improvement. Blachly-Lane participates in the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program—a service of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. RESAP promotes the highest standards of safety in the utility industry. Through RESAP, we assertively set goals for improvement with the aim that each of our employees returns home at the end of each day in as good of health as when they arrived to work.
In addition to our daily safety checks and monthly safety meetings, June 21 is our annual safety day. Employees participate in simulated pole-top rescue and mayday exer-cises, and additional organiza-tional safety measures will be reviewed.
An accident- and injury-free culture not only keeps costs down for members, it is the right thing to do.
All of us at Blachly-Lane encourage you to join us in taking a look around your homes and places of work on June 21 to see where you might reduce your risks and improve safety.
Joe JarvisGeneral Manager
OR-17
Strong on Safety
General ManagerJoe [email protected]
Blachly-LaneElectric Cooperative90680 Highway 99Eugene, OR 97402(541)-688-8711(800)-446-8418www.blachlylane.coop
Mission Statement: Blachly-Lane provides safe, reliable electric service that is consistent with the values of its members.
Board of Directors:Ernie Jacksch, Vice Chairman(ph: 927-3466) District [email protected](Low Pass, Blachly, Deadwood andIndian Creek areas)
Curtis Short(ph: 998-2721) District [email protected](Fern Ridge and Elmira-rural areas)
Cheryl Haskell (ph: 998-3954) District [email protected](Junction City-rural and Hwy 99N)
Marlene Northrup, Secretary/Treasurer(ph: 998-1216) District [email protected](Hwy 36, Hall Road andNorth Poodle Creek Road)
Cliff Kelley, Chairman(ph: 935-5728) District [email protected](Warthen, Sheffler and Walton areas)
Top, Kris Myers and Ken Gast, (lower right) receive an NWPPA safe-ty award on behalf of Blachly-Lane.
Above, Serviceman Ryan Garner practices fire extinguisher safety.
32 J U N E 2016
Board of Commissioners
Ray A. MosbruckerPresidentRandy L. KnowlesVice PresidentDan G. GunkelSecretary
Jim SmithGeneral ManagerRon IhrigChief Operating Officer
Kevin RicksGeneration Asset/Special Projects Manager
Gwyn Miller Human Resources Manager
Brandy MyersCustomer Service Supervisor
www.klickitatpud.com
Goldendale Office1313 S. Columbus Ave.Goldendale, WA 98620(509) 773-5891(800) 548-8357
White Salmon Office110 NE Estes Ave. P.O. Box 187White Salmon, WA 98672(509) 493-2255(800) 548-8358
WA-18
32 J U N E 2016
Klickitat’s Future Energy PlanThe Bonneville Power Administration is undertaking a process called Focus 2028. The intent is to look forward at what its rate increases will be from now until 2028.
BPA is focusing on 2028 because the contracts it has with its customers, including us, run through then. As of October of that year, we no longer have to buy our whole-sale power from BPA. We can choose to, but we are not required to.
For the first time in many years, surplus power markets are below BPA’s power price. BPA quite rightly fears its rates will not be competitive by 2028, and its custom-ers might not renew their contracts. This would leave BPA, and any remaining cus-tomers, at risk of having to pay costs of the entire system.
Will this happen? No one knows for sure. We do know electric markets are chang-ing quickly, and this is a very real risk.
I mention this process because it is important for two reasons.The first reason is BPA is the single largest cost we have—about 30 percent of our
annual costs. Working with BPA to ensure it is competitive and continues to be an option for us in the future is vital. To do that, we work directly with the administra-tion. We are also a member of the Public Power Council, of which I was elected to serve on its executive committee. One of the major roles of PPC is to represent its members with BPA as an organization. With more than 80 members, it carries much more influence than we have as an individual utility. PPC analyzes BPA operations, activities and rates, and then provides critical feedback to BPA to push the agency to encourage efficiency.
A major focus area with BPA is fish and wildlife costs. About 30 percent of BPA’s costs—about $800 million a year—are related to fish and wildlife. Those costs are increasing. Our 12,000 Klickitat PUD customers pay $4 million a year toward these costs. Ensuring the funds are necessary and spent efficiently can impact us greatly as ratepayers.
Given BPA’s concerns about being competitive, we want to ensure we have options available to us before 2028. Output from our McNary hydroelectric generation project supplies about 11 percent of the power we need to serve our customers. The HW Hill Landfill Gas Generation Facility could provide another 50 percent of our power needs.
We are currently considering 10-year power sales agreements for the output from the HW Hill facility. I will talk more about that next time, but a 10-year contract would make the facility available to us to supply our own load in 2028, if it makes prudent business sense then. We have built our projects with a long-term outlook. This is one way our projects could benefit us in the future.
Jim SmithGeneral Manager
The Northern Lights 81st Annual Meeting—which consisted of entertainment, refreshments, giveaways, member camaraderie and the business meeting—was a great success. Check out the pictures on pages 4 and 5 of this Ruralite issue. Thanks to all the members who attended. For those of you not able to be there, we missed you. Let me highlight what was discussed at the meeting.
NLI Director Mike Dolan ran against Dallas Gray and Fred Simpson of Priest Lake and was elected director of District 1. Directors Kennon McClintock, District 5, and Jim Woodward, District 7, ran unopposed. Congratulations Mike, Kennon and Jim. I would also like to thank Dallas and Fred for their involvement and interest in Northern Lights.
You will find a summary of your cooperative’s 2015 financial statements on pages 28 and 29. NLI continues to be in a healthy financial position. The members’ ownership in the cooperative grew by approximately $1.5 million. New services are on the rebound, with 272 completed in 2015.
We are five years into our long-term power supply contract with the Bonneville Power Administration. Northern Lights purchases 90 percent of its power from BPA. The other 10 percent is generated at our Lake Creek Hydroelectric Dam in Troy, Montana. We recently completed the two-year project to rebuild the unit one turbine at the dam. Completion of this project ensures the dam will continue to produce low-cost, reliable power for years to come.
In addition to the Lake Creek Project, Northern Lights and 13 other Northwest electric cooperatives joined together and acquired the Coffin Butte Landfill Gas Generation Project in Corvallis, Oregon. The Coffin Butte Project generates clean, renewable energy that comes from landfill gas—a natural byproduct of the organic matter in the neighboring landfill. Coffin Butte has the capacity to generate more than 5.5 MWs, and produces enough energy to power roughly 4,000 homes. Acquisition of Coffin Butte, along with the rebuild of the turbine at Lake Creek Dam, marks NLI’s commitment to reliable service, innovative and responsible use of natural resources, and low-cost energy for all its members.
Every year, maintaining the plant is a high priority for the NLI Board of Directors. In 2015, we replaced more than 170 poles and 40,000 feet of old underground cable, and trimmed 150 miles of tree line.
As we enter June, I hope you are enjoying the warmer weather, have your gardens planted and are looking forward to a great summer. To all the dads out there, happy Father’s Day!
Annie TerraccianoGeneral Manager
ID-19
Resources that Keep the Lights OnThe power of local service
Board of Directors by DistrictDist. No. 1—Mike Dolan, Nordman, ID(208) 610-3853Dist. No. 2—Judith Simonson, Noxon, MT(406) 847-2643Dist. No. 3—Steve Elgar, Sandpoint, ID(208) 265-0570Dist. No. 4—David Pemberton, Careywood, ID(208) 661-5911Dist. No. 5—Kennon McClintock, Moyie Springs, ID(208) 267-7064Dist. No. 6—G.E. Butch Hagen, Bonners Ferry, ID(208) 819-3191 Dist. No. 7—Jim Woodward, Sagle, ID(208) 946-7963
www.nli.coopP.O. Box 269Sagle, ID 83860
For Outages: (866) NO-LITES(866) 665-4837 For regular business within the Sandpoint area: (208) 263-5141
Outside Sandpoint:(800) 326-9594
Board President Steve Elgar
Board Vice PresidentKennon McClintock
Board Secretary/Treasurer Judith Simonson
General Manager Annie Terracciano
32 J U N E 2016
Dear Members,Last month, Ruralite offered us the opportunity to take advantage of a slight drop in postal rates and upgrade our issue to a heavier and glossier paper. So I said, “Let’s give it a try for one issue and see what the members have to say.”
I cannot say we had an overwhelming response to the question, nor even what would amount to a statistically valid sample. Yet we did get a unanimous consensus from those who did respond. The sentiment can be pretty much summed up in one gentleman’s comment, that being, “Just because you have money, you don’t have to spend it!”
Others said that if they had not read my message on the back page they would not have even noticed. One even claimed that the new paper required more “finger licking” in order to turn the pages.
So, we will go back to the usual paper and keep the savings while it lasts.
Thanks to all of you who responded. I always appreciate your comments.
Youth Rally Selection CompleteI am happy to report that we have concluded the 25th year of our cooperative’s Youth Rally scholarship competition by selecting three young members who will each receive a $750 scholarship and serve as delegates representing our cooperative at the 2016 Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association’s Youth Rally Conference on the College of Idaho campus in July.
Selected from a dozen applicants were Sydney Andrews, home-schooled; Kally Arnzen, Grangeville High School; and Nicole Poxleitner, Prairie High School.
Each winner submitted a 400-word
essay and was interviewed by our panel of judges.
They will be joined at the Youth Rally by our returning youth director Lauren Goldman and Maicee Conner, both students at Grangeville High School.Youth Rally directors are delegates who have been elected at the close of the previous Youth Rally to help organize and lead the new crop of delegates.
Maicee was selected as a delegate last year, but an emergency surgery prevented her from going. Fortunately, Maicee has recovered. We are more than happy to honor our commitment by sending her to the rally along with this year’s delegation.
As testimonial to the quality and ambition of the students selected through the years, you need only look where some of those young folks have ended up. Within central Idaho, I can point to several professionals, including lawyers, teachers, businessmen and women who are alumni of our program. You will find many more beyond our service territory in fields such as engineering and sciences, education, technology and politics.
We are not taking credit for what those young members have done, but I am proud of the contribution your support has made to their successes.
So, I want to thank those members who have served on our selection committees and support this worthwhile program.
Thanks for listening,
Jake Eimers, Manager
Member Input Benefits Co-opIdaho County Light & PowerCooperativeP.O. Box 300Grangeville, Idaho 83530Phone: (208) 983-1610Toll free: (877) 212-0424Fax: (208) 983-1432Email: [email protected]: www.iclp.coop
DirectorsPresident Ernie RobinsonWhite Bird
Vice President John SolbergKamiah
Secretary-Treasurer Cliff TackeGreencreek
Frank McIntireKamiah
Gerald FreiGrangeville
Kim DahlerKooskia
Jim PoxleitnerCottonwood
AttorneyJ.A. Wright
ManagerJake Eimers
32 J U N E 2016
c-21
WA-22
Letter from Les:At Columbia REA we value safety as a top priority - safety for our members and for our employees. While most of us were at College Place High School enjoying the company of our dedicated members and special guests at the annual meeting, four REA employees were in Spokane, WA attending the annual Engineering & Operations conference hosted by the Northwest Public Power Association. At this conference Vern Naber (second row, center in photograph below) accepted our sixth consecutive Safety Award. This award recognizes our record for worksplace safety by reviewing the incident rate and severity of reported accidents in the field.
In addition to an impressive environment of safety in the workplace, we also have an active Safety Services Department to train other public utilities and community members. Our Safety Services department provides training services for sixteen other utilities around the Pacific Northwest, school children from 1st through 4th grades, and fire and police departments. As an active member in our community, Columbia REA regularly participates in community educational events such as the National Night Out.
As always, we value your input. If you see something you think might be hazardous or dangerous, please report it immediately. Your active participation will keep our families and neighbors safe and sound.
Until next time,
Les TeelCEO, Columbia REA
Board of DirectorsKatie Wooldridge, PresidentEric Johnson, Vice PresidentGreg Knowles, Sec/TreasurerDuane Depping, DirectorJay DeWitt, DirectorTom Hildreth, DirectorDennis Munden, Director Vic Parks, DirectorGary Weidinger, Director
Board meetings are normally the fourth Tuesday of each month. The meeting starts at 8:30 a.m. and is usually held in the Dayton office.
Staff
Chief Executive Officer, Les Teel
Executive Assistant/HR, Jennifer Aichele
Manager of Marketing & Member Services, Scott Peters
Manager of Engineering & Operations, Dave Reller
Manager of Financial Services, Jim Cooper
Manager of Communications & IT, Bob Greene
Manager of Safety & Regulatory Affairs, KC Dors
115 East Main StreetP.O. Box 46Dayton, WA 99328Phone: (509) 382-2578Fax: (509) 382-2736
2929 Melrose StreetWalla Walla, WA 99362Phone: (509) 526-4041Fax: (509) 526-3666Toll Free: (800) 642-1231Pay by Phone: (844) 210-8261
ColumbiaREA.coop
32 j u n e 2016 www.columbiarea.coop
OR-23
16755 Finley Butte RoadP.O. Box 127
La Pine, OR 97739
(541) 536-2126 • (800) 722-7219
DepartmentsCustomer Service . . . . . . . Option 3Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . Option 4Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Option 5Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Option 6
After-Hours Outage and Emergencies: (541) 536-2165or (800) 752-5935
OFFICE HOURS Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed Fridays and holidays
BOARD OF DIRECTORS PresidentVic Russell, Fall RiverVice PresidentBud Kendall, La PineSecretary/TreasurerGordon DeArmond, CrescentDiana Cox, Christmas ValleyAlan Parks, Fort RockRobert Reed, La PineRon Sommerfeldt, GilchristLeland Smith, SunriverKen Wilson, Chemult
Board meets the fourth Mondayof each month at the co-op office.
STAFF General Manager Dave SchneiderOperations/Engineering ManagerSteve HessMarketing ManagerTeresa LackeyCFO/Accounting ManagerJami BartunekAttorneyRaymond Kindley
16755 Finley Butte Road
Dear Member:
Midstate Electric Cooperative’s 64th annual meeting May 14 at La Pine Middle School was well attended. On hand were 472 registered members and their guests, who enjoyed the lunch, health fair, dis-plays, demonstrations and door prizes.
Board President Vic Russell welcomed members to the meeting. During his report, he told members the true measure of a successful cooperative is involved members who actively participate.
“Attending the annual meeting gives members the opportunity to hear about the operation of the co-op, elect the directors and take an active part in the transaction of business at the meeting,” he said. “We are lucky to have a long tradition of democratic member control at MEC. Over the 64 years MEC has been in operation, it’s you—the member—who have ensured our success.”
The auditor’s report confirmed MEC is efficient and well-run. With assets of more than $64 million, margins of more than $1.15 million, and equity of 41 percent, the co-op is positioned to succeed, said Brent Mickelsen of Blodgett, Mickelsen and Adamson.
In my report, I said that rising costs of operating the co-op are becoming more challenging than ever. There are four major reasons for this.
First, drastic rate increases from our power provider, the Bonneville Power Administration, are challenging. Although BPA’s power costs for our power mix of 95 percent carbon-free hydropower are in the bottom 3 percent in the nation, BPA has increased our rates every two years since 2008. In the past six years, BPA’s power rates are up 24 percent, the equivalent of $2.6 million to MEC. This trend will
continue every two years until 2028, when BPA’s contract expires.
The second challenge putting rate pres-sure on MEC is legislation and regula-tions. In the name of climate change, the government is taking steps to eliminate coal for power generation at both the fed-eral and state levels.
Recently, Oregon Senate Bill 1547—requiring PGE and PacifiCorp to buy 50 percent of their power generation from renewables by 2040—was passed and signed into law by Gov. Kate Brown. This law will substantially increase rates to their customers. While MEC has not been directly affected by this law, I am confi-dent we will see some type of higher rates pressure in the future as the demand for renewables increases.
Lack of new load growth in our service area is the third challenge we face. Our electrical system has more capacity than is used, so we are working to increase new loads by encouraging business growth through favorable line-extension policies and low power rates. A healthy growth in new business will provide lower power costs for everyone.
The last major challenge that MEC faces is an aging electrical system that requires upgrades and replacement. Each year, $4.5 million is budgeted to build new lines and replace poles and underground cable that has failed. Over time, costs will increase to keep the system reliable.
Election results were as follows: Gordon DeArmond, District No. 3; Ron Sommerfeldt, District No. 4; and Bud Kendall, District No. 6; were unopposed, and therefore re-elected to serve members for another three-year term.
Dave Schneider, General Manager
Manager’s Message
32 J U N E 2016
DIRECTORS President Krinn McCoyVice President Stan SpencerSecretary-Treasurer Gary JonesLarry HensonLarry MonroeDennis Poulsen Blaine TannerDoug Webb
GENERAL MANAGERHeber Carpenter
OPERATIONS MANAGER Chad Black
Board meets the fourth Wednesday of each month
P.O. Box 617Malta, ID 83342
To Call Raft River• Office hours (208) 645-2211• Toll free (800) 342-7732 (After hours and outages)
Western Division(All calls for Jackpot, Jarbidge, Mountain City and Owyhee)• Office hours (208) 645-2211 • Toll free (800) 342-7732 (After hours and outages)
www.rrelectric.com
32 J U N E 2016
ID-24
As you find yourself spending more time outdoors this summer, Raft River Electric reminds you to exercise caution near electrical equipment maintained by the co-op.
Substations, power lines and other electrical equipment carry extremely high voltages. If contact is accidentally made, the results can be dangerous—or even deadly.
Never climb trees near power lines. If you make contact with a tree that touches a power line, your body could become the path for electricity from the line to the ground. If you encounter an animal trapped in a tree near power lines or inside a substation, do not attempt to remove it—no matter how furry and cute. Call Raft River Electric or local emergency services for assistance.
These days, we see more remote-controlled devices such as drones and airplanes, which can be a great way to have fun outdoors. These gadgets also bring new safety concerns. Remote-controlled toys should never be flown near power lines, substations or other electrical equipment.
Remember these safety tips when flying a remote-controlled toy: • Keep a safe distance from electrical equipment when you fly. If contact is
accidentally made with a power line or a transformer inside a substation, many members of your community could be left without electricity.
• Keep the remote-controlled toy in sight at all times. • Avoid flying if weather conditions are unfavorable. High winds could cause you to
lose control of the toy.Your safety is important to RREC. We hope you will share the message of electrical
safety so you and others can enjoy plenty of summer days filled with fun.
Caution Near Co-op Equipment
BIG BEND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.
P.O. Box 348Ritzville, WA 99169
Ritzville office 659-1700
Toll free (866) 844-2363
www.bbec.org
TRUSTEES
President Curtis DahlVice President Daniel HilleSecretary Ken StoryTreasurer John HarderRobert ClinesmithLyle HoltStacy KnivetonLanny HayesDennis Swinger Sr.
GENERAL MANAGER/CEOYvette Armstrong
LEGAL COUNSEL
Kenneth D. Carpenter
® WA-25
•••••
Ritzville, Lind, Washtucna areaafter hours, Saturday, Sunday and holiday emergency calls:
659-0487
All other areas after hours, Saturday, Sunday and holiday emergency calls:
(866) 844-2363
Dear Members,In this ever-changing, fast-paced world, the need for information is constantly expanding. To meet this growing need, Big Bend Electric must consistently re-evaluate the needs of our members.
To accomplish this, BBEC has created a new position: communications cooordinator. Kelly Dugger stepped into this role after working for Big Bend as a member service representative the past 10 years. Her new role is to manage the implementation of new member service software systems that will roll out in 2016, and handle website design, social media and informational marketing for our members.
Her first task has been to aid in the setup of a new automated pay-by-phone system. This system is designed to better serve our members by allowing payments to be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you want to make a payment over the phone using a credit/debit card or check, call (844) 255-3682.
There is a $5 convenience fee to pay by phone. You must create a PIN number the first time you call. The system will take you through the steps to create your PIN.
The new system allows you to make payments when it is convenient for you. Your payment information is entered by you, ensuring a safe and secure transaction. As always, you are welcome to contact the office dur-ing business hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., if you need assistance by calling (866) 844-2363.
Big Bend Electric is implementing this automated system to ensure compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. These worldwide requirements help companies that process such payments prevent credit card fraud through increased data controls. Moving to this system ensures our continued ability to accept debit and credit card pay-ments, and provides easier payment accessibility to you, our members.
Our goal continues to be to provide you with reliable electric service at the lowest cost possible. We hope that by implementing new technology, we will provide you, our members, with greater convenience and improved communications now and in the future.
Yvette ArmstrongGeneral Manager
Manager’s Message
32 J U N E 2016
32 J U N E 2016
P.O. Box 1253521 Davis DriveOdell, OR 97044
(541) 354-1233www.hrec.coop
DirectorsPresident Butch GehrigVice President Patrick MooreSecretary Bernie Wells Treasurer Roger NelsonGary BloomOpal DeBoardDoug MahurinJohn McGheeDick Sohler
ManagerJohn Gerstenberger
Serving rural Hood River County
since 1945
Hood RiverElectric
Cooperative OR-26
Manager’s MessageDear Members,
Since 1972, ratepayers of consumer-owned utilities in the Pacific Northwest, including Hood River Electric Cooperative, have spent nearly $16 billion to mitigate fish passage in our rivers. During this time, salmon returns have gone from approximately 500,000 to more than 2.5 million.
In a 2009 review of the science supporting the federal salmon plan, also known as the Biological Opinion (BiOp), Dr. Jane Lubchenco, then-NOAA administrator and under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere, and other independent scientists, concluded: “Overall it was an excellent analysis that used the best available science that was used in an extremely thoughtful way. The assumptions made were perfectly reasonable and it was done as well as it could have been done.”
Last month’s ruling by U.S. District Judge Michael Simon that the BiOp violated the Endangered Species Act is a huge disappointment and a bitter pill to swallow.
The judge’s decision unwinds years of collaboration among federal agencies, Northwest states, tribes and other stakeholders. The ruling does not provide a path forward for the region, other than redoing the plan’s analysis and conducting an evaluation of alternatives, including dam removal, under the National Environmental Policy Act. The ruling simply creates years more of analysis and expense, which is of little value to the listed species.
“Unfortunately, this court has failed to give deference to the agencies with expertise on the science as called for under the law,” states Terry Flores, executive director of Northwest River Partners, a collaboration of farmers, utilities, ports and businesses. “This BiOp, with its unprecedented collaboration, measures, investment and sound science, was considered a model; if it is not sufficient, that raises a fundamental question of whether the Endangered Species Act is workable at all.”
John Gerstenberger, Manager
Board of DirectorsPresident John Ugalde Vice President Joe CroninSec./Treasurer Gary MillerFrank AlbisuRod HoaglandAlex Dufurrena Zach Sword
General ManagerRandy WhitakerOperations ManagerBrent BeverlyLine SuperintendentJason HillElectrical EngineerShane SweetOffice ManagerFred FlippenceAttorneyRaymond S. Kindley
Harney Electric Cooperative
277 Lottery Lane Hines, OR 97738 (541) 573-2061
Orovada, Nevada (775) 272-3336
www.harneyelectric.org
OR-27
32 J U N E 2016
Manager’s MessageDear Members,
More than 40 years ago, I started a career as a newly graduated electrical engineer, uncertain of my future and where it would take me. I could not have imagined that it would take me to Burns/Hines and being the general manager of an electric cooperative. It has truly been a blessing for me. The time has passed very quickly.
It is time, though, to relinquish the reins to someone else.I will miss the board and the employees of the cooperative.
They have been extremely supportive and helpful. They are the ones that run the cooperative.
I have chosen to retire at the end of August, one month shy of being your GM of 15 years. The cooperative is well maintained and has plans in place to move forward. Financially, the co-op is very solid.
The employees are some of the very best. They have to be, to run a co-op of this size with so few. The staff is dedicated, conscientious and capable. They have my sincere thanks for all their effort in helping to provide safe, reliable and affordable electric service.
Your board is tremendous. They have the cooperative’s very best interest at heart, and have set a course where they want the cooperative to head.
I need to also thank those in the electric utility industry. They have been very supportive—offering advice, mentoring and collaborating over the years.
And lastly, but most importantly, I want to thank you, the member-owners of the cooperative. Your support, patience and assistance have been outstanding.
This has not been an easy decision. Who would leave a job they truly enjoy, has very few personnel issues, has great people to work with and is as rewarding as this job has been?
I asked myself that a lot. The answer is, there are some other things in my life that I want to do before it gets too late in life to do them. I know I will miss those I have worked with and the daily camaraderie, the feeling of finishing an important project, and the regret for those items that I was not able to effect a change.
This has been the very best of all my jobs. Thank you for the opportunity to represent you, and for the great memories!
Your board did a broad search for my replacement. I am pleased to announce Fred Flippence has been named the general manager, taking over September 1. Please join me in welcoming him as your next GM.
Thank you.
Randy WhitakerGeneral Manager
P.O. Box 384Challis, ID 83226 Phone: (208) 879-2283 Fax: (208) 879-2596After-hours emergency numbers: Propane: (208) 879-2201 Electric: (208) 879-4900
Dear Members:While addressing the membership at the annual meeting in April, I mentioned
member-owners would define what the cooperative would look like in the future. Prior to that, I discussed how the electric utility landscape is changing.
I spoke of a carbon-free energy revolution being spurred on by governments throughout the world as they respond to climate change. Governments are investing in new renewable electric energy technologies and subsidizing these technologies. This drives down the cost of renewable energy, making it more attractive. Renewable energy development now outpaces developments in traditional electric energy sources and is poised to move forward at an unprecedented pace.
SREC members have access to increasingly more cost-effective renewable electricity they can own and use to serve their energy needs. The subsidized costs of this electric energy is still not cost effective to our member, mostly because of your low retail electric rates. As retail power rates are increased to keep pace with rising wholesale electric costs—and renewable electric energy costs decline—customer-owned electric generation could play a larger part in the cooperative’s energy portfolio.
Your cooperative is watching these developments closely. Renewable generation resources still are limited in their ability to deliver reliable electricity, and the cost is more than your retail electric rates. We want to be your trusted electric energy supply experts and ensure you are provided safe, reliable and cost-effective electricity. We believe renewable energy should be part of the cooperative’s electric supply portfolio. We also believe that it shouldn’t be the only source.
Your cooperative continues to investigate all sources of electric generation. It is possible that our wholesale power supplier, the Bonneville Power Administration, may not always be the most reliable and cost-effective supplier. The SREC board and I are considering an energy portfolio absent of BPA, or with a diminishing BPA. This evaluation includes looking at all technologies—old and new.
Our member-owners’ appetite for renewable electric energy is part of this evaluation. The cooperative is considering whether to develop a small community solar or wind project that members could participate in. We recognize that not all our members’ homes and businesses are situated such that they could accommodate a solar array or a wind turbine.
We are trying to gauge the level of support for renewable energy. Please contact me if you have an interest in buying solar or wind energy, participating in a community solar or wind farm, or are considering installing your own renewable energy. Email me at [email protected] or call (208) 879-2283 ext. 3010.
Ken DizesGeneral Manager
ID-28
Board of DirectorsPresident Bob BorenVice President Jeff BittonSec./Treasurer Norman WallisMichael MillerDoug ParkinsonSteve RembelskiEarl Skeen
Manager Ken DizesAttorney Dale Storer
Board meets the third Wednesday of each month
Email: [email protected]: www.srec.org
Manager’s Message
32 J U N E 2016
ID-29
UNITED ELECTRICCO-OP, INC.
UnitedElectricCo-op Inc.Directors President Bruce BeckVice President David PhillipsSec./Treas. Cordell SearleBrent BowenDean Nielsen Ronald Osterhout George TonerJohn R. West
General ManagerJo Elg
Engineering and OperationsTrevor Parke
Line SuperintendentDan Kidd
Executive AssistantPenny West
Manager of Finance and Admin.Curtiss Peterson
Community Relations ManagerChris Seibold
Mailing address:1330 21st St.Heyburn, ID 83336Phone: (208) 679-2222Fax: (208) 679-3333Email: [email protected]: www.uec.coopO� ce hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
After Hours: (208) 679-4444
Bruce Beck PresidentDavid Phillips Vice President Cordell Searle Sec./Treasurer
Trade-A-Tree at United ElectricAt United Electric, we know few things are more inconvenient to our members than a power outage or more dangerous than a downed power line in your yard. The leading cause of power outages and downed lines is tree growth near the lines. Trees that grow near power lines pose a serious safety risk and are one of the top causes of power bumps and outages each year.
United Electric recognizes the benefits of trees to the environment. They supply shade in summer, provide a windbreak in winter, and ultimately help conserve energy and lower home energy costs. However, trees in or near high-voltage power lines can disrupt power service, decrease system reliability and pose a safety hazard.
To provide safe, reliable power, as is our mission, United Electric trims trees each year. Annually, money is budgeted to trim trees. Unfortunately, trimming trees is like the laundry. It’s never done. It takes about five years to trim trees across the service area. At the end of the five years, we start over.
To reduce the tree-trimming cycle and reduce the cost of trimming trees, the Trade-A-Tree program was adopted in 2012. The intent of the program is to remove trees in or near primary high-voltage power lines. Removing hazardous trees eliminates the need to return every few years to trim, in turn reducing the cost of tree trimming for the long term.
How does the Trade-A-Tree program work? For each tree removed, United Electric will reimburse up to $50 toward the cost of the qualifying replacement tree. The process is easy:• The property owner provides written authorization to remove the tree interfering
with the high-voltage power line. • United Electric removes the tree. • The property owner buys and plants a new Class 1 tree. Replacement trees must
meet program specifications for expected height at maturity. • The property owner brings the receipt to the office and completes a request for
reimbursement form.Additional information and program forms are available at www.uec.coop under
Your Account. You also may call the office at 679-2222 for information.Do your part to help control tree-trimming costs.
Jo ElgGeneral Manager
32 J U N E 2016
Lost RiverElectricCooperative Inc.
305 Pine StreetP.O. Box 420Mackay, ID 83251-0420
Phone: (208) 588-3311Fax: (208) 588-3038Email: [email protected]
DirectorsBrad J. GamettPresident
Susan M. HarrisVice President
Bret L. ZollingerSecretary/Treasurer
Chad H. AngellJames D. McKelveyRandy R. PurserLynn O. RothwellWiley F. SmithMerlin A. Waddoups
Manager/CEO F. Richard Reynolds
The Board of Directors meets the second Friday of each month and 10 a.m.
32 J U N E 2016
ID-30
As you find yourself spending more time outdoors this summer, Lost River Electric Cooperative reminds you to exercise caution near electrical equipment maintained by the co-op.
Substations and power lines carry extremely high voltages, and if contact is accidentally made, the results can be dangerous—or even deadly.
Never climb trees near power lines. If you make contact with a tree that touches a power line, your body could become the path for electricity from the line to the ground. If you encounter an animal trapped in a tree near power lines or inside a substation, do not attempt to remove it—no matter how furry and cute. Call Lost River Electric Cooperative or local emergency services for assistance.
These days, we see more remote-controlled devices such as drones and airplanes, which can be a great way to have fun outdoors. These gadgets also bring new safety concerns. Remote-controlled toys should never be flown near power lines, substations or other electrical equipment.
Remember these safety tips when flying a remote-controlled toy: • Keep a safe distance from electrical equipment when you fly. If contact is
accidentally made with a power line or a transformer inside a substation, many members of your community could be left without electricity.
• Keep the remote-controlled toy in sight at all times. • Avoid flying if weather conditions are unfavorable. High winds could cause you to
lose control of the toy.Your safety is important to Lost River Electric. We hope you will share the
message of electrical safety so you and others can enjoy plenty of summer days filled with fun.
Caution Near Co-op Equipment
Board of DirectorsPaul Kildal, President Lon Rake, Vice PresidentMary Odden, SecretaryWill Stark, TreasurerMichael Johnson, DirectorJe� Saxe, Director Dan Stowe, DirectorFred Williams, Director
P.O. Box 45Glennallen, AK 99588www.cvea.orgCopper Basin District(907) 822-3211(907) 822-5586 (fax)Mile 187 Glenn Hwy.Valdez District(907) 835-4301(907) 835-4328 (fax)367 Fairbanks Dr.After hours outage line(866) 835-2832
Important Dates
JuneCVEA Board Meeting: The June meeting of the Board of Directors is 1 p.m., Thursday, June 16, 2016, in Glennallen
JulyCVEA O� ces Closed: The CVEA o� ces will be closed, Monday, July 4, 2016, for Independence Day
CVEA Board Meeting: The July meeting of the Board of Directors is 1 p.m., Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Valdez
32 J U N E 2016
Allison Creek Home StretchCVEA believes hydropower is the most viable and cost-effective renewable resource and has continued to aggressively move the Allison Creek Hydroelectric Project for-ward since efforts began in 2008. Allison Creek promises several renewable energy benefits. The project will:• displace 725,000 gallons of fuel annually when it is commissioned in 2016• eliminate 12,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually• allow Solomon Gulch Lake to store more water going into the winter• generate 15 million kWhs to increase CVEA’s renewable energy portfolio from 50
to 64 percent of total generation requirements• provide benefits for generations
In May, the Allison Creek project team mobilized to begin the final construction season. The newest hydro project in CVEA’s genera-tion portfolio will be com-missioned in the fall of 2016. Goals for this season include:• Installation of the
remaining 23 pieces of penstock
• Construction of the final 10 percent of the diver-sion structure
• Tie-in of electrical and communications from powerhouse to diversion structure
• Diverting water to penstock for the first time• Performing operational tests• Training CVEA Operators to run the new power plant• Generation of commercial power
A short video documenting the construction project to date was shown at the CVEA Annual Meeting in April. We encourage everyone interested to check it out by visiting cvea.org, the CVEA Facebook page, or the award winning Allison Creek website at http://allisoncreekhydro.cveahydro.org. This website was created to keep you informed of the progress of the project and to provide access to project informa-tion, historical reports, and articles written for Ruralite Magazine to keep members informed. This page will stay up to date with important information and construction photos as we move through the final construction phase of the project.
If you have questions please contact Sharon Crisp at 822-5506, 835-7005, or email [email protected].
AK-34
Dear Customers:Most jobs do not require you to climb 40 feet in the air and conduct business within a few feet of high-voltage power lines. However, for many utility workers, this is just another day at the office.
Across the nation, millions of utility poles provide the elec-tricity that powers everything in our daily life—including brew-ing our morning coffee and the lighting we turn off before going to bed.
The electricity we depend on would not be possible without the utility workers who maintain and repair these utility poles.
I urge you to keep utility poles free from all personal materials such as balloons, signs, fliers and metal objects such as staples or tacks. By keeping these poles free of any materials, you help keep our communities powered and our utility workers safe.
Utility workers use specialized climbing gear to perform regular maintenance and repair damaged power lines at the top of utility poles. Nails, tacks and other metal objects used to attach objects to utility poles can interfere with the safe operation of the climbing hooks used by utility workers. Foreign objects embedded in utility poles can also snag or damage the protective clothing that keep lineworkers safe from elec-tric shock. Our utility workers already work in extremely hazardous conditions, so help us make their job as safe as possible.
Wooden Pole Inspections and Treatment Tillamook PUD has contracted with National Wood Treating Co. to inspect and treat 2,200 wooden power poles on our system during the next six months. We have found our pole testing and treatment program enhances public safety and reduces long-term operating costs and unanticipated power outages.
Each pole will be visually inspected, sounded with a hammer, and holes will be bored to determine if the pole is decayed. Some poles may need to be replaced. All others will be treated. To treat a pole, holes are bored and filled with fumigants that are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. The holes are then plugged with a wooden dowel. National Wood Treating Co. employees are licensed by the Oregon Department of Agriculture for the commercial application of pesticides.
Occasionally, it may be necessary for the contractor to cross private property to get to poles located in Tillamook PUD’s easements and rights of way. We appreciate your cooperation as we work to keep our system safe and reliable.
Sincerely,
Raymon D. Sieler General Manager
OR-35
Board of DirectorsHarry Hewitt, President Barbara Trout, Vice PresidentDoug Olson, TreasurerEd Jenkins, SecretaryKen Phillips, Director
General Manager Raymon Sieler
Board meetings are in the PUD office at 6 p.m. the first Tuesday after the 11th of the month.
Mission StatementTillamook People’s Utility District is dedicated to delivering the best value of electric services, while continuing our commitment to the customer-owners and communities we serve.
CreedWe shall work together to:XX Provide exceptional customer service;
anticipate and strive to exceed our customers’ needs.
XX Provide high-quality and cost-effective services to our customers.
XX Ensure a safe electrical system and working environment for our customers and employees.
XX Operate a financially stable business.XX Encourage cooperation and open
communication among the customers, board of directors, management and employees of Tillamook PUD.
XX Support all the communities we serve.XX Be environmentally responsible.
1115 Pacific Ave. • P.O. Box 433Tillamook, OR 97141Phone: (503) 842-2535 Toll free: (800) 422-2535www.tpud.org
Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For EMERGENCY service afterbusiness hours, call (800) 842-2122.
32 J U N E 2016
AK-36
P. O. Box 449Barrow, AK 99723Phone: 852-6166Fax: 852-6372www.bueci.org
Board of Directors PresidentPrice E. Brower Vice President Roy Nageak Sr.
Secretary/TreasurerDon Nungasak
Doreen A. AhgeakFrederick F. BrowerLewis F. BrowerForrest “Deano” OlemaunRichard Ungarook Sr.Tina Wolgemuth
General Manager Ben L. Frantz
You can’t see, smell or hear electricity, but the power above can strike you down.
Be alert for power lines when working outside. Identify potential hazards before starting any task.
32 J U N E 2016
Golden Valley Electric Association32 J U N E 2016
Exercise Your Right to VoteAs a member of GVEA, participating in your cooperative’s elections is your most important responsibility. This year, all members will have an opportunity to vote on the proposed amendments to GVEA’s bylaws, and members in districts 5 and 6 will elect their representative to the board.
BylawEven though GVEA’s bylaws were
amended as recently as 2010, the board felt strongly that it was time for a thor-ough review. A Bylaw Review Committee was formed, and they met numerous times over a six-month period.
It’s the recommendation of the Committee, and supported by the Board of Directors, to vote YES to approve the proposed “General Revision” of GVEA’s Bylaws as presented.
Many of the proposed edits are “housekeeping” in nature, while other proposed edits are more substantive. An example of a substantive edit is eliminat-ing an extra envelope labeled “ballot” in the voting packets, which will reduce printing and mailing costs of future elec-tions. Another example is reducing the quorum for members’ meetings from 650 to 100. The proposed quorum is in-line with other Alaska Railbelt electric cooperatives (most have a quorum of 50) and will allow a greater chance for the approval of the previous year’s Annual Members’ Meeting minutes.
If you have any questions after reviewing the proposed Bylaw General Revision, please direct them to Corinne Bradish at 907-452-1151 (or toll free at 1-800-770-4832). Alternatively, an email can be sent to [email protected].
GVEA’s Bylaws (current, pro-posed “General Revision” and
“Track Changes” versions) are avail-able at: www.gvea.com/inside/about/bylawsandarticlesofincorporation.
DirectorMembers in Districts 5 and 6 will also
elect their representative to the GVEA Board of Directors. Bios of the candidates were published in the April edition of the Ruralite, and were also included in the election packet mailed on May 13 (and are also available on GVEA’s website at www.gvea.com/elections).
VotePlease exercise your right to vote,
either electronically or by paper ballot. Deadline for casting your ballot is 5 pm, Tuesday, June 14, 2016.
Choose to vote online and you could win a new iPad.
AK-37
Owned By Those We Serve
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bill Nordmark, Chairman (District 7)Tom DeLong, Vice-Chairman (District 2)John Sloan, Secretary (District 6)Rick Schikora, Treasurer (District 3)Chris Bunch (District 5)Aren Gunderson (District 1)Gary Newman (District 4)
MAIN OFFICE
758 Illinois StreetPO Box 71249Fairbanks, AK 99707-1249
Regular Business Phone(907) 452-1151Fax (907) 458-6365Member Services
DISTRICT OFFICES
Delta Junction1681 Richardson Hwy.PO Box 909Delta Junction, AK 99737(907) 895-4500Fax (907) 895-5472
NenanaMile 303.5 Parks Hwy.PO Box 00130Nenana, AK 99760(907) 832-5481Fax (907) 458-6387
Toll-Free Number1-800-770-GVEA (4832)
www.gvea.com
CA-39
Manager’s MessageDear Members:PSREC joined Anza Electric Cooperative, Surprise Valley Electrification Corp. and Golden State Power Cooperative—our statewide association—in Washington, D.C., last month at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Legislative Conference. We discussed important issues that could affect our member-owners here in California and electric cooperatives across the nation. We were able to meet with senior energy staffers from 46 California districts and both California senators. There are not many electric cooperatives in California and it is easy for us to get overlooked as key issues are brought up. Getting to 48 appointments in three days meant for very full and busy days, but it was worth it to protect our cooperative’s interests.
We are also carefully watching California’s legislative and regulatory processes relating to renewable energy and electricity procurement. We are supportive of renewable energy efforts but the complexity of the rules and the exclu-sion of types of renewable energy like biomass gives us great concern that the goals laid out for electric utilities will drive rate increases. We are engaged in the process and will keep you informed as concrete proposals emerge.
TelecommunicationsBy the time this gets to print we should have completed construction of three of the access points in the Red Rock/Rancho Haven area. We get questions as to why we pick specific locations before other locations. We are trying to get to as much of the unserved and under-served parts of our communities as possible. At the same time, our telecommunications
efforts can’t increase costs to our electric coop-erative. We go off of a matrix balancing the interest of the community, speed of setting up service, and ease of getting there (Red Rock is right on the fiber-optic line). We are analyzing and making plans for additional communities including American Valley, Mohawk Valley, southern Sierra Valley, and southern Honey Lake Valley. We are also actively working on improving our older wireless service as well. PST offers speeds of up to 20 megabits per sec-ond down and 10 mbps up, with no data caps. Along the fiber routes, faster service through a direct fiber-optic connection is available. Call (800) 221-3474 today to sign up if you haven’t already.
Please check our website for availability of service. The service projections are conserva-tive and if you are even close it is worth a call to us.
If you have any questions, please contact me at (800) 555-2207 ext. 6076 or email me at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Bob MarshallGeneral Manager
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
PresidentDave Roberti, Sierra Valley
Vice PresidentFred Nelson, Clio
Secretary/TreasurerDavid Hansen, Doyle
Dan Kenney, [email protected]
Ole Olsen, [email protected]
Tom Hammond, [email protected]
Nancy Miller, [email protected]
Manager Robert (Bob) Marshall
Our subsidiary,Plumas-Sierra
Telecommunications offers a variety of high-quality
Internet solutions.For more information,
please visitwww.pst.coop or call
(800) 221-3474
For information about any of our products, please call (800) 555-2207 or
visit our website at www.psrec.coop
RU
RAL ELECTRIC CO-O
PPSREC
PLUMAS-SIERRA
PST
PLUMAS-SIERRA
TELECOMMUNICATION
S
32 J U N E 2016
NV-40
P.O. Box 1510001600 Great Basin Blvd.Ely, NV 89315
(775) 289.8981(800) [email protected]
Emergency ContactsEly Office(775) 289-8981
Eureka Office(775) 237-5693
Outside Ely / Eureka Area(800) 97-POWER
Board of DirectorsDistrict 1 – Ron MillerDistrict 2 – Mary KernerDistrict 3 – Jerry MorrillDistrict 4 – Don PhillipsDistrict 5 – Rick HendrixDistrict 6 – Jerald AndersonDistrict 7 – Sandra GreenDistrict 8 – Wilma SanfordDistrict 9 – Ron Niman
Proudly serving more than 10,000 residents and businesses throughout Nevada and Utah.
Winter hours are November through April; Summer hours are May through October.
Summer hours: Ely office will be open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Eureka office is 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
“Powering Your Future”
Celebrating SafetyMay was Electrical Safety Month, but at Mt. Wheeler Power, we take safety seriously every month. The Mt. Wheeler Power safety demonstration is available to any group or organization interested in learning more about electrical safety and the effects an electrical shock has on the human body.
Your cooperative linemen demonstrate the effects of a high-voltage contact and discuss electrical safety. The sight, sound and smell of a 7,200-volt contact delivers a powerful message. Several hazardous situations are demonstrated using Sparky and props such as hot dogs and cantaloupe to show how an electrical current entering the body burns from the inside out, leaving both an entry and exit wound.
Have you ever seen or heard a fuse blow? The sound is impressive and gets the audience’s attention. Knowing what this looks and sounds like can help us determine the cause of an outage when you report one. This is all part of the demonstration, fol-lowed by a question-and-answer session.
The program holds the attention of the audience and helps viewers remember and respect the power of electricity. You will not forget this presentation. If you are part of a school, Scout Troop, civic group or other organizations within our service territory and are interested in viewing our safety demonstration, contact us to schedule your free electric safety demonstration at (775) 289-8981. The Mt. Wheeler Power safety demonstration leaves a lasting impression that could someday save a life.
Bill Ricci Operations Manager, Mt. Wheeler Power
Mt. Wheeler Power Cooperative Line Foreman Mitch McVicars and Lineman Jason McNutt demonstrate a high-voltage electrical contact with Sparky. Photo by Christina Sawyer
32 J U N E 2016
Nominations for four seats on Wells Rural Electric Company’s (WREC) Board of Directors will open on Monday, June 13, 2016. The incumbent Directors’ seats subject to election are currently held by Jon Dahl, Scott Egbert, Fred Montes De Oca and Jim Whited.
Nominations must only be made on the 2016 Board of Directors Election Nomination Form available at all WREC offices and on www.wrec.coop. All mandatory questions must be answered in order for the nomination to be valid. Completed nomination forms must be received by General Counsel, Gary E. DiGrazia, 530 Idaho Street, Elko, Nevada 89801 or General Counsel, Gary E. DiGrazia, P. O. Box 1358, Elko, Nevada 89803 or e-mail [email protected] or Fax (775) 738-4220 no later than 5:00 P. M. Pacific Time Zone on Monday, June 27, 2016. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure receipt of the nomination. Late nominations will not be placed on the ballot.
Any member in good standing for a minimum of one year may nominate another eligible member, himself or herself, (“the nominee”) for Director using the approved form. The nomination must be signed and dated by both the nominee and the person making the nomination, if other than the nominee. Nominees must verify their membership by providing their name and contact information.
To be eligible for election to the Board of Directors, non-incumbent nominees must attend a mandatory informational workshop on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at 1:00 P. M. Pacific Time Zone at the WREC Headquarters,
1451 Humboldt Avenue, Wells, Nevada 89835.The nominee must not have been adjudged
guilty of a felony within the prior seven years.The nominee must be of legal voting age. The nominee must be a member or spouse
of a member, or a local officer, director, partner, official or manager of an entity that is a member. An entity is a partnership, corporation, limited liability company, firm, association, business trust, personal trust, body politic or subdivision thereof, or other multiple ownership type business structure. No more than one person may serve on the Board based upon any one membership.
The nominee, or his/her entity, must not have an unpaid account with WREC which has been outstanding for more than ninety (90) days. The nominee, or his/her entity, must not have an account written-off as a bad debt by WREC.
The nominee must not be a current employee of WREC or a former employee who has retired or was dismissed less than five years prior to the close of nominations.
The nominee, or his/her entity, must not have been the subject of a Ruralite Feature Story article since February 16, 2016.
Additional voluntary information, including birth year, birth place, years in WREC service area, occupation, years on WREC Board, spouse name and children(s) name(s), may be included. Education and training credentials, not more than 300 characters and spaces, may also be included. The Company reserves the right to edit.
The nomination must be accompanied by a photograph of the nominee suitable for use in preparing the ballot package.
General Counsel shall determine the eligibility of each nominee.Clay R. FitchChief Executive Officer
NV-41
Nominations for Board of Directors Open
Wells RuralElectric CompanyBoard of DirectorsF. Scott EgbertPresident
Gerald AndersonVice President
M Jonathan DahlSecretary/Treasurer
Kirk DahlOrlin KidnerFred Montes de OcaLois NanniniJim WhitedBruce WidmerBob WilcoxHoward Wright
Director Emeritus D. Vernon Dalton
Outage Hotline:(800) 566-669624 hours a day
Carlin office:1322 Chestnut StreetP.O. Box 727Carlin, Nevada 89822(775) 754-6362
Wendover office:1706 West Butte StreetP.O. Box 3699West Wendover,Nevada 89883(775) 664-2204
Wells office:1451 Humboldt AvenueP.O. Box 365Wells, Nevada 89835(775) 752-3328
website:www.wrec.coop
32 J U N E 2016
Assist our community for less than $1 a month.Visit www.vea.coop
to learn more.
NV-42
800 E. Highway 372P.O. Box 237
Pahrump, NV 89041
Letter From the CEO
Valley Electric Association is looking at a rare opportunity to reduce its long-term debt, create rate stability, turn an operating expense into a revenue source and perhaps produce the opportunity to return cash to members.
All of this is possible because an investment company is looking to buy VEA’s 230-kilovolt transmission lines connecting the Mead Substation near Hoover Dam—over Mountain Springs in the south, through Pahrump and into North Las Vegas to the north.
The 165-mile, 230-kilovolt system was conceived at the end of the last century. The grueling, decade-long process of acquiring the rights of way and building the lines was completed in 2013. It filled a desperate need for reliable power to enhance VEA’s frag-ile link to the transmission grid. Remember the 2007 brownouts and blackouts?
In January 2013, when the completed lines were energized, all of VEA’s transmis-sion facilities became part of the region’s bulk electric transmission grid. The value increased far beyond the cost to build it. On the same day, VEA joined California Independent System Operator, which further increased the value of the lines. CAISO manages the flow of power across long-distance power lines in California and a small section of Nevada.
It would be difficult, if not impossible, to repeat that process today. The obstacles are too imposing and costly, which is why the lines have increased in value to an extent no one could have foreseen a decade ago.
Any move to sell such assets would require board approval and a vote by the mem-ber-owners. The investment company has asked not to be identified at this point.
The investors see VEA’s transmission lines as an asset. Because it is so difficult to get approvals to build such transmission lines, the value of VEA’s 230-kV lines have appreciated substantially since they were completed in 2013. CAISO continues to expand the markets it serves, increasing its value even more.
You might wonder why VEA would want to sell lines that it energized only three years ago at a cost of $85 million. While VEA would retain full rights to use the lines, and would continue to enjoy the reliability the lines bring, it could shed the burden of the debt they created. VEA would still service and maintain the lines, which provides a revenue source and meets our requirement of affordability and reliability.
That is not all. Since VEA is part of CAISO, the rates the co-op could be charged for using the lines would be regulated, providing a measure of rate stability.
There was no for sale sign on the transmission lines. The investment company approached VEA with the idea of buying the asset. The benefits such a sale would bring to the organization are so substantial—with almost no risk. It’s only prudent to consider it.
Until next month,
Thomas H. Husted, Chief Executive Officer
230-kV lines present unique opportunity for VEA
Office PhOne800-742-3330 (within Nevada)or 775-727-5312, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Monday-Friday, except holidays
After hOurs & emergencyWe are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week for your emergency needs.(775) 727-5312Website: www.vea.coopEmail: [email protected]
District 1 Peter Gazsy
BOArD Of DirectOrs
District 3 Rick Johnson
District 5 Kenneth Derschan
District 2 David Hall
District 4 John Maurer
District 6 David Dawson
32 J U N E 2016
Kittitas County Public Utility District No. 11400 Vantage HighwayEllensburg, WA 98926(509) 933-7200(24-hour phone service)Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
Commissioners Roger C. SparksPaul RogersShan Rowbotham
General ManagerMatt Boast
Assistant General ManagerBrian Vosburgh
Please visit our website to view all approved board minutes:
www.kittitaspud.com
The Board of Commissioners meets the last Tuesday of each month in Building B.
THANK YOU
In-Home Energy AuditsKittitas PUD has contracted with HopeSource, a private, nonprofit organization that provides services in Kittitas County, to conduct residential in-home energy audits for customers from June 1 to December 31. The goal of this promotion is to help customers identify home improvements or upgrades that can help lower power bills.
The energy audit is available to all Kittitas PUD customers. You must provide proof of home ownership. When you complete the application and pay the appropriate fees, the PUD will schedule the audit.
This promotion is limited to the first 50 customers. The promotional cost for site-built homes is $170, and $137.50 for mobile homes. These prices include the 50 percent contribution from Kittitas PUD. When the promotion ends, the cost will increase to $340 and $275, respectively.
For more information, call (509) 933-7200 or visit the website, www.kittitaspud.com.
In-Home Energy AuditsKittitas PUD has contracted with HopeSource, a private, nonprofit organization that provides services in Kittitas County, to conduct residential in-home energy audits for customers from June 1 to December 31. The goal of this promotion is to help customers identify home improvements or upgrades that can help lower power
all Kittitas PUD customers. You must
When you complete the application and pay the appropriate fees, the PUD will schedule the
This promotion is limited to the first 50 customers. The promotional cost for site-built homes is $170, and $137.50 for mobile homes. These prices include the 50 percent contribution from Kittitas PUD. When the promotion ends, the cost will increase to $340 and $275, respectively.
For more information, call (509) 933-7200 or visit
32 J U N E 2016
WA-43
AK-47
Board of DirectorsPete Andrew, PresidentHenry Strub, Vice PresidentRae Belle Whitcomb, SecretarySteve Noonkesser, Treasurer Julie BaltarAnnie FritzeWanda FultonChris Napoli Todd Radenbaugh
General ManagerNancy Favors
Customer Service and Business Office557 Kenny Wren RoadDillingham, AK 99576
Serving the communities of:AleknagikClarks PointDillinghamEkukManokotakPortage Creek
P.O. Box 350Dillingham, AK 99576
(907) 842-5251Toll Free: (800) 478-5296Fax (907) 842-2799
www.nushtel.com We are proud to announce the availability of the 2016 Nushagak Cooperative Inc. scholarship applica-tion. It can be found at our customer service office in downtown Dillingham, or you can print one online at www.nushtel.com.
Eligibility Rules Please see application for more detailed explanations.• You or your parent/guardian must be a member
of the cooperative.• You must plan to attend full time an accredited
college, vocational, technical, trade school or apprentice program.• You must pursue a course of study that leads to a degree or certificate.• You must submit your most recent official transcripts.• You must submit an application and personal essay no shorter than one page and
no longer than two pages.• You must submit one letter of recommendation from either a teacher, a
community/industry member or a personal acquaintance.• You must submit a resume.• You must complete the statement of financial plan so it balances.• Proof of school enrollment must be submitted prior to award disbursement.• All application requirements must be collected and turned in together prior to
submission of application. Some exceptions may be considered with a reasonable written explanation.
Applications are due at the cooperative by 5 p.m. Friday, July 29.
Please send your applications to:
Nushagak Cooperative Scholarship CommitteeATTN: Angela ThamesPO Box 350, Dillingham, AK 99576
Scholarships will be awarded by the end of August and notices made at that time.
For more information, call Angela at 842-5251.
2016 Scholarship Notice
32 J U N E 2016
District Offices4005 23rd Street
P.O. Box 226Baker City, OR 97814
523-3616
567 West PierceBurns, OR 97720
573-2666
400 Patterson Bridge Road P.O. Box 575
John Day, OR 97845 575-0161
2408 Cove Ave. P.O. Box 790
La Grande, OR 97850 963-3155
Report Outages at (866) 430-4265
Officers/Directors: President George Galloway,Union CountyVice President George “Austin” Bingaman, Union CountySec./Treas. Charlene Chase, Baker County
David Baum, Union CountyRobert Cargill, Harney CountyCharles Hofmann, Baker CountyGreg Howard, Union CountyGary Miller, Grant CountyWayne Overton, Baker County
Werner Buehler, General Manager
Ron Williams, Attorney
OR-48
Have a Successful Planting Season Rooted in SafetyIt is always a great honor to be recognized for doing good work. That is exactly what happened last month when Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative was presented with a first-place award during the 2016 Northwest Public Power Association safety awards competition at the Engineering & Operations Conference in Spokane, Washington.
In 2015, in the 150,001- to 500,000-hour category, OTEC had no lost-time accidents. This, paired with the lack of injury cases, is what put OTEC in the lead for this prestigious recognition.
This award acknowledges that OTEC’s safety record is well above average. I attribute this to the culture of care we have for our membership and crews, and the healthy respect we all have for the incredible power of electricity. Electricity is all around us, and it is easy to forget how dangerous it can be.
As the days get warmer and our members make plans to return to their fields for spring planting, we would like to take a moment to remind everyone to be particularly alert to the dangers of working near overhead power lines. Operating large equipment near these lines is one of the often overlooked, yet potentially deadly, hazards of working on a farm—or even on your rooftop at home.
Make sure everyone on your crew and in your household knows to maintain a 10-foot clearance minimum from power lines. Sometimes a power line is closer than it looks.
When working near power lines, use a spotter and preplan your routes to avoid hazard areas. Be aware of increased height when you are on a ladder trimming trees, and loading and transporting tractors on
trailer beds. Avoid raising the arms of planters or cultivators near power lines, and never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path.
Keep in mind that simply working too close to a power line is dangerous. Electricity can arc or “jump” to conducting objects, such as a ladder on a roof, a pole or a truck. Remember, nonmetallic materials such as lumber, tires, ropes and hay will conduct electricity depending on dampness, dust and dirt.
If contact is made with an energized power line while you are in a vehicle, the best thing to do is to try and remain calm, call 911 and stay in the vehicle, unless it is on fire. If you must exit because of fire or other safety reasons, try to jump completely clear, making sure you do not touch the equipment and the ground at the same time. Land with both feet together, maintain balance and shuffle away in small steps to minimize the path of electric current and avoid electrical shock. Warn others who may be nearby to stay away and wait until emergency services arrive.
OTEC is committed to safety. It is constantly at the forefront of all of our operations. We offer public safety training to schools, emergency response organizations and government agencies. For more infor-mation, contact your local OTEC office or visit www.otecc.com.
Regards, Regards,
32 J U N E 2016
Member-owned since 1921
Ohop MutualLight Co.34014 Mountain Highway E.Eatonville, WA 98328
Phone: (253) 847-4363Night troubles: (253) 847-4363
Email: o� [email protected]
Board of DirectorsPresident Mel CoxVice President Frank Ho� manSec./Treasurer Louie MettlerDirector Jerry Walter
General ManagerKenneth Klotz
WA-49
It’s Not Easy Being GreenDear Members:So far this year, our weather forecasts have been right on track: warmer temperatures for the Pacific Northwest. It’s been a great boost to our vegetable gardens, flower beds and plants, making everything green and healthy.
Unfortunately, in the words of Kermit the Frog, “It’s not easy being green.” This is especially true in the utility industry. Warm weather means rapid tree and brush growth in and around power lines and poles.
Ohop Mutual will continue to trim and remove trees to ensure reliable electric ser-vice and maintain a safe environment for our members and employees. Tree-related power outages are the most frequent reason for interruptions to service. These incon-venient outages deprive our members of necessary amenities such as heat, lights, tele-phone and computer systems.
Trees that touch power lines are also a safety issue. They put increased stress on live wires, causing branches to burn and fall to the ground, which can cause fires.
Ohop Mutual must adhere to all applicable right-of-way agreements, federal, state and local laws and ordinances, and applicable safety codes to deliver safe and reliable electric service to our members. This can only be accomplished by maintaining a safe distance between your trees and our wires.
Our tree-trimming standards are based on several criteria, including safety regula-tions, how much trees and conductors sway in high winds, the sagging of conductors at elevated temperatures, tree growth rates, tree location and tree type. These stan-dards are used to determine whether a tree requires directional trimming or removal.
In the past, we have tried to accommodate members who requested that only the minimum trimming be completed on their trees. Unfortunately, due to increased Bonneville Power Administration rates, federal conservation expenditure require-ments, labor costs, and governmental regulations and liability, we no longer can accommodate these requests.
I know many of our customers love their trees. I empathize with that because I also appreciate the beauty of trees and the time it takes to grow them. However, the fact remains that trees and power lines just do not mix.
I want to thank members who have taken the extra step to keep rights of way clear of trees and/or have allowed us to remove existing trees. Even though tree removal is more expensive than trimming, not having to come back and trim again every few years saves your cooperative money. The payback can be seen in just one trimming cycle.
As in the past, we will continue to notify members by letter when our tree crew will be in their neighborhood. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kenneth KlotzGeneral Manager
32 J U N E 2016
45710 SE North Bend WayP.O. Box 1426North Bend, WA 98045-1426 Telephone: (425) 888-0623Toll-free: (800) 472-0208www.tannerelectric.coop
Board of DirectorsPresident Ed StephensonVice President Julie FrommTreasurer Susan Serrette-EganSecretary Mike HodgeRoger GuayJeff GilletteKendel LymanPaul BayMark Dilger
An electric utility ownedby those we serve in:
North BendAmes LakeAnderson Island
Tanner Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer
General ManagerSteve Walter
Chief Financial O� cerRob Carr
Operations ManagerJames Anderson
WA-50
As you find yourself spending more time outdoors this summer, Tanner Electric Cooperative reminds you to exercise caution near electrical equipment maintained by the co-op.
Substations and power lines carry extremely high voltages, and if contact is made, the results can be dangerous—or even deadly.
Never climb trees near power lines. If you make contact with a tree that touches a power line, your body could become the path for electricity from the line to the ground. If you encounter an animal trapped in a tree near power lines or inside a substation, do not attempt to remove it—no matter how furry and cute. Call Tanner Electric Cooperative or local emergency services for assistance.
These days, we see more remote-controlled devices such as drones and airplanes, which can be a great way to have fun outdoors. These gadgets also bring new safety concerns. Remote-controlled toys should never be flown near power lines, substations or other electrical equipment.
Remember these safety tips when flying a remote-controlled toy: • Keep a safe distance from electrical equipment when you fly. If contact is
accidentally made with a power line or a transformer inside a substation, many members of your community could be left without electricity.
• Keep the remote-controlled toy in sight at all times. • Avoid flying if weather conditions are unfavorable. High winds could cause you to
lose control of the toy.Your safety is important to TEC. We hope you will share the message of electrical
safety so you and others can enjoy plenty of summer days filled with fun.
Caution Near Co-op Equipment
32 J U N E 2016
Parkland Light & Water Company
Owned By Those We Serve
12918 Park Ave. P.O. Box 44426 Tacoma, WA 98448-0426 (253) 531-5666
Board of TrusTees Janet Detering - President Elaine Walter - Vice President Chuck Nelson - Secretary Gary Hauenstein - Treasurer Gary Grazzini - Public Relations
General ManaGer
Susan Cutrell
Incorporated in 1914— The country’s oldestmutual cooperative
WA-52
32 J U N E 2016
FOR UTILITY EMERGENCIES 24/7, CALL (253) 531-5666
Annual Backflow TestingCross-connection control is a cooperative effort between the Washington State Department of Health, the water utility and the customer.
The state sets the standards and requires the water utility to enforce them. It also requires the customer to make the necessary water connection modifications to continue receiving water service.
Cross connections occur where the Parkland Light & Water Co. system connects at customer locations. At these points, contaminants could be siphoned back into the system by circumstances beyond PL&W’s control. This can happen where irrigation or fire suppression systems are installed, or an auxiliary source of water exists. Examples of an auxiliary water source are swimming pools, ponds or wells.
For PL&W’s current backflow customers, an annual backflow reminder letter is mailed to you. If you are unsure if you have a potential cross connection at your service location, please contact the office and ask to speak to one of PL&W’s backflow specialists.
It is important to test cross-connection points annually to find faults that could result in contaminants leak-ing into Parkland Light & Water Co.’s system. Cross connections are found where PL&W’s system connects to customer locations, and often when new irrigation is installed.
Faulty cross connections can ruin your water
32 J U N E 2016
495 E. Columbia River HighwayPO BOX 216
Clatskanie, Oregon 97016(503) 728-2163 Office
www.clatskaniepud.com
Office Hours: 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday
Please call to report outages(503) 728-2163
Automated Secure Payment Center1-844-262-2431
Board of directorsDon Hooper, PresidentBob Wiggins, Vice PresidentMerle Gillespie, SecretaryStephen D. Petersen, TreasurerLinda A. Hooper, Director
General ManaGerMarc Farmer
CPUD $10 Bill Credit Drawing Account #1162506If this is your account number, please call the office to claim your prize. Congratulations!
OR-60
Community CalendarJune 2: Clatskanie Chamber MeetingNoon at Colvin’s banquet room.June 4: Emergency Preparedness FairAll Columbia County citizens are invited to attend the Emergency Preparedness Fair from 10 am to 2 pm (See pg 25 for more details)June 15: Clatskanie PUD Board Meeting Workshop at 5:30 pm, followed by regular board meeting at 7 pm in the CPUD Community room. June 25: Clatskanie Cruisers Car ShowCAC breakfast 7 am - 10 amCar Show 9 am - 3 pmHeritage Days Drive-in movie at dusk in the Clatskanie City Park
Local Heroes Receive Regional & InternationalAwards
Clatskanie PUD is proud to announce that our Line Working Foreman Lonnie Marcum and Journeyman Lineman Darin Welter were recently recognized both regionally and internationally for their bravery and heroism.
At the recent Northwest Public Power Association (NWPPA) Engineering & Operations Conference, Marcum and Welter were awarded the NWPPA Safety Heroism Award for their heroic lifesaving actions on December 9, 2015 when they saved Clatskanie resident Mr. Richard Forrest from deep flood waters.
Last month, Travis Eri and Tim Titus from IBEW Local 125 presented Marcum and Welter with a special Life Saving Award from the highest level in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Eri, Business Manager of Local 125 said that when they heard about Marcum and Welter’s courageous and selfless acts dem-onstrated during the rescue of Mr. Forrest, they presented the information to the local Executive Board who then highly recommended the heroes be recognized by the International IBEW Office. The officers of the IBEW reviewed the information from the event on December 9, 2015, and they agreed that the level of commitment and actions of the two Journeymen led to saving the life of Mr. Forrest and they would honor Marcum and Welter with the International Life Saving Award.
Eri stated during the presentation of the awards, “The issuance of the Life Saving Award given to Marcum and Welter recognizes them in achieving the most signifi-cant contribution to mankind, the saving of another human’s life. We owe it to our employers and the IBEW for setting in place training and experience for our workers that allow them to make decisions that led these two men to feel confident in help-ing a member of their community in need.” He went on to say, “Our members enjoy the daily gratification of performing work that is very rewarding. Providing power to the communities we serve brings about a great deal of pride. When members jump in as Marcum and Welter did to put self-interest aside and focus attention on saving a stranger, it demonstrates that our electric service providers and their employees are deeply rooted in the local community.”
As Eri handed the awards to Marcum and Welter he said, “I have never been so proud to be able to be here today and present the Life Saving Awards, not only to two exceptional IBEW members, but two amazing men. They truly represent the goals of the IBEW. We are lucky to have them as members of Local Union 125.”
Clatskanie PUD is also lucky to have both Lonnie Marcum and Darin Welter serve our customers and community, and everyone here at the PUD is extremely proud of our heroes!
It seems like only yesterday, but it has been 16 eventful years since I came to AVEC as your president and CEO. So much has happened since then. I thought it would be interesting to look back on all we have accomplished.
At the end of 1999, we served 21,000 Alaskans in 51 communities and sold 54 million kilowatt-hours for total revenue of $21 million. Fuel was $1.21 a gallon, and we used 5.1 million gallons, selling about 10.5 kWh per gallon of fuel. Our line loss was 7.8 percent, and our cost to produce a kWh was 37.8 cents, with non-fuel costs accounting for 25.47 cents and the remaining 12.33 cents for fuel.
In 2016, we now serve 32,000 Alaskans in 56 communities. We sold 113 million kWh last year for total revenue of $59 million. The cost of fuel was $3.41 a gallon, and we used 8.5 million gallons. We sold 13.5 kWh per gallon of fuel, and our line loss was 3.51 percent—among the best in the nation. Despite the fact that fuel cost almost three times what it did in 1999, our total cost per kWh was 49.6 cents, with 28.6 cents of that being for fuel and the other 21 cents for non-fuel cost.
In the meantime, our investment in utility plant—power plants and dis-tribution systems—has doubled from $74 million to $148 million. That does not include an additional $200 million grant-funded plant we have built since 2000. In 2000, we owed $31 million in long-term debt or 42 percent of our plant investment. Today, we owe $51 million, or 34 percent of our plant value. Sixteen years ago, we returned a total of $9 million in patronage capital credits. That figure today stands at $20 million.
We have the state’s largest wind fleet—34 turbines at 11 locations—and we own two state-of-the-art tug-and-barge sets that deliver most of the fuel we use in our remote locations. We have built five interties to connect vil-lages, allowing us to shut down five vintage power plants while improving the quality of service for all the intertied communities.
We have the best workforce we have ever had, in my opinion. We are regarded as the state’s leading expert on rural Alaska electrification and the country’s most advanced microgrid operator.
We have been able to accomplish all of this because every AVEC employee has the same motivation: to provide the best possible utility ser-vice to you, our members and our partners. Thank you for allowing us to work for you.
Until next time,
Meera KohlerPresident and CEO
AK-105
Looking Back to the Year 2000Board of DirectorsChairmanRobert L. Beans Sr., Mountain Village
Vice ChairmanCharlie Curtis, Kiana
SecretaryPhyllis Clough, Old Harbor
TreasurerHelena R. Jones, Ambler
DirectorsPeter Demoski, NulatoFred Sagoonick, Shaktoolik Walter G. Sampson, Noorvik
Alaska Village ElectricCooperative, Inc.4831 Eagle StreetAnchorage, AK 99503(907) 561-1818 (800) 478-1818
Communities ServedAlakanukAmblerAndreafskyAnvikBethelBrevig MissionChevakEekEkwokElimEmmonakGambellGoodnews BayGraylingHoly CrossHooper BayHusliaKaltagKasiglukKianaKivalinaKobukKotlikKoyukLower KalskagMarshallMekoryukMinto
Mt. VillageNew StuyahokNightmuteNoatakNoorvikNulatoNunapitchukOld HarborPilot StationPitkas PointQuinhagakRussian MissionSt. Mary’sSt. MichaelSavoongaScammon BaySelawikShagelukShaktoolikShishmarefShungnakStebbinsTellerTogiakToksook BayTununakUpper KalskagWales
/AlaskaVillage
32 J U N E 2016
65 S. Roop St. Susanville, CA 96130 Phone (530) 257-4174 Fax (530) 257-2558 www.lmud.org Board of directorsPresident Fred NagelVice President Jess Urionaguena Treasurer Jay Dow Jr. H.W. “Bud” BowdenRichard Vial
staffGeneral ManagerDoug C. Smith
Assistant General ManagerBrian Beem
Administrative Services ManagerKaren Rollings
Electric Operations ManagerCort Cortez
Public Relations ManagerTheresa Phillips
IT Manager Nick Dominguez
Senior Accountant Catherine Schroeder
Customer Service SupervisorChristina M. Nystrom
In case of an outage: If your electricity is off for more than a few minutes, call 257-4174. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. After-hours and weekend calls are answered by a local service and immediately forwarded to standby personnel.
The board meets at 5:30 p.m.the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Easton Haas—second grade, McKinley Elementary
June Student Art Safety PosterWe will run a winning poster every month for the next year.
CA-106
32 J U N E 2016
32 J U N E 2016
You’ve seen them on CSPAN at committee hearings, whispering into the ear of the member of Congress and then disappearing into the background. They are not in front of the camera, but usually toil in a workspace more appropriate for a call-center in India than for a House office building.
This month, I want to pay homage to the most important behind-the-scenes players in the legislative branch of government: congressional staff.
Last month, Oregon electric cooperative leaders participated in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. Our timing was not ideal—Congress was out of session—but it gave us a chance to meet with legislative staff in a relaxed atmosphere and discuss important issues without the frenzy of a traditional day on Capitol Hill.
Long ago, I informed our group that while meeting with members of Congress is important, the heavy lifting is done by the underpaid and overworked Hill staff. I was once among them—a lifetime ago, it seems—a 20-something kid with more idealism than I have now and lots more responsibility than I deserved. It was the most exciting time of my three-decade career, and it gave me an appreciation of the incredible level of talent in Washington, D.C. An eager legislative aide named Paul Ryan worked down the hall from me. I’m not a bit surprised about his career trajectory.
I am always impressed with the Oregon congressional delegation staff. They are knowledgeable, ask good questions and legitimately seem interested in our issues. I know from experience that each day a revolving door of special interests comes calling for their 20-minute appointment, armed with white papers and talking points.
Then there are memos to write, calls to return and legislation to research. Buried in paper and often overwhelmed, they eventually leave for greener pastures. They will make more money off the Hill, their office several times more spacious. But few things they ever do will match those halcyon days on Capitol Hill, when a member of Congress depended on them for advice, working in government was considered cool, and all seemed possible. I always treat the staff with respect, not only out of kinship, but because one of them could be speaker of the house someday.
Ted Case, Executive Director
8565 SW Salish Lane #130Wilsonville, OR 97070
(503) 585-9988www.oreca.org
OFFICERSChristopher Seubert, PresidentDave Schneider, Vice PresidentRobert MacPherson, Secretary/TreasurerAlicia Bonesteele, Exec. Committee At-LargeBob Durham, Exec. Committee At-LargeDave Markham, Immediate Past President
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ted Case
LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE
Rachel Kloor
OREGON ELECTRIC CO-OPSBlachly-Lane Electric Co-opCentral Electric Co-opClearwater Power CompanyColumbia Basin Electric Co-opColumbia Power Co-opColumbia Rural Electric Co-opConsumers Power Inc.Coos-Curry Electric Co-opDouglas Electric Co-opHarney Electric Co-opHood River Electric Co-opLane Electric Co-opMidstate Electric Co-opOregon Trail Electric Consumers Co-opSalem ElectricSurprise Valley ElectrificationUmatilla Electric Co-opUmpqua Indian UtilityWasco Electric Co-opWest Oregon Electric Co-op
OR-400
Case in Point
Escambia River
Summer is upon us, bringing back-yard barbecues, water fun, vacation getaways and the onset of hurricane season. We don’t have to dread the season if we make preparations to ensure our family will be safe if disaster strikes.
In this edition, you will find ways to prepare your home and fam-ily for a hurricane. We urge you to take the time to make your emer-gency plans now to keep your family safe.
At Escambia River Electric Cooperative, the safety of our employees and members is a pri-ority, and we have an outstanding safety record. Despite precautions we take for employees and members, sometimes during an outage the very people we are there to help unknowingly put our lives—and theirs—in danger.
Portable generators used to sustain consum-ers when power lines are down can prove fatal to workers and members when used improp-erly. For the safety of your family, neighbors and EREC employees, please follow these guidelines when using electric generators:
• Never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring or regular household outlet. It can backfeed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including
lineworkers making repairs. • Hire a licensed electrician to
install a transfer switch to connect the generator to your home’s circuits or wiring to prevent backfeeding.
• Plug appliances directly into generators.
• Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords free of cuts and with three prongs. Overloaded cords can cause fires or equipment damage.
• Ensure your generator is properly grounded.
• Never overload a generator. It should be used only when necessary and only to power essential equipment.
• Turn off all equipment connected to the generator before shutting it down.
• Keep the generator dry. Operate it on a dry surface under an open structure.
• Keep a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby.
• Never fuel a generator while it is operating.• Read and adhere to the manufacturer’s
instructions for safe operation. Never cut cor-ners when it comes to safety.
We encourage you to protect the well-being of your family and those who come to your aid during outages. n
Be Safe Around GeneratorsManager’s Message
Clay R. Campbell
Members acknowledge that $3.96, plus actual postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of Florida Currents (USPS-8300). Published by Ruralite Services Inc., 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communications needs of consumer-owned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Please send address corrections to 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124.
HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS
Have a problem receiving your edition of Florida Currents? Utility members should contact the local utility office listed on the back cover. Nonmembers should contact Ruralite Services, 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124; (503) 718-3717; email [email protected].
Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $12 (U.S.) per year; $25 (foreign) per year. Prepayment required. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify which local edition you want to receive. Order online at www.floridacurrents.com.
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© 2016 Ruralite Services Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Side Roads 10
In the Kitchen 16Great Picture Hunt 18
Travel Journal 20Festival Roundup 22Parting Shot 30
Inside
Your utility pages: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32
Also In This Issue
June 2016Vol. 5, No. 8
Thwart Thieves This Summer 14Take steps to protect your identity, home and vehicle before hitting the road.
J U N E 2016 3
FKEC’s Board of Directors recentlyvoted Director Cale Smith to serve asBoard Treasurer at its annualorganizational meeting, held directlyafter the Co-op’s Annual Meeting andMember Appreciation Day in April.
We welcome Cale as a new officerof the board and also thank hispredecessor, Frank Hawkins, for hisyears of service.
Frank was first elected to the boardin 1997 to represent District 2,Tavernier, and was selected to serve astreasurer in 2003. Frank originallystepped down as treasurer in 2013, butgraciously stepped back in when thenew treasurer moved out of the area.
We welcome Cale to this positionand appreciate him lending hisexperience in finance to the job.
Cale joins Board President Dr. JimBoilini, Vice President GretchenHolland and Secretary Mike Puto asboard officers.
As CEO, I appreciate all of thetime and hard work each of ourdirectors put into guiding ourCooperative. I can testify that they all
take their jobs of representing ourmembers’ interests very seriously. Theboard provides FKEC’s staff with the“big picture” direction and goalsneeded to guide our daily work.
FKEC's Board of Directorsrepresents four voting districts fromKey Largo to Marathon, and areelected in the district which they liveby those members. They have theauthority to establish policies andreview operational procedures topromote a progressive, financially-sound utility. Each of the nine boardmembers must be nominated andelected by their home district'smembers according to FKEC bylaws.Directors serve three-year terms.
Our members can access moreinformation about our directors as wellas board meeting agendas, minutesand board packets, past and present,online at www.FKEC.com/Cooperative/board.cfm. Our monthlyboard meetings are also open to ourmembers and held at our TavernierOperations Center.
SCOTT NEWBERRYChief Executive Officer
Your FKECBoard Officers& Directors
FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC.Member Owned Since 1940
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
James J. BoiliniDistrict 1, Key Largo • President
Gretchen HollandDistrict 1, Key Largo • Vice President
Cale SmithDistrict 3, Islamorada • Treasurer
Michael H. PutoDistrict 4, Marathon • Secretary
David C. RitzDistrict 1, Key Largo
Craig BelcherDistrict 2, Tavernier
Frank N. Hawkins, Jr.District 2, Tavernier
George D. HertelDistrict 3, Islamorada
Karl M. WagnerDistrict 4, Marathon
CONTACT US:(305) 852-2431 • (800) 858-8845 Pay by Phone 1-855-385-9912www.FKEC.comMailing AddressP.O. Box 377, Tavernier, FL 33070
J U N E 2 0 1 6 W W W . F K E C . C O M
FKEC NEWS
Unless otherwise noted, “FKEC NEWS”writing, design & photography by:
Nikki Dunn Cullen • [email protected] by: Rebecca Callahan Newman
MEMBERS SHOULD KNOW:Follow us on Facebook andTwitter. FKEC uses many avenuesto communicate with you. Forenergy tips, electric safety,community event info and moreplease follow us on social media.
4 JUNE 2016
June-2016-final_Layout 1 5/12/16 10:43 AM Page 2
Offices
Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday
26733 U.S. Hwy. 27 East/P.O. Box 519Moore Haven, FL 33471(863) 946-6200Fax: (863) 946-2150
214 SR 70 WestLake Placid, FL 33852(863) 531-5000
808 N. Parrott Ave.Okeechobee, FL 34972(863) 467-5111
POwer interruPtiOn numberMoore Haven ............................. (863) 946-6200
Phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and holidays. Please have your location or account number handy when you call.
bOard Of trusteesJohn “Jack” Coxe, President, District 8 Lake Josephine, (863) 655-3056James “Jim” Aul, Vice President, District 7 Lorida, (863) 441-0441 Shannon Hall, Secretary/Treasurer, District 4 Lakeport and Brighton, (863) 946-3242Donnie Lundy, Trustee, District 1 Moore Haven, (863) 946-0402Barney Goodman, Trustee, District 2 Hendry County, (561) 414-8737Dr. John Huysman, Trustee, District 3 Ortona and Palmdale, (863) 946-2911Ladd Bass, Trustee, District 5 Venus and Hicoria, (863) 441-2227Lee Henderson, Trustee, District 6 Highlands Park, (863) 633-9281Angela Hodges, Trustee, District 9 Okeechobee, (863) 801-3140
The next meeting of the Board will be at 9 a.m. May 26 at the Moore Haven headquarters office. Any changes to this schedule will be posted in the lobby of all three district offices.
executive staffCEO Jeff Brewington CFO Jennifer ManningCTO Jesse WallaceDir. of Business Development Paul McGeheeDir. of Employee Services Yvonne BradleyDir. of Engineering Travis TurnerDir. of Member Services Margaret EllerbeeDir. of Operations Tracy Vaughn
FL-153
With the retirement of District 3 Trustee Russell Henderson, the bylaws call for the board to fill the vacancy with a qualified member. The board found an excellent candidate and is excited to welcome Dr. John Huysman to the Board of Trustees.
John brings a wealth of local experience and passion for helping the community to his new position with the cooperative. He says he was drawn to the GEC board because of how outstanding it is that the cooperative jumps into the community through scholarships, youth programs, economic development and Charitable Trust activities. He says the GEC board is a new challenge and a way for him to serve the community.
A well-known figure in the community, John works closely with Glades County Economic Development Council’s research for the regional training center, Operation Hand Up mentoring program, Glades County Youth Livestock Show, Chalo Nitka Festival and Rodeo committee, Moore Haven High School’s scholarship organization, the Hendry/Glades Youth Leadership program, Moore Haven Athletic Booster Club, the Agape House advisory board and many other organizations.
John earned a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida. His dissertation on rural education won national awards. He has lived in the area and been a GEC member for 30 years. He has focused on not only rural education, but improving the community as a whole.
His professional experience includes work with Glades County district schools, as a GPA Recovery and Virtual Lab coordinator, a career and college counselor, Florida Farm Bureau AES industry certification program proctor, athletic director, driver educator and testing administrator, data coach and Hendry/Glades Youth Leadership program adviser.
John’s community involvement extends through many committees and boards, such as the Edison State College presidential search committee, Disocesan School Board of Venice, quality assurance review teams and teacher certification exam validation review teams.
Welcome to the the team, John.
Introducing Our New TrusteeCEO’s Message
Jeff Brewington
32 J U N E 2016
True Cooperative ValuesThe past couple of years, I have written a number of articles about global warming and regulations the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has imposed or is attempting to impose on the electric utility industry.
I receive emails and letters about those articles. Most of the comments are positive and supportive of the positions and issues I discuss. Some even encourage me to be more aggres-sive and public with my positions.
However, a minority are negative, critical and, at times, attack me personally. The per-sonal comments often accuse me of only fol-lowing the “almighty dollar” and ruining the earth for our children.
I take offense to those personal attacks. Electric co-ops run their businesses with the best interests of the customer-members and the communities they serve as the first priority.
In order of importance, the corporate values of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative are safety, member relations, reliability, cost of service, community development and employee devel-opment. This month I will focus on safety for our employees, our customers and the public.
Electricity is around us all the time. It makes modern life possible. We take it for granted, but it can be dangerous, even fatal.
Making, transmitting and distributing elec-tricity is extremely dangerous. You do not have to work for an electric utility to know that put-ting something other than an electric plug into an electrical outlet is very dangerous.
Electric generation is a heavy industrial process that involves high temperatures, high pressures, heavy moving parts and dangerous chemicals. Electric transmission is high voltage with the danger of contact injuries. Electric dis-tribution involves deadly infrastructure within the reach of ladders, antennas and poles.
It is all dangerous.We have had a number of serious acci-
dents at PowerSouth through the years. I will never forget sitting at the funeral of a fellow employee who was killed in a workplace acci-dent at one of our generation plants. It was one of the saddest days of my career. We don’t
want that to happen to anyone else.Electric cooperatives have made safety the
foundation for their operations. They promote a culture of safety: planning the jobs safely, executing the work safely, and watching after their co-workers and the public.
We devote money and people to build an effective safety program and a work environ-ment of safety. We implement safety practices around all jobs to direct work in a manner that protects people and property. We encour-age workers to talk about safety and point out potential unsafe conditions.
We have tailgate safety meetings before any job is started to ensure the scope of the job is understood and dangerous circumstances are discussed. We hold celebrations and provide incentives for meeting safety goals.
But a safety record is not good enough. The next accident is the one we are concerned about and the one we want to prevent.
We recognize most accidents happen because someone was in a hurry and rushed the work to save time. We stress that the job must be understood and managed in both a productive and safe manner. We ask our employees to go home at the end of every day the same way they came to work.
If our employees do not comply with our culture of safety, we implement sanctions to ensure the safety of our employees and prop-erty are not compromised. We have made an investment in safety, and insist our employees make an investment as well.
PowerSouth’s safety record is not perfect. We have had a couple of years without a lost-time accident. Last year we had one lost-time acci-dent and six recordable incidents.
That record is good, but not good enough. We expect zero accidents from our people.
PowerSouth and its member systems are committed to reliable and affordable service to the people and communities in our service areas. We are devoted to providing that service in a safe way for our employees, customers and the public. If you know us, you know that is what we are truly about. n
Commentary By Gary Smith President and CEO
The priorities are safety and concern for the members
Gulf Coast
8 J U N E 2016
FL-154
GCEC President’s Message
Annual Meeting RecapOffices722 West Highway 22P. O. Box 220Wewahitchka, FL 32465(850) 639-2216 or (800) 333-9392
9434 Highway 77 P. O. Box 8370Southport, FL 32409(850) 265-3631 or (800) 568-3667
6243 East Highway 98Panama City, FL 32404Phone: (850) 481-1188
www.gcec.com
ceO/General ManaGerMichael E. White
TrusTeesPresident Waylon GrahamVice President Jimmy Black Secretary Eddie JonesTreasurer Rupert BrownDoug BirminghamRobert ByrdGary CoxKinneth DanielsBetty Moore
Trustees normally meet the third Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. CST. The board meets at the Wewahitchka office in even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October and December) and the Southport office in odd-numbered months (January, March, May, July, September and November).
The mission of GCEC: Fulfilling the changing needs of our membership and communities by providing cost effective, reliable and safe utility services through a dedicated and responsive workforce.
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative hosted its 68th Annual Members’ Meeting Saturday, April 30, at its headquarters in Wewahitchka.
Members who attended last year’s annual meeting approved a bylaw amendment to allow for mail-in balloting, and that was the process used for this year’s meeting.
In the past, when members voted at the meeting, the mem-ber turnout was between 3 and 4 percent. This year, with the mail-in ballot process, the voter turnout was 24 percent.
This new process put the power of the cooperative into the hands of all members.
For entertainment, GCEC provided a bounce house for the children. Music was provided by The Drummond Family. Booths were open for the duration of the meeting, offering information about the programs GCEC has to offer.
The cooperative provided a lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, potato chips and Pepsi products, which was served by the Glad Tidings Assembly of God.
Each member who returned their mail-in ballot received a $5 electric bill credit. Registered members were entered in a draw-ing to win one of 10 $100 electric bill credits. We also selected 52 members to win gift cards that ranged in value from $25 to $100.
Members who attended the meeting and brought the blue prize ticket that was enclosed in their registration packet were entered to win an array of other prizes. Members who chose to contribute to our Project Helping Hand program or ACRE Co-op Owners for Political Action were registered to win one of two Pelican coolers.
If you have not taken part in the meeting, I encourage you to do so in the future. Each member has a voice in the operations of GCEC, and those voices need to be heard.
For those who attended, I thank you for your participation and hope to see you again next year.
Waylon Graham
32 J U N E 2016
C
Are You Ready for Hurricane Season?
The annual Hurricane Season is from June 1st through November 30th. Weather conditions are most favorable for hurricanes during this period, however, they can occur any time throughout the year. Don’t forget, we’ve already seen one hurricane so far this year. Do you remember Hurricane Alex? Though it never made landfall, Alex was the first Atlantic hurricane to form in January in nearly 80 years, so you should be prepared for a hurricane all year long.The best time to make your hurricane emergency plan is when skies are blue. Don’t wait until the National Hurricane
Center issues a storm watch or warning before developing a personal safety plan. Do it now while things are calm.PRECO wants you to be prepared in the event of one of these dangerous storms. Keep your family safe with these handy tips.
Before the StormXX Put together an emergency kit and plan. Share the plan
with your family.XX Determine if your property is flood-prone. This will help you
prepare for the storm surge and any tidal flooding.XX Secure your home: cover all windows with storm shutters or boards, clear loose and
clogged rain gutters, and bring all outdoor furniture indoors.XX Learn your community hurricane evacuation routes.
During the StormXX Listen to the radio or TV for information, if possible. XX Avoid using the phone unless there is an emergency.XX Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, keep the refrigerator thermostat on
the coldest setting and keep the doors closed.
After the StormXX Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to
PRECO or call 911.XX Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads. Watch out for fallen objects, downed
power lines and weakened walls, bridges or sidewalks.XX NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds or other enclosed
areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas.If a tropical storm or hurricane is predicted to make landfall in PRECO’s central Florida service area, visit www.preco.coop often for updates. See more hurricane preparedness tips in this issue of Florida Currents.
32 J U N E 2016
TO REPORT POWER OUTAGE CALL:1-877-282-3656
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 210 Metheny Road Wauchula, Florida 33873 Hours 8 am to 5 pm, M-F Telephone: 1-800-282-3824FAX: 866-201-1814
MANATEE SERVICE CENTER14505 Arbor Green TrailLakewood Ranch, FL 34202Hours 8 am to 5 pm, M-FTelephone: 1-800-282-3824Fax: 941-752-4928
INDIAN LAKE ESTATES17363 County Road 630Lake Wales, Florida 33898For your convenience, a payment drop box is located at the front gate. Payments will be posted on the next business day.
BOARD OF DIRECTORSHollis AlbrittonP R E S I D E N T
Maurice HendersonV I C E P R E S I D E N T
Chris PortaleS E C R E TA RY/ T R E A S U R E R
Leonard CrawleyA S S T S E C R E TA RY/ T R E A S U R E R
Ellen BachmanD I R E C T O R
Willie DawesD I R E C T O R
John MartinD I R E C T O R
Sam RawlsD I R E C T O R
Bruce VickersD I R E C T O R
BOARD MEETING ATTENDANCE
Any PRECO member may attend a Board Meeting. Due to building security requirements and for us to facilitate attendance, members wishing to attend a Board Meeting should contact the Cooperative in a timely manner for logistical information regarding the meeting.
UPCOMING BOARD MEETING DATESJune 28, 2016July 26, 2016August 23, 2016
Randy ShawGeneral Manager & CEOPEACE RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
16-0059_PREC_June Ruralite_FINAL.indd 14 5/11/16 3:25 PM
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