MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 20 1 8

E L E C T R I C C O O P E R A T I V E

2 Phone PaymentChanges Begin April 1 3 The Value of

Electricity Shines 4 You Had Me atChocolate

P.O. Box 330Greenfield, IA 50849

FarmersREC.com | (800) 397-4821

Feb. 16: 2018 Youth Tour application

due to Farmers Electric Cooperative

Office

March 9: Youth Tour application

open-book test due

April 2: Scholarship Application

deadline

Visit www.farmersrec.com for

more information on these youth

opportunities.

Upcoming Deadlines

Farmers Directors Attend Lawmaker ReceptionTHE COOPERATIVE DIFFERENCE

armers Electric Board Members Bill Adams and Robert Newton joined more than 150 directors, managers and staff members from Iowa’s electric cooperatives to discuss priorities with

state legislators and policymakers Jan. 9 during the annual Welcome Back Legislative Reception at the State Historical Building in Des Moines.

Other guests of honor included: Governor Kim Reynolds, Lt. Governor Adam Gregg, Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, Auditor of State Mary Mosiman, Attorney General Tom Miller, Iowa Utilities Board Member Nick Wagner, and Iowa Department of Economic Development Director Debi Durham. The Iowa Association

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Bill Adams, center, and Robert Newton, right, greet Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds during the Welcome Back Reception Jan. 9.continued on pg. 3

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month

The U.S. Dept. of

Energy reports

that nearly 11 cents

from every dollar

spent on energy is

for miscellaneous appliances, devices

and gadgets. Coffee machines and

hot beverage makers fall into this

category, generating heat while in

use, and perhaps even while idle.

Before you enjoy your hot cup of

“Joe,” remember to set a shut-off

timer or turn off the appliance to

obtain optimum energy efficiency.

Kudos to Farmers Staff Members!ongratulations to Director of Member Services and Communications Holi Weston and Director of Finance and Accounting Garrett Thompson for

recent achievements in their fields.

Last fall, Holi graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kaplan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. Over the course of two years, Holi took classes focused on a broad range of communications areas that she was able to tailor to the cooperative business model and her work with cooperative members.

“Knowing how to communicate and what to communicate is very important,” Holi said. “I always wanted to finish my degree, but wasn’t sure what in. When I started at the co-op and saw how important communication in this industry was, it was a no-brainer for me! I love

continued on pg. 3

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2 | Open Lines | February 2018

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER

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Phone Payment Changes Begin April 1ASK THE EXPERT: Humidity’s Effect on Energy ConsumptionQ. In the winter, does higher humidity reduce energy consumption since more humid air retains heat longer?*

A. The short answer is that your energy use shouldn’t be affected much, if at all, by increased humidity.

To start off, humid air has a higher specific heat capacity (since water has a higher specific heat capacity than air) and more thermal mass, so it will indeed retain heat longer as a result. However, there is not necessarily any associated energy savings, since it will also take more energy to raise the air temperature by a given amount. Effectively, this means that a furnace should remain off for longer stretches of time, but that when it does come on it will stay on for longer to reach the desired setpoint, thereby negating any potential savings.

Another factor worth consideration is the impact of air humidity on your perception of temperature—essentially, below around 70°F or so, increased humidity will generally make the air feel colder, while making it feel hotter when the air is above 70°F. This is called the heat index.

When purchasing a humidifier, consult EnergyStar.gov for the most energy efficient models. Room humidifiers typically use less energy than a 100-watt light bulb.

afety is our number one priority, with the linemen, the office staff, and with our members! We want to make sure your information is as safe as possible! Starting April 1, 2018, Farmers Electric

will no longer accept payments by phone with the staff in our office. We will now be using an automated, Safe & Secure Phone Payment System provided by the cooperative (NISC) that furnishes our billing software.

Please call (888) 228-1178 to make a phone

Spayment. Your current phone number and/or account number will be needed for this system. Follow the prompts to hear your account balance and pay your bill. You can pay by checking account or credit/debit card. This phone payment system is being implemented to comply with security standards set forth by the credit card industry. This ensures your payment information is kept safe and secure.

What To Do if the Lights Go Outs luck would have it, the power will go out when it’s either very hot or very cold, during a storm or while you’re watching your favorite TV show.

Here are five things to do in the event your power goes out:

1. Don’t panic. We know it can be scary or frustrating, but in all likelihood the unplanned outage won’t last long and you’ll have your power back on in no time. Of course, if a storm is raging outside, you should have your emergency preparedness kits and items ready for longer outage time.

2. Make sure that the entire house is without power. This eliminates the possibility that the cause is a blown fuse or a tripped breaker that limits the outage to one specific area of the home. If your neighbors have power and you

don’t, it doesn’t necessarily mean the problem is yours. Your neighbors could be on a different circuit that isn’t affected by the outage.

3. Take a look at your meter to help locate the problem. If you have a digital display, and you see a blank screen, it means the problem is on the cooperative’s side. If the meter’s display is normal and readable, it means power is getting to your meter and the problem is within your home.

4. Report the outage, even if you think your neighbors already have. Call (800) 397-4821 to report the outage.

5. On your smart phone or tablet, check the Farmers Electric Facebook page for updates on power restoration (in the event of a major outage). You can also visit www.iowarec.org/outages for real-time outage details (large or small) for cooperatives across the state.

facebook.com/FarmersElectricGreenfield/

*Source: Cooperative Research Network

February 2018 | Open Lines | 3

The Value of Electricity Continues to ShineTHE BOTTOM LINE:

in average residential use per household since 2010. That means we’re doing more things with less energy.

Kilowatt hour use per household dropped by eight percent between 2010 and 2016, slightly less

than the nine percent decline reported by all electric utilities, nationwide.

When it comes to value, electricity is a clear winner. As a non-profit cooperative, we want to promote energy efficiency and encourage our members to look for ENERGY STAR® appliances and new technology designed to give you more control over your electricity use.

The average home now has 10 Wi-Fi connected devices but that number is expected to explode to 50 by 2020.

Technology and the gateways that keep it working use electricity, so you’ll depend upon Farmers for more than just keeping the lights on.

That’s why we work to provide service that’s reliable, affordable, and valuable to our members.

Charlie DunnGeneral Manager

TLawmaker Reception...from pg. 1

oday, paying your electric bill in person, by mail, or online does a lot more than just keep the lights on.

Electricity keeps us connected to our modern world. Consider all the

necessities and conveniences we enjoy in part because of the power lines running to the electric meter outside our home.

Count up your televisions, desktop, laptop and tablet computers, printers, your gaming systems, music and video players and personal assistant devices. Whether they get used every day or just occasionally, the electricity that keeps them working comes from Farmers Electric Cooperative.

A lot of us have added small appliances that help make life more convenient (who got an Instant Pot for Christmas last year?)

But while medical care, residential rental rates and education have increased at rates of three percent or more per year since 2011, electricity costs have risen only about one percent. And co-ops across the country have reported a decline

working with various groups and am always interested in what is important to them!”

Garrett earned the Cooperative Financial Professional Certificate (CFPC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) after completing coursework throughout all of 2017. In partnership with the Cooperative Finance Corporation, NRECA delivers a competency-based, interactive program for experienced finance professionals and senior leaders. As a participant, Garrett learned the concepts and practices needed to provide effective financial and strategic insight that will successfully position Farmers Electric

for the future.

“The program helped put the big picture together and gave me the chance to network with a variety of cooperative employees in different roles,” Garrett said. “It was challenging, but well worth the time and effort.”

“Farmers is proud to support our staff in their educational and professional goals,” said Farmers General Manager Charlie Dunn. “Congratulations to both Holi and Garrett for their achievements; the cooperative is fortunate to have these individuals working on behalf of the membership.”

Kudos...from pg. 1

of Electric Cooperatives, in conjunction with the Iowa Biotechnology Association, the Iowa Institute for Cooperatives, the Iowa Communications Alliance and the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa, hosted the annual reception.

In the coming months, the Iowa General Assembly will be addressing a multitude of issues, including items central to Iowa’s rural economy. Beginning with the Welcome Back Legislative Reception, the directors, managers, and staff will again be important advocates for a balanced approach in addressing energy issues allowing Iowa’s member-owned electric cooperatives to continue providing safe, reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible power to more than 650,000 Iowans.

Iowa’s electric cooperative representatives will visit Des Moines again March 14 during the annual REC Day on the Hill at the State Capitol.

Come out to the annual Ag Expo March 19 a from 4-7 p.m. at the Adair County Fair Grounds and visit with staff from Farmers. We’ll have information on energy efficiency, rebates and more about our services. Stop by for free popcorn!

The Ag Expo, in conjunction with National Ag Day March 20, is sponsored by Adair County Cattlemen, Adair County Corn & Soybean Association, Adair County ISU Extension and Outreach, Adair County Fair Board, Adair County Farm Bureau, Adair County Pork Producers and the Greenfield Chamber/Main Street and Development.

Ag Day Expo March 19

4 | Open Lines | February 2018

Open Lines is a monthly publication of Farmers Electric Cooperative, Inc.

nto everyone's life a little sweetness must fall. Ok, so maybe that's not exactly the line in the classic poem, but there's no better time to indulge in rich, luxurious chocolate than during the month of February. Try making a batch of these sweets for your sweetie and don't forget to steal one (or two) for yourself, too.

Each month, Farmers Electric Cooperative places a call for recipes in various categories. Winners receive a $5 credit on their account, with their recipes appearing in the next month’s issue. Mail entries with your bill to: P.O. Box 330, Greenfield, IA 50849; or e-mail them to: Holi@farmersrec.com. MARCH RECIPES: Fun & Festive Snacks

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RECIPE CONTEST:

General Manager: Charles Dunn

2389 Highway 92 | P.O. Box 330 Greenfield, Iowa 50849-0330Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.24 hour outside depository Ph: (800) 397-4821Fax: (641) 343-7187 www.farmersrec.com

Board of DirectorsDan Westphal, President Steve Chandler, Vice PresidentBill Adams, Secretary Robert Newton, TreasurerMark Earhart Darrell JensenLeon Schwartz Kevin StenderKevin Tanner

The mission of Farmers Electric Cooperative, Inc., is to deliver safe, reliable, affordable electricity and other services to improve the quality of life within our communities.

Grandma D's Brownies

1 stick margarine, softened / 1 c. sugar / 4 eggsBeat all of the above together.

Alternate add the following ingredients, beating well after each addition:1 can Hershey syrup / 1 c. + 1 T. flourBeat until smooth. Spread in 11x15” pan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Frosting: 6 T. margarine / 1 1/2 c. sugar / 6 T. milkWatch closely while heating in saucepan until boiling; boil 30 seconds. Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips and stir until melted and smooth. Frost.

Luke Meisenheimer, Bridgewater

Chocolate Coconut Macaroons

INGREDIENTS 1 can (14 oz) eagle sweetened condensed milk2 c. chocolate chips4 c. coconut2 tsp. vanilla extract1 1/2 tsp. almond extract

INSTRUCTIONSMix all ingredients together, drop by spoonfuls on well-greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Cool on waxed paper. Take off cookie sheet immediately (carefully!)

Pam Reed, Creston

YOU HAD ME AT

Has Your Contact Information Changed Lately?

s your electricity provider, Farmers Electric Cooperative needs to make sure your contact information is up to date. If any of your contact information has changed recently, please let us know by completing the form

at right, cutting it out and mailing it to us with your bill or dropping it by our office. Your billing information will be updated should we need to get in contact with you due to an outage or other reasons.

If your information has not changed, you do not need to do anything and can disregard this notice.

Name______________________________________________________________

Account # __________________________________________________________

Mailing Address ____________________________________________________

City _________________________________ State ________ Zip____________

Service Address (if different) _________________________________________

City ________________________________ State ________ Zip_____________

Home Phone _______________________________________________________

Cell Phone ______________________________________________ Text? Y N

E-mail _____________________________________________________________

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