www.prairieenergy.coop

WITH MEMBERS OF PRAIRIE ENERGY COOPERATIVE

June 2009

A supplement to Living with Energy in Iowa magazine .June 2009

Sheyenne Kuchenreuther, Thor and Mark Johnson, Kanawha, each won an exciting and educational week inWashington D.C., courtesy of Prairie Energy Cooperative’s Youth Tour contest.

Sheyenne, daughter of Darwin and Charlene Kuchen-reuther, is a junior at Eagle Grove High School. Mark is a junior at West Hancock, Britt.; his parents are Michael and Bonnie Johnson. Sheyenne and Mark will join 39 other students from Iowa, along with 1,200 students from across the nation as they explore Washington D.C. June 13-18.

In addition to meeting their congressional leaders when they spend a day on Capitol Hill, the students will also tour historic sites, explore the Smithsonian museums, cruise the Potomac and make new friends. They will learn �rst hand about our government and its history, as well as their responsibilities as citizens. The Students return from the Youth Tour �lled with inspiration and a better understanding of how cooperative e�orts keep our country great.

From eleven applicants for the 2009 Youth Tour, four �nalists were chosen based on their scores on the open book exam and essays depicting what the cooperative would be like in the

year 2050. The four �nalists were interviewed by a trio of judges: Jon Leerar, manager of Heartland Power Cooperative; Prairie Energy Cooperative directors;

Marion Denger, president; and Donald Christopherson,secretary/treasurer. In addition to Sheyenne and Mark, �nalists were Kyle Elbert, Ventura and Valerie Luppen, Corwith. Each received a $100

savings bond. Their parents are Don and Bobbi Elbert and Laurence and Jane Luppen. Self-sponsored student, Sawyer Stecher, son of Prairie Energy Cooperative director

Scott Stecher will also attend the trip. Be sure to watch for information on the 2010 Youth Tour be-

ginning next January. Additional information is available at www.youthtour.coop.

Sheyenne Kuchenreuther and Mark Johnson win trips to Washington D.C.

at West Hancock, Britt.; his parents are Michael and Bonnie Sheyenne Kuchenreuther

ThorMark Johnson

Kanawha

scores on the open book exam and essays depicting what the cooperative would be like in the year 2050. The four �nalists were interviewed by a trio of judges: Jon Leerar, manager of

Scott Stecher will also attend the trip.

Kyle ElbertVentura

Valerie LuppenCorwith

John F. BakerBlanche R. BrownCarol S. ChantrillHelen DanielsFarmers Hybrid Co. Inc.Rex F. FetrowDan R. Gates

Prairie Energy Cooperative, located at 2099 Hwy 3 W Clarion, IA 50525 and 600 W Third St Garner, IA 50438 is holding unclaimed property resulting from a patronage dividend due to the person(s) listed below. The owner may claim this property by contacting us at the address listed above and/or our phone number 1-800-728-0013 or 1-888-225-8707.

Hoerner-Jackson TrustPhillip L. Hu�manMichael L. HuismanKenneth J. Huseman James JohnsonKnudsen-King Mgmt. Co.Norman Kvale

William LeachmanRaymond D. Long Estate/

Janine Bakken ExecutorShannon K. LyonsDr. John A. Morton DVMFranklin L. MunsonGreg Myer

Clara M. NelsonRobert D. OsborneDonald C. PatroCharles F. SchuttDonald L. SmithSamuel J. SmithTriple H. Stables

Tax credits cover energy-efficient home improvementsEven though money is tight, this summer might be a good time to make some home improvements.

Before you buy any of these prod-ucts, make sure they qualify for the tax credit. To claim your credit, you will need a manufacturer’s certifica-tion that the product qualifies. You usually can find that on the manu-facturer’s Web site.

You can claim the tax credit by filling out IRS Tax Form 5695 (2009 version) when you file your 2009 taxes next year.

Source: ENERGY STAR. For details visit www.energystar.gov.

For split systems, must have a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) greater than or equal to 8.5, an EER greater than or equal to 12.5, and a SEER greater than or equal to 15. For package systems, must have a HSPF greater than or equal to 8, an EER greater than or equal to 12, and a SEER greater than or equal to 14.

Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Central Air Conditioning

Air-Source Heat Pumps

Natural Gas or Propane Furnace

Gas, Propane, or Oil Hot Water Boiler and Oil Furnace

Must have an AFUE greater than or equal to 90.

Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan

No more than 2 percent of furnace total energy use.

Windows and DoorsExterior Windows, Doors and Skylights

Storm Windows and Doors

When combined with the window/door over which it’s installed, it must meet the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) in your climate zone.

Metal, Asphalt Roofs All ENERGY STAR metal and asphalt roofs qualify. Must be expected to last 5 years or have a 2 year warranty.

InsulationInsulation Primary purpose must be to insulate. For

example, vapor retarders are covered but insulated siding does not qualify. Also must meet 2009 IECC and be expected to last 5 years or have a 2 year warranty.

42 Million StrongOur Energy, Our Future™ campaign helps unify electric co-op members across America

In these difficult economic times, a lot of Americans are struggling to make ends meet. As not-for-profit, consumer-owned and controlled electric co-ops, your local Touchstone Energy® Coop-erative wants to make certain that every citizen in this country can continue to receive affordable electric power.

Nationwide, 42 million consumers are served by electric cooperatives. If every co-op consumer contacted their senators and representatives, we could make a real impact on the final shape of any energy or climate change legislation.

Over the last year, electric co-op consumers have made their voices heard on keeping electric bills affordable through the Our Energy, Our Future™ grass-roots awareness campaign. More than 1.6 million messages have been sent to Congress so far—you can add to that list by visiting www.ourenergy.coop. Make certain that those who lead us in Washington, D.C., hear from you today.

Tune up your a/c before it heats up

Even if your central air con-ditioning was working fine at the end of last summer, it’s time for a tune-up.

Every year before the weather gets too hot, have a qualified air conditioning technician take a look at your system to do some routine maintenance and to resolve budding problems that could leave you sweltering in mid-summer.

Ask your technician to include these checks in the tune-up:

Top off the refrigerant. If •the level is very low, have the technician evaluate the system for a leak. Clean the evaporator and •condenser coils to allow more efficient operation. Check all electrical com-•ponents and controls for proper function. Oil the motors. •Clean or replace the fil-•ters. During the summer, change your air condi-tioner’s filters every other month.

Dirty air conditioning filters prevent air flow and make the air conditioning system work harder. That means a higher bill.

Did you know that one-third of all fatal accidents involving tractors occur on public roads? Some accidents occur as a result of running off the road, over steering, or falling from the equipment. Some are the result of a collision with a

motor vehicle. Due to

an increas-ing number of commuters traveling from rural areas to the city, and higher speed limits on two-lane roads, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that col-lisions between tractors and motor vehicles

are on the rise. Obeying all traffic laws, maintaining a safe following distance, and avoiding public roads during rush

hour are a few of the safeguards that can help avoid accidents on public roads.

Visibility is keyThe equipment farmers oper-

ate should be highly visible to the drivers of motor vehicles they share the road with. Currently there are no legal signs available for high-speed tractors—those that travel up to 40 mph—but if anyone drives a tractor that travels at 25 mph or less, displaying a Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem will help make them more visible.

Tips for working near trafficWhen working near public •roadways, tractor operators should strategically place warning cones and flaggers far enough in advance of the work site to alert drivers of the need to slow down. The tractor operator and flag-•gers should wear highly visible, reflective clothing. When towing equipment and •traveling on a highway, the

hitch should be supplemented with a safety chain strong enough to hold the tractor and the attachment if the primary hitch fails.If the vehicle is equipped with •right and left brake pedals, the pedals should be locked togeth-er for road travel. If brake ped-als are not locked, hitting one brake at road speed could cause the tractor to suddenly turn.All tractor operators need to •be aware of what is going on around them at all times.

Exercise patience when traveling behind a slow moving vehicle and watch for driveways where the vehicle may unexpectedly turn.

Key points • One third of all fatal

accidents involving tractors occur on public roads.

• Reflective material and clothing dramatically improve visibility.

• Tractor operators should lock the right and left brake pedals together for road travel. If the pedals are not locked, the tractor could suddenly turn.

Visibility is the key for tractor operatorsPermission to use this article has been granted by Tech Resources, Inc.

Tax credits cover energy-efficient home improvementsEven though money is tight, this summer might be a good time to make some home improvements.

Before you buy any of these prod-ucts, make sure they qualify for the tax credit. To claim your credit, you will need a manufacturer’s certifica-tion that the product qualifies. You usually can find that on the manu-facturer’s Web site.

You can claim the tax credit by filling out IRS Tax Form 5695 (2009 version) when you file your 2009 taxes next year.

Source: ENERGY STAR. For details visit www.energystar.gov.

For split systems, must have a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) greater than or equal to 8.5, an EER greater than or equal to 12.5, and a SEER greater than or equal to 15. For package systems, must have a HSPF greater than or equal to 8, an EER greater than or equal to 12, and a SEER greater than or equal to 14.

Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Central Air Conditioning

Air-Source Heat Pumps

Natural Gas or Propane Furnace

Gas, Propane, or Oil Hot Water Boiler and Oil Furnace

Must have an AFUE greater than or equal to 90.

Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan

No more than 2 percent of furnace total energy use.

Windows and DoorsExterior Windows, Doors and Skylights

Storm Windows and Doors

When combined with the window/door over which it’s installed, it must meet the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) in your climate zone.

Metal, Asphalt Roofs All ENERGY STAR metal and asphalt roofs qualify. Must be expected to last 5 years or have a 2 year warranty.

InsulationInsulation Primary purpose must be to insulate. For

example, vapor retarders are covered but insulated siding does not qualify. Also must meet 2009 IECC and be expected to last 5 years or have a 2 year warranty.

42 Million StrongOur Energy, Our Future™ campaign helps unify electric co-op members across America

In these difficult economic times, a lot of Americans are struggling to make ends meet. As not-for-profit, consumer-owned and controlled electric co-ops, your local Touchstone Energy® Coop-erative wants to make certain that every citizen in this country can continue to receive affordable electric power.

Nationwide, 42 million consumers are served by electric cooperatives. If every co-op consumer contacted their senators and representatives, we could make a real impact on the final shape of any energy or climate change legislation.

Over the last year, electric co-op consumers have made their voices heard on keeping electric bills affordable through the Our Energy, Our Future™ grass-roots awareness campaign. More than 1.6 million messages have been sent to Congress so far—you can add to that list by visiting www.ourenergy.coop. Make certain that those who lead us in Washington, D.C., hear from you today.

Tune up your a/c before it heats up

Even if your central air con-ditioning was working fine at the end of last summer, it’s time for a tune-up.

Every year before the weather gets too hot, have a qualified air conditioning technician take a look at your system to do some routine maintenance and to resolve budding problems that could leave you sweltering in mid-summer.

Ask your technician to include these checks in the tune-up:

Top off the refrigerant. If •the level is very low, have the technician evaluate the system for a leak. Clean the evaporator and •condenser coils to allow more efficient operation. Check all electrical com-•ponents and controls for proper function. Oil the motors. •Clean or replace the fil-•ters. During the summer, change your air condi-tioner’s filters every other month.

Dirty air conditioning filters prevent air flow and make the air conditioning system work harder. That means a higher bill.

Did you know that one-third of all fatal accidents involving tractors occur on public roads? Some accidents occur as a result of running off the road, over steering, or falling from the equipment. Some are the result of a collision with a

motor vehicle. Due to

an increas-ing number of commuters traveling from rural areas to the city, and higher speed limits on two-lane roads, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that col-lisions between tractors and motor vehicles

are on the rise. Obeying all traffic laws, maintaining a safe following distance, and avoiding public roads during rush

hour are a few of the safeguards that can help avoid accidents on public roads.

Visibility is keyThe equipment farmers oper-

ate should be highly visible to the drivers of motor vehicles they share the road with. Currently there are no legal signs available for high-speed tractors—those that travel up to 40 mph—but if anyone drives a tractor that travels at 25 mph or less, displaying a Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem will help make them more visible.

Tips for working near trafficWhen working near public •roadways, tractor operators should strategically place warning cones and flaggers far enough in advance of the work site to alert drivers of the need to slow down. The tractor operator and flag-•gers should wear highly visible, reflective clothing. When towing equipment and •traveling on a highway, the

hitch should be supplemented with a safety chain strong enough to hold the tractor and the attachment if the primary hitch fails.If the vehicle is equipped with •right and left brake pedals, the pedals should be locked togeth-er for road travel. If brake ped-als are not locked, hitting one brake at road speed could cause the tractor to suddenly turn.All tractor operators need to •be aware of what is going on around them at all times.

Exercise patience when traveling behind a slow moving vehicle and watch for driveways where the vehicle may unexpectedly turn.

Key points • One third of all fatal

accidents involving tractors occur on public roads.

• Reflective material and clothing dramatically improve visibility.

• Tractor operators should lock the right and left brake pedals together for road travel. If the pedals are not locked, the tractor could suddenly turn.

Visibility is the key for tractor operatorsPermission to use this article has been granted by Tech Resources, Inc.

iNtouch© is the official publication of Prairie Energy Cooperative Copyright 2009 Prairie Energy Cooperative

Giving you the power to prosper!

With cool weather fading into warmer days, now is the time to replace your old ine�cient air conditioning system with a new, energy e�cient unit that provides both heating and cooling. You and your budget will bene�t from the operation costs they provide.

There are several types of heat pumps; geothermal; the standard air-to-air or the Cold

Climate air-to-air heat pump. Heat pump e�ciency is built on the principal of recovering heat from one median and transferring it to another where it can be managed and directed to perform heating or cooling. With an air-to-air heat pump, air is captured from the outside in the refrigerant unit and transferred to an inside coil unit to heat or cool your home.

E�ciency levels of the air-to-air heat pump do o�er savings over the tradi-tional propane furnace. Comparing the operational cost of a 90% e�cient gas furnace and an air-to-air heat pump with our heat rate at $.043 cents, you would have to purchase propane for $.42 cents per gallon.

In addition to your operating cost savings, Prairie Energy Cooperative has rebates available to help with installation costs. The 2009 Stimulus Bill also pro-vides tax incentives of 30% for equipment and cost of installation (cap of $1500). The bill also provides 30% for geothermal units with no cap. Please contact our o�ce and we will be happy to review your options and provide you with an estimated cost of operation for your home. We will also furnish you with tips on how to make your home more comfortable – from adding insulation to caulking windows and doors. Give us a call today.

Heat and cool your home with one unitCongratulations!

Bob Watts, Belmond

Gabby and Kathy Parks, Goodell

Member Service Director, Greg Anderson recently visited the students of Mrs. Sanderson’s �fth grade science class at the Clarion-Gold�eld school. Greg talked about energy e�ciency and showed the students how electricity is always seeking the easiest path to the ground with the help of Neon Leon.

Left, is just one of the many thank you’s Greg received from the class.

If you would like the importance of electrical safety demonstrated to your group or school, contact Prairie Energy.

Bob Watts of Belmond, won a Menards gift card by participating in Mr. Tight-Watt’s April EnergyCast, on Energy E�cient Lighting 101. The 30 minute webcast was held April 15.

Another co-op member winner was Kathy Parks of Goodell. Kathy completed our online survey and won a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card. Every month there is one win-ner picked from the 10 distri-bution cooperatives of Corn Belt Power Cooperative.

Find out how you could be a winner, by visiting our website at www.prairieenergy.coop.