DECEMBER 2014
VOL. 15 NO. 8
Generator Hookup Important Hooking some of your home’s electrical circuits to an emergency generator means you can have lights and heat even during a power outage. But heed these safety tips if you decide to install a generator: ♦Install your generator outdoors under a protective weather shield, like a vented shed. Most of the units use the same kind of gasoline as a lawn mower, a fuel that emits deadly carbon monoxide fumes. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and can kill you in a matter of minutes if it seeps into your living space. ♦Store gasoline safely. Many generators are equipped with five-gallon tanks. But because power outages are generally few and far between, it is likely that the gas in your machine’s tank will go bad between uses. Keep a gallon of fresh gas in your generator’s tank and another gallon or two in a metal gas can-away from your house. Replace both
every two to three months or add a fuel stabilizer. ♦Hire a licensed electrician to install the generator and a transfer switch-also called a double-throw. Improper installation can send electricity from your generator onto utility power lines, energizing wires that lineworkers believe to be out of service. If a lineworker is handling the line when it becomes energized, he or she could be killed and you could be held liable. ♦Buy a generator with enough capacity to run the appliances you will need while the power is out. If you plan to operate expensive equipment like a computer, double-check with your dealer to make sure the generator can safely power sensitive electronics. ♦Do business with a reputable company that offers a warranty. By following these tips, you will be prepared for an emergency and may save someone’s life.
2 December 2014 • Cooperative Connections
Board
Report
Capital Budget Discussed (USPS No. 018-973)
Bon Homme Yankton Electric Assn, Inc. PO Box 158 134 S Lidice Tabor, SD 57063 Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30am to 4:30pm
To Report an Outage or For Internet Tech Support, Call: Local From Tabor, Tyndall and Yankton 605-463-2507 or Toll Free in South Dakota 1-800-925-2929 NOTICE: Electric bills must be paid by 10:00am on the 20th of each month to avoid a $10 late fee. Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections is published monthly by Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Inc., PO Box 158, 134 S. Lidice St., Tabor, SD 57063-0158 for its members. Families subscribe to Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections as part of their electric cooperative membership. Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connection’s purpose is to provide reliable, helpful information to electric cooperative members on matters pertaining to rural electrification and better rural living. Subscription information: Electric cooperative members devote $6.00 from their electric payments annually for a subscription. Nonmember subscriptions are available for $12 annually. Periodicals Postage Paid at Tabor, SD 57063 and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections, Bon Homme Yankton Electric, PO Box 158, Tabor, S.D. 57063 TELEPHONE (605)463-2507: FAX (605) 463-2419. Design assistance by TDG Communications, Deadwood, S.D.
The Board of Directors reviewed and discussed the list of items that made up the preliminary capital budget. Many items had been put on hold during the construction of the new operations center but now it’s time to get back on schedule with some truck replacements. On the schedule for 2015 is a small bucket truck and a flatbed truck. Other items include improvements to the cold storage building, a stacker forklift and a copy machine. The operating budget will be presented at the November board meeting.
Welcome New Members Avon Severn, Jeffrey L & Jeanie Irene Munkvold, Claudell & Susan Mission Hill Schenk, Karl Sees, John Scotland Vargas, Maria G Pino Springfield Papousek, Evan Tabor Finck, Jared Hebda, Kathrena Olson, James Arthur Tyndall Bertschinger, Jeremiah Radack, Jordan Yankton Brickell, Robert Browne, Barbara Cameron, Scott Chartier, Ryan & Beka Eastman, Nathan Harper, Chris Johnson, Michael & Lacey Jones, Bradley Kumm, Steven & Tina Miller, Elizabeth VH Natural Healing Massage TJs Convenience Store Yankton RV & Boat Storage
Editor’s Note: These members were approved at the September board meeting and were accidentally skipped in the new member listing.
Obsolete Items Retired The Board approved the retirement of a list of items that are no longer in use mostly consisting of old computers and other electronic equipment. RUS Y8 Loan The board continued processing the paperwork for the new construction loan. Funds should be ready for advance early next year. This will include reimbursement for funds spent on the new operations center.
Winter Tips
Are you ready for winter’s cold grasp? Snow and ice are inevitable when dealing with winter storms, but being prepared can make a world of difference. Bon Homme Yankton Electric recommends the following tips to help you prepare for wintery blasts. Winterize your home Winter storms wreak havoc on your home. By winterizing your living space, you’ll be prepared for extreme cold and hazardous conditions. • Remember to maintain and inspect heating equipment and chimneys every year to ensure they’re working safely and properly. • Caulk and weather strip doors and windows to make the most of your heating system. • Freezing temperatures often cause water pipes to burst. Remember to insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic. Allow faucets to drip during extreme cold to avoid frozen pipes. • Consider installing storm windows for better insulation. You can also cover windows with plastic (from the inside) to keep the cold out. • Make sure everyone in your family knows where the home’s fire extinguisher is located and how to use it properly. House fires occur more frequently during winter months, as people tend to use alternative heating methods that may not be safe.
Cooperative Connections • December 2014 3
SafetyTips
Preparation is Key To Dealing with Winter Weather With the winter season approaching, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds individuals to be prepared for winter storms and extreme cold. While the danger of severe winter weather varies across the country, everyone can benefit by taking a few easy steps now to prepare for emergencies. A first step, regardless of where you live, is to visit the Ready.gov Web site to find preparedness ideas you can use all year long. Severe winter weather can include snow or subfreezing temperatures, strong winds and ice or heavy rain storms. An emergency supply kit both at home and in the car will help prepare you and your family for winter power outages and icy or impassable roads. Both kits should include a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. In addition, your home kit should include a three day supply of food and water. Thoroughly check and update your family’s emergency supply kit and add the following supplies in preparation for winter weather: • Rock salt to melt ice on walkways, • Sand to improve traction on driveways and sidewalks, • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment, • And adequate clothing and blankets to help keep you warm. When traveling in winter weather conditions, be sure to contact someone both before your departure and when you safely arrive. Always travel with a cell phone and ensure the battery is charged so you can contact someone in the case of a road emergency. If dangerous conditions are forecast, it’s often best to delay travel plans. Finally, make sure to familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a winter storm hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Terms used to describe a winter storm hazard include the following: • Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways. • Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery. • Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected. • Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two. • Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon. For more information and winter preparedness tips, please visit: www.ready.gov/winter-weather or www.nws.noaa.gov/om/ winter/ or www.fema.gov/about-region-viii/winter-weatherreadiness. Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency 4 Decem ber 2014
•
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Kids’ Corner Safety Poster “Always turn off electronics when you’re gone, including heaters.”
Trista Earley, Tea Area Intermediate School Trista is the daughter of Tristan and Samantha Earley, Tea, S.D. They are members of Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Marion, S.D. Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). If your poster is published, you’ll receive a prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address and the names of your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged.
Make Your
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Reader Recipes
Holiday Favorites Unbaked Fruit Cake 1 (1 lb.) box graham crackers, rolled fine 3/4 cup dates, finely cut up 1 cup nutmeats, broken 1-1/4 cups candied fruits, cherries, pineapple, etc. 3/4 cup evaporated milk
1-2/3 cups miniature marshmallows 1/3 cup orange juice 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. cloves 1-1/2 cups raisins
Put the cracker crumbs, dates, nutmeats and candied fruits in a bowl. Add milk and remaining ingredients; mix well with hands. Press firmly into a 10-inch tube pan or small bread pans lined with foil or waxed paper. Top with extra fruit and nuts. Cover tightly. Chill 2 days before slicing. Keep in refrigerator. Mary Jessen, Holabird
1/3 cup butter or margarine 1 (12 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips (2 cups) 1 cup chopped nuts, optional 1 tsp. vanilla, optional
Combine sugar, Milnot, marshmallow creme and butter in a heavy saucepan. Heat slowly to boiling, stirring frequently. When mixture boils vigorously (so that boiling cannot be slowed by stirring), start timing, continue boiling for 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove form heat. Stir in chocolate chips until melted; add nuts and vanilla. Pour into a buttered 9x9-inch or larger pan. Cool at room temperature. Variations: Substitute butterscotch or peanut butter chips for chocolate. Vicky Fitzpatrick, Olivet
1/4 cup powdered sugar 1 oz. white baking chocolate or 1/4 cup vanilla milk chips 1 to 2 tsp. colored edible glitter or sugar sprinkles
Measure cereal into large microwaveable bowl. Line cookie sheet with waxed paper or foil. In 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave butter uncovered on high 30 seconds or until melted. Add sugar and corn syrup; microwave uncovered on high 30 seconds, until mixture is heated and can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Microwave uncovered on high 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute. Sprinkle with powdered sugar; mix well. Spread on waxed paper or foil. Microwave white chocolate on high 30 seconds or until it can be stirred smooth; drizzle over top. Sprinkle with edible glitter or sprinkles. Servings: 14
Pictured, Cooperative Connections
Frozen Peppermint Delight 1 (14 oz.) pkg. Oreo cookies, crushed 1/2 cup butter, melted 1 gallon peppermint ice cream, slightly softened
1 (12 oz.) carton frozen whipped topping, thawed 1 (11-3/4 oz.) jar hot fudge ice cream topping, warmed Crushed peppermint candy
In a bowl, combine cookie crumbs and butter. Press into an ungreased 13x9x2-inch dish. Spread ice cream over crust; top with whipped topping. Cover and freeze until solid. May be frozen for up to 2 months. Just before serving, drizzle with hot fudge topping and sprinkle with peppermint candy. Stephanie Fossum, Hudson
Pumpkin Fluff 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin 1 small pkg. instant vanilla pudding 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
6 cups Rice ChexTM cereal 1/4 cup butter or margarine 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 T. corn syrup 2 tsp. pure vanilla
Nutritional information per serving: calories 120 (calories from fat 35); total fat 4g (saturated fat 2.5g, trans fat 0g); cholesterol 10mg; sodium 140mg; total carbohydrate 20g (dietary fiber 0g, sugars 9g); protein 1g.
Milnot Fudge 1 cup Milnot evaporated filled milk 3 cups sugar 1 (7 oz.) jar marshmallow creme
Sugar Cookie Party Mix
1 small pkg. instant butterscotch pudding 2 cups milk 1 (8 oz.) container Cool Whip
Combine all ingredients; chill. Sandra Jones McCloskey, Rosebud
Toffee 1 3/4 cups butter 2 cups sugar 1 T. light corn syrup
1 cup chopped pecans 1 / 4 tsp. salt Melting chocolate/candy
Cook first 3 ingredients over medium heat till soft crack stage. Add pecans and salt. Pour into 15x11-inch pan covered in foil that is well-buttered. Let set 5 minutes. Score with knife. When cooled, break apart. Dip into melted candy coating. Dry on waxed paper.
Please send your favorite soup, bread, breakfast and seafood recipes to your local electric cooperative (address found on page 3). Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in June 2015. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.
Jan Bentzen, Tabor
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
• De ce m b e r 2014
5
Energy Cents
Ideas
New Touch-control Faucets Save Water and Energy Dear Jim: My kitchen faucet has a very slow drip and the finish is worn. I want to replace it with one that is attractive and convenient to use. I often wash dishes by hand, so what is the most efficient design to purchase? – Pat D. Dear Pat: Most people think of a kitchen faucet as Jim Dulley just a simple valve to turn www.dulley.com water on or off and to set the water temperature. But the proper selection of a kitchen faucet has a significant impact on water and energy savings, not to mention convenience, health and kitchen decor. You should never ignore a dripping faucet, even if it seems to be leaking cold water. The leak may actually be coming from the hot water side, but it feels cold by the time it gets to the faucet and drips out. Even a slow leak from the hot water line can add up to substantial energy costs over time. Keep in mind, heating water is the greatest home energy consumer following general home heating and cooling. Although you will not see it directly on your electric bill, using cold water consumes energy too. It requires a great deal of energy to purify, pump and treat. Two primary factors affecting water and energy efficiency of a kitchen faucet are the maximum flow rate and the convenience of controlling the flow and temperature. For many years, two-handle (hot and cold) controls were popular. Today, one-handle kitchen faucets are almost always used. In addition to defining your style and decor, the size and shape of the faucet may impact your overall water consumption. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a listing for plumbing products, similar in concept to Energy Star® for appliances, called WaterSense. To qualify for a WaterSense label, the faucet must be 20 percent more efficient than standard products in a category. The industry standard is 2.2 gpm (gallons per minute) maximum water flow rate. Look for the WaterSense label. The most recent, convenient and efficient feature for kitchen faucets is the touch-control feature. Without having to turn off the water via the handle, the water flow can be controlled
with the wave or touch of a hand. By not having to adjust the handle each time, water is not wasted by re-adjusting the temperature. This provides significant water and energy savings – particularly when rinsing during food preparation and when washing dishes by hand. For most people, using a standard faucet consumes more water and energy when washing dishes by hand than when running a properly loaded efficient dishwasher. With the touch-control feature, careful hand washing can be more efficient than the dishwasher. Another advantage of this feature is the faucet handle is touched less often with dirty hands, so the attractive finish lasts longer. Also, with all the health concerns today about diseases from cross contamination of foods, touching the handle less is a real plus. Very few people wash the handle each time they have touched it. Of the two no-hands technologies, I use the type that senses touch from your body (hand, forearm, elbow, etc.). It detects the slight electrical change from your touch to open or close a special valve. For example, when I am rinsing dishes, I can hold several plates in each hand and just tap anywhere on the faucet fixture with my elbow to start the water flow and stop it when they are rinsed. The other technology has a proximity sensor on the top and in the front of the faucet neck. Waving a hand over the top sensor triggers the solenoid. This does require one free hand. The sensor on the front of the neck senses hands when they are in a typical hand-washing position. Tall spouts with a pull-down sprayer are convenient to use and also result in savings. They provide a professional look, which is popular in today’s kitchens. Depending upon the under-cabinet clearance, select the tallest one you can. Some are as tall as one foot. You will appreciate the height when you have to rinse a large platter or fill a large pot. The pull-down sprayer increases the functionality of the faucet. If you use the sprayer feature option often, select one with a pause button. This allows you to stop the flow temporarily when moving utensils or rinsing various foods without having to wave over or touch the fixture. The following companies offer efficient kitchen faucets: American Standard, 800-442-1902, www.americanstandardus.com; Delta Faucet, 800-345-3358, www.deltafaucet.com; Kohler, 800-456-4537, www.kohler.com; Moen, 800-2896636, www.moen.com; and Pfister, 800-732-8238, www. pfisterfaucets.com.
Have a question for Jim? Send inquiries to: James Dulley, Cooperative Connections, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com. 6 December 2014 • Cooperative Connections
News
Briefs
MTI, LATI Receive Grants For Job Training Two South Dakota technical schools were among 270 community colleges nationwide to share in more than $450 million in job-driven training grants. Mitchell Technical Institute, Mitchell, S.D., was awarded a $2.47 million federal grant to support efforts in training future technicians for the energy industry. The grant funding, part of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) competitive grant program, is administered by the US Department of Labor and the Department of Education. The grants will provide community colleges and other eligible institutions of higher education with funds to partner with employers to expand and improve their ability to deliver education and career training programs that will help job seekers get the skills they need for indemand jobs in industries like information technology, health care, energy and advanced manufacturing. MTI has received three previous grants from the program supporting
various areas including energy, technical education at a distance and health sciences. The new project will build capacity by enhancing and expanding Energy Production and Transmission programs supporting TAA-eligible and low-skilled workers throughout South Dakota. MTI, along with several project partners, will address the increased workforce demand for energy and utility technicians due to high attrition, employee retirements and the expanding industry. Using the three main principles of the Center of Workforce Development’s “Get Into Energy Career Pathway,” the program will target outreach and support from recruitment through employment; help develop career pathways and competency-based skill assessment; and include employer involvement in all phases of workforce development. MTI will be partnering with Black Hills Corporation, Montana-Dakota Utilities Company, the South Dakota Rural Electric Association and the South Dakota Department of Labor develop-
ing programming to support several certificates in the areas of electricity, propane and natural gas and curriculum enhancements to two existing programs at the school, Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology and Industrial Maintenance Controls Technology, both to be offered for the Associate of Applied Science degree. Lake Area Technical Institute, Watertown, S.D., received a $2.5 million job-driven training grant. At Lake Area Tech, grant funds will enhance training initiatives in the electronic systems technology, energy operations, high performance engine machining, precision machining, robotics, and welding programs.
Grants, Loans Available for Energy Efficiency, Renewables Small businesses and agricultural producers looking to make energy efficiency improvements or invest in renewable energy systems may benefit from the USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP helps finance the cost of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements for rural small businesses and agricultural producers. In South Dakota, more than 200 farmers, ranchers and small businesses have already been awarded grants to replace grain dryers, lighting and coolers as well as install on-farm wind turbines and geothermal systems. A variety of energy projects may qualify for REAP financial assistance to help you purchase, install and construct energy projects: • Heating and cooling equipment insulation, programmable thermostats and airtight windows, doors and ducts. • Efficient lighting and equipment with customizable controls. Many newer light systems also generate less heat and reduce cooling costs while improving lighting. • Wind turbines or solar panels • Small hydropower systems (less than 30 megawatts) transform the energy of flowing water into electricity. • Geothermal system
• Anaerobic digester breaks down animal waste such as cow manure and other organic materials into biogas that can fuel vehicles or be used to generate electricity and heat. • Renewable biomass such as crops, wood and plants, as well as biodegradable wastes such as fats, oils and other materials, can be converted into heat or biofuel. REAP grants may cover up to 25 percent of a project’s eligible costs. Loan guarantees are also available. With REAP, USDA Rural Development may guarantee up to 85 percent of a commercial loan to help access affordable financing for the energy project. Rates and terms are negotiated between the borrower and their lender, subject to USDA approval. A Combination Guarantee and Grant: can cover up to 75 percent of eligible project costs. Eligibility requirements include that participants earn at least 51 percent of their income from farming or ranching or operate a privately owned, for-profit small business located in a rural area or town of 50,000 people or less? For more information on the program, visit http://www.rurdev.usda. gov/bcp_reap.html. South Dakota residents can contact Darlene Bresson at darlene.bresson@sd.usda.gov. Minnesota residents should contact Ron Omann at Ron.Omann@mn.usda.gov and Nebraskans should contact Kelley Messenger at 308-237-3118. Cooperative Connections • December 2014 7
Spreading
Good Cheer A s holiday celebrations across the region
By Brenda Kleinjan
enliven communities of all sizes this December, electric cooperatives in many areas will be playing a role. Whether it is hoisting large street decorations aloft, stringing energy-efficient LED lights on co-op trees or gathering food and clothing for those in need, electric cooperatives are making their communities a bit brighter by spreading some cheer.
Creating a Candy Cane Lane Large candy-cane shaped decorations are just part of what Clay-Union Electric Corporation workers will be lifting into place above the streets of the communities of Gayville, Volin and Wakonda in southeastern South Dakota.
8 December 2014 • Cooperative Connections
The tradition spans back at least four decades. “Clay-Union provides the street lighting in these towns and back when they got their first string of lights to be wrapped around some of the streetlights poles on Main Street, they needed something to plug into,” said Mike Kjose, the Vermillion, S.D., cooperative’s member services director. “So we wired in some outlets and hung the lights and continue to hang the lights.” Part of the early involvement was due to safety concerns. At the time, the poles had secondary wires that went from light to light,” said Kjose. “We felt it was easier for us, we had the truck and safety equipment to do it.”
Safety
Briefs
Warning: Don’t Bake All Bulbs Warning: Don’t Bake All Bulbs
n lights are handy. Curious if a casserole’s ready? Flip switch; no need to open the oven and release heat to get a ng update. But be careful when replacing this little light. Oven lights are handy. Curious if a casserole’s ready? Flip er putthea switch; bulb innothe oven that’s not built for high heat. need to open the oven and release heat to get a Compact fluorescent (CFLs) less energy than baking update. Butlamps be careful whenuse replacing this little light. ic incandescent bulbs, butoven they’re Never put a bulb in the that’snot notsafe builtinforextreme high heat. peratures. Most fluorescent lighting labels Compact lampsdesignate (CFLs) usesafe less temperatures, energy than classicmay incandescent bulbs, butNeed they’retonot safe in your extreme warnings be in fine print. replace oven temperatures. Most lighting labels designate safe temperatures, ? Look for appliance light bulbs. Found at Home Depot, but warnings may be in fine print. Need to replace your oven e’s, and other retailers, these bulbs are designed for extreme light? Look for appliance light bulbs. Found at Home Depot, peratures inand ovens and refrigerators. The bulbs are Lowe’s, other retailers, these bulbs arehardy designed for extreme to stay; 40-watt inappliance are exempt frombulbs federal temperatures ovens andbulbs refrigerators. The hardy are ing efficiency standards. here to stay; 40-watt appliance bulbs are exempt from federal lightingCFLs efficiency standards. Why won’t work? Instead of heating a filament until Why won’t CFLs work? Instead of heating a filament until e-hot toVisions produce light like of Sugar Plumsan incandescent bulb, a fluoreswhite-hot to produce light like an incandescent bulb, alight fluoreslamp contains a gasemployees that produces (UV)ofultraviolet Since 2003, and members Northern Electric centCooperative lamp contains a gas that produces (UV) ultraviolet light in Bath,The S.D.,UV havelight gathered donations of games, n excited by electricity. andand thethe white coatwhen excited by electricity. The UV light white toysbulb and money for the area’s light. Toys forSince Tots program. Theycoataddinsideingthe result in visible CFLs don’t use inside the bulb result in visible light. Since CFLs use tionally gather hundreds of items annually for the localdon’t Salvato create light, they are 75 percent more energy efficient. heattion to Army createfood light,drive. they are 75 percent more energy efficient. the technology thatemployees cuts use doesn’t stand chance But the thatenergy cutsand energy use doesn’t stand a chance Totechnology the east, members of both Lakea Region in an oven’sdegree 400+ degree heat. S.D., and Whetstone Valley n oven’s 400+ heat. Electric Association in Webster, CFLs good the pocketbook, not perfect every in Milbank, S.D., have also engaged in CFLs areElectric goodareCooperative for thefor pocketbook, but but not perfect ininevery situation. Keep these tips in mind: food drives for local food pantries and similar service organizaation. Keep these tips in mind: tions. 1. Don’t dim unless it’s dimmable. Buy a specifically de. Don’t dim unless it’s Buyofa Rosebud specifically deAnd, for past dimmable. 13 years, members Electric signed CFL forthe a dimmer switch application. ed CFLCooperative a dimmer switch application. Gregory, S.D., have cooperative in a 2.for Don’t flipintoo fast. CFLs workjoined best ifthe they are left on cereal drive to help stock the food pantries in Gregory and Tripp . Don’t flip too fast. CFLs work best if they are left on for more than 15 minutes each time they are turned on. Older counties in south central South Dakota. In the program’s first 30 seconds to three to turned reach efficient operamore bulbs than take 15 minutes each timeminutes they are on. Older 12 years, more than 5,500 boxes of cereal and $11,000 in cash tion. Frequently switching them on and off shortens bulb life. s take 30 seconds to three minutes to reach efficient operadonations have been rased for the cause. Newer CFLs feature an ‘Instant on’ capability; look for that . Frequently switching them on and off shortens bulb life.on the lighting label if you expect frequent flipping. wer CFLs feature an ‘Instant on’ capability; look for that on Shining Brightly When it comes to lighting up theflipping. holidays, Dakota Energy ighting label if you expect frequent Cooperative in Huron, S.D., shines brightly. The co-op’s entry in the 2013 Parade of Lights in Huron was deemed “Best Lit” as hundreds of LED bulbs encased one of the
Selected “Best Lit”
Left: Rosebud Electric Cooperative director James Eastlund and President LeRoy Littau pose with an oversized check and the cereal donated by co-op members to the local food banks in Gregory and Tripp counties in south central South Dakota. Below: Northern Electric Cooperative employees pose with some of the canned items donated to the Salvation Army in 2013. Bottom left: Dakota Energy Cooperative’s decorated digger truck was voted “Best Lit” in the 2013 Huron Parade of Lights. Bottom right: Dakota Energy Cooperative employees Tyler Wipf, right, and Jeff Gilbert, left, along with Jeff’s children rode in Huron’s Parade of Lights in 2013. Opposite page: For four decades, Clay-Union Electric Corporation has been hanging holiday decorations for the communities of Gayville, Volin and Wakonda.
A co-op member scraped this melted CFL bulb off the side of his oven. A co-op member scraped melted CFL bulb off the side oven.saves energy, Replacing general use this lightbulbs with efficient CFLsoforhisLEDs Replacing general use lightbulbs with efficient CFLs or LEDs saves but not every bulb works under extreme temperatures. energy, but not every bulb works under extreme temperatures. Source: Empire Electric Association, CO Source: Empire Electric Association, CO
3.Give Givethem them CFLs be in used in enclosed 3. air.air. CFLs maymay be used enclosed fixtures fixtures as long longasasthe theenclosed enclosed fixture not recessed. fixture is notisrecessed. TotallyTotally enclosedenclosed recessed fixtures create temperatures too high CFLs. recessed fixtures create temperatures toofor high for CFLs. 4. outside. LookLook at theatpackage or bulb or forbulb for 4.Protect ProtectCFLs CFLs outside. the package temperature restrictions before using a CFL outdoors. temperature restrictions before using a CFL outdoors. 5. Don’t shake. Don’t use CFLs in vibrating environments 5. Don’t shake. Don’t use CFLs in vibrating environments such as a ceiling fan or garage door opener. such as athe ceiling or garage door opener. 6. Do twist.fan Always screw and unscrew the lamp by its 6.Never Do the twist.twist Always screwinto and unscrew lamp by its base. forcefully the CFL a light socketthe by the base. Never forcefully twist the CFL into a light socket by the glass tubes. To tubes. learn more about using and recycling CFLs, visit www. glass epa.gov/cfl. To learn more about using and recycling CFLs, visit www. co-op’s digger trucks. epa.gov/cfl. Source: Empire Electriccooperatives Association,inU.S. Department of Energy Weather permitting, several other communities also participate in holiday parades. Source: Empire Electric Association, U.S. Department of Energy From the holiday table to the holiday parade, the region’s electric cooperatives are committed to their communities and proudly participate in community holiday traditions.
Selected “Best Lit”
Dakota Energy employees Tyler Wipf (right) and Jeff Gilbert (left) along with Jeff’s children Alexy and Joshua rode in Huron’s Parade of Lights on Friday, November 29, 2013. The decorated digger truck was voted “Best Lit.” Cooperative Connections • December 2014 9
Dakota Energy employees Tyler Wipf (right) and Jeff Gilbert (left) along with Jeff’s children Alexy and Joshua rode in Huron’s Parade Lights on COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • January 2014 of 11
Co-op
News
Operations Center Progresses Most of the construction on the new operations center has moved indoors. Finishing crews are working to complete painting, electrical work, installing plumbing fixtures and cabinetwork. The project manager anticipates that the building will be finished around the end of November. The cooperative plans to open up the building to the public during an open house after the crew gets moved in and the dust settles.
Classifieds
View of operations center from the south.
HOLIDAY CLOSING The Bon Homme Yankton Electric Office will be
CLOSED for Thanksgiving, Thursday and Friday, November 27 & 28 Outage crews will remain on call 24/7
1 0 December 2014 • Cooperative Connections
January Issue Deadline: December 1, 2014. Email your classified ad to: by@ byelectric.com. Members can post one free ad per year. Repeats or longer ads are $1/column inch. FOR RENT: 1 bedroom apartment. Tabor Manor. Contact John at 605-463-2478 or Gary at 605-463-2209.r FOR RENT: Tabor HRC, 2-bedroom townhome w/ single attached car garage, 1100 plus square feet, handicap Facility/ Accessible, washer and dryer hookups, dishwasher, lawn/snow maintenance provided. All one level living convenience. Please contact Jen Carda 605-463-2575.r Thinking about building a home? Don’t pick a floor plan or a builder until you’ve talked with the area’s ONLY Certified Aging-in-Place specialist, Certified Green Professional Builder and ENERGY STAR Partner Builder. Call 4 Life Homes today. 605-661-4488.r Beseda Hall, Tabor, SD for rent for any special occasion such as weddings, anniversaries, graduation or birthdays! For more information contact Linda Bares at 605-661-6220 or snlbares@gmail.com.
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60 5 -6 6 5 -9 4 6 1
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Be merry and bright, but don’t let your holiday lights shine all night. Save money on your electric bill by installing a light timer for your decked out home. It can help lower your electric bill and reduce energy consumption. Use a manual timer plugged into an electrical outlet to automatically turn lights on and off as scheduled. Source: U.S. Department of Energy
Cooperative Connections • December 2014 1 1
Building Block No. 2
Dispatching More Natural Gas E
By Brenda Kleinjan
pa’s second building block, at first blush, seems straight-forward and simple: use more of one type of fuel (natural gas) and less of a second type (coal). However, the rule is anything but that simple, especially in South Dakota. First, the state has only two plants that would be impacted by this rule: the Big Stone Power Plant at Milbank (which was discussed last month) and Deer Creek Station, a natural gas peaking plant located between Elkton and White, S.D., in eastern South Dakota. Each plant has separate owners. Big Stone is owned by a group of investor-owned utilities, with OtterTail Power being the managing owner. Deer Creek is owned by Basin Electric Power Cooperative
The Deer Creek Station, located between White, S.D., and Elkton, S.D., is the only combined cycle natural gas plant in the state that would be affected by the EPA’s proposed rule. text
12 December 2014 • Cooperative ConneCtions
in Bismarck, N.D., and its member cooperatives in nine states, including cooperatives in South Dakota, Minnesota and Nebraska. The only thing linking the two plants is that they are both located in South Dakota. The coal plant is owned by one group of utilities. The gas plant is owned by a separate group – electric cooperatives. There is no known model that allows for an inter-company, inter-regional transmission organization dispatch. The output of the plants was designed to serve different customer/member bases. There is no financial agreement between the two nor any contractual connection. Therefore, reducing production at one plant would decrease the amount of electric-
ity available to those who use the power. Increasing production at the other would not benefit those who lost the power. Second, and possibly a fundamental flaw, in the assumptions is the targets set. The EPA chose 2012 as its benchmark year. It noted that Deer Creek was underperforming and should be able to produce more electricity. Problem is that Deer Creek was under construction in 2012 and didn’t become operational until the very end of the year. In fact, the plant only ran 190 hours that first year. This caused the unrepresentative 1 percent capacity factor. In 2013, the plant had 2,421 run hours, doing exactly what it was designed to do. (South Dakota was the only state that had a natural gas capacity factor of less than 10 percent.) Deer Creek is a combined-cycle power plant. It was designed to run as a peaking plant, operating 12 to 16 hours a day, five days a week. The EPA’s goal of having the plant operating 70 percent of the time exceeds what the plant was designed and built to do. The operators of the Big Stone power plant noted that the EPA’s goal of 23 percent capcity factor is below the coal plant’s minimum operating load. To achieve the EPA goal, the plant would have to be shut down for at least half the year, even though energy is needed from the plant yearround. (In September, the EPA extended its public comment period on its proposed “Clean Power Plan” rule under section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act that will require CO² emissions reductions from existing power plants in 49 states [Vermont and the District of Columbia are not covered because they have no fossil-fuel based generation.] The rule was announced June 2, 2014. The EPA intends to issue a final rule in June of 2015 and states will then have one year to develop implementation plans or if they collaborate on multi-state or regional plans, they are allowed two years to develop their plan. Case by case, states can seek a one-year extension from the EPA. Therefore, in some states it may take until June of 2018 to fully understand what compliance with this proposal will mean.) Basin Electric is advocating for utility-based plans that allow the utilities to move mega-watthours and associated emission rates generated by their facilities between states. The cooperative notes that it located its facilities where the best resources were located, not limited by state boundaries. NRECA maintains that the proposed EPA rules are complex with unintended consequences and that the EPA is overreaching its legal authority. For co-op members, the additional costs hit member-owners hardest. The not-for-profit co-op business model forces any costs from upgrades or shuttered power plants to be borne directly by co-op members. According to the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, the EPA’s proposed rule – encompassing its four building blocks – could have annual costs of $13 billion to $17 billion. ACCCE further estimates that the plan would force the retirement of 30,000 megawatts to 80,000 megawatts of coal-based generation and could cause more than 200,000 jobs to be lost in 2020. The projected global climate benefits are a less than 1 percent reduction in CO2 concentrations, a reduction in global average temperature of 0.016 degree and a reduction in sea level rise of 1/100th of an inch. Electric cooperatives, through the Cooperative Action Network, are in the midst of gathering public comments to submit to the EPA during the agency’s comment period on the proposed rule. Go to www.action.coop to learn more and send your message. Editor’s Note: This is the third of a five-part series that will explore each of the EPA’s Building Blocks. The four building blocks are: (1) making coal plants more efficient; (2) displacing existing coal with existing natural gas plants; (3) increasing the use of nuclear and renewable energy; and (4) decreasing electricity consumption by increasing end-user energy efficiency.
Coal Plant Efficiency Make physical and operational changes at existing coal-based power plants to improve heat-rate efficiency by 6 percent, which reduces the amount of coal needed per MWh of generation, thereby reducing CO² emissions.
+
Natural Gas Existing natural gas combined-cycle plants are used more or less frequently, depending upon a variety of factors. EPA’s CO² reduction goals are based on dispatching those natural gas plants more frequently (up to 70 percent capacity factor) while closing or curtailing existing coal-based generation sources.
+
Renewable and Nuclear Power Nuclear power and renewable resources like hydro, wind and solar power do not have direct CO² emissions. EPA’s goals are based on keeping some existing nuclear power plants (that are at risk of closing) operating, ensuring that new nuclear plants under construction get finalized, and that more sources of renewable energy are developed.
+
Consumer Energy Efficiency Improving energy efficiency by consumers reduces the need for power generation. EPA’s CO² reduction goals envision all states increasing energy efficiency programs to result in the avoidance of 1.5 percent of energy demand per year.
=
State Carbon Intensity Goal State
2012 Final Emissions Goal Final Rate (lbs/ (2030 & Reduction MWh) After)
Final Percent Reduction
Iowa
1,552
1,301
-251
-16.2%
Minnesota
1,470
873
-597
-40.6%
Montana
2,246
1,771
-475
-21.1%
Nebraska
2,009
1,479
-530
-26.4%
N. Dakota
1,994
1,783
-211
-10.6%
S. Dakota
1,135
741
-394
-34.7%
Wyoming
2,115
1,714
-401
-19.0%
Cooperative Connections • December 2014 13
Lighting Up the Night Efficiency Shines as LEDs Light Up Lots
A
By Brenda Kleinjan
reas in South Dakota and western Minnesota shine a bit brighter – and with more focus – thanks to recent upgrades in outdoor lighting. Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative in Tyler, Minn., has been involved in several projects helping area towns, businesses and members upgrade lighting to more efficient light emitting diode (LED) models. The cooperative received $8,600 from the Southwest CERT (Clean Energy Resource Teams) to implement an LED lighting project in three southwestern Minnesota communities. Through funding provided by the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Division of Energy Resources, CERT awarded $20,000 worth of seed grants, catalyzing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across the region. Lyon-Lincoln’s award, the City of Russell LED Lighting Project, allowed the cooperative to replace several existing mercury vapor and high pressure sodium street lights with LED lights to reduce energy use by the cities of Russell, Arco and Lynd, Minne-
14 December 2014 • Cooperative Connections
sota. Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative will study the results of the project and share that information with its nearly 4,000 utility members and through energy education programs at area schools. The City of Russell’s lights were switched in May 2014. Before the retrofit, the project included 72 mercury vapor lights of 175 watts each, 23 high pressure sodium lights of 100 watts each and seven 400-watt street lights. The lights used about 80,000 kWh annually and cost more than $9,600 a year to light. As part of the retrofit, 104 48-watt Type III 5,700 K lights were purchased and installed. The project is estimated to save more than 61,600 kWhs a year and reduce lighting expenses by $5,570. The cooperative also offers lighting rebates to its members to assist with retrofitting indoor lighting set ups. The retrofit systems must result in a net load reduction in kW from that of the existing lighting system. Retrofit rebate applies to indoor
METER 1 – 3 MONTH LOOK
programs only, rebates will not be given for outdoor lighting. Rebates will be given directly to the members and will not be given to lighting suppliers or contractors. The minimum rebate application is $50 and the maximum rebate amount is $2,000 per customer per calendar year and is limited to up to 50 percent of the project costs. Annual funds are limited. Rebate programs, qualifications, and amount are subject to change at any time. The member is responsible for checking with Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative to determine whether the program is still in effect. The cooperative was also secured a $300,000 USDA Rural Development Grant for the Southwest Regional Development Commission to establish a pilot program for energy efficiency projects. The Property Assessed Clean Energy funding is an innovative method of financing energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements for commercial, agricultural, not-for-profit and public properties. The PACE funding binds the debt for the improvements to the property rather than the owner, allowing repayment of an annual increment that is billed with the property’s tax bill and can be transferred from owner to owner. The key is that funding is based on the utility cost offset by the improvements and must have a positive cash-flow. PACE helps businesses retrofit their buildings with more energy-efficient HVAC systems, lighting and other energy-consuming devices. The project is expected to create 11 jobs. In southeastern South Dakota, the Coffee Cup Fuel Stop at the Vermillion, S.D., exit on Interstate 29 has a new glow after the property owner had Clay Union Electric Corporation replace older parking lot lights with newer, efficient LED lights. A dozen of the lights were replaced, illuminating the area around the truck stop with more focused lighting. The cost savings for the project are still being determined, but the efficiency of the lighting is sure to reduce the property’s outdoor lighting bill. Left: Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative workers work on installing new LED street lights in three communities in southwestern Minnesota as part of a $8,600 Southwest CERT grant. Top: This chart shows a signficant drop in energy used at one meter point after the new lights were installed. Top right: A street in the project before the retrofit. Bottom right: The same street after the retrofit. Cooperative Connections • December 2014 15
Regional Dateline
November 28-29, December 13, 20-21, 23 1880 Train Holiday Express Hill City, SD, 605-574-2222 www.1880train.com November 29 Platte Area Seed Stock Pen Expo & Cattle Dog Trial Platte, SD, 605-337-2275 www.plattesd.org November 29 Greater Madison Chamber Show and Sell Madison, SD, 605-256-2454 www.chamberofmadisonsd.com November 29 December 6, 13, 20 James Valley Model Railroad Open House, Aberdeen, SD 605-226-2139 November 29-January 2 Festival of Trees Brookings, SD, 605-692-4177 www.brookingsartscouncil.org November 29-30, December 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28 Winter Wonderland Watertown, SD, 605-881-1348 www.visitwatertownsd.com December 4 19th Annual Festival of Lights Parade, Brookings, SD 605-692-6125
Events of Special Note December 1-March 15 East River Snowmobile Trails Season, Pierre, SD 605-773-3391, www.gfp.sd.gov
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHAD COPPESS/S.D. DEPT. OF TOURISM
November 25-December 27 Christmas at the Capitol Pierre, SD, 605-773-4010 www.sd.gov/christmas2014
December 15-March 31, 2015 Black Hills Snowmobile Trails Season, Lead, SD 605-584-3896, www.gfp.sd.gov
To have your event listed on this page, send complete information, including date, event, place and contact to your local electric cooperative. Include your name, address and daytime telephone number. Information must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to your event. Please call ahead to confirm date, time and location of event.
December 4-7, 11-14 Miracle on 34th Street Yankton, SD, 605-665-4711 www.lewisandclarktheatre.org
December 6-7 Aberdeen Area Living Christmas Tree Aberdeen, SD, 605-626-7015
December 5-6 Parade of Lights and Santa Land, Mobridge, SD 605-845-2387
December 6-7 11th Annual Fezziwig Festival at Prairie Berry Winery Hill City, SD, 605-574-3898
December 6 Homespun Holiday Celebration Aberdeen, SD, 605-626-7117 dacotahprairiemuseum.com
December 11-13 SHCT Presents “It’s a Wonderful Life” Hot Springs, SD, 605-745-4140
December 6 Christmas at the Redlin Art Center, Watertown, SD 605-882-3877 www.redlinart.com
December 12 Herman’s Hermits Christmas Show Deadwood, SD, 605-559-1187
December 6 Holiday Gift and Craft Fair Festival of Trees Custer, SD, 605-673-5134
December 12-13 Sharpshooter Classic Winner, SD, 605-842-1533 December 14 Christmas Tour of Lights Wessington Springs, SD 605-539-1929
January 3 Annual Pigeon Show Watertown, SD, 605-520-1053 January 10 Health and Safety Fair Watertown, SD, 605-882-1734 January 10 Frosty Frolics – Family Snowshoeing 101 Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-4414 January 21 36th Annual Ranchers Workshop 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. CT Community Events Center White River, SD 605-259-3252 ext. 3 March 14-15 2015 Gun Show American Legion Hall Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. MST Philip, SD, 605-859-2635 605-859-2280, 605-859-2892 or 605-859-2219