JANUARY 2017
VOL. 17 NO. 9
Resolutions To Help You Save To Help You Save
P8-9 P8-9
Manager’s
Column
Best Wishes for Safe, Happy Holidays I want to take this time to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I can’t believe this year is coming to an end it seems like yesterday that we were starting the year and here it is almost over. My hope is that you all have a great holiday and you enjoy time with family and friends as we celebrate the events of the season. Merlin Goehring Safety First General Manager We want you to be safe and Bon Homme Yankton Electric make sure you are careful when traveling. As always, be aware of power lines and equipment that can be damaged if your vehicle goes off the road, if you are still doing any type of field work or moving hay in from the fields. Make sure you keep enough distance from any overhead or underground power sources and your equipment. We did have an incident this fall when a combine struck a guy wire which ended up causing power loss to over 2,000 members. Luckily, there were no injuries from this incident but these are the type of events that can cause a lot of problems. Please be careful around power sources of any kind. Budget Time As many of you know this is the time of year when we present our operating budget to the Board and after their review and approval we have to take necessary steps to bring in the revenues to pay the bills for the upcoming year. As we have mentioned over the last several months, our power supplier, Basin Electric, has put into place an increase of the power rates to their members. We now have to budget for these power cost increases and determine how that is passed on to our members' power bill. Over the last couple of years, we have used some funds in our Margin Stabilization Plan to meet budget shortfalls. While we will still have some funds in this plan, the Board will be taking steps to make sure we have enough revenues to meet our
2 Januar y 2017 • Cooperative ConneCtions
mortgage requirements and keep your cooperative in a strong financial position. We will keep you advised over the next couple of newsletters on what this will mean to the average member's power bill. We will propose an effective date after the Board reviews the final operating budget. While none of us like to pay more for our utilities, most of us realize that as all other costs go up, we only have one source of revenue to pay for these expenses and that of course is you, the member. As members of your cooperative, you can be assured that the staff and board take rate increases very seriously and we continue to look at areas where we can either make cuts or figure out ways to accomplish tasks in a very economical manner. Capital Credit Refund One of the benefits of being a member owned electric cooperative is that you share in the margins or profits of the cooperative through Capital Credits. Last month you might have received a check as part of the cooperative’s way of paying its
One of the benefits of being a member owned electric cooperative is that you share in the margins or profits of the cooperative through Capital Credits. members back for the capital provided from the members that exceed our total expenses. This year’s capital credit retirements included the balance of capital credits for the members who had service from 1995, all of 1996 and part of 1997. The Board approved this amount of refund for 2016. They will consider future payments based on the financial standing of the cooperative. If you have received your check from the cooperative we hope you see the value of being an electric cooperative member/owner. If you have any questions in regard to the refunds, please feel free to give us a call.
Co-op
news
FirstCall Medical Monitoring (USPS No. 018-973)
Bon Homme Yankton Electric Assn, Inc. PO Box 158 134 S Lidice St Tabor, SD 57063
If you know someone in the Bon Homme or Yankton County area in need of a little extra peace of mind, contact our office for details on the FirstCall Medical Monitoring Program. New fall detection pendants and phone systems are available for immediate installation.
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30am to 4:30pm
To Report an Outage 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.
Contact Member Service Advisor Bob Felber for more information at 605-463-2507 or email: bfelber@byelectric.com statement of non-Discrimination This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.
Cooperative ConneCtions • Januar y 2017 3
Safety
Tips
Carbon Monoxide Alarm Safety Tips
Kidsʼ Corner Safety Poster “Always use water on your fire.”
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that is created when common fuels such as natural gas, oil, wood or coal burn incompletely. This odorless, colorless, tasteless gas is often called the “silent killer” because it is virtually undetectable without the use of detection technology like a CO alarm.
Installation Tips: • Install CO alarms on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area. • Interconnected CO alarms provide the best protection. When one sounds, they all sound. • CO alarms are not a substitute for smoke alarms. Install both types of alarms in your home. • Purchase CO alarms from a reputable retailer that you trust. • Choose alarms that bear the label of a nationally recognized testing laboratory. • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding proper placement and installation height. Maintenance Tips: • Test CO alarms at least once a month by pressing the TEST button. • CO alarm batteries should be replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps” or “beeps” to indicate low batteries, they should be replaced immediately. • The lifespan of CO alarms varies. CO alarms should be replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Alarm Tips: • Make sure that everyone in your family knows the difference between the sound of the CO and smoke alarms, and what number to call for a CO emergency. • If your CO alarm sounds, immediately move to fresh air outside. Alert others In the home to the danger and make sure everyone gets to fresh air safely. • Never ignore a sounding CO alarm. Source: esfi.org 4 Januar y 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Braden Aukes
Braden was in first-grade when he submitted this safety poster. He is the son of Brian Aukes, Beaver Creek, Minn. He is a member of Sioux Valley Energy, Colman, 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, youʼll receive a prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address and the names of your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged.
92nd
Legislative Session
Connect with South Dakota Legislators
ANYTIME. ANYWHERE.
Reader
Recipes
Super Soups Cheeseburger Soup 1/2 lb. ground beef 3/4 cup chopped onion 3/4 cup shredded carrots 3/4 cup diced celery 1 tsp. dried basil 1 tsp. dried parsley flakes 4 T. butter or margarine, divided 3 cups chicken broth
Cream of Crab Soup 3 cups diced, peeled potatoes 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 cups cubed processed American cheese 1-1/2 cups milk 3/4 tsp. salt 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. pepper 1/4 cup sour cream
In a 3-quart saucepan, brown beef; drain and set aside. In the same saucepan, sauté onion, carrots, celery, basil and parsley in 1 T. butter until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Add broth, potatoes and beef; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt remaining butter. Add flour; cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes or until bubbly. Add to soup; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add cheese, milk, salt and pepper; cook and stir until cheese melts. Remove from the heat; blend in sour cream. Yield: 8 servings Nancy Noess, Mitchell
Butternut Squash Bisque 1 T. canola oil 1 T. unsalted butter 1/2 cup diced onion 3/4 cup diced carrots 3 cups vegetable broth
4 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup heavy cream, optional Ground nutmeg to taste
Heat oil and melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook and stir onion until tender. Mix carrots and squash into pot. Pour in vegetable broth and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender. In a blender or food processor, puree soup mixture until smooth. Return to pot; stir in heavy cream. Heat through but do not boil. Serve warm with a dash of nutmeg. Yield: 4 servings Debra Weaver, Box Elder
Super Easy Potato Soup 8 oz. cream cheese, cut into small pieces 1 can cream of chicken soup 32 oz. chicken broth
2 lb. hash browns 1/3 cup chopped onion Diced bacon or ham, as desired Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped (1 cup) 1/3 cup flour 1 T. OLD BAY® Seasoning
1/2 tsp. McCormick® Parsley Flakes 4 cups milk or half-and-half 1 lb. lump crab meat 3 T. dry sherry
Melt butter in 3-quart saucepan on medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir 5 minutes or until softened. Add flour, Old Bay and parsley; whisk until well blended. Whisking constantly, gradually add milk. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Stir in crab meat. Reduce heat to low; simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in sherry. Heat 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle with additional Old Bay, if desired. Yield: 6 servings Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 285, Total Fat 14g, Cholesterol 119mg, Sodium 605mg, Carbohydrates 16g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Protein 22g Pictured, Cooperative Connections
Mushroom Salsa Chili 1 lb. ground beef 1 lb. bulk pork sausage 2 (16 oz. each) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1 (24 oz.) jar chunky salsa 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained 1 large onion, chopped 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (4 oz.) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained 1/2 cup each chopped green pepper, sweet red and yellow pepper 1/2 tsp. dried oregano 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1/8 tsp. thyme 1/8 tsp. dried marjoram
Cook beef and sausage over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Transfer meat to a 5-quart slow cooker. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or until vegetables are tender. Stephanie Fossum, Hudson
Santa Fe Cheese Soup 1 (15 oz.) can whole kernel corn, 1 (4 oz.) can premium chuck drained white chicken, drained 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green and drained chilies, if desired 1 (14 oz.) can chicken broth 1 lb. processed American cheese, 1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes and cubed green chilies, undrained
Mix together all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 7 hours. May add diced green or red peppers and carrots for color.
In a 3-quart saucepan or slow cooker, combine all ingredients. Cook and stir until cheese is melted. Garnish with crushed tortilla chips. If using a slow cooker, cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Note: May serve with a dollop of sour cream in each bowl.
Amy Schoenfelder, Cavour
Patricia Hopkins, Central City, NE
Please send your favorite brunch 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 2017. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • Januar y 2017 5
Co-op
news
Fact or Fiction? The Facts About Tankless Water Heaters With new Department of Energy rules regarding large storage type water heaters, tankless water heaters are in the news again. Before you commit to a tankless water heater, be sure get all the facts. Tankless water heaters are about the size of a briefcase and heat water rapidly as it passes through a heated exchange coil. Proponents of tankless water heaters emphasize several benefits, but you may not be getting the whole story. See the table below for more information on tankless water heaters. Regular water heaters have been a great tool for your cooperative to save money on our power bill as well as providing a reliable flow of hot water. Our members have qualified for over $116,000 in water heater rebates from
Bon Homme Yankton Electric in the past five years not counting the matching contribution from East River Electric Power Cooperative which is $3/gallon. There are over 2,000 water heaters currently installed by our members under the load control system. They receive an $8 credit on their bill each month. This is $96/year just to let us keep your water heater under the load control system during system peak times. Most members never even notice when their water heater is being controlled as the super insulated, large capacity water heaters retain its heat for quite a while even when being controlled. If you need to replace your water heater, give our office a call first to see what options are available.
Contact Member Service Advisor Bob Felber for more information at 605-463-2507 or email: bfelber@byelectric.com
CLaiM: Huge dollar savings
FACTS: • Most tankless water heater units cost at least twice as much as standard water heaters. • Installation costs can be up to 10 times more than standard water heaters. • Tankless water heaters usually require costly new equipment upgrades for both electric and gas models. • The operating costs of a tankless unit is less, but the savings is only about $30 per year for average family usage. • Tankless water heaters significantly increase demand during peak hours, which in turn can lead to increases in electric rates. • Tankless water heaters are not eligible for co-op rebates or incentives.
CLaiM: Last Longer
FACTS: • Tankless water heaters need very pure water or they may fail prematurely due to buildup of mineral deposits. • Mineral deposits can also reduce water flow and efficiency in tankless units. • Failure due to mineral deposits is not covered by most tankless warranties. • Tankless water heaters also contain many specialized parts that should only be serviced by a trained technician. Replacement parts are not readily available and usually must be ordered.
CLaiM: endless supply of hot water
FACTS: • "...Taking a shower and running the dishwasher at the same time can stretch a tankless unit to its limits."* • "Even the largest...model cannot supply enough hot water for simultaneous, multiple uses..."* • "Typically tankless water heaters provide hot water at a rate of 2 to 5 gallons per minutes."* • Standard water heaters have no flow rate limits! *Source: U.S. Department of Energy 6 Januar y 2017 • Cooperative ConneCtions
Co-op
news
Safety Demonstration Good Reminder
Thank You Notes
Bon Homme Yankton Electric invited emergency response personnel to attend a presentation on what they need to know when responding to fires or accidents that involve power lines. We were pleased with the good turnout from the fire departments, first responders, emergency medical services and emergency management in Bon Homme and Yankton Counties. Operations Manager Robert Ulmer, Staking Engineer Ken Carda, Linemen Travis Zomer and Tyler Suess and Electrical Contractor Kevin Meyer presented the hot line demonstration and answered questions from the audience. Attendees commented on the handouts of the program, "very informative, pictures made it easier to understand, good information, great visual aids." They said "good teaching device, very insightful and powerful demo, very effective, very interesting, still surprises me every time and helped show the power of electicity" about the hotline trailer demo. The hotline trailer demo as well as a tabletop safety display are available for any age and any organization that wants a refresher on the dangers of electricity and how to stay safe around electrical equipment. Contact the office to schedule a safety demo. For more photos and video, check out our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/BonHommeYanktonElectric
Bon Homme Yankton Electric, Thank you for choosing me as the scholar of the week. Thanks, Jacob Hertz Ladies, Just a short note to thank you for helping me get my e-mail back on line. It is my window to the world. I am grateful for your assistance. Chuck Schoen
Photos clockwise from top right: Kevin Meyer discusses safety with a group from Springfield; Ken Carda explains the photos of potential safety hazards; the large group was hosted in the new Operations Center; the burns in the grapefruit show the path electricity can take through a person; Travis Zomer demonstrates what happens to a person coming in contact with a live electric line.
Cooperative ConneCtions • Januar y 2017 7
Resolution to Save Simple Steps to Saving on Your Energy Bill
A
Brenda Kleinjan
s the new year dawns, thousands of americans will make resolutions. Resolutions to lose weight. Resolutions to exercise more. Resolutions to save money. America’s Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives offer key tips for reducing energy costs – and many are low- to no-cost solutions. And, some are easy to implement – and stick with throughout the year. “In a home, heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) is the largest use of energy. Setting back your thermostat is the easiest and cheapest way to save energy,” said Chad Reisenauer, a certified energy manager at Basin Electric Power Cooperative in Bismarck, N.D.
Here’s the first 10 things to consider: 1. Replace any light bulb, especially ones that are on more than one hour per day, with a light-emitting diode (LED) bulb. Lighting ac-
8 January 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
counts for about 11 percent a typical home’s energy use, so savings here can add up. 2. Close shades and drapes during the day to help keep heat out in summer. Opening coverings on south-facing windows can allow for radiant heat to enter during winter months. Heating and cooling accounts for the largest use of energy in a home. 3. Plug electronic devices such as cable boxes, printers and TVs into power strips to turn off during vacations or long periods without use. Depending on your family, electronics can account for 8 percent to 15 percent of a home’s electric bill. 4. Outside your home, caulk around all penetrations including telephone, electrical, cable, gas, water spigots, dryer vents, etc. Take the caulk gun inside, too. Caulking along baseboards with a clear sealant is recommended as
is caulking around plumbing penetrations that come WHERE DOES YOUR ENERGY GO? through walls Here are the top ten tips that any good energy saver should do first. beteneath sinks. 1. Replace any light bulb, especially ones that are on more than one hour per day, with a REFRIGERATION 5. Change light-emitting diode (LED) bulb. HVAC air filters 2. Close shades and drapes during the day to help keep heat out in summer. monthly. Make 3. Plug electronic devices such as cable boxes, printers and TVs into power strips to turn off sure when changHEATING & COOLING MISCELLANEOUS 8% during vacations or long periods without use. As the owners of iconic Wall Drug in Wall, S.D., ing the filters they 8% 4. Outside your home, caulk around all penetrations including telephone, electrical, cable, prepared to celebrate their 85th year of operation, they are facing the gas, water spigots, dryer vents, etc. APPLIANCES turned to their local Touchstone Energy Cooperative, correct direction. 9% 5. Change HVAC air filters monthly. 43% West River Electric Association, for an energy audit and a (Look for the ar6. Use dishwasher’s cycle to dry dishes. prescription to use electricity more wisely. row on theair-dry sidecycleofinstead of the heat-dry 9% ELECTRONICS In January 2016, the filter.) 7. Keep your garage door down. A warmer garage in the winter and cooler garage in thean energy audit of the facility summer will save energy. was conducted. The sprawling complex which includes 6. Use the 11% 8. Set water heater temperature no higher than 120 F. street-level stores that are open to the public, also the dishwasher’s 12% includes thousands of square feet of behind-the-scenes air-dry cycle 9. Make sure dryer vent hose is not kinked or clogged. LIGHTING storage and offices that extend below and above the instead of the 10. Ensure refrigerator door seals are tight. millions of visitors. heat-dry cycle to WATER HEATING The audit accounted for the 5,400 light bulbs and dry dishes. The more than 3,100 light fixtures throughout the attraction. kitchen can acHome energy use is different for everyone and hinges on several factors, including size of home, members in your household, your location and preferences. Knowing how your energy It also looked at heating and cooling expenses associated count for 15 perspend is divided will help you prioritize your energy saving habits. with the facility as well as the efficiency of appliances and cent to 20 percent Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration. www.EIA.gov. other electronics. of your home’s When all was said and done, the recommendations energy use. 101ENERGY WAYS TO SAVE TOUCHSTONE | 101 WAYS TO SAVE 2 TOUCHSTONEENERGY.COM 3 included some basic steps that are applicable in both 7. Keep your garage door down. A warmer garage in the winter homes and businesses. and cooler garage in the summer will save energy. The Hustead family – which owns Wall Drug – had 8. Set water heater temperature no higher than 120° F. Water already started converting much of the property to LED heating can account for 12 percent of a home’s energy use. For smaller lighting. But, an households of one or two members, the temperature can be important step turned down to 115° F. behind-the-scenes 9. Make sure dryer vent hose is not kinked or had the potential clogged. Also be sure to clean the dryer’s lint trap before each to really add up in use and ensure that the dryer’s outdoor exhaust door is not savings. blocked or clogged. The audit 10. Ensure refrigerator door seals are tight. Set the recommended refrigerator temperature to 34° F. to 37° F. and the freezer teminstalling occupancy perature to between 0° F. and 5° F. sensors – devices “Most of these are low-cost/no-cost measures,” said Alan that sense when Shedd, a professional engineer and certified energy manager people enter and who is the director of energy solutions for the Touchstone Enexit a room and ergy® Cooperatives brand. “While you can save more by sealing adjust the lighting ductwork and air-sealing your house to reduce leaks, we don’t accordingly – was a major step in reducing costs. want to discourage people from doing the simple things first.” Another major recommendation was that exterior “Check out the newly re-designed TogetherWeSave page on Touchdoors be kept closed during summer months to keep stoneEnergy.coop. We’ve added an energy saving tips section that includes cooler air inside the building. a Top-10 list. For a direct link use http://www.touchstoneenergy.com/ On one meter alone (the attraction has several energy-money-saving-tips/more-tips/ and click on the “Top 10.”” meters), energy consumption was significantly reduced by Inset above: Chad Reisenauer, a certified energy manager with Basin Electric Power Cooptaking the recommended steps. erative in Bismarck, N.D., takes measurements using a light meter at Wall Drug in Wall, Find out more about energy-saving steps you can S.D., as West River Electric Association’s Veronica Kusser records the results. Another take by contacting the energy experts at your electric WREA team was counting each of the attraction’s thousands of light bulbs as part of an cooperative. energy audit to determine where energy savings could be found in the 85-year old tourist
HOME ENERGY USE
TOP TEN
Energy Savings Prescription Pays Off at Wall Drug
o
attraction.
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • January 2017 9
Co-op
news
Gunnar Dally Joins Linecrew Gunnar Dally started work as apprentice lineman on December 5, 2016. Gunnar attended Power Line Construction and Maintenance training at Mitchell Technical Institute. He has been enrolled in the apprenticeship program and will have a series of tests and working hours to complete before becoming a journeyman lineman. Gunnar is from Armour, SD and graduated from Armour High School. He loves the outdoors and any activities relating to being outside. This will be of great benefit as the wind chill has dropped temperatures to below zero during his first week on the job. Welcome to the crew, Gunnar!
2017 Calendar Insert We hope you enjoy your gift from Bon Homme Yankton Electric. The billing dates have been marked in your calendar for easy reference.
celebrate the season holiday closing The Bon Homme Yankton Electric Office will be closed for: •Christmas Eve Observed, Friday, December 23 •Christmas Day Observed, Monday, December 26 •New Years Day Observed, Monday, January 2
Outage crews will remain on call 24/7
1 0 Januar y 2017 • Cooperative ConneCtions
Welcome new Members Avon Robin Myer Lesterville Richard Kludt Scotland Cory Bjorum Chad Haberman Shon Whitwood Tabor Joshua Haag Leah Nedved Tripp Jon J Wiederrich Tyndall James Churchwell Albert J Soukup Yankton Kelly Kneifl Timothy A Philips Zachary Schaefer Kevin Schrage Kevin L Weber
Classifieds
February Issue Deadline: January 1, 2017. 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 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.r FOR RENT: Tabor Self Storage. Call 605660-0247 or 605-660-3497.r FOR SALE: Glass top stove, refrigerator, front load washer and dryer. Call 605-4632308. Leave msg if no answer.
haase heaTinG & CoolinG
Dan Haase
Heating, Cooling, Heat Pumps We sell the best and service the rest
Scotland, SD 57059 605-583-4490
GT RepaiR & auTobody Glenn Tycz Tyndall, SD 57066
605-589-3018
Marine Boat Repair Aluminum & Fiberglass We Repair and Install Windshields Adventures of a Lifetime Travel and Cruise
Suzanne Stemper
605-661-9319 www.AdventuresOfALifetimeTravels.com AdventuresTravelAndCruise@gmail.com
Art & Antique GAllery Custom Matting & Framing Original Art/Gifts/Cards Handmade Glass Beads & Jewelry
1610 Main St Tyndall, SD
605-589-4050 Open Wednesday through Saturday
ConsTRuCTion and painTinG New Construction Remodel - Roofing Flooring
Jason Finck
605-660-3204
605-665-9679
CALL TODAY to learn more.
Tyndall, SD 57066
605-589-4176
An Authorized Independent Agent For
Well drilling, repairing and cleaning Water Systems – Artesian Wells Sales and Installation Earth-Coupled Heat Pump
Emergency Service Free Estimates
sandeRs heaTinG & CoolinG 300 W 17th Tyndall, SD 57066
605- 589-3228 1- 800-894-3228
• Ramps • Grab Bars • Stair Lifts • Walk-in Showers www.4lifehomes.net • Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels
Preplanning will give you peace of mind and may save money
Brad Cameron
KoRanda Well Company llC Tabor, SD 57063 605 - 463- 2244
Handicap and Accessible Home Modifications
Yankton, Tabor, Tyndall, Menno
CameRon insuRanCe
If only the future was predictable. Farming is always a gamble. You never know when bad weather or other problems will strike. The only thing you can be sure of—you need quality insurance protection. Call our office today for a competitive quote.
Furnaces, Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners Free Estimates
Tabor, SD 57063
opsahl-KosTel FuneRal home
Wellmark Has You Covered, No Matter What Your Stage of Life.
bohemian FaRmeRs muTual
R. Martin Koch, Secretary PO Box 206 Tabor, SD 57063 605-463-2558 1-800-868-1756
605-463-2786
FREE HOME DAMAGE ASSESSMENT following a storm
INSURANCE CLAIM SPECIALIST GENERAL CONTRACTOR • Roofing • Gutters • Siding • Painting • Windows • Doors
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ©2012 Wellmark, Inc. SD-20-P-12
heaTinG & CoolinG 920 Broadway Yankton, SD 57078
60 5 -6 6 5 -9 4 6 1
800-491-9461
HOME REPAIR HOTLINE
605-661-4488
Warm Air, Air to Air, Geothermal Heat Pumps WE DO EMERGENCY HOME REPAIRS Cooperative ConneCtions • Januar y 2017 1 1
Illuminating Choices
Watts, Lumens, Kelvin Can Be Confusing When Buying Bulbs
G
one are the days when grabbing a lightbulb
By B. Denise Hawkins
at the hardware store was as simple as knowing whether you were in search of a 40-watt, 60-watt or a 100-watt bulb. Today, a trek down the lighting aisle can be confusing and at times intimidating as one wades through the packaging. If you have been gradually making the switch to the new energy efficient lighting choices, you’ve noticed that more changes have come to the light bulb aisle. Remember when the odd looking corkscrew compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb was introduced to consumers a few years ago? It’s still there and so are most of the classic pear-shaped incandescent bulbs. But today’s lighting choices have expanded and gotten serious makeovers – their packaging labels and lingo included. There are LEDs, CFLs, halogen, lumens, CRI and more, and there is a host of lighting brands. But in recent years, the focus has been on making all bulbs more energy efficient and cost effective.
End of an Era We’ve basked in the golden glow of Thomas Edison’s incandescent bulb since the 1800s, but January 2014 marked the end of its run. That’s when the federal government finalized its mandated phase out of selected general-purpose light bulbs and Edison’s less energy efficient incandescent ones. While you still may find 100- and 75-watt bulbs on store shelves, manufacturers in the U.S. stopped producing them. The old 40- and 60-watt bulbs, which represented over half the market, are following suit. What brought about the lighting change? In 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy estimated that home and commercial lighting was consuming more electricity annually – about 300 billion kilowatt-hours of lighting or the equivalent of about 100 power plants – but most of it was wasted. Oldfashioned incandescent bulbs used plenty of energy to produce only 10 percent light, with 90 percent of the energy given off as heat. In comparison, today’s more energy-saving incandescent light bulbs use 25 percent less energy to do the job of lighting the same spaces in your home. Look on the Bright Side Prime replacements for the traditional incandescent light bulb are the higher-efficiency CFL 12 January 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
and LED or light emitting diode bulbs. But be prepared to pay more upfront for some of the bulbs you choose. Lighting experts say that LEDs are the best choice for energy efficiency and if price is not a concern – they can last for up to two decades, save you 75 percent or more in energy costs, and offer superior color and brightness. However, they can cost an estimated $10 to $60 per bulb. The Energy Department assures consumers that there is a bright side – lower electricity bills over the longer term. These are their estimates: using a traditional incandescent bulb adds about $4.80 per year to the average household electric bill, but a CFL bulb adds just $1.20 a year and an LED about $1 per year. That means that a typical household could potentially save about $50 per year by replacing 15 old incandescent bulbs.
Lighting the Way Since lighting accounts for nearly 20 percent of the average home’s electricity use, don’t stay in the dark when shopping for new bulbs that save on energy and your electric bill. Things to know before you go: Lumens are the new watts. It’s all about the lumens or the amount of light a light bulb emits. Remember this formula: The higher the lumens, the brighter the light – to replace a 100-watt incandescent bulb, choose a bulb that offers about 1,600 lumens. There are handy charts at www.energystar. gov/ that help you compare the old measure of watts to lumens. Three-steps to your new bulbs. STEP 1: Choose the amount of lumens you need based on how bright you want a room; STEP 2: Determine which bulb has the lowest estimated energy cost per year. This will save you the most money; and STEP 3: Choose bulbs based on your needs – how long it will last and light appearance. Read the label. Always check the package, making sure that it carries the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® logo. New Lighting Facts labels on boxes will also help consumers understand what they are purchasing – amount of lumens, estimated annual operating cost and light color.
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • January 2017 13
Co-op
news
Green Power No Stranger To Your Meter We have heard of an organization that offers to consolidate and pay your utilities for you and then adds on an extra charge so that you can say you have purchased renewable energy. In essence, they are reselling green tags that they have purchased from renewable sources. The scary part about this is that it requires you to give them your user name and password to your online accounts. You can pay your electric accounts in a variety of convenient and secure methods via your own local electric cooperative. The best part is that your cooperative already has a major stake in renewable energy. Our wholesale power mix from East River Electric Power Cooperative combines electricity from Basin Electric Power Cooperative (Basin) and the Western Area Power Association (WAPA). While WAPA's allocation comes from the dams on the Missouri River, the Basin portion contains a much more varied portfolio. Basin is a proud owner of the largest wind project owned solely by a cooperative in the United States. They have surpassed their personal renewable portfolio goals even though most of the states served by Basin do not have any mandates in place. When combined during peak demand, our members can expect to receive 20% of their power from renewables
like wind and recovered heat. When you add in the 22% we receive from the hydro allocation, 42% of our peak power comes from non-combustible fuel. With the upcoming change in the political arena, the fate of the Clean Power Plan is unknown at this time. We still rely on coal and other fuels to provide base power consumed every day without depending on the production levels of the dams and whether or not the wind is blowing. Basin has invested billions into their infrastructure to continue to comply with increasingly stricter guidelines. These expenses will need to be covered and it's no surprise that the end user will be stuck for the bill. As a cooperative member, you can do your part to remain educated on the issues facing your rural electric cooperative. One of the ways to learn about our power supply is to attend the bus tour to North Dakota. Plans are underway for the 2017 Power Supply Tour. This trip usually includes stops at East River Electric in Madison, SD, Antelope Valley power plant and the coal mine in North Dakota as well as stops at the Capitol and wind farm on the way home. Watch this newsmagazine for dates and sign up information when it becomes available.
Gavins Point Dam, Yankton, SD
Antelope Valley Station, Beulah, ND 1 4 Januar y 2017 • Cooperative ConneCtions
Crow Lake Wind, White Lake, SD
Co-op
news
Thank You For Your Vote! Bon Homme Yankton Electric would like to thank all of our members who made it to the polls this November to cast their vote. We would especially like to thank those who made an extra effort to understand all of the candidates and issues involved in this year's election. We received recognition from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) as a Co-ops Vote 5-Star Co-op. This award was given for our efforts to encourage our members to get out and vote in this year's November election. "This co-op has worked hard to engage their member-owners, employees, and community to help increase voter turnout in rural America. The effort you and your employees have put into the program is a stellar example of your co-op's Commitment to Community," stated Jim Matheson, CEO NRECA. We are very proud that our rural areas showed their political interest with a whopping 77.11% voter turnout in Bon Homme County and 72.23% in Yankton County. These were both higher than the state average of 69.62% and well above
current estimates of 55-58% for the entire United States. Our members are the reason why this cooperative was formed and why we work hard to protect and promote the best interests of our members. Even though this election is over, please continue to join our fight by staying informed on topics of interest to you and your cooperative. Contact your congressional delegation and encourage them to promote common sense values. Go to www.action.coop for more information.
Cooperative ConneCtions • Januar y 2017 1 5
Regional Dateline December 15-March 31 South Dakota Snowmobile Trails Season, Lead, SD 605-584-3896
January 7-14 71st Annual Snow Queen Festival, Aberdeen, SD www.sdsnowqueen.com January 12 The Ennis Sisters in Concert Spearfish, SD, 605-642-7973
November 18-January 8 Winter Wonderland, Falls Park Sioux Falls, SD, 605-275-6060
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHAD COPPESS, S.D. TOURISM
December 22-23 1880 Train Holiday Express Hill City, SD, 605-574-2222
Events of Special Note
February 11 Ben Folds with the South Dakota Symphony Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-6000
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.
January 12-14 16th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament, Mobridge, SD 605-845-2500
January 27-February 5 Annual Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo, Rapid City, SD 605-355-3861
February 10-12 35th Annual Black Hills Sport Show and Outdoor Expo Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115
January 18-26 38th Winter Art Show 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Spearfish, SD, 605-642-7973
February 3-4 Who Got Greased? Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Elks Lodge, 705 Circle Drive Aberdeen, SD, 605-380-9743
February 11 Sioux Empire on Tap Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7288
January 19-21 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876 January 20-21 ISOC Deadwood SnoCross Showdown, Deadwood, SD 605-578-1876 January 21 Bark Beetle Blues Crawl Custer, SD, 605-440-1405 January 21 Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry by the HillBenders, Spearfish, SD 605-642-7973
February 4 Twenty One Pilots in Concert Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7288 February 4 LHIA Fishing Derby 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., City Boat Landing Access Point Lake Hendricks, MN February 7-11 Winter Farm Show Watertown, SD, 605-886-5814 February 10-11 Strawbale Winery Valentine Twilight Flights, Renner, SD 605-543-5071
February 16-18 Sioux Falls Sno Jam Comedy Festival, Sioux Falls, SD siouxfallssnojamcomedyfest@ gmail.com February 16-19 Steel Magnolias Community Theater, Spearfish, SD 605-642-7973 February 17-19 Sioux Empire Wacipi Sioux Falls, SD, 310-922-1886 March 4-7 Summit League Basketball Championship Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7288
March 11-12 2017 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 March 17-18 28 Below Fatbike Race Lead, SD, 605-584-3435 March 24-25, March 31-April 1 59th Annual Schmeckfest Freeman, SD, 605-925-4237 March 31-April 2 Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough Series Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7288 April 7-8 Forks, Corks and Kegs Food and Wine Festival Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876