APRIL 2017
VOL. 17 NO. 12
Working with
The Grain Page 8-9
Manager’s
Column
Lineworker Appreciation A solid investment in your electric co-op As a member of Bon Homme Yankton Electric, you make an investment in the co-op every time you pay your bill. This collective investment in the co-op benefits you and the community immediately and over time. So what exactly is this monthly investment, and how do you stephanie Horst benefit from it? General Manager The facility charge or access Bon Homme Yankton Electric fee is a monthly investment that helps your co-op cover the expenses of maintaining the overall electric system. Combatting cyber security threats and maintaining poles, wires, substations and co-op equipment takes strategic planning and significant resources. The facility charge essentially ensures that all equipment operates properly and staff is trained and ready so the lights turn on when you need them. Regardless of how much electricity a particular family uses, the cost of delivering power to that house is the same. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we believe the operational costs should be spread fairly and equitably across all of our members, regardless of the level of electricity use. That is why every member pays the facility charge each month to cover basic operational costs. All members are charged this amount for the cost of operation since all members benefit from the same service. In essence, this gives each co-op member an equal share in Bon Homme Yankton Electric’s operation. Your monthly investment ensures you have access to safe, reliable and affordable power when you need it. We appreciate and value the investment that you make in the co-op each month, and we strive to use that investment wisely for the benefit of all members of our community. If you have any question about the facility charge or any other aspect of our rates, please don't hesitate to contact the energy experts at Bon Homme Yankton Electric.
2 April 2017 • Cooperative ConneCtions
Lives on the line Every year, we take the time to thank our extraordinary lineworkers who dedicate their lives to keeping the lights on in our local communities. Six lineworkers, two electricians, a staking engineer and a meter/material man work together to maintain 1,309 miles of line in Bon Homme Yankton Electric’s service territory, and without them, our world would be dark. We depend on our entire staff to keep Bon Homme Yankton Electric running smoothly, but on April 10, 2017, we honor all lineworkers who often find themselves in dangerous and challenging situations, so our lives may be a little bit brighter and safer every day. These brave men and women repair damaged lines and maintain critical infrastructure for our communities. Without their hard work and commitment to the job, our co-op would not thrive. No matter the time––day or night, weekday or weekend––if the lights go out, so do they.
We hope you will join us in thanking the many lineworkers––both locally and around the world––that light our lives. Perhaps you have seen them raising their bucket trucks in howling winds and torrential rains, or in freezing, icy conditions. They work around the clock near high-voltage power lines until electricity is restored to every member in our co-op community. In addition to aiding members in our local service territory, lineworkers are always willing and eager to volunteer when a neighboring community, county or state is in need after a major outage occurs. Our lineworkers are brave, committed and critical to our success. We hope you will join us in thanking the many lineworkers––both locally and around the world– –that light our lives. Remember, your power works because they do! Use #ThankALineman on social media to show your support.
Co-op
news
211 Service Available for Yankton County (USPS No. 018-973)
Bon Homme Yankton Electric Assn, Inc. PO Box 158 134 S Lidice St Tabor, SD 57063 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.
Yankton County, SD – Yankton County Office of Emergency Management is partnering with the Helpline Center to notify the public of emergency management announcements in the Yankton County area using text messaging. The Helpline Center operates the 24/7 211 Helpline. To subscribe, text ‘YCOEM’ to 898211. Text ‘STOP’ to cancel at any time. Texts will be sent to those who subscribe to the service. In non-disaster times, texts will be sent about important emergency management announcements and disaster preparation activities. During times of disaster, the text messages will be utilized to keep the public informed of the current situation. “We are always looking for ways to improve communications with the public on emergency management,” said Paul Scherschligt, Yankton County Emergency Manager. “Almost everyone has a phone that can receive a text and this gives us another avenue we can reach people with important announcements
and critical alerts during disaster times.” The Helpline Center answers the 211 Helpline for Yankton County. 211 is an easy way to connect people who have simple questions or need serious help to find available resources. Anyone can use 211 to find quality information in a confidential and convenient way. The number operates 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and is a free service for individuals.
Classifieds May Issue Deadline: April 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 605660-0274 or 605-660-3497.r
Welcome new Members Lesterville Elizabeth Robinson Yankton Anthony Peterson & Josephine Traversie Todd Taggart & Susan Barrett Mark Binnebose Teresa Mcdermott Carlos F Palli
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.
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 • April 2017 3
Safety
Tips
Paying the Price of Power Theft It’s often an “invisible” crime. Someone illegally hooks into a power supply, hooks up a line that has been disconnected or tampers with a meter to avoid recording electricity usage. Legitimate electricity consumers do not engage in these behaviors, so the impact of electricity theft – including the danger – is often unrecognized. Power theft carries deadly risks. Many thieves pay for the power they steal with their lives. Electricity theft is not just dangerous for those who steal. If you are on the same power line as someone who steals electricity, you could pay the cost for their theft too. The power line could become overloaded with electric energy, which could harm your electronics and appliances that are designed to receive a certain, steady amount of electricity. Electricity theft makes power service less reliable and lower quality for paying customers. Electricity thieves may also unknowingly feed energy back into the power line. This is dangerous for linemen who may assume that the power line they are working on is de-energized. Safe Electricity reminds that everyone can help prevent and reduce power theft: • Notify your electric utility immediately if you know of an illegally connected consumer. • Do not cut the seal on your meter base or tamper with your own meter for any reason. • Apply for a legal connection if you do not have one. • Remain aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activities to your electric utility. Most electrical theft crimes occur through meter tampering, bypassing meters and tapping power lines. Other less frequent crimes include tapping into neighboring premises, using illegal lines after being disconnected, self-reconnection without consent and electrifying fences. Possessing fraudulent electricity bills is also a federal crime and is punishable by law. Everyone is affected by power theft and detecting and reporting illegal activity will help reduce the price paid. Source: safeelectricity.org 4 April 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
10th Annual National Safe Digging Month Always call 811 a few days before digging
April marks the 10th annual National Safe Digging Month, which reminds residents to always call 811 72 hours before any digging project. National Safe Digging Month is formally recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate and has traditionally earned the support from nearly every state governor across the country. When calling 811, homeowners and contractors are connected to the local one-call center, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of their intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, paint or both. Every six minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first calling 811. Striking a single line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. Installing a mailbox, building a deck and planting a tree or garden are all examples of digging projects that should only begin a few days after a call to 811. “As April marks the traditional start of digging season, we are using this month to strongly encourage individuals and companies to call 811 before they begin digging,” said Larry Janes, Executive Director of South Dakota One Call. “By calling 811 to have the underground utility lines in their area marked, homeowners and professionals are making an important decision that can help keep them and their communities safe and connected.”
Kids’ Corner Safety Poster “Never play by power lines.” Addison Hovorka, 9 years old
Addison is the daughter of Roger and Audra Hovorka, Tabor, S.D. They are members of Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Tabor, 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.
Reader
Recipes
Appetizers and Beverages Country Ham and Swiss Dip
Hot Cocoa Mix 1 large box instant dry milk 1 (16 oz.) box Nestles Quick
1 (6 oz.) jar of Coffee Mate 1 cup powdered sugar
Combine all ingredients and store in air-tight container. Add 1/4-cup mixture to 1 cup hot water. Top with marshmallows, if desired. Emily Luikens, Tea
Easy Sausage Appetizers 1 lb. sausage 2 cups baking mix
8 oz. shredded or grated sharp Cheddar cheese
Crumble uncooked sausage with cheese. Mix in baking mix. Shape into small balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet or parchment paper. Bake at 375°F. for 20 to 25 minutes until browned. Elaine Rowett, Sturgis
Holiday Punch 11 cups water, divided 2 cups sugar 1 (6 oz.) pkg. red gelatin
1 (46 oz.) can pineapple juice 2 tsp. almond extract
Boil together 2 cups water and sugar for 1 minute. Remove from stove and stir in gelatin. Pour into 5-quart plastic container. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well, cover and freeze. Three hours before serving, remove from freezer. When soft, break up with spoon and fluff with electric mixer. Clarice Roghair, Okaton
Texas Caviar 1 can shoepeg corn 1 can pinto beans 1 can black-eyed peas 1 small jar pimento 1 red pepper, chopped 1 green pepper, chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped
Cilantro, to taste 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup apple cider 1/2 cup olive oil 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper Scoop chips
1 cup milk 1 pkg. McCormick® Pork Gravy Mix 1 (8 oz.) container whipped cream cheese 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 T. yellow mustard
1 cup cubed ham 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese Pickle chips, optional Sliced baguette or crackers
Gradually stir milk into gravy mix with whisk in medium saucepan. Stirring frequently, cook on medium heat until gravy comes to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 1 minute. Stir in cream cheese, mayonnaise, mustard and ham. Spread mixture in glass pie plate sprayed with no stick cooking spray. Sprinkle with cheese. Top with pickles, if desired. Bake at 350°F. for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with sliced baguette or crackers. Makes 16 servings, 2 T. each. Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 95, Total Fat 7g, Saturated Fat 7g, Cholesterol 21mg, Sodium 323mg, Carbohydrates 4g, Dietary Fiber 0g, Protein 4g Pictured, Cooperative Connections
Dried Beef Log 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 T. prepared horseradish
1/3 cup chopped green olives 1-1/2 oz. dried beef, finely snipped Crackers
Blend cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and horseradish. Mix in olives. On waxed paper, shape mixture into 2 6-inch rolls. Wrap and chill several hours or overnight. Roll in snipped beef. Slice and serve with crackers. Tina Haug, Pierre
Tortilla Pinwheels 1 (8 oz.) container sour cream 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chili’s, drained 1 (4 oz.) can diced black olives 1 (2 oz.) can diced jalapeno’s
1 cup grated Cheddar cheese 1/2 cup chopped green onion Garlic salt to taste 8 to 10-inch tortilla shells Salsa, if desired for topping or dipping
Drain and rinse corn, beans, peas and pimento. Combine sugar, cider, oil, salt and pepper. Mix together all vegetables and marinate in dressing. Serve with chips.
Mix thoroughly all filling ingredients. Divide filling and spread evenly over tortilla shells. Roll up tortillas. Place on individual pieces of plastic wrap and roll tightly. Refrigerate overnight. Unwrap tortillas; cut in slices 3/4- to 1-inch thick. An electric knife works great for this. Lay pinwheels flat on plate to serve. Top each pinwheel with a small amount of salsa, if desired.
Brad James, Vermillion
Monica Johnson, Marion
Please send your favorite casserole, dairy or dessert 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 • April 2017 5
Co-op
news
ND Trip for Teens Teens from all over South Dakota will join together this summer for the Youth Excursion to North Dakota on July 2427, 2017. The students ride in a deluxe bus, stay on a college campus, eat healthy meals, enjoy social activities and tour the huge power generation facilities that provide electricity to Bon Homme Yankton Electric members. Best of all, Bon Homme Yankton Electric picks up the tab as part of our commitment to tomorrow’s co-op leaders. This is a chance to meet new people and learn how your power arrives through coal mining, electricity production and energy marketing. The students will also experience the Missouri River on the Lewis & Clark Riverboat! Each participant will also receive a free T-shirt commemorating the fun event. Applying is the easiest part. The Youth Excursion is available to current sophomores and juniors who are dependents of Bon Homme Yankton Electric members. Fill out the form below and send it to: Bon Homme Yankton Electric, PO Box 158, Tabor, SD 57063 by May 5, 2017. Three people will be randomly drawn to attend the 2017 Youth Excursion.
Registration Deadline: May 5, 2017 2 0 1 7 Yo u t h E x c u r s i o n Registration
Name: _______________________ Address: _____________________ _____________________________ E-mail Address: _______________ Parents/Guardian: ____________ _____________________________ Phone Number: _______________ School: ______________________ Circle: Sophomore Junior Circle: Male Female T-Shirt Size: ___ 6 April 2017 • Cooperative ConneCtions
Celebrating Dedicated Employees April 10, 2017 has been designated by the National Rural Electric Association as National Lineman Appreciation Day. We also like to celebrate April 26 which is Administrative Professionals Day. It is appropriate that we take a moment to recognize the people at Bon Homme Yankton Electric that are here to provide reliable, affordable power to our cooperative members and makes this cooperative a great place to spend a rewarding career. The power behind your power Thankfully, responding to outages is only an occasional undertaking in the day of the operations department. The majority of time is spent building, upgrading and maintaining the infrastructure. Linemen often work in brutal weather conditions to ensure we all have safe and reliable power. While linemen work in highly visible settings, there are many behind the scenes employees that also labor tirelessly to help keep the lights on with little or no public recognition or acknowledgement. Calling for energy efficiency The Member Services Advisor is available to answer questions regarding usage, rebates and energy efficiency programs. Electricians are on staff to perform wiring work for members in need of such services and assist with outages after working hours. Member contacts The billing department is probably the most under appreciated group as they have this bad habit of sending out
Office Department (years of service) L-R: Linda Schenkel (3), Teresa Holland (18), Kara Zomer (10), Linda Bares (14), Karla Kortan (38).
bills and taking your money each month. The bills are generated using the latest technology to assure accuracy. Rates are structured to be fair to all members and cover the costs plus a little extra to meet our financial obligations. Most people admit the benefits of electricity are so great; the cost is small in comparison. Non-profit profits The Accounting and Finance department is responsible for the financial well-being of Bon Homme Yankton Electric. It includes budgeting, human resources and accounting. While we are a member-owned cooperative and operate differently than investor-owned utilities, we are still a business. As such, the accounting department ensures that revenue collected from the membership exceeds our expenses. Skilled workforce While most employees arrive with a special level of education, all personnel strive to grow their knowledge within their job as well as being educated on national cooperative issues. Continual
learning and training for co-op employees is crucial to having a skilled workforce. Safety is our business An equally important area of focus is safety. Working with electricity is an inherently dangerous task, and investing in a culture of safety for all workers is a major priority. Staying in sync Many different people and departments work closely together to serve you because you, the member, are at the heart of everything we do. As a relatively small cooperative, each employee routinely goes above and beyond their scope of assigned tasks in order to respond to the needs of the members. It takes the dedicated commitment of every employee in this co-op, to deliver on the promise to provide safe, reliable and reasonably priced electricity. They deserve a great, big round of applause for the excellent work they do!
Member Service Advisor (years of service) far left: Bob Felber (32). Operations Department L-R: Travis Zomer (16), Bill Cap (24), Tyler Suess (6), Floyd Burbach (30), Joe Renner (23), Nathan Kloucek (4), Ken Carda (24), Gunnar Dally (4mos), Kevin Meyer (17), Wes Kloucek (1),Travis Gause (13). Cooperative ConneCtions • April 2017 7
Working with Wood Co-op Board Member Makes Handcrafted Creations
N
Ben Dunsmoor
orthern electric cooperative board president Mike McHugh finds inspiration for his woodworking projects in many places. If you step into his Brown County home, you’ll see some of those projects filling up many spaces. “I like to see pictures of something and then go build it,” McHugh said. Like the first table, he built out of a piece of wood known as ‘flame birch’ that now sits in the living room of his house just eight miles north of the Northern Electric Cooperative headquarters. McHugh, who also sits on the South Dakota Rural Electric Association board, crafted the table after seeing a picture of a similar one about eight years
8 April 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
ago. His wonder for the world of woodworking has continued to grow ever since he finished the piece. “After I quit farming, and semi-retired from farming, it was something to do,” McHugh said. McHugh took over the family farm after he graduated from college and cultivated crops and corralled cattle for several decades before he retired in 2000. He went to work for Wells Fargo following his time on the farm until he retired for good in 2014, which is when he really started kicking up dust in the woodshop he retrofit in the back of his old horse barn. “Really when I got started was in 4-H,” McHugh said.
McHugh made a few projects during his 4-H days as a kid on the farm after his dad purchased a piece of equipment called a Shopsmith, but in the past few years, McHugh has made everything from tables to bowls to the gavel he now uses to preside over monthly meetings at Northern Electric. “I’ll probably spend 15 to 18 hours a week (in the shop),” McHugh said about the time he spends on his various projects. But McHugh points out that his woodworking is different than a fulltime job because he can create the projects he wants to make when he wants to make them. Two years ago, he built a large entertainment center that now sits in the middle of his living room. He was shopping online with his wife, Mary, for a piece that would hold their flat-screen TV when they found one they liked but sticker shock deterred them from adding it to their cyber shopping cart. McHugh said he would build one instead. The McHughs ended up with a handcrafted oak ensemble that now supports their 60-inch flat screen. Woodworking in the Great Plains, however, can be difficult because there is often a lack of product to produce projects. “Trying to find the wood can be a challenge,” McHugh said. It’s why he keeps his eyes open as he travels for exotic slabs that he can craft. Last summer he built two coffee tables out of California redwood. He has two more unfinished pieces of redwood sitting in his shop ready to be turned into furniture. “It’s relaxing and it’s still challenging,” McHugh said. The fruits of most of McHugh’s labor have ended up in the homes of family and friends, but he’s running out of corners in his own home for new handcrafted pieces. He said he may try selling a few items at festivals and ‘arts in the park’-type events this summer, but he cautions that it’s not going to be a job; just something he likes to do. “It’s just the challenge of it that I enjoy.” Which is why he will continue to search for inspiration anywhere he can find it as he makes plans for future creations.
Left: Two tables McHugh made from California Redwood trees last summer. Opposite Page, Inset: Among McHugh’s creations are “crazy bowls.” Below: The first table Mike McHugh made from wood known as ‘flaming birch.’ Below: McHugh’s creativity is not limited to just his wood projects. Here, a repurposed baby stroller serves as a portable clamp cart.
Below: Mike McHugh works in his shop at his farm north of Bath, S.D. Opposite Page: An entertainment center McHugh built himself two years ago.
Left: A clock McHugh made out of a wood burl sits on a shelf of the hand-crafted entertainment center in McHugh’s living room.
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • April 2017 9
Co-op
news
Local Scholar Touchstone Energy Cooperative Bon Homme Yankton Electric along with KSFY are pleased to announce that Alyssa Iiams, a senior at Irene-Wakonda High School, was selected as a Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week. Alyssa's segment aired on KSFY the week of March 5-11. Alyssa has a 3.79 grade point average and is Alyssa receives $100 in honor of her achievements. L-R: Irene-Wakonda Guidance Counselor Cheryl Knudson, Alyssa Iiams, Bon Homme Yankton involved in many different activities including: cross country, cheerleading, One Act Play, vocal music, All Electric General Manager Stephanie Horst. State Delegate, All State Chorus Alternate and band. classroom and community. This program was founded on the Alyssa was nominated by Irene-Wakonda High School four pillars of Touchstone Energy: Integrity, Accountability, Guidance Counselor Cheryl Knudson. Innovation and a Commitment to Community. Touchstone Energy Cooperatives along with KSFY What does it take to be a Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Television have joined together to recognize the achievements Week? It’s not just about grades or athletic ability. It takes a of high school seniors throughout the region. “Touchstone well-rounded individual that excels in the classroom and the Energy Scholar of the Week” has been celebrating the community. achievements of high school seniors since 2002. Recipients Alyssa received $100 from Bon Homme Yankton Electric in are highly motivated high school seniors who excel in the recognition of her many accomplishments.
Are You Up For the Challenge? Become A Bon Homme Yankton Electric Director Bon Homme Yankton Electric is making plans for its annual meeting. The meeting will be held August 22, 2017 in the Beseda Hall in Tabor. Director positions with three year terms expiring this year are districts one, four and six. Any person wishing to run for a directorship of Bon Homme Yankton Electric will need to file a nominating petition. The petition must have at least 15 signatures of members living in the appropriate district in Bon Homme Yankton Electric’s service area. Petitioners must reside in the district and have an active membership in the cooperative. The petitions are available in the main office and must be filed at the Bon Homme Yankton Electric office by 4:30p.m. June 22, 2017. If you should decide to become a director, you should be aware of the responsibilities involved: 1. A director must be prepared to abide by and uphold the bylaws of the
R61 MONROE
R60 EMANUAL
R59
R58
WASHINGTON
SCOTLAND
cooperative. T96 2. Directors act as trustees for T95 the assets of the cooperative and protect its assets. T94 3. They formulate, approve and T93 review policies to provide T92 guidelines for the cooperative. 4. The board is responsible for sending representatives to the associations to which the cooperative is a member. 5. Directors are asked to lobby and remain informed on pertinent legislative issues. 6. A great deal of reading and studying as well as attending seminars is necessary to keep informed of current local and nationwide happenings and how they
1 0 April 2017 • Cooperative ConneCtions
AVON
JEFFERSON
HANCOCK
FRANKLIN
ALBION
SPRINGFIELD
JACKSON
CLEVELAND
BON HOMME
LINCOLN
TABOR
LITTLE TABOR
R57 ODESSA
LESTERVILLE
NORTH ZISKOV
SOUTH ZISKOV
R56 JAMESVILLE
R55
R54
MAYFIELD
TURKEY VALLEY
CENTRAL
WALSHTOWN
NORTH UTICA
NORTH MISSION HILL
SOUTH UTICA SOUTH MISSION HILL
MARINDAHL
VOLIN
GAYVILLE
RUNNING WATER
may affect the cooperative. 7. The board reviews financial reports, work plans, audits, approves purchases and evaluates the cooperative operations. 8. An important quality required of directors is responding to member’s concerns and questions. They need to be available to their constituents. 9. A good director must have a genuine spirit of wanting to help at all times.
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Private Generation Supporting cooperative members through a responsible approach to distributed generation What Is Private Generation?
Private generation (also known as distributed generation) is the generation of electric power from a energy source, such as wind or solar. Private generation systems are built at a member’s location and are designed to offset or supplement electricity generated by the local utility. A common form of private generation is the use of solar panels to generate electricity at a home. The electricity generated is typically used to satisfy a portion of a homeowner’s energy needs. If generation exceeds a home’s usage, the extra energy may be sold back to the electric cooperative at a prespecified rate. Adding private generation to the grid must be done in a responsible manner. In the view of electric cooperatives, regulatory requirements to interconnect private generation into the grid shouldn’t risk degrading electric reliability or safety and shouldn’t unfairly shift costs to the cooperative’s other members who do not receive any benefit from the addition of the privately-generated energy.
12 April 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
As interest in private generation rises, cooperatives continue assessing their rate structure to ensure those rates match the changing grid. For example, we must assess whether the rate the cooperative pays a member for excess privately-generated energy that flows back on the grid accurately reflects the value of that energy. If the rate paid for privately-generated energy is inflated, the cooperative’s other members are the ones who ultimately pay the price, resulting in a cost shift. We must work together as a cooperative family to integrate private generation sources onto the grid in a manner that won’t shift costs to members who won’t stand to benefit from those private energy sources. As a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative, our primary focus remains providing the reliable, affordable and safe energy that you need to power your home. Any margins (profits) are invested into the electric system or allocated to our member-owners in the form of capital credits.
Two member homes before private generation. Power costs are similar, fixed costs are shared equally.
Two member homes after private generation was installed in the form of solar panels. Power costs are reduced for the member with solar. Fixed costs are shifted unfairly to the member without private generation.
Co-ops Support Renewables
Electric cooperatives are committed to further diversifying their energy generation portfolio and are continuing to add more renewables to the mix. The amount of renewable energy added to the electric co-op power supply mix continues to rise.
If you have questions about whether private generation is worth the investment, contact your local electric cooperative to find out more.
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • April 2017 13
Co-op Careers Offer Paycheck and a Purpose
E By Justin LaBerge
vERy dAy in this COuntRy, mORE thAn 75,000 men and women go to work at America’s electric cooperatives to keep the lights on for 42 million energy consumers in 47 states. It’s challenging work, but in addition to a paycheck, co-op employees go home each night knowing they’ve helped make their communities better places to live. Over the next five years, thousands of workers will get to experience that sense of purpose and pride as America’s electric cooperatives hire nearly 15,000 employees nationwide. These new hires will replace Baby Boomers reaching retirement age and accommodate organic growth in the energy industry. Despite competitive wages, excellent benefits, job
14 April 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
stability and rewarding work, electric cooperatives and other energy companies often have a difficult time attracting new employees.
Many career options A line worker high atop a pole is the first image that comes to mind for most people who think about electric cooperative employees. It’s true that line workers comprise the largest segment of the co-op workforce – approximately 25 percent – but it takes a variety of talents to keep a cooperative running smoothly. Information technology and engineering are two rapidly growing career opportunities at co-ops. The need for more high-tech workers is driven by the shift to a smarter electric grid and the growth
of renewable energy sources that must be carefully monitored and managed. Other in-demand career paths at electric cooperatives include finance, member services, equipment operators, energy advisors, communications and marketing, purchasing, administrative support and human resources.
Hundreds of co-ops. One purpose. For people who enjoy the rural quality of life but want to explore other parts of the country, an electric cooperative career might be the perfect option. There are more than 900 electric cooperatives in the United States, and combined they serve 75 percent of the nation’s land mass. Co-op lines stretch across every region, climate and geographic feature America has to offer, and each cooperative reflects the character of the community it serves. No matter what living situation and work environment prospective employees might be seeking, they’re sure to find it somewhere in the electric cooperative network. Who says you can’t go home? Although the national statistics are impressive, it doesn’t mean much to a job seeker if his or her local co-op is fully staffed and doesn’t anticipate any openings in the near future. Many jobs – especially lineworkers, equipment operators and other similar roles – are available through regional and national contractors. These contractors are typically hired to supplement local utility crews to help build large projects or repair widespread storm damage. They move from project to project over time, offering employees a chance to see different parts of the country. They provide a great option for individuals who would like to join their hometown co-op when a position becomes available, but want to start working in the energy industry immediately. Second careers Some people think the only time to start a new career is fresh out of high school or college. While the energy industry offers many rewarding careers to recent grads, it is also a great place to start a second or third career. Lineworker training programs offered through community colleges are growing in popularity among people who previously worked in oil and gas, manufacturing, mining, forestry and other similar industries. Electric cooperatives are also eager to hire military veterans and their spouses. Last year, America’s electric cooperatives launched a program called “Serve Our Co-ops; Serve Our Country” to
honor and hire veterans and their spouses. More information about the program is available at www. ServeVets.coop.
Conclusion As not-for-profit, member-owned, locally based businesses, America’s electric cooperatives offer careers that allow employees to make a difference in the communities they serve. Cooperatives are guided by a set of principles that put people ahead of profits, and offer fulfilling work to those who enjoy serving others. To learn more about the opportunities available across the cooperative network, visit careers.touchstoneenergy.coop. Justin LaBerge writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • April 2017 15
Regional Dateline
Events of Special Note
December 15-March 31 South Dakota Snowmobile Trails Season, Lead, SD 605-584-3896
March 24-25, March 31-April 1 59th Annual Schmeckfest Freeman, SD, 605-925-4237 March 24-26 Black Hills Home Builders Home Show, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD blackhillshomebuilders.com March 25 SD All-State Band Concert, Lorang Theatre, Sioux Falls, SD March 25-26 SD State AAU Wrestling Tournament, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD 605-394-4115 March 28 Badlands Bad River Regional Job Fair and Business Expo School Fine Arts Building Philip, SD, 605-441-2059 March 30 I Love The ’90s Tour Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115 March 31-April 1 Holiday Arts Spring Craft Show, Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Masonic Temple, Mitchell, SD 605-248-2526
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHAD COPPESS, S.D. TOURISM
March 24 Mother King In Concert Spearfish, SD, 605-642-7973
April 26-29 Black Hills Film Festival Hill City, SD, 605-574-9454 May 19-20 Sioux Empire Film Festival 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.
March 31-April 2 Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough Series Sioux Falls, SD 605-367-7288 April 1 Spring Fling Home & Garden Show, Hot Springs, SD 605-745-4140
April 20 Peter Mawanga and the Amaravi Movement Spearfish, SD, 605-642-7973
May 6 FrĂźhlingsfest and Spring Market, Rapid City, SD 605-716-7979
April 22-23 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, Rapid City, SD 605-394-4101
May 12-14 Siouxpercon, Sioux Falls, SD www.siouxpercon.com
April 1 Lunafest Film Festival Custer, SD, 605-517-1664
April 28-May 7 The Last Five Years Community Theater, Mitchell, SD 605-996-9137
April 3-9 American Indian Awareness Week, Spearfish, SD 605-642-6578
April 30 Lorie Line in Concert at the Abbey, Marvin, SD 605-398-9200
April 7-8 Forks, Corks and Kegs Food and Wine Festival Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876
May 5-7 Naja Shrine Circus Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City, SD, 605-343-4076
April 8 Winefest Renaissance 2017 Aberdeen, SD, 605-225-8714
May 6 Cinco De Mayo Festival Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876
May 19 Tesla Car Rally, Custer, SD 605-673-2244 May 19-21 State Parks Open House and Free Fishing Weekend Pierre, SD, 605-773-3391 June 17-18 Coin and Stamp Show Fort Meade Gym, Sturgis, SD 605-381-4625 June 23 148th Annual Midsummer Festival, Dalesburg Lutheran Church, Vermillion, SD 605-253-2575