Bon Homme Yankton Electric May 2018 Vol. 19 No. 1
Energy Upgrades for a Happier Home Page 8
New Appliance Purchasing Tips Page 12
MANAGER’S COLUMN
Safety Above All Else “Safety” is a universal word that is mentioned often and used loosely. Communities large and small as well as companies across all industries are committed to safety. Sports leagues, at every level, take safety seriously. Unfortunately, when it really counts, steps to keep the public, workers, athletes and loved ones safe are often ignored in the interest of expediency or convenience.
Stephanie Horst horst@byelectric.com
However, safety is a serious issue, especially when it comes to electrical safety. For, Bon Homme Yankton Electric, it’s the number one priority. This is not empty talk. Over time, Bon Homme Yankton Electric has created a culture of safety by putting our employees’ safety and that of the community above all else. At its essence, Bon Homme Yankton Electric mission is to provide safe, affordable and reliable electricity to its member-owners. At the end of the day, we strive to deliver affordable and reliable electricity to our member-owners, but equally important, we want to return our workers home safely to their loved ones. To do this requires ongoing focus, dedication and vigilance.
Following leading national safety standards
Because we live and work in the community we serve, we care about our neighbors.
Working with electricity is an inherently dangerous job, especially for lineworkers. Bon Homme Yankton Electric has a safety team whose focus is keeping employees and the community safe around electricity. We established and follow safety protocols based on leading national safety practices for the utility industry. We require our lineworkers to wear specialized equipment when working next to or with power lines. There are specific protocols that our lineworkers follow when dealing with electricity. Our safety team has regular meetings where they discuss upcoming projects from a safety perspective. They monitor and track near-misses of accidents in order to understand them, share “lessons learned” and improve in the future.
Keeping the community safe Because we live and work in the community we serve, we care about our neighbors. Bon Homme Yankton Electric conducts electrical safety demonstrations in schools and for community events. May is National Electrical Safety Month. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, each year thousands of people in the United States are critically injured and electrocuted as a result of electrical fires, accidents and electrocution in their own homes. Many of these accidents are preventable. There is much you can do to keep yourself and your community safe around electricity. Don’t attempt electrical DIY projects or overload your outlets. Report downed power lines, unlocked substations or padmount transformers that look amiss. Contact Bon Homme Yankton Electric for additional electrical safety tips. If you would like us to provide a safety demonstration at your school or community event, please contact Member Service Advisor Bob Felber. Be mindful when it comes to electrical safety. Pause and take the extra time to plug into safety.
2
Cooperative Connections | May 2018
Bon Homme Yankton Electric
(USPS No. 018-973)
Bon Homme Yankton Elecric Assocation, Inc PO Box 158 134 S Lidice St Tabor, SD 57063 Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm To report an outage call: Local call from Tabor, Tyndall and Yankton: 605-463-2507 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.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Scholarship Winners Michael Sees was selected to receive $1,000 scholarship sponsored by Basin Electric and Ashley Lacey and Cody Fischer were selected for $500 scholarships sponsored by Bon Homme Yankton Electric. The scholarship program is designed to encourage and recognize the achievements of the children of our cooperative members. Michael will graduate this spring from Irene-Wakonda High School. He has achieved a 4.0 GPA and is ranked first in his class. Michael will attend South Dakota State University this fall and plans to major in medical laboratory science. He is the son of Mike and Kris Sees of Irene, SD.
Michael Sees
Ashley is currently attending South Dakota State University. She will be a junior this fall and is majoring in pharmacy with a minor in Spanish. She has been on the Dean’s list all three semesters. Ashley is the daughter of Chad and Fonda Lacey of Yankton, SD. Cody will be a 2018 graduate of TrippDelmont High School. Cody jump-started his plan of becoming a deputy sheriff by being elected Police Chief at Boys State and attending the South Dakota Highway Patrol Youth Trooper Academy. He will be attending Southeast Technical Institute this fall studying law enforcement science. He is the son of Dennis and Sherry Fischer of Tripp, SD.
Ashley Lacey
After independently judging the scholarships, Mt. Marty’s Sr. Margo Tschetter said, “Thank you for sharing these with me. I had a hard time picking just three applications. We have some very special young people in our area.”
Cody Fischer
Congratulations to these outstanding students on their awards.
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. May 2018 | Cooperative Connections
3
SAFETY TIPS
Fly Drones Safely Drones are unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that are increasingly being used recreationally and professionally. As a result, there is an increasing need to ensure these craft are flown safely and within regulations. Keep drones away from overhead power lines. If a drone flies into a power line, it could cause power outages. It could also result in downed lines, which pose a dangerous electrical safety hazard. The falling debris could also endanger public safety. Touching a downed line or anything it has fallen on, like a fence or a tree limb, could get you injured or even killed. Stay away and instruct others to do the same. If you come across downed power lines, call 911 to notify emergency personnel and the utility immediately. Follow federal guidelines for registering your drone or getting business approval, and be aware of and abide by community and state-specific legislation. Also, keep these FAA safety guidelines in mind: Before flying the drone, check it for damage. Have a damaged drone repaired before use. Never fly drones higher than 400 feet. Do not fly the drone beyond your line of sight. Do not fly near airports, manned aircraft, stadiums or people. Do not fly for commercial purposes, unless specifically authorized by the FAA. Do not fly in bad weather conditions, such as low visibility or high winds. Never fly your drone recklessly. You could be fined for endangering people or other aircraft. Source: safeelectricity.org 4
Cooperative Connections | May 2018
This month, we encourage all members to take extra time to plug into safety.
#ElectricalSafetyMonth
KIDS CORNER SAFETY POSTER “If a power line is touching a car, stay in the car or jump out!” JaeShawnia Iron Hawk, Second-grader at Dupree Public School
JaeShawnia is the daughter of Lindsey Flying By, Dupree, S.D. She is a member of Moreau-Grand Electric Cooperative, Timber Lake, 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.
RECIPES
Comforting Casseroles Quesadilla Casserole 1 lb. ground beef
2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tsp. ground cumin
2 (8 oz. each) cans tomato sauce
1 tsp. garlic, minced
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 (8-3/4 oz.) can whole kernel corn, undrained 1 (4-1/2 oz.) can chopped green chiles, undrained
1/2 tsp. oregano leaves 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Brown beef and onion in large skillet on medium-high heat; drain. Add tomato sauce, beans, corn and green chiles; mix well. Stir in all seasonings. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes. Spread 1/2 cup of the beef mixture on bottom of 9x13-inch baking dish sprayed with no stick cooking spray. Top with 3 of the tortillas, overlapping as needed. Layer with 1/2 of the remaining beef mixture and 1/2 of the cheese. Repeat with remaining tortillas, beef mixture and cheese. Bake at 350째F. for 15 minutes or until heated through. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Makes 8 servings. Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 391, Total Fat 19g, Sodium 950mg, Cholesterol 63mg, Carbohydrates 31g, Protein 24g, Dietary Fiber 4g Pictured, Cooperative Connections
Chicken Crescent Casserole 4 cups cubed cooked chicken or turkey 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 can cream of celery soup 1 (8 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts, drained 1 (4 oz.) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained 2/3 cup mayonnaise
4 cups chopped fresh cauliflower 1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup sour cream 2 cups cubed cooked ham
1/3 cup flour
1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms, drained
2 cups milk
Topping:
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup soft bread crumbs 1 T. butter, melted
In a large saucepan, cover cauliflower with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, in another large saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and sour cream until melted. Drain cauliflower. In large bowl, combine cauliflower, ham and mushrooms. Add cheese sauce and toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 2-quart baking dish. Combine topping ingredients; sprinkle over casserole. Bake, uncovered, at 350째F. for 40 to 45 minutes. Rebecca Hauser, Tripp, S.D.
1/2 cup chopped celery 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup sour cream 1 (8 oz.) can refrigerated crescent rolls 6 oz. shredded Swiss or American cheese 2 to 4 T. butter, melted
In a large saucepan, combine first 9 ingredients. Cook over medium heat until hot and bubbly. Pour into an ungreased 12x8-inch baking dish. Place rolls on top of hot chicken mixture. Combine cheese and butter; spread over rolls. Bake at 350째F. for 20 to 25 minutes or until crust is deep golden brown. Variation: Substitute 4 cups of imitation crabmeat for the chicken or turkey and 1 can cream of shrimp soup in place of the cream of chicken soup. Mary Crane, Mitchell, S.D.
Jalapeno Tater Tot Casserole 1 (2 lb.) bag tater tots
2 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese, softened
Ham and Cauliflower Casserole
Photo courtesy: McCormick
1 cup sour cream 2 cups Mexican Cheddar jack shredded cheese, divided
1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled 6 jalapeno peppers, deseeded and diced 6 green onions, thinly sliced
Line a casserole dish with tater tots. Bake at 425째F. for 15 minutes. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup Cheddar jack cheese, bacon (reserve some for topping), diced jalapeno peppers and sliced onions (save a few for the top). Stir to thoroughly combine ingredients. Spread the jalapeno mixture over the tater tots. Top with remaining cup of cheese. Sprinkle with reserved bacon pieces and onion. Bake for 20 minutes. Serves 12. Sandi Litschewski, Spearfish, S.D.
Please send your favorite dairy, dessert and salad 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 2018. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name. 5 May 2018 | Cooperative Connections
CO-OP NEWS
Director Petition Deadline June 28 Bon Homme Yankton Electric is making plans for its annual meeting. The meeting will be held August 28, 2018 in the Beseda Hall in Tabor.
appropriate district in Bon Homme Yankton Electric’s service area. Petitioners must reside in the district and have an active membership in the cooperative.
Director positions with three year terms expiring this year are districts three and five.
The petitions are available in the main office and must be filed at the Bon Homme Yankton Electric office by 4:30p.m. June 28, 2018.
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
R61 MONROE
R60 EMANUAL
R59
R58
WASHINGTON
SCOTLAND
R57 ODESSA
R56 JAMESVILLE
R55
R54
MAYFIELD
TURKEY VALLEY
T96
T95
AVON
JEFFERSON
FRANKLIN
ALBION
JACKSON
CLEVELAND
LINCOLN
TABOR
T94
T93
T92
HANCOCK
SPRINGFIELD
BON HOMME
LITTLE TABOR
LESTERVILLE
NORTH ZISKOV
SOUTH ZISKOV
CENTRAL
WALSHTOWN
NORTH UTICA
NORTH MISSION HILL
SOUTH UTICA SOUTH MISSION HILL
MARINDAHL
VOLIN
GAYVILLE
RUNNING WATER
Contact General Manager Stephanie Horst for more information regarding the responsibilities and qualifications for being a cooperative director.
There’s Still Time to Send Your Kids to North Dakota Teens from all over South Dakota will join together this summer for the Youth Excursion to North Dakota on July 23-26, 2018. 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 4, 2018. Three people will be chosen to attend the 2018 Youth Excursion.
2018 Youth Excursion Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________City:_______________________ State:______ Zip:___________ Phone Number:_________________________ Email: _________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian’s Names: ______________________________________________________________________________________ School: ____________________________________________________ Year in School in 2017-2018 School Year: _____________ Male or Female: ________________________________________________________ T-shirt Size: ____________________________ Return this form by May 4, 2018 to: Bob Felber – bfelber@byelectric.com
Bon Homme Yankton Electric PO Box 158, Tabor, South Dakota 57063 605-463-2507 6
Cooperative Connections | May 2018
CO-OP NEWS
Capital Credit Allocation Notices Q&A In order to share more detailed information regarding the members’ capital credit accounts, full page allocation notices will be sent out again this year instead of postcards. This notice indicates your share of the margins from previous years of electric energy sales.
What are capital credits? Bon Homme Yankton Electric is a non-profit, member owned cooperative. This doesn’t mean there are no profits earned, but that any profits or margins that are generated are split amongst the members based on how much they spent on electricity for the year that is being allocated.
I have several accounts, why do I only receive one notice? Even if you pay a bill for several locations, you have just one membership with the cooperative and will just receive one official allocation notice. If you would like more detailed information, contact our office.
When do you issue refunds? In the past, capital credit refunds have been issued approximately every other year using a first in first out method. The 2017 refund included allocations from 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000. Depending on the financial condition of the cooperative, the next refund will start with the remainder of 1997 but has not been scheduled at this time.
What happens if a member moves? Members cannot claim the balance of their account when they leave our system. As long as we have their current address, we will continue to send them their refund checks on our regular refund schedule. Several checks go unclaimed because we are unable to locate previous members.
Do members have to pay taxes on their capital credit allocation? It is not required that capital credit allocations be reported to the IRS at the time it is allocated. When the capital credits are refunded, the refund is only considered taxable income in relation to the same portion of the electric bill that was claimed as a business or farm expense in the year that it was originally allocated. Most members either report the allocation or the refund as taxable income for their farm, but you should not report both--just be consistent. If you always report the allocation but have already filed your taxes, you may save this notice for your 2018 taxes. For more information, members should contact their tax preparer. Contact the office if you have any questions regarding capital credits. The actual notice will differ than the sample below because the new notices have not been printed as of the publishing deadline. You will not get a notice unless you purchased electricity in 2016 or 2017. Contact Bon Homme Yankton Electric If: You have a new mailing address You have a new name You have a joint membership and you have gotten divorced A member has passed away Your business or organization is no longer in existence Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Inc. PO Box 158 Tabor, SD 57063-0158 605-463-2507 www.byelectric.com by@byelectric.com
Upon the death of a member, the bylaws allow the capital credit account to be refunded at a discounted amount up to the date of death. 30 days need to pass after the date of death and an application has to be made, reviewed by our attorney and approved by the board. Once a member with an active electric account passes away and there is not a spouse to take over the account, the account needs to be transferred to a responsible party. A deceased person is not eligible to be a member of the cooperative and will no longer accrue capital credits after the date of death.
PO BOX TABOR SD
57063-
Current Allocation
Total Allocation
You are part owner of Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Inc. and one way your ownership is reflected is through capital credits or patronage capital--your share of what's left over after the cooperative pays all its expenses. This capital is held for a time and then refunded using a first-in-first-out method.
KWH Usage
Patronage
1993
0
$0.00
$65.93
$0.00
$65.93
1994
0
$0.00
$73.08
$0.00
$73.08
1995
0
$0.00
$67.46
$0.00
$67.46
1996
0
$0.00
$75.99
$0.00
$75.99
1997
0
$1,448.77
$55.72
$0.00
$55.72
1998
0
$1,385.29
$34.00
$0.00
1999
0
$1,472.32
$36.67
$0.00
$36.67
2000
23,600
$1,505.66
$222.57
$0.00
$222.57
2001
24,200
$1,603.21
$216.42
$0.00
$216.42
2002
26,300
$1,660.57
$156.04
$0.00
$156.04
2003
23,800
$1,581.05
$112.59
$0.00
$112.59
2004
23,491
$1,618.58
$136.95
$0.00
$136.95
2005
25,358
$1,705.60
$141.96
$0.00
$141.96
2006
25,363
$1,690.82
$181.60
$0.00
$181.60
2007
24,696
$1,629.17
$101.68
$0.00
$101.68
2008
55,334
$3,004.93
$441.71
$0.00
$441.71
* You have a joint membership and you have gotten divorced
2009
94,969
$5,266.02
$703.52
$0.00
$703.52
* A member has passed away
2010
62,584
$4,098.43
$404.09
$0.00
$404.09
2011
50,712
$3,704.24
$20.36
$321.04
$341.40
* Your business or organization is no longer in existence
2012
36,895
$3,208.30
$0.00
$38.42
$38.42
$3,248.34
$359.46
$3,607.80
Total Capital Credit Allocation
Previous Allocation
9999999
$359.46
This is NOT a bill. Do NOT pay. Do NOT deduct this amount from any energy payments.
CAPITAL CREDIT ALLOCATION NOTICE YEAR
3/26/2014
Current Allocation:
DOE, JOHN
The Affidavit of Address form as well as a list of members with outstanding or unclaimed checks are available at www.byelectric. coop.
What if a member passes away?
Notice Date: Account Number:
$34.00
The allocation of the current year margins are delayed due to the margin stabilization plan. This means that margins for the balance of 2012 and all of 2013 have yet to be added to your account. For any questions about tax issues in regards to capital credit allocations or refunds, contact your tax preparer.
Contact our office if: * You have a new mailing address * You have a new name
* You have any other questions regarding this notice or anything else about your cooperative Remember: We can't send out your future refund checks if we don't know your current mailing address!
* KWH and Patronage were not available for all years. * Capital credits have been refunded up through 1992. Amounts are held until a check is at least $5.00 for active accounts and $10.00 for inactive accounts. * Patronage figures do not include sales tax or penalties. * The figures from multiple accounts are added together as a total for the membership.
See the May issue of the Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections for more information about capital credits!
SAVE THIS NOTICE FOR YOUR RECORDS
May 2018 | Cooperative Connections
7
YOUR HOME
Boosting attic insulation is one way to cut energy bills.
ENERGY UPGRADES FOR A HAPPIER HOME Boost Your Home’s Comfort And Cut Energy Use Diane Veto Parham Contributing Writer
Imagine your house is not just the place you sleep, eat and store your stuff, but more like a part of your family, with its own unique needs. Ignore those needs and both you and your home suffer the consequences. But, pay closer attention, and you can find ways to enjoy a more pleasant – and efficient – living environment. “It’s amazing how much comfort you can provide by spending a few dollars,” says Brian Sloboda, program manager for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Arlington, Va., “You’re going to increase your quality of life.” Knowing what your house needs is job one. Your heating-and-air system, your appliances, your insulation and even your lightbulbs can affect not only how your home is behaving, but also how much you’re paying to keep it all running. Need some ideas to get started? Here are seven smart ways to invest in a comfortable and energy-efficient house.
1. Get a professional home-energy audit Cost: About $250 to $650. Benefit: Making recommended improvements can cut energy use 10 percent to 40 percent. DIY potential: None; use a certified professional. A whole-house energy audit will take a few hours and evaluate household energy use, how the heating-and-air system is functioning and whether there’s adequate insulation. Using diagnostic 8 Cooperative Connections | May 2018
tools like a blower door and a thermal imaging camera, an auditor tests for leaks in ductwork and around windows and doors, plus other problems with the home’s “envelope” – essentially, the parts of the house that separate its insulated, air-conditioned interior from unconditioned spaces like attics and crawlspaces.
2. Seal your house Cost: Ranges from a few dollars for weather stripping and caulk to thousands of dollars for whole-house weatherization. Benefit: Annual energy savings of 10 percent to 20 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. DIY potential: You can do simple tasks; professionals should handle large-scale insulation or ductwork improvements “Make sure your house is well insulated and well sealed,” says Alan Shedd, director of energy solutions for Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. A handy do-it-yourselfer can tackle simple sealing tasks. Feel for drafts or look for cracks and gaps around windows and doors, around electrical outlets and light fixtures, where pipes and wires penetrate walls, floors or ceilings, around fireplaces and where ceilings meet walls. Basic DIY materials like weather-stripping tape, tubes of caulk and spray foam are available at home-improvement stores. If you invested in a professional home-energy audit, you know exactly where air is leaking and what repairs are needed. For fixes outside your skill set – for example, adding insulation or repairing leaky ductwork – ask your co-op for a list of certified contractors or visit Building Performance Institute’s website.
YOUR HOME 3. Replace your HVAC system Cost: Ranges from a few thousand dollars for a single-zone, minisplit system up to tens of thousands to install a geothermal system. Benefit: Upgrading to ENERGY STAR®-certified heating and cooling equipment can deliver annual energy-bill savings of 10 percent to 30 percent, according to the Department of Energy; geothermal systems can cut energy use for heating and cooling by 25 percent to 50 percent. DIY potential: You’ll need a trained professional to properly size and install a system for your needs. Heating and cooling account for about half of typical household energy costs. Minimize those expenses by upgrading to a more efficient system when your current unit ages out. Expect an HVAC system to last, on average, about 10 to 12 years. Air-source heat pumps, which draw heat from the air and move it indoors or outdoors as needed, provide efficient heating and cooling from a single unit. Ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps are the most efficient, albeit more expensive, heating-andcooling option. Drawing heat from stable ground temperatures rather than fluctuating air temperatures, geothermal heat pumps use about 25 percent to 50 percent less electricity than conventional HVAC systems. Geothermal is “the gold standard” for peak efficiency in heating and cooling, Shedd says, where the property can accommodate an extensive vertical or horizontal underground-loop system. For any heating-and-cooling system, proper installation is essential to reap full benefits of energy-efficient performance. A certified HVAC contractor will do a load calculation to determine what size HVAC unit is right for your house and whether any special adjustments are necessary for your location.
4. Modernize major appliances Cost: Hundreds of dollars for major appliances; zero dollars for unplugging energy hogs that are not in use. Benefit: Save anywhere from a few dollars up to hundreds of dollars a year. DIY potential: You’ll need a professional to install some appliances, but you can unplug small appliances around the house in minutes. Among your appliances, the two biggest energy users are water heaters and refrigerators, which are nearly always on duty. After that, you might be surprised by another energy hog: consumer electronics. “The fastest-growing user of electricity in your house is all the things you plug in,” Shedd says.
5. Boost your attic insulation Cost: National averages range from $1,300 to $2,000, depending on home location, attic size and type of insulation. Benefit: Reduce your energy bills by keeping heated and cooled air in your living space. DIY potential: Handy homeowners can add insulation with
proper tools, safety gear and precautions, but it’s a job best left to professionals. It’s all about the R-value. That’s the number assigned to insulating materials based on how well they resist the transfer of heat. Higher numbers mean more resistance to heat flow and more effective insulation. For attics, recommended R-values range from 30 in warmer climates to 60 in colder regions. To learn what’s recommended for your climate zone, consult the R-values map at www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_sealing.hm_improvement_insulation_table. Older homes are more likely to lack enough attic insulation for peak efficiency, because “energy-efficiency standards keep going up and getting higher,” Shedd says. “Thirty years ago, R-19 was standard practice.” What you spend to upgrade your attic insulation will depend on multiple variables, including the type of insulation – for example, fiberglass or cellulose, batts or loose fill – as well as the size of the attic space and the contractor’s labor costs.
6. Switch to efficient light bulbs Cost: A few dollars per bulb . Benefit: Save about $50 per year by replacing 15 traditional incandescent bulbs with more efficient energy-saving light bulbs. DIY potential: You can handle this. You’re going to change your light bulbs sooner or later. When you do, why not invest in bulbs that will save energy and create the lighting environment you want in your home? When you’re shopping, pay attention to lumens – the brightness of the bulb – rather than watts, which indicate how much energy it uses. Packaging often refers to the wattage a new bulb can replace – for example, an energy-saving 800-lumen bulb can replace a 60-watt bulb. Look at the lighting-facts label for details about the bulb’s lumens, estimated yearly energy cost and lifespan and the lighting color. ENERGY STAR®-certified bulbs can deliver the brightness you want while using 70 percent to 90 percent less energy.
7. Install smart thermostats Cost: Products range from about $170 to $250. Benefit: Manufacturers estimate annual savings of 9 percent to 23 percent on heating and cooling costs. DIY potential: Video and written instructions can guide you through installation and Wi-Fi set-up. Early versions of programmable thermostats were hailed as tools that would help homeowners save energy and money and increase home comfort, all by tailoring thermostat settings to daytime, nighttime, weekend and vacation schedules. And they did – but only for those who bothered to manually program them. Thanks to the internet connection and remote-control options, smart thermostats are ideal for use in electric cooperative load-control programs. Across the country, cooperatives are testing new programs that use this technology to help members save energy and help co-ops reduce demand. May 2018 | Cooperative Connections
9
CO-OP NEWS
CLASSIFIEDS June Issue Deadline: May 1, 2018. 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 Gary at 605-463-2209 or Ron at 605-463-2256. 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. FOR RENT: Tabor Self Storage. Call 605-660-0274 or 605-6603497. FREE PIANO: Blond upright piano. Very good condition. You haul. Call 605-665-2267.
WELCOME MEMBERS Mission Hill Karen Smith
Tabor Street Lights Ugraded to LED Electrician Wes Kloucek recently worked on the street lights in the Town of Tabor converting them to LED fixtures. The new lights will use less electricity and have fewer maintenance issues. We have been gradually changing out the security lights in the country to the new LED fixtures as they come up for maintenance or repair and have received positive reviews on the quality of the light. Members may rent a light that goes through the regular meter for $5.00 per month. If the kwh usage for the light cannot go through the meter, the rental rate is $10.00 per month. If a transformer needs to be installed just for the light, there is an additional charge of $2.00 per month. The cooperative performs all maintenance at no charge and retains ownership of the rented lights. Contact the office if you have any questions about security lights at 605-463-2507. Hooking up the power to the new LED light fixture.
Scotland Christopher Cable-Cheval Tabor Robert L Jenkinson Estate Garrison Brockberg & Bailey L Matthews Tyndall Jennifer Boska Yankton Adrienne Dyslin Brandon Kneifl Heather Wynn Sarah J Knuteson Michael P Welsh William & Nancy Cameron Karlee Kozak Justin Frick
10
Electrician Wes Kloucek removing the old mercury vapor light.
LED street and security lights are available to rent or own.
Cooperative Connections | May 2018
MARKETPLACE HEATING & COOLING
2401 Broadway Suite #3 Yankton, SD 57078
60 5- 665- 9 4 61 800-491-9461
Warm Air, Air to Air, Geothermal Heat Pumps
GT Repair & Autobody Glenn Tycz Tyndall, SD 57066
605-589-3018 Marine Boat Repair Aluminum & Fiberglass We Repair and Install Windshields
BOHEMIAN FARMERS R. Martin Koch, Secretary PO Box 206 Tabor, SD 57063
Koranda Well Company LLC Tabor, SD 57063
605-463-2244 Well drilling, repairing and cleaning Water Systems – Artesian Wells Sales and Installation Earth-Coupled Heat Pump
Emergency Service Free Estimates
MUTUAL
605-463-2558 605-589-3572
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.
Sanders Heating & Cooling 300 W 17th Tyndall, SD 57066
Yankton, Tabor, Tyndall, Menno
605-665-9679
Preplanning will give you peace of mind and may save money
605-589-3228 1-800-894-3228 Furnaces, Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners Free Estimates
K CONSTRUCTION AND PAINTING New Construction Remodel - Roofing Flooring
Jason Finck Tabor, SD 57063
605-660-3204 May 2018 | Cooperative Connections
11
YOUR HOME
Make, Model, Capacity, Oh My! Tips for Purchasing New Appliances
Understanding the ENERGYGUIDE Label The ENERGYGUIDE label is a great tool that helps consumers compare the energy use and costs of new appliances. Use the sample below to better understand how to use the information found on the label.
By Paul Wesslund NRECA Contributing Writer
The No. 1 problem for homeowners is trying to determine which of the things actually presents value. The Sloboda family needed a new refrigerator so Brian volunteered to do the shopping. After all, he’s a national expert on electric appliances. He came home frustrated. There were just too many choices, even for the guy whose job title is program and product line manager for energy utilization, delivery, and energy efficiency at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Arlington, Va. “Just buy whatever you want,” he told his wife, Sami Jo. He finally got to use his in-depth knowledge when he looked over the model that Sami Jo brought home. “Why didn’t you get the version that has a camera inside, so you can use your smartphone in the grocery store to see if we need more milk?” he asked. “Because it costs $500 more,” she said. That, said Brian, was a good reason. That’s the kind of reasoning we’re all going to be doing in the coming months and years as we grapple with the newest trend in appliances – connection to the internet. “The No. 1 problem for homeowners is trying to determine which of the things 12
Lists key features of the appliance and the similar models that make up the cost range below.
The cost range helps you compare the energy use of different models by showing you the range of operating costs for models with similar features.
An estimate of how much electricity the appliance uses in a year based on typical use. Multiply this by your local electricity rate on your utility bill to better judge what your actual operating cost might be.
The make, model and size tell you exactly what product this label describes.
What you might pay to run the appliance for one year, based on its electricity use and the national average cost of energy. The cost appears on labels for all models and brands so you can compare energy use.
If you see the ENERGY STAR logo, it means the product is better for the environment because it uses less electricity than standard models.
Source: Federal Trade Commission
actually presents value,” says Sloboda. For example, when you’re on vacation you can use your smartphone to check whether you’ve left the oven on or the garage door open.
“There are infinite possibilities,” says Sloboda. “They sound nice when you first hear about them, but you have to remember you are paying more for those features.”
Sounds nice, but is it worth it?
Web-connected appliances could also offer online diagnostics. There might not be strong everyday reasons for a washing machine to be hooked into cyberspace, but
“There’s a Crock Pot® app,” he says. “Does that have value to you? It might if you use a Crock Pot® a lot.”
Cooperative Connections | May 2018
Home owners have a wide array of choices when it comes time to upgrade major energy-using appliances. if it broke, the manufacturer could log in to figure out what’s wrong. That could help decide the best way to repair or replace the equipment. But is it worth the extra cost? “It’s a good feature,” says Sloboda, “but one you’re only going to use when the appliance breaks.” If you’re longing for lower-tech help in decision-making, look to the yellow and black U.S. Department of Energy’s EnergyGuide label on each appliance. “It’s one of the single greatest pieces of information that you can find when you buy an appliance,” says Sloboda. He says the most useful info is the big dollar figure right in the middle of the label, showing what it will cost to use that appliance for a year. Sloboda cautions that the number doesn’t tell you exactly what you will pay because it doesn’t use your local utility’s kilowatt hour rate. But it’s a perfect way to compare appliances because every appliance’s label is based on the same national average electric rate. “You can stand in that aisle looking at all the washing machines and you can scan the entire row and narrow your options down from a dozen,” says Sloboda, “down to the three or four that use the least amount of money.”
Taking charge of your appliances Other especially useful parts of the label, he says, include the lower right corner – if you see an ENERGY STAR® logo it means the appliance will use less energy than one without. He also singles out the upper right corner that lists the manufacturer
and model number, which you can use for more detailed comparisons with other models. Sloboda also advises to pay attention to the age of your major energy-using appliances. In addition to dramatic energy efficiency advances over the past several years, motors start degrading in refrigerators and in heating and air conditioning systems. He says to consider upgrading air conditioners and heat pumps older than 10 years and refrigerators older than eight years.
Pay attention to the age of your major energyusing appliances. The Department of Energy offers a handy way to check whether it’s time to replace your refrigerator: visit the EnergyStar.gov website and in the search box, type “flip your fridge calculator.” You’ll find a link to a page where you can enter your type of refrigerator and its age to calculate how much you’d save buying a new one. All these options mean more decisions for consumers. But help is on the way. Sloboda says that electric co-ops are working with two national laboratories to study the most useful ways to connect appliances with the internet and with the utilities that provide the electricity. He says that over the next two years the study will report on how consumers can more easily make decisions on how to use appliances and even how to enhance cybersecurity for the growing number of internet-connected
devices in the home. Sloboda says the aim of the study is “to understand what the value of internet-connected devices is to the consumer. Then the manufacturers can start to build products that the consumer wants.” The study will also look for futuristic-sounding ways that co-op members can sign up for optional utility programs to help homeowners decide how they want to use electricity. “The appliances would be networked together and they would talk to one another,” says Sloboda. “In a very advanced scenario, the home could actually reconfigure the way appliances are being used depending on occupancy of the home at the moment and the weather conditions.” That setup could even let homeowners decide if they are a person who wants to save as much energy and money as possible or if they would rather the house be warmer or cooler. “They won’t have to figure out if they want to set the thermostat back,” says Sloboda. “The homeowner would tell the system whether they wanted to maximize comfort or maximize savings, then the home would communicate to the utility. That way it won’t be the utility controlling the system, it won’t be the appliance manufacturer, but it will be the occupant of the house who is making the decisions.” Paul Wesslund writes on cooperative issues 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.
May 2018 | Cooperative Connections
13
YOUR HOME
Installing fiberglass batting should be done wearing gloves and a mask.
WHAT’S IN YOUR ATTIC? Diane Veto Parham Contributing Writer
Spray-in foam insulation is a no-brainer for new construction.
A peek in most attics will reveal the tried-and true materials commonly used to insulate homes: fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or spray-foam insulation. Regardless of type, the keys to effective insulation are the same – getting the right R-value for your home’s insulation, proper installation and air sealing. Fiberglass: This is the insulation that looks like cotton candy, commonly seen in long strips – called batts or rolls – between wall studs and ceiling joists. It might be pink, white or yellow, and it also comes in a loose-fill form, often blown into attic spaces. Made of tiny glass fibers, it can be uncomfortable to touch; wear gloves and a mask while handling it. Cellulose: Grayish in color, cellulose is a loose-fill insulation that can be blown in between attic joists. It chemically is treated to be resistant to moisture, fire, insects and nesting rodents. Over time, it can settle, reducing its insulation value and requiring an additional layer to bring it back to the recommended R-value for your home. Mineral wool: Like fiberglass, this comes in batts, rolls or loose-fill forms. It’s made from natural and recycled materials and often appears greenish-brown in color. Spray-in foam: More expensive than other types of insulation, spray-in foam is becoming a more common choice because it provides more insulation and better air sealing, Touchstone Energy®’s Alan Shedd says. Sprayed on the interior of your roof, it wraps the attic into your home’s envelope; if your HVAC unit is in the attic, it’s going to 14
Cooperative Connections | May 2018
operate more efficiently in that more temperate environment. “It’s more expensive than blowing in another six inches of fiberglass or cellulose, but it’s certainly worth getting prices,” Shedd says. “For new construction, it’s a no-brainer.” If you’re climbing up to look at what you’ve got, be sure to protect yourself. Bring a flashlight, so you can check your insulation in every nook and cranny and also see where you are stepping. Only walk where you are sure of secure footing, so you don’t drop through the ceiling below. Wear gloves, eye protection and a dust mask if you’ll be handling any insulation. Limit your time up there if temperatures are very hot or cold.
A Shopper’s Guide to Heat Pumps Baffled by the alphabet soup that greets you when you start looking at heat pumps? If an HVAC contractor starts spouting numbers for SEER, EER, HSPF and COP, just remember those terms are a handy shorthand for comparing the efficiency of one heat pump to another. A higher number indicates a more efficient system. That can save you money in energy costs over the life of the unit, but you may have to pay a little more for it up front. How ground-source heat pumps work SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This rates the cooling efficiency of an air-source heat pump. To earn ENERGY STAR certification, heat pumps must have a SEER of at least 15; mini-split SEER ratings can be in the 30s. You can buy less expensive, traditional models with a SEER of 13, the NRECA’s Brian Sloboda says. “The good news is, if you have an older unit, it’s probably below that, so the lowest amount you spend on a new unit will still save you money,” he says.
Geothermal heat pumps operate on the same heat-transfer principles seen in air-source heat pumps, but they use 25 to 50 percent less electricity than conventional HVAC systems.
COOLING MODE
How air-source heat pumps work By transferring heat between a house and outside air, these devices trim electricity use by as much as 30 to 40 percent in moderate climates.
SUMMER
H E AT I N G M O D E
Supply cooled air
Cooled air
Supply heated air
Warm air Return warm air
Return cool air
Thermostat
Outside air Warm air
H E AT D I S P E R S I O N
H E AT A B S O R P T I O N
SOURCE: WATERFURNACE
TYPES OF GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS There are four basic configurations for geothermal heat pump ground loops. One is an “open-loop system,” where ground water or well water is used. Three others are “closed-loop systems,” where a water and antifreeze solution is continually moved through pipes.
WINTER Heated air Cool air
Thermostat
Outside air O P E N - LO O P S YST E M
C LO S E D LO O P S YST E M
Cool air
Vertical
COMPRESSOR
Increases refrigerant pressure to accept the maximum heat from the air. OUTSIDE COIL C LO S E D - LO O P S YST E M
Pond or lake
C LO S E D LO O P S YST E M
Horizontal
EER: Energy SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY Efficiency Ratio. It’s not tied to seasonal performance, but it is a measure of cooling performance. You’ll find this on geothermal (ground-source) heat pumps, usually rated 18 and up. HSPF: Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. The flip side of SEER, this rates an air-source heat pump’s heating efficiency. Look for a rating of 8.2 or above for ENERGY STAR-certified models. COP: Coefficient of Performance. If you’re shopping for geothermal systems, watch for this measure of heating efficiency, and aim for a rating of 3.6 or higher for more efficient models.
Refrigerant moves through coils, absorbing heat from the outside air in winter or releasing heat to the outside air in summer. INSIDE COIL
Refrigerant moves through coils, absorbing heat from the inside air in summer or releasing heat to the inside air in winter. AIR HANDLER
Fan blows air over the inside coil and into a home’s ducts. R E V E R S I N G VA LV E
Switches the direction of the refrigerant flow, changing the heat pump’s output to hot or cold air (controlled by thermostat). SOURCE: NRECA
May 2018 | Cooperative Connections
15
April 25-29
Black Hills Film Festival, Hill City, SD, 605-574-9454
April 28-29
Bike Show, Ramkota Convention Center, Aberdeen, SD, 605-290-0908
May 4-6
Naja Shrine Circus, Rapid City, SD, 605-342-3402
May 5
May 10
Chris Young, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115
May 12
Art and Wine Festival, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979
May 13
1880 Train Mother’s Day Express, Hill City, SD, 605-574-2222
May 18
Turkey Races, Huron, SD, 605-352-0000
May 18-19
Sioux Empire Film Festival, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-6000
May 18-20
State Parks Open House and Free Fishing Weekend, Pierre, SD, 605-773-3391
May 18-20
Tesla Road Trip Rally, Custer, SD, 605-673-2244
May 19-20
Black Hills Mud Days, Lead, SD, 605-569-2871
May 19-20, May 26-27
Northeast Area Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing, Aberdeen, SD, 605-715-9580
Photo courtesy: travelsd.com
Frühlingsfest and Spring Market, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979
May 5, 19; June 2, 16; July 7, 21; Aug. 25; and Sept. 8
Lawn Mower (Points) Races, Pukwana, SD, 605-680-1718 or 605-682-9781 May 25-September 30
Legends in Light® Laser Light Show at Crazy Horse Memorial, Crazy Horse, SD, 605-673-4681
May 25-27
South Dakota Kayak Challenge, Yankton, SD, 605-864-9011
May 26-27
Annual SDRA Foothills Rodeo, Wessington Springs, SD, 605-770-4370
June 1-3
Fort Sisseton Historical Festival, Lake City, SD, 605-448-5474
June 1-3
Annual Black Hills Quilt Show & Sale, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115
June 1-3
Wheel Jam, Huron, SD, 605-353-7340
June 1-3
Fish Days, Lake Andes, SD, 605-487-7694
June 2
June 29
June 2
June 30
Kids’ Carnival, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979 Annual Casey Tibbs Match of Champions, Fort Pierre, SD, 605-494-1094
June 2-3
Spring Volksmarch at Crazy Horse Memorial, Crazy Horse, SD, 605-673-4681
June 7-9
Senior Games, Sioux Falls, SD, Contact Nicole Tietgen at 605-665-8222
June 8-9
Senior Games, Spearfish, SD, Contact Brett Rauterhaus at 605-772-1430
June 15-16
Czech Days, Tabor, SD, www.taborczechdays.com, taborczechdays@yahoo.com
June 21-23
Senior Games, Mitchell, SD, Contact Howard Bich at 605-491-0635
Naja Shrine Circus, Wall, SD, 605-342-3402 Naja Shrine Circus, Deadwood, SD, 605-342-3402
July 1
Naja Shrine Circus, Lemmon, SD, 605-342-3402
July 10-15
4th Annual 3 Wheeler Rally, Deadwood, SD, 605-717-7174, www.d3wr.com 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.