Bon Homme Yankton Electric February 2019 Vol. 19 No. 10
Commanding, Controlling Energy Savings Page 8
A Matter of Territorial Integrity Page 12
MANAGER’S COLUMN
You’re More Than a Customer:
You’re A Member Author Anthony J. D’Angelo observed that, “Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.” To a large degree, this reflects Bon Homme Yankton Electric’s philosophy toward our consumer-members and the broader service territory that we serve. As a cooperative, we have a different “bottom line.” While our priority is always to provide reliable and safe electricity, there is another equally important part of this equation. Your well-being and that of the larger community that we serve are of paramount concern. To us, you are not just a customer; you are a member of our co-op and without you, we would not exist.
Stephanie Horst horst@byelectric.com
Working together, we can accomplish great things for our community now and in the future.
In 1945, Bon Homme Yankton Electric was founded to fulfill a vital need in our community that would not have otherwise been met. Concerned local leaders came together to build this co-op and bring electricity where there was none. At that time, members of the community understood we were different because they likely knew someone who helped to create Bon Homme Yankton Electric. For most people, our founding and its circumstances have been long forgotten. Over time, folks in the community may have come to think of us as simply another energy provider. But we are not. We are a co-op that is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the communities we serve and we are able to do this because of members like you. Since our inception, we have sought feedback and engagement from you and that of the larger community to guide our long-term decisions. This is why we hold annual meetings and conduct surveys. We do this to engage with you and obtain your feedback. We strive to find new ways to help you use energy more efficiently. We’re always looking to explore more options that will help you manage your energy use such as our load management program and soon we will be launching a pre-pay program. In short, we are always seeking to keep pace with the changing energy environment, evolving technology and shifting consumer expectations. Bon Homme Yankton Electric members help guide important co-op decisions that improve and enrich the community. We value the perspective of our board members, who are members of the co-op and community – just like you. At the end of January, our board, management and employees will be having a strategic planning session. This session will develop key goals for Bon Homme Yankton Electric to meet to serve you better. Having a financially strong cooperative will ensure that we are able serve you better. Currently the office is working on 2018 year-end processes, which preliminary numbers show we ended the year financially healthy and our 2019 budget reflects we will only need a 3% rate increase to meet our lenders financial requirements. This rate increase will take effect in May. While the times may have changed, our mission and outlook have not. We view our role as a catalyst for good. Working together, we can accomplish great things for our community now and in the future.
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Cooperative Connections | February 2019
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.
SAFETY TRAINING
ALICE Training The December safety meeting presented by Kara Zomer, Travis Gause, Nathan Kloucek and Aaron Melichar included a tutorial by Bon Homme County Deputy Rich Sutera on the ALICE method of dealing with an active shooter or similar situation. There are many acronyms that can help you remember what to do in any emergency but Dep. Sutera said any procedure needs to be practiced on a regular basis just like CPR so you remember the procedures to follow in crisis mode. Dep. Sutera reviewed the widely accepted ALICE method. ALICE stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate. Alert-The first indication that something is wrong. Did you hear something like glass breaking or balloons popping? Do you smell gunpowder? Lockdown-If immediate evacuation is not an option, lock the doors and barricade the room. Dep. Sutera timed the group on building a furniture bridge as an obstacle from the door to a solid wall to prevent the door from being opened. He also recommended door stoppers for all rooms without locks which were manufactured by Aaron Melichar shortly after the meeting. Inform-Make announcements over the loudspeakers so everyone knows what’s happening. Don’t rely on secret codes as there may be customers on site that wouldn’t know what they mean. Counter-Assailants count on no resistance and take advantage of the close quarters
Deputy Rich Sutera presents the meaning of ALICE for active shooter training.
in a building. Use everyday handy objects to throw or use as a weapon to distract the perpetrator reducing the ability to shoot accurately. Even placing obstacles in a walking path can interrupt the thought process. These techniques can increase the number of seconds available for evacuation. Evacuate-Remove yourself from the danger zone as soon as it is safe. Break a window if necessary. Windows are less flexible in the corners and may break more easily if hit in those spots. If law enforcement is present, follow all directions to the letter. Even though we hope that this never happens in our area, the training the employees received could save lives.
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. February 2019 | Cooperative Connections
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SAFETY TIPS
Downed and Dangerous Downed power lines can be deadly. ALWAYS assume a downed power line is live and avoid going near it or anything in contact with it.
Use Precaution Downed power lines can energize the ground up to 35 feet away. If you see a downed power line, immediately notify local authorities. Never drive over downed power lines or through water that is in contact with them. Never try to move a downed power line. Even using items that typically are not conductive will not prevent injury or death.
Know What to Do
The safe way to move away from a downed power line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. If your car comes in contact with a downed power line while you are inside, stay in the car. Do not touch any part of the car’s frame or any other metal. Use a cell phone or honk your horn to summon help. Allow only rescue personnel to approach the car. If your car is in contact with a downed power line and you must exit due to fire or another imminent threat: Do not touch your vehicle and the ground at the same time with any part of your body or clothing. Open the door to your vehicle without touching the metal door frame. Jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and so both feet land at the same time. Shuffle away so that the toe of one foot shuffles forward along the length of the other foot, ensuring that both feet are in constant contact and always touching the ground. If someone comes in contact with a downed power line or something else that has become electrified, call 911 immediately. Never touch someone who has come in contact with a power line. They are energized and pose a danger to anyone who comes in contact with them. Remember power lines don’t have to fall in order to be dangerous. Always call 811 before you dig and keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet from overhead power lines. Source: esfi.org 4
Cooperative Connections | February 2019
Getting Involved The state legislatures of both Minnesota and South Dakota convened in early January. Need to contact your legislator while in Pierre or Saint Paul? Here’s how:
Contacting Members of South Dakota’s Legislature: Go to http://sdlegislature.gov/ From there, you can search your senator or representatives, see the committees which they are assigned and send them an email. Need to reach them by phone? You can call and leave a message with the Senate at 605-773-3821 or with the House of Representatives at 605-773-3851. You can also send a fax to 605-773-6806.
Contacting Minnesota Legislators: For contact information on Minnesota house members, visit:
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/hmem.asp For contact information on Minnesota senators, visit:
http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/index.php?ls=%20-%20 header
KIDS CORNER SAFETY POSTER “Don’t use electrical objects in the bathroom. It can kill you!” Gracie Biggins, 7 years old
Gracie is the daughter of Jessy and Katie Biggins, Gregory, S.D. They are members of Rosebud Electric Cooperative, Gregory.
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 Recipe and photo courtesy mccormick.com/recipes
Bountiful Brunch Slow Cooker Monkey Bread
Wake-up Casserole
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
8 frozen hash brown patties
7 eggs
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 (16.3 oz. each) cans flaky layers refrigerated biscuits, each biscuit cut into 6 pieces
4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1 T. ground cinnamon
Spray 6-quart slow cooker and outside of wide mouth glass jar with no stick cooking spray. Place glass jar in middle of slow cooker. Melt butter in small saucepan on medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir to combine; set aside. Place cinnamon and granulated sugar in large resealable plastic bag. Add biscuit pieces in batches and shake to coat. Place 1/2 of the biscuit pieces in slow cooker around glass jar. Pour 1/2 of the butter mixture over biscuit pieces. Place remaining coated biscuit pieces in slow cooker. Sprinkle with any remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture in bag. Pour remaining butter mixture evenly over top. Cover slow cooker with clean kitchen towel then with slow cooker lid to secure towel. Cook 1 hour on HIGH. Carefully remove slow cooker insert and rotate. (This allows monkey bread to cook evenly.) Cook 1 hour longer or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. With towel and lid still secure, remove slow cooker insert from heat. Let stand 10 minutes. Carefully remove glass jar. Invert monkey bread onto serving platter. Makes 18 servings. Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 302, Total Fat 14g, Saturated Fat 8g, Protein 3g, Cholesterol 27mg, Sodium 491mg, Carbohydrates 41g, Fiber 1g Pictured, Cooperative Connections
Oatmeal Pancakes 2 eggs, separated
1/3 cup flour
2 cups warm milk
2-1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 cups quick cooking oats
1 tsp. salt
1/3 cup oil or shortening Beat egg whites until stiff. In separate bowl, add warm milk to oatmeal; let set a few minutes. Add egg yolks. Mix in oil, flour sifted with baking powder and salt; mix well. Fold in whipped egg whites. Heat a nonstick griddle over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Spoon about 2-1/2 T. batter per pancake onto griddle. Turn pancakes over when tops are covered with bubbles; cook until bottoms are lightly browned. Elfrieda Postma, Sioux Falls, SD
2 cups cubed ham
1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. dry mustard powder
Place hash brown patties in a single layer in a greased 9x9-inch glass dish. Sprinkle with cheese and ham. In bowl, beat eggs, milk, salt and mustard together. Pour over ham and cheese. Cover and bake at 350°F. for 1 hour. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until edges are golden brown and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Makes 8 servings. Mary Jessen, Holabird, SD
Eggs Benedict Casserole 8 large eggs
into 1/2-inch pieces
3 cups milk, divided
6 English muffins, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 green onions, chopped 1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. salt
1 (.9 ounce) pkg. hollandaise sauce mix
3/4 lb. Canadian bacon, cut
1/4 cup butter
Spray 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Whisk eggs, 2 cups milk, green onions, onion powder and salt together in a large bowl until well mixed. Layer half the Canadian bacon in prepared baking dish. Spread English muffins over meat and top with remaining Canadian bacon. Pour egg mixture over casserole. Cover baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Sprinkle casserole with paprika; cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 375°F. until eggs are nearly set, about 30 minutes; remove foil. Continue baking until eggs are completely set, about 15 more minutes. Whisk hollandaise sauce mix with 1 cup milk in a saucepan. Add butter and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low, simmer and stir until thickened, about 1 minute. Drizzle sauce over casserole. Cortney Reedy, Tea, SD
Please send your favorite seafood, appetizer, beverage or casserole 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 2019. All entries must include your name, mailing address, phone number and co-op name.
February 2019 | Cooperative Connections
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YOUTH PROGRAMS
WELCOME MEMBERS Lesterville Seth Fuhrer Mission Hill Jacob Hacecky Scotland Tim & Heidi Sternhagen TS Farm LLC Tyndall Kevin Stepka Yankton Ashley Dimmer Lisa J Daugherty Sarah Weberg Jacob Drotzman Donald Crump Samantha Ekeren Randall Oligmueller Ariel Gray Brittnee Curtis Maria Guitron
2019-2020 Scholarships Bon Homme Yankton Electric is now taking applications for one $1,000 and two $500 academic scholarships for the 2019-2020 school year. The Basin Electric Power Cooperative Scholarship is in its 29th consecutive year and is funded by Basin Electric Power Cooperative of Bismarck, ND.
Deadline: February 15, 2019, 4:30pm
Bon Homme Yankton Electric is offering the additional $500 scholarships. These scholarships are designed to recognize and encourage the academic and community achievements of the students in our area. Applicants must be a dependent of an active electric member and must be students enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate or graduate course of study at an accredited, two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school. For more information and for a scholarship application form, contact Bon Homme Yankton Electric, your school’s guidance counselor or visit our website: www.byelectric.coop. Applications must be returned to Bon Homme Yankton Electric, PO Box 158, Tabor, SD 57063 by 4:30pm, February 15, 2018.
Applications Online at www.byelectric.coop
Applications available at your school's guidance office
For More Information Call: 605-463-2507
Mail Complete Application And All Supporting Documentation To: Bon Homme Yankton Electric PO Box 158 Tabor, SD 57063 Contact Member Service Advisor Bob Felber for more information at 605-463-2507 or email: bfelber@byelectric.com
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Cooperative Connections | February 2019
CO-OP NEWS
Third Party Controllers for Irrigation Systems: Putting Control Into Your Hands Irrigators now have the opportunity to regulate their system controllers with third party load control equipment and will receive an incentive if they choose to do so. In fact, Bon Homme Yankton Electric is offering a rebate even if the equipment was purchased in past years. This is to encourage irrigators to switch away from old technology and use technology they might already have installed but are underusing.
How does it work? The third party equipment replaces Bon Homme Yankton Electric’s current load control receiver. The third party equipment is sold directly to the user or grower and is installed and maintained by the dealer. The grower purchases the equipment and installs an app on their mobile device which allows remote access to their irrigation controllers.
the grower will be subject to pay the higher demand charge if they override the control any time during the month. The user that purchases the third party equipment or signs up for the load control program if they already have the equipment will receive a onetime $750 rebate per system from Bon Homme Yankton Electric.
Who do I contact for more information? To receive additional information, please contact Member Service Advisor Bob Felber at 605-4632507. He will provide information in regards to the program and will be able to direct you to the dealers that sell and install the third party controllers.
The third party load control equipment is enhanced with technology that allows the grower to have several options and additional information to run their system to their specific needs. The grower has the opportunity to opt-out or override a controlling period, but by doing so, SOLAR STATS Month
December
Solar Production
280 KWH
Solar used by office
280/100%
Solar put back on grid
0/0%
Main office KWH used
8,280
From grid
8,000
From solar
280
Solar % of KWH used Max solar production/day
3.4% 14 KWH February 2019 | Cooperative Connections
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YOUR HOME
Your HVAC system could learn your schedule and regulate heating and cooling for your comfort based upon when you are home.
COMMAND, CONTROL AND ENERGY SAVINGS Co-op Members Can Benefit from Technology Derrill Holly NRECA
Artificial intelligence is changing the way we live and that has the potential to bring major changes to the way we use energy.
Smart home automation, with a utility connection, allows folks from all income levels to become more energy efficient to varying degrees. Using a platform to further tie together appliances and loads, consumers can pick and choose their preferred efficiency routes depending on their lifestyle and budgets.
Turning Words to Actions According to the Consumer Technology Association, about 5.5 million Wi-Fi-enabled devices are added to the internet each year and by 2020, the total is expected to surpass 21 billion. That has designers and manufacturers of consumer products looking for new ways to add value to their products with Wi-Fi enabled features. 8
Cooperative Connections | February 2019
More than 5.5 million Wi-Fi-enabled devices are added to the internet each year. By 2020, the total is expected to surpass 21 billion.
YOUR HOME
As artificial intelligence devices create opportunities for home automation, consumers will play larger roles in deciding how and when systems in their home are controlled. Smart thermostats have been around for a while and models that interconnect with home automation systems, like Amazon’s Echo, the Wyse Hub and Google Home, get a lot of attention. Apps developed for those products are also available for both Android and iPhone. Many electric cooperatives are offering discounted smart thermostats to not only encourage member savings, but also help manage peak energy demand.
Changing Sources, Changing Needs As the energy sources we use to generate power evolve and management of the electric grid becomes more agile and sophisticated, the true potential of energy load control provides opportunities for more savings through wholesale power supply. That’s challenging electric co-ops to find additional ways to strengthen partnerships with consumer-members who are more interested than ever in actively managing their energy use. Two-way, real-time communications and artificial intelligence offer opportunities to learn consumer preferences and how best to reduce energy during peak demand periods.
New All-Electric Homes Home automation controllers and smart phone apps are producing an endless string of new commands daily and while
many may not work seamlessly, they are likely to continue to improve.
about when their water is heated as long as it is available on demand.
“We could soon see serial commands allowing your appliances to interact with other devices,” said Keith Dennis, senior director of strategic initiatives for the
“Manufacturers and vendors are actually building shared access and control into these systems with utilities,” said Dennis. “The most successful models in the end will work seamlessly with the co-op to provide value to the member and not necessarily something that is directly managed by the member.”
An all-electric home with energy efficient products and automation features could enhance a consumers’ experience. National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), who cited household systems including heat pumps and heat pump water heaters as examples. “Your HVAC system could learn your schedule and regulate heating and cooling for your comfort based upon when you are home,” said Dennis. “Instead of maintaining a steady supply of hot water when no one is home to use it, water could be heated during periods when demand is lowest and electricity costs less and then boosted to ideal temperatures to meet specific needs like bathing, laundry or washing dishes.” Many electric co-ops have supported water heater load control programs for decades. Consumers are not overly concerned
According to Dennis, new induction stovetops, energy efficient convection ovens and some countertop appliances offer more opportunities for efficiency in the kitchen – and the common trait of these efficient products is that they are all electric. An all-electric home with energy efficient products and automation features could enhance a consumers’ experience. While consumers are not expected to quickly embrace many of these new options until they reach the “plug-andplay” level of convenience, smart appliances and home automation systems could within a few years lead to rebates and other incentives designed to encourage electric co-op members to retire older appliances to enhance their home’s energy efficiency. Derrill Holly writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation’s landscape.
WiFi-enabled kitchen countertop appliances are already available and manufacturers are introducing refrigerators and stoves to the marketplace in 2019. February 2019 | Cooperative Connections
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CO-OP NEWS
CLASSIFIEDS March Issue Deadline: February 1, 2019. 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.
Appliance Rebates Member rebates are available from Bon Homme Yankton Electric for the purchase of qualifying Energy Star® appliances to replace existing appliances. The following rebates are available and are subject to change at any time: Washing Machine $50 Clothes Dryer $50 Dishwasher $50 Refrigerator $100 Freezer $100 The new appliances must be replacing existing appliances and the member must
FOR RENT: Tabor Self Storage. Call 605-660-0274 or 605-6603497. Tabor Beseda Club History Books For Sale-Now Reduced Price! Cost $15.00 plus $4.00 S&H. Mail check to: Tabor Beseda Club, C/O Loretta Kortan, PO Box 271, Tabor, SD 57063.
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Cooperative Connections | February 2019
supply proof of disposal for replacement refrigerator rebates. The appliance must have the Energy Star® designation to qualify. Even if the appliance is considered energy efficient, it will not qualify without the designation. Products marked with Energy Star® Partner also do not meet the requirement as that particular model may not be designated. Contact Bon Homme Yankton Electric for the rebate form or for additional information.
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
K CONSTRUCTION AND PAINTING New Construction Remodel - Roofing Flooring
Jason Finck Tabor, SD 57063
605-589-3228 1-800-894-3228 Furnaces, Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners Free Estimates
Feel the power of data in your hands with SmartHub mobile and web apps. SmartHub allows you to view your usage data and manage your account right from your mobile device in a secure environment. Go to www.byelectric.coop and follow the link to the SmartHub site or download the free app on Google Play or iTunes.
605-660-3204 February 2019 | Cooperative Connections
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TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY
During the 2019 South Dakota legislative session, electric cooperatives are seeking fairness in territory integrity.
CO-OPS SEEK TERRITORY INTEGRITY Fairness Sought When Government Takes Over Brenda Kleinjan and Jocelyn Romey editor@sdrea.coop
As the 2019 South Dakota legislative session hits full stride this month, South Dakota electric cooperatives are seeking a fix to a decades-old issue: territory integrity.
The issue has been an ongoing one. It comes to a head periodically when municipal governments take over the territories of cooperatives or investor-owned utilities. For cooperatives, these are areas where the co-ops have served for decades and have incorporated into long-range planning.
What are the issues? There are two sets of rules that govern changes in South Dakota electric service territory. By law, electric cooperatives and investor-owned utilities (IOU) must collaborate and agree upon changes in service territory between the two. Municipal governments, on the other hand, have the authority to expand their electric service boundaries and take territory from incumbent electric providers. These 12
Cooperative Connections | February 2019
differences in the rules favor government-taking of private enterprise. Electric cooperatives have built the infrastructure needed to serve all areas of their territories. When municipal utilities take away the electric service areas of those co-ops, the infrastructure, including generation, transmission, substations and distribution assets, that has been put into place to serve the load becomes useless. The municipal-taking of incumbent utility territory also greatly limits the incumbent’s ability to plan for the future in areas neighboring a municipal utility because the territory is so easily seized by the local government. Ultimately, South Dakota’s consumers are the ones being hurt when the service areas of electric cooperatives are reduced. The left-behind cooperative members bear a greater share of the fixed operating costs, increasing their electric bill. There are fewer members to cover infrastructure and generation costs when a territory is reduced in size. This is especially detrimental to affordability for the members of not-for-profit electric cooperatives.
TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY Why now? This is an ongoing issue that has never been resolved. Yes, there have been a few amendments made to the law over the years. These amendments have attempted to provide compensation for seized electric service territory. However, the compensation formula doesn’t work. Additionally, the efforts of electric cooperatives to work collaboratively with municipals in resolving this issue have been consistently rebuffed, co-op leaders say. “Applying the same rules to all electric utilities operating in the state will NOT impede municipal annexations. It will force municipal governments to engage in the same conversations about fairness and equity that an investor-owned utility and a cooperative must consider when making individual customer exchanges or making permanent changes to the boundaries,” said Ed Anderson, general manager of the South Dakota Rural Electric Association.
Territorial Integrity is Essential Current System is Flawed: Munis can. We can’t.
Municipal utilities can take utility service territory. Rural electrics and IOUs can’t.
Government Takeover of Private Property.
Munis can annex and extend service with no negotiations or PUC oversight. Selective “taking” of prime territory. Cooperatives are ready to serve and can offer highly competitive rates.
Negative Impacts on Utilities, Consumers and Economic Development.
Upsets long-term planning and duplicates services. Reduces growth opportunities and ability to spread costs to a greater number of consumers – it impacts the entire membership. Hinders economic development.
Solution: PROTECT assigned service territories RETAIN privately negotiated agreements with Public Utilities Commission approval NO RESTRICTIONS on annexation
South Dakota Laws on Electric Service Territory Boundaries The original law passed in 1975 established the purchase price for electric facilities in areas annexed by municipalities. The law gave the city 90 days following annexation to offer to purchase the facilities and services rights. The portion of the formula that covers the purchase of wires and poles has not changed over the years. What has changed is the compensation for service rights portion of the formula. As initially placed in statute, the purchasing municipal electric system had to pay 25 percent of gross receipts from power sales to consumers within the annexed area for a period of five years at the municipal utility rate. The 1975 law, which was very similar to laws passed in many states at roughly the same time, was designed to protect consumers from the costs and confusion associated with rapid growth and duplication of services associated with that growth. Since then, few states have opened this essential service to full competition and industrial customers, not the average residential or small business customer, have benefited from those changes. South Dakota chose to address the specific needs of large industrial customers by making those loads competitive. The 1992 amendment changed that part of the formula to: 25 percent of gross receipts from power sales to consumers within the annexed area for a period of seven years at the incumbent utility rate and extended the time given to the municipality to decide whether they want to purchase from 90 days to one year. The 2009 amendment changed that part of the formula to: as compensation for service rights, an annual amount equal to the sum of 25 percent of the gross revenues received from power sales to consumers of electric power within the annexed area. The obligation of the annexing municipality to compensate the utility for service rights shall continue for 11 years from the date of the offer to purchase by the annexing municipality. During the 11-year period, compensation for service rights to any one customer location within the annexed area shall be paid by the annexing municipality for a period of seven years or until the expiration of the 11-year period, whichever is less. Gross revenues received shall be determined by applying the rate in effect by the municipality at the time of purchase. So, the latest amendment extended the overall window from seven to 11 but retained the seven-year cap per customer and went back to the muni rate at the time of purchase. February 2019 | Cooperative Connections
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TEEN NEWS
The BIG Idea Competition first-place winners Avery Weinheimer and Kendra Kleven of Sully Buttes hold a check for their winning idea of Helping Hearts Delivery Service. They are joined by competition sponsors and their advisor for a photo. From left: Troy McQuillen, McQuillen Creative Group; Dr. Tim Mantz, Northern State University; Ashley Hansen, Sanford Health; Vicki Lentz, Sully Buttes advisor; Brady Carda, Sanford Health; Andrew Miller, Presentation College; Kelly Weaver, BIG Idea Committee; and Nathan Gellhaus, Angelhaus.
BIG IDEAS COMPETE 35 Schools Showcase Entrepreneurial Spirit Kelly Weaver kelly@growsd.org
An idea for a grocery delivery service for the elderly was the winning idea among 244 entries in the 2018 BIG Idea Competition. Sully Buttes High School students Kendra Kleven and Avery Weinheimer took first-place in the competition with their Helping Hearts Delivery Service, which aims to deliver groceries weekly and bring hot meals five-days-a-week to the elderly of Onida, S.D. Their prizes included a $1,000 cash prize, a $1,000 scholarship to Northern State University, a $1,000 scholarship to Presentation College and a $1,000 scholarship to the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Their idea also took the top place in the Wellness Category sponsored by Sanford Health, garnering the team an additional $500 in prize money. Forty-three teams competed in the Wellness Category. The BIG Idea Competition aims to promote entrepreneurship, spur creative thinking and encourage students to start a business. The competition is coordinated by the Small Business Development Center in Aberdeen, S.D.
Second place went to Butterstick, by Jade Parkin of Rapid City Stevens High School, which is a product where butter will conveniently be stored and ready for use in all situations and for all ages. Second place prizes include $500 cash, a $500 Presentation College scholarship and a $500 NSU scholarship. The $250 third-place prize went to The ’Wich Doctor by Hattie Muellenbach of Milbank High School, which is a food truck specializing in gourmet sandwiches. The other finalists included Watertown Community Tutor Center by DeLaney Anderson of Henry High School; Stoltenberg Fencing by Christine Stoltenberg of Northwestern High School; Best-a-Essay by Aiden Boerger of Milbank High School; New Outlook by Brianna Jorgenson of Florence High School; and Maria’s Boarding and Grooming by Maria Jenkins of Leola High School. 14
Cooperative Connections | February 2019
The 2018 BIG Idea winning idea involved a grocery and meal delivery program.
The Marketing Design competition is an option for students to create an ad for their business idea. The $500 cash award was sponsored by McQuillen Creative Group and 52 entries were judged in this category. The winner was Houghtaling Ultrasound by Danielle Houghtaling of Doland High School, which addresses the need for ultrasound services in the state of South Dakota for the sheep and goat industries. Houghtaling Ultrasound was also the winner of the newly sponsored $500 cash prize of the Food Animal Agriculture award. The category prize is sponsored by Midwest Ag Supply and 33 entries were in this category. The final event required finalists to make a six minute presentation on their idea for the three final judges – Chad Evans of Centennial Homes, Paul McDonald of Dacotah Bank and Rod Tobin of Siegel Barnett and Schutz. Students also heard from business owners Blain Mikkonen of Grain Designs, Carl Pochop of Colorful Creations and AJ Hoffman of SoDak Sports. They spoke about all aspects of being an entrepreneur. Each panelist shared their achievements and struggles in starting and owning their own business and offered advice for those who might one day want to turn their BIG Idea into reality. This year’s BIG Idea competition also included an honorable mention award
The BIG Idea Competition aims to promote entrepreneurship, spur creative thinking and encourage students to start a business. for those applicants who scored within 10 percent of the finalists. There were 59 honorable mention idea entries and three honorable mention marketing designs. In addition to the schools listed above, students from the following high schools also participated: Bowdle, Brandon Valley, Brookings, Colman-Egan, Custer, Eagle Butte, Edmunds Central, Eureka, Groton, Harrisburg, Hoven, Lead-Deadwood, Lemmon, Lennox, Madison, Miller, Montrose, Parker, Pierre T.F. Riggs, Redfield, Vermillion, Warner, Watertown, Waverly/South Shore, Wessington Springs, West Central and Yankton. For the first time, the BIG Idea Competition was able offer an award for teachers. The new prize, the Partners in Business Award, is sponsored by Angelhaus to
reward the networking and mentorship experiences teachers have incorporated into their classroom. This year’s recipients of the Partners in Business award are Vicki Lentz of Sully Buttes High School, Jerry Janisch of Milbank High School and Katrina Boyum of Florence High School. For the second year in a row, CREATE sponsored a Makerspace consultation prize. The drawing includes four consultations, a year of makerspace management software and a final report with a blueprint for starting a makerspace. The winning school was Florence High School. Sponsors for the 2018 competition included Sanford Health, East River Electric Power Cooperative, REED Fund, Dacotah Bank, Midwest Ag Supply, First Bank and Trust, NSU, Presentation College, Aberdeen Development Corporation, McQuillen Creative Group, Northwestern Energy, Angelhaus, CREATE, Midcontinent Communications and the Tom and Danielle Aman Foundation. The Competition is a result of the input and collaboration of many organizations including: Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen Downtown Association, Aberdeen Catholic School System and Aberdeen School District. For more information about the competition, see www.BIGIdeaSD.com.
2018 BIG Idea Finalists were, sitting from left, Hattie Muellenbach, Milbank; Avery Weinheimer and Kendra Kleven, Sully Buttes (First Place and Wellness Winners); Jade Parkin, Rapid City Stevens (Second Place); Danielle Houghtaling, Doland High School (Marketing Design and Food Animal Agriculture Winner). Standing are, from left: Christine Stoltenberg, Northwestern; Aiden Boerger, Milbank; Maria Jenkins, Leola; DeLaney Anderson, Henry; and Brianna Jorgenson, Florence. February 2019 | Cooperative Connections
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DATELINE
January 17
Community Club Annual Banquet, Dinner catered by The Knotty Pine Supper Club, Entertainment by Comedian Scott Novotny, Elkton, SD Tickets 605-542-2681
December 15-March 31:
South Dakota snowmobile trails season, Lead, SD, 605-584-3896
January 18-19
Media One Funski, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-339-0000
January 18-19
Photo courtesy: travelsouthdakota.com
Winter Show, Sisseton, SD, 605-698-7261
January 18-20
Winterfest, Lead, SD, 605-584-1100
January 25-26
Snowmobile Rally, Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876
January 25-26
Living History Fair, Lake Area Technical College, School children only on Friday, Open to public on Saturday, Watertown, SD, 605-881-1758
January 25-February 3
Annual Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo, Rapid City, SD, 605-355-3861
January 26
Sioux Empire on Tap, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7288
January 26-27
Dakota Territory Gun Show, National Field Archery Building, Yankton, SD, 605-665-4537
February 1-3
February 2-3
February 21-23
February 5-9
February 22-23
February 8-10
February 23
Dakota Territory Gun Show, Dakota Event Center, Aberdeen, SD, 701-336-7533 Winter Farm Show, Watertown, SD, 605-886-5814 Black Hills Sports Show & Outdoor Expo, Rapid City, SD, 605-939-1812
February 9-10
Dakota Territory Gun Show, Trophy Show – The Big One, Convention Center, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-630-2199
February 15-17
Annual Artists of the Plains Art Show and Sale, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-274-4007
11th Annual Winterfest of Wheels, Convention Center, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-231-3100
February 15-17
February 2
February 16-17
Lake Hendricks Fishing Derby, Hendricks, MN, 507-828-2113
Annual Frost Fest, Brookings, SD, 605-692-6125 Dakota Territory Gun Show, Ramkota River Centre, Pierre, SD, 605-280-2438
Sno Jam Comedy Festival, Sioux Falls, SD, siouxfallssno jamcomedyfest@gmail.com State Wrestling Tournaments, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111 Annual Outhouse Races and Chili Cook-off Contest, Nemo, SD, 605-578-2708
March 1-2
Mardi Gras Weekend, Main Street, Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876
March 9-10
2019 Gun Show, American Legion Hall, Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. MST, Philip, SD, 605-441-8466 or 605-441-1216
March 9-12
Summit League Basketball Championship, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7288
March 15-16
28 Below Fatbike Race, Lead, SD, 605-584-3435
March 23
Annual Ag Day at the Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-6000
March 29-30, April 5-6
Annual Schmeckfest, Freeman, SD, 605-925-4237
April 5-6
Forks, Corks and Kegs Food, Wine and Beer Festival, Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876 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.