AUGUST 2014
VOL. 15 NO. 4
Bon Homme Yankton Electric 70th Annual Meeting Tuesday, August 19 Beseda Hall, Tabor, SD
Pork Loin Sandwiches Served from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Business Meeting 7:00pm Financial Report Director Election
Prize drawings after the meeting - You must be present to WIN!!
Don’t Forget Your Ticket!! Watch your mail the first part of August for your registration postcard! 2 August 2014 • Cooperative Connections
Board
Report
Union Contract Ratified (USPS No. 018-973)
Bon Homme Yankton Electric Assn, Inc. PO Box 158 134 S Lidice Tabor, SD 57063 Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30am to 4:30pm
To Report an Outage or For Internet Tech Support, Call: Local From Tabor, Tyndall and Yankton 605-463-2507 or Toll Free in South Dakota 1-800-925-2929 NOTICE: Electric bills must be paid by 10:00am on the 20th of each month to avoid a $10 late fee. Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections is published monthly by Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Inc., PO Box 158, 134 S. Lidice St., Tabor, SD 57063-0158 for its members. Families subscribe to Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections as part of their electric cooperative membership. Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connection’s purpose is to provide reliable, helpful information to electric cooperative members on matters pertaining to rural electrification and better rural living. Subscription information: Electric cooperative members devote $6.00 from their electric payments annually for a subscription. Nonmember subscriptions are available for $12 annually. Periodicals Postage Paid at Tabor, SD 57063 and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections, Bon Homme Yankton Electric, PO Box 158, Tabor, S.D. 57063 TELEPHONE (605)463-2507: FAX (605) 463-2419. Design assistance by TDG Communications, Deadwood, S.D.
The Board of Directors ratified the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers’ (IBEW) two year contract that was previously approved by the union employees. The approved pay adjustments will be implemented retroactively to the first of the year. Attorney Sheila Woodward is working on updating the personnel policies to adjust to the new schedule of employee benefits. Construction Work Plan Operations Manager Robert Ulmer reviewed the plan that indicates what line construction projects will be in play for the next four years. This document is the basis for the upcoming construction loan application to the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). Delegates Rick Koupal was selected to continue to represent Bon Homme Yankton Electric on the East River Electric board. Paul Voigt was selected as delegate and Matt Stone as the alternate to the East
Welcome New Members Avon Bartunek, Corey Springfield Coleman, Kathy Tabor Duvall, Jordan Lemon, Michael E & Cheryl R Tripp Guthmiller Farms Inc Knobe, M J Maag, Larry C Utica Heckenlaible, Cory Yankton Boettcher, Loran Carns, Roxanne Doerr, Bradley M & Debra J Hofer, Thomas Hunhoff, Brian Leesch, Carol Phillip J Spady Trust Portillo, Taylor
River Electric Annual Meeting. Sponsorship Request The board agreed to help sponsor the scoreboard at Leonard Cimpl baseball park in Tabor which is hosting the State Legion Baseball Tournament in July. Annual Meeting Plans are being firmed up for the upcoming annual meeting of the members in August. The board has asked management staff to give updates on the activities in their respective departments.
Thank You Note Thank you for your continued support of the South Dakota Farmers Union District I kids and staff. Please keep in mind our program next year. I would encourage the board to come and see it. Alvin J Novak Vice-President, District I, SDFU
Summer Safety
As kids—and adults—head outdoors for fun in the sun, make sure your loved ones know safety basics about taking cover during storms, and keeping water and electricity far away from each other. Play games and get tips here: www.kidsenergyzone.com Source: Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives
Cooperative Connections • August 2014 3
SafetyTips
Summer Weather Survival Help yourself and others avoid experiencing heat disorders by following these safety rules. • Avoid the Heat. Stay out of the heat and indoors as much as possible. Spend time in an air-conditioned space. Only two hours a day in an airconditioned space can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember, electric fans do not cool, they just blow hot air around. • Dress for the Heat. Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Lightweight, light-colored clothing that reflects heat and sunlight and helps maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF rating. • Drink FOR the Heat. Drink plenty of water and natural juices, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Even under moderately strenuous outdoor activity, the rate your body can absorb fluids is less than the rate it loses water due to perspiration. However, if you have epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease, are on fluid-restrictive diets or have a problem with fluid retention, you should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake. • Do not drink IN the Heat. Avoid alcoholic beverages and beverages with caffeine, such as coffee, tea and cola. Alcohol and caffeine constrict blood vessels near the skin reducing the amount of heat the body can release. Although beer and alcohol beverages appear to satisfy thirst, they actually cause further body dehydration. • Eat for the Heat. Eat small meals more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein because they increase metabolic heat. Avoid using salt tablets, unless directed to do so by a physician. • Living in the Heat. Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities such as running, biking and lawn care work when it heats up. The best times for such activities are during early morning and late evening hours. Take cool baths or showers and use cool, wet towels. • Learn the symptoms of heat disorders and know how to give first aid. • Do not leave children in a closed vehicle, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140°F to 190°F degrees within 30 minutes on a hot, sunny day. However, despite this common sense rule, deaths from heat occur almost every summer when someone leaves their child in a closed vehicle. • When outdoors, protect small children from the sun; their skin is sensitive. • Help your pets keep their cool. It will “feel” as hot for them as it will for you. As with children, do not leave your pets in a closed vehicle. Be sure your animals have access to shade and a water bowl full of cold, clean water. • Protect windows. Hang shades, draperies, awnings or louvers on windows that receive morning or afternoon sun. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat entering the house by as much as 80 percent. • Conserve electricity. During periods of extreme heat, people tend to use a lot more power for air conditioning, which can lead to a power shortage or outage. Vacuum air conditioner filters weekly during periods of high use. • Keep lights turned down or turned off. • Avoid using the oven. Source: noaa.gov 4 Aug ust 2014
•
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Kids’ Corner Safety Poster “Don’t climb trees near power lines and you will be safe“
Hannah Remacle, 4th grade Hannah is the daughter of John and Tammy Remacle, Canistota, S.D. They are members of Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Marion, S.D. Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). If your poster is published, you’ll receive a prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address and the names of your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged.
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Reader Recipes
Succulent Salads Kale-Quinoa Salad 1/2 cup quinoa, uncooked 1-1/2 cups water 8 oz. kale 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted and cooled 2/3 cup dried cherries, chopped (cranberries also work) 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced 2 T. Feta cheese, crumbled
Antipasto Bean Salad Few gratings of fresh lemon zest Dressing: 3 T. olive oil 1-1/2 T. white wine vinegar 1 T. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. honey Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Rinse quinoa well in a small colander; this is essential to remove bitterness. Place quinoa and water in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer with a couple pinches of salt. Simmer at a very low temperature until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain quinoa and rinse in cold water to cool. Drain well after cooling. Rinse kale and dry well, removing any large stalks; chop fine. Add kale to a large salad bowl. Add remaining salad ingredients – except cheese – to kale and toss to mix. Whisk dressing ingredients together in a small dish; pour over salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with feta cheese. Lee Ann Swanson, Lake Norden
Colonel’s Coleslaw 3/4 cup Miracle Whip 1/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup milk 1 T. sandwich spread
1 T. dill pickle vinegar 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 4-1/2 cups grated cabbage
Combine first 7 ingredients. Pour over cabbage. Let chill thoroughly. Lee Anne Birkeland, Dupree
Summer Macaroni Salad 1 package large shell macaroni, cooked, drained and cooled 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced 1 green pepper, sliced 1 bunch radishes, sliced
1 bunch green onions, sliced 1 cup real mayonnaise 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 tsp. white vinegar
Mix all together in large bowl. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Jeanne Laurence, Rapid City
1 (15 oz.) can READ Three- or Four-Bean Salad 1/4 cup thin strips roasted red bell peppers 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella or provolone cheese pieces, about 1/2-inch pieces 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts, canned or frozen; thaw if frozen
1/4 cup thin strips salami or pepperoni 2 T. chopped fresh basil Dressing: 1/4 cup reserved bean liquid 2 T. olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced 2 T. chopped fresh herbs, optional
Drain bean salad; reserve 1/4 cup liquid. For dressing, combine reserved bean salad liquid, oil and garlic; whisk until combined. Add fresh herbs, if desired. In large bowl, toss together drained bean salad, roasted bell peppers, cheese, artichoke hearts, salami and fresh basil. Toss with dressing. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Note: Parsley, basil, thyme or other favorite herbs can be used. Makes 4 servings. Nutritional information per serving: 250 calories; 8 g protein; 16 g carbohydrate; 16g fat; 870 mg sodium; 25 mg cholesterol; 3 g dietary fiber; 1 mg iron; 0 mg thiamin; 1010 IU vitamin A; 21 mg vitamin C Pictured, Cooperative Connections
John Deere Salad 2 (3 oz.) boxes lime jello 2 cups boiling water 1 can lime or lemon pie filling
1 small box instant lemon pudding 1 cup milk 1 (8 oz.) container Cool Whip
Dissolve jello in boiling water. Add pie filling; stir to combine. Pour into a 9x13-inch glass pan. Refrigerate until set. Combine lemon pudding mix and milk. Stir in Cool Whip; spread over green layer. Refrigerate several hours or overnight. Mary Jessen, Holabird
24-hour Fruit Salad 3 egg yolks 1 T. butter 2 T. sugar 1 T. vinegar 2 T. pineapple juice Pinch of salt
1 cup whipping cream, optional 2 cups fruit cocktail, drained 2 cups pineapple tidbits, drained 2 oranges cut into bite-size pieces 2 cups marshmallows cut in pieces
Boil first 6 ingredients until thick. You can then use dressing plain or mix with whipping cream. Add remaining ingredients. Refrigerate overnight.
Please send your favorite garden produce, pasta and wild game recipes to your local electric cooperative (address found on page 3). Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in December 2014. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.
Pat Lewis, Platte
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
• Aug us t 2014
5
Annual
report
Balance Sheet and Financial Statement as of Dec. 31, 2012 & 2013 assets
2012
Cost of utility plant $26,289,187 Provision for depreciation 8,445,969 Net value of plant 17,843,218 Investments in assoc. co. 4,364,251 Margin Stabilization Fund 1,168,164 Non-utility plant investment 31,559 Cash and cash equivalents 147,483 Accounts receivable 767,613 Material and supplies 455,673 Prepayments 16,085 Deferred Debits 4,238 Total Assets
$24,798,284
equities and Liabilities Patronage capital Other equities Long-term debt Current maturities of long-term debt CFC Line of Credit Accounts payable Customer deposits Taxes accrued Other current liabilities Customer prepayments Deferred revenuemargin stabilization Total Liabilities
2012
2013 $27,129,126 8,914,127 18,214,999 4,664,534 1,267,588 18,957 205,939 933,150 434,837 15,503 24,930
2013 $7,781,068 1,113,617 13,552,199
636,000 500,000 433,044 98,522 137,105 134,706 13,817
617,000 500,000 555,378 102,735 143,661 137,636 9,555
1,168,164
1,267,588
$24,798,284
$25,780,437
Average Number of Accounts Billed 3,542 Consumers per mile of line 2.76
2012
Farm/Residential Sales Seasonal Sales Irrigation Sales Commercial Sales Large Commercial Public Street Lighting Public Authorities Other Revenues Deferred Revenues Total Revenues
2013
$5,152,149 117,046 635,617 1,243,746 701,191 11,684 259,371 50,369 -156,410
$5,677,521 153,174 389,878 1,316,582 731,448 12,072 247,680 67,192 -99,424
$8,014,763 $8,496,123
Kilowatt Hours Sold - 84,728,291
$25,780,437
$7,266,603 1,114,557 13,295,766
6 August 2014 • Cooperative ConneCtions
operating revenue
Seasonal 1%
Irrigation 3% Small Commercial 17%
Industrial 9% Public Authorities 3%
Farm & Residential Sales 68%
operating expenses
2012
Cost of Power Operations Maintenance Customer accounting Customer service Administrative/General Depreciation Taxes Interest on long-term debt Other Deductions Total Expenses
$4,745,481 540,322 406,795 169,145 103,632 645,376 740,987 129,128 395,297 6,995
$5,145,455 508,632 472,078 149,249 103,033 680,394 743,363 135,565 401,262 8,030
$7,883,158
$8,347,061
Margins Operating margins Non-operating margins G&T & Other Capital Credits Total Margins
2013
2012
2013
$131,605 68,543 313,170
$149,062 65,698 365,443
$513,318
$580,203
Annual
report
2013 Proposed Annual Meeting Minutes The annual meeting of the members of Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association was held in the Beseda Hall in Tabor, South Dakota on August 20, 2013. The meeting was called to order by President Joe Kostal at 7:00P.M. President Kostal then welcomed the members and guests to the meeting. Rev. Jim Mueller gave the invocation. President Kostal led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. President Kostal announced that over 300 members had registered and that a quorum was present. (Total registered was 324 members) Paul Voigt introduced the Directors, Attorney, Manager and special guests and visitors. The President called for the reading of the Proof of Mailing of the Notice of the Annual Meeting by the Secretary. Minutes of the Previous Annual Meeting: President Kostal indicated that a copy of the previous annual meeting minutes had been printed in the Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections. It was moved by Glen Knodel and seconded by Rev. Jim Mueller to approve the previous annual meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried. Election or Seating of Directors: Since only one petition in each district had been taken out, Attorney Woodward asked for a motion to have the Secretary cast a unanimous ballot for petitioners in District’s #2 for Ernest Namminga and
in District #7 for David Sternhagen. A motion was made by Alvin Novak and seconded by Deb Bodenstedt to cast unanimous ballot for the nominees. Motion carried. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Darrell Beran presented the Treasurer’s Report. A motion was made and seconded from the floor to accept the report. Motion carried. Presidents Report: Joe Kostal discussed work plan, pole yard expansion, new operational building center, continuous billing, E-billing available, employee union and wholesale power supply issues. East River Electric Director Report by Rick Koupal: Gave report about being formed in 1949. There are 20 members, 1 city member and several Minnesota coops. South Dakota Rural Electric Association (SDREA) Report by Director Dave Sternhagen: Talked about the 7 Cooperative Principles, SDREA was formed in 1942, mentioned the Youth Tour to Washington, DC and Basin Electric, reviewed On site safety training and how they team up to help during severe storm damage restoration. Managers Comments: Manager Goehring had some additional comments and presented several video clip presentations from NRECA and the new Touchstone Energy promotional ads. Employee Introductions were made
Mark Your Calendar!! Annual Meeting August 19, 2014
by the General Manager. Service Awards: Manager Goehring and President Kostal presented the Service Awards to Paul Voigt, Jim Karolevitz, William Cap, Ken Carda, Linda Bares and M. J. Goehring. President Kostal asked if there was any Other Business to be brought before the members. With there being no further business, a motion was made by Elmer Kuchta and there was a second from the floor to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Prize drawings were held after adjournment. These minutes will be presented for approval at the 2014 Annual Meeting.
2013 Grand Prize Winner Irene Kocer
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Cooperative ConneCtions • August 2014 7
High School Rodeo: State Sport with Co-op Support I By Brenda Kleinjan
n some parts of South Dakota and western Minnesota, summer means rodeo. From practice rodeos in early May to the regional and state finals in June and ultimately to the national finals in late July, athletes competing in the South Dakota High School Rodeo Association see an intense season in a roughly three-month window. And for more than a dozen years, South Dakota’s Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives have been sponsors of the sport. At the high school level, the state’s cooperatives provide the barrel covers for the region-
8 August 2014 • Cooperative Connections
al and state rodeos, have purchased timing equipment and sponsored the short-go shirts awarded to the athletes who earn them at the state finals. “From our perspective, the cooperatives are investing in the future themselves by keeping the western heritage alive by keeping the kids in the country,” said Digger Rutten, a member of the SDHSRA board of directors and the group’s public relations director. “We appreciate all the cooperatives’ support,” Rutten said.
National High School Rodeo Association Qualifiers Dozens of South Dakota high school rodeo athletes qualified for the National finals to be held in late July. Among the qualifiers from the South Dakota High School Rodeo Association State Finals Rodeo held in June in Belle Fourche were the following:
Above: Kayla Hemmingson of Bradley, S.D., finished 11th overall in breakaway roping at the SDHSRA finals. Opposite Page: Trig Clark of Meadow, S.D., competes in the saddle bronc on his way to capturing the state champion title. Cover: Dawson Munger of Pukwana, S.D., rounds a Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives barrel while competing at the SDHSRA finals. All photos ©www.CowboyImages.net. Used with permission.
More than 500 student athletes Rutten said. compete in high school rodeo in South “If you look at the athletes in other Dakota. Only three states have more sports, we have a lot of dual-sports high school student rodeo athletes than athletes. Last year, several rodeo athletes the Rushmore State, Rutten said. were involved with state championIn fact, South Dakota is a charter ship volleyball, basketball and wrestling member of the National High School teams, in addition to making it to the Rodeo Association and helped start the state finals in rodeo,” Rutten said. organization Rutten said more than six rodeo also decades ago. teaches students Through a lot of responthe years, more sibility. than 50 athletes “They have have captured to take care of NHSRA their animals National Finals year-round and titles. also find a way But, the first to buy those step on the road Above: The team roping duo of Brent Woodward of animals. It’s not to the national like they get a Dupree, S.D., and Sam Huffman of Belle Fourche, S.D., finals is honing free ride,” he captured the state champion title at the SDHSRA finals. Photo ©www.CowboyImages.net. Used with permission. skills at several said. practice rodeos Rutten also held around the state. Then, students noted another benefit of the youth rodeo compete in regional rodeos with an eye movement is that it often involves the to qualifying for the state finals. entire family, including multiple generaOf the 526 South Dakota High tions. School Rodeo Association members, 324 “There are families there,” Rutten said qualified for the state finals held June of the rodeos. “Mom and dad, all the 19-22 in Belle Fourche. Of that number, kids and grandmas and grandpas.” 130 made it to the short go and 46 qualiThose connections are ones that the fied to compete in the National High Rutten family knows first-hand. School Rodeo Finals July 13-19 in Rock “When school gets out, for our famSprings, Wyo. ily, we spend the next three and a half With the high school rodeo season months together in a pickup,” said Rutpeaking in June, it lends itself to having ten. “It’ a good family sport.” its athletes involved in multiple sports,
QUEEN CONTEST: Shaelynn Heitsch BOYS CUTTING: Chet Crago, Sawyer Strand, Carson Johnston and Herbie O’Daniel GIRLS CUTTING: Erin Kenzy, Shelby Strand, Karlee Peterson and Taylor Bothwell BAREBACK: Trig Clark, Shane O’Connell, JD Anderson and Dylan Riggins BREAKAWAY: Cedar Jandreau, Rylee Jo Rutten, Chesney Nagel and Katy Miller POLE BENDING: Bailey Moody, Payton Donnelly, Shelby Vinson and Jana Hunt TIE-DOWN ROPING: Lathan Lauing, James Kirwan, Prestyn Novak, Brock Belkham, Carson Johnston and Jake Fulton SADDLE BRONC: Taylor Tupper, Tanner Simons, Trig Clark and Jordan Hunt GOAT TYING: Katy Miller, Brandi Cwach, Kaylee Clark and Chesney Nagel STEER WRESTLING: Herbie O’Daniel, Wyatt Schaack, Cameron Fanning and Justin Boll TEAM ROPING: Brent Woodward and Sam Huffman, Reece Wientjes and Nolan Richie, Colby Hetzel and Prestyn Novak, and Jeremiah Johnson & Cole Carlson BULL RIDING: Shane O’Connell, Jake Frazier, Treye LaPlante and Rance Johnson BARREL RACING: Rickie Engesser, Shelby Vinson, Chesney Nagel and Alyssa Lockhart TRAP SHOOTING: John Gropper, Anthony Gourneau, Cameron Fanning and Justina Cvach LIGHT RIFLE: Josey Aasby, Kaycee Szymanski, Kayla Hemmingson and Tanegai Zilverberg Cooperative Connections • August 2014 9
Annual
Report
Directors File Petitions Director districts one, four and six have terms expiring this year. Paul Voigt has petitioned for reelection to district one. He has served on the board for six years representing the north west corner of Bon Homme county. He is currently serving as vicepresident of the board. Paul farms near Avon and is active in the Lions Club. Paul and wife, Tracy, have two children, Derian and Cassandra. Paul stated, “I’ve enjoyed learning about the business since joining the board and would like to continue that learning process. I also hope to take part in keeping rates reasonable and to continue to promote a safe work environment.” Darrell Beran has petitioned to continue to serve district four which consists of the Town of Tabor and the immediate surrounding areas. Darrell has served on the Bon Homme Yankton Electric board since 1975 and is the current treasurer. Darrell has farmed all of his life and now farms with son, Brian. He is active with the Tabor American Legion and St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor. Darrell’s family includes his wife Ann,
their children Brian (Amy) and Brenda, and two grandsons, Braden and Max. Darrell would like to “keep the rates competitive and affordable for the members also to have good equipment for the employees to work with.” Rick Koupal has petitioned for another term as director of district six. This district serves one township in the Lewis and Clark Lake area just to the west of Yankton. Rick has been on the board for 12 years and is serving as the board president as well as the Bon Homme Yankton Electric representative on the East River board of directors. Rick has been involved in the Yankton Chamber of Commerce, Yankton Manufacturers Association, United Way, Fire Department, youth sports coaching and other various organizations. Rick and his wife, Jean, have two children, Jim and Laurie and three grandchildren, Jordan, Paityn and Landon. Rick notes, “As a member of Bon Homme Yankton Electric for more than 30 years, I understand and appreciate the vital role it plays in helping us enjoy our quality of life. For the past 12 years
Classifieds
September Issue Deadline: August 1, 2014. Email your classified ad to: by@byelectric. com. Members can post one free ad per year. Repeats or longer ads are $1/column inch. FOR RENT: 1 bedroom apartment. Tabor Manor. Contact John at 605-463-2478 or Gary at 605-463-2209.r FOR RENT: Tabor HRC, 2-bedroom townhome w/ single attached car garage, 1100 plus square feet, handicap Facility/Accessible, washer and dryer hookups, dishwasher, lawn/snow maintenance provided. All one level living convenience. Please contact Jen Carda 605-463-2575.r Thinking about building a home? Don’t pick a floor plan or a builder until you’ve talked with the area’s ONLY Certified Aging-in-Place specialist, Certified Green Professional Builder and ENERGY STAR Partner Builder. Call 4 Life Homes today. 605-6614488.r Beseda Hall, Tabor, SD for rent for any special occasion such as weddings, anniversaries, graduation or birthdays! For more information contact Linda Bares at 605661-6220 or snlbares@gmail.com. FOR SALE: Baldwin 222 Organ, approximately 25 years old, two full keyboards, full set of foot pedals, auto rhythm, full set instrument tabs, percussion etc. Like new. Call Ann Kronaizl 402-334-5377. 1 0 August 2014 • Cooperative Connections
as a director on the Bon Homme Yankton Electric, East River Electric and South Dakota Rural Electric boards, I have gained a great deal of knowledge and experience in the issues that concern Paul Voigt our cooperative and the rural electrics as a whole. I feel that knowledge and experience can be of great value to the members of Bon Homme Yankton Electric through my continued participation as a Darrell Beran member of that Board of Directors. Since no other person has returned a nominating petition for these districts, the petitioners will run unopposed at the 2014 Annual Meeting. Rick Koupal
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Lessons from Abroad? A
from an NRECA Report on Distributed Generation Issues
s the United States wades through policies and regulations regarding the nation’s energy resources, one study looks across the Atlantic Ocean to see what lessons could be learned from other nations’ forays into energy production. In Germany, a system of subsidies built into the electricity rates paid by residential, commercial and industrial electricity consumers has encouraged the rapid expansion of renewable energy production. The German subsidies – relatively modest for wind and other renewable energy sources compared with those for distributed solar power – have been touted as a model for encouraging renewable energy deployment in the U.S., and as a standard against which to measure and hence, to criticize, the slower U.S. adoption of renewable energy. Christensen Associates Energy Consulting of Madison, Wis., undertook a study contracted by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
12 August 2014 • Cooperative Connections
to understand the outcomes of Germany’s energy policies. The study found that the German policies have actually resulted in: • current residential electricity rates of 39.5¢ (US) per kilowatt hour – more than three times the average residential rate in the U.S.; • rising electricity and energy costs that threaten both the German economy and international competitiveness of core German industries; • increasing threats to grid reliability; • and, in an ironic twist, increases in greenhouse gases precipitated by greater reliance on coal-fired generation. From the perspective of their implication for U.S. policies and regulations regarding renewable energy, more important lessons learned from an examination of the German renewable energy experience includes, but is not limited to:
• The decision to achieve environmental and jobs objectives by making utilities and their customers pay renewable resource subsidies sufficient to make those resources cost-effective has proved economically unsustainable. These subsidies – amounting to $31 billion (US) in 2013 alone – currently add an 8.7 cent per KWH surcharge to electric rates for most residential, industrial and commercial consumers in Germany. This subsidy, by itself, is 2 cents higher than the average industrial electric rate in the U.S. – 6.7 cents per KWH. • The German Legislature greatly underestimated the enormous subsidies needed to reach the very high renewable penetration targets they established in law. For example, in 2010, rooftop solar owners received nearly 52 cent per KWh produced that had a market value of 5.2 cents, and under the feed-in-tariff law, they would receive that 52 cents until 2030. To date, this program has cost German consumers more than $460 billion in higher electric rates and recent estimates forecast the total cost will reach $910 billion by 2022. • Germany’s system of guaranteed renewable subsidies has made attaining its social objective of CO2 mitigation extraordinarily costly. According to a recent Massachusetts Institute of Technology study, in Germany CO2 mitigation runs as high as $685 per ton of CO2 reduction via solar and $60 per ton of reduction via wind, whereas CO2 emissions credits in Europe could have been attained for less than $5 per ton in recent years. • The enormous size of renewable subsidies and their impact on electric rates have impacted both the German economy and Germany’s economic competitiveness abroad. An article in Der Spiegel described it this way: “Germany’s Energy Poverty: How Electricity Became a Luxury Good in Germany,” and cited the impact of those high electric rates on consumers and particularly the poor. Further, recent analyses by the IEA and others sight significant German losses in net exports due to “high energy prices and costly domestic subsidies for renewable energy.” • While the renewable subsidies have led to a significant increase in both solar and wind installed capacity, the production of energy from such capacity has continued to be quite modest, supplying less than 13 percent of Germany’s energy requirements – while ironically German use of coal is at its highest level since 1990 and several new coal plants are under construction to keep the lights on. • The rapid increase in wind and solar production has succeeded in driving down wholesale electric market prices and has created a widening gap between the low wholesale market prices that utilities receive for the renewable energy produced and the high price utilities must pay for that renewable energy. This widening gap has resulted in further yearly increases in
the retail rates. • The rate impacts and transmission grid operational difficulties experienced in Germany resulting from inefficient and costly promotion of renewable energy teaches that sustainable renewable promotion requires long-range planning and strategic collaboration among stakeholders to enable renewable resources to provide full value to consumers and power system operations. This is described in detail in the Electric Power Research Institute’s report “The Integrated Grid: Realizing the Full Value of Central and Distributed Energy Resources.” • The problems caused by the enormous renewable subsidies and their effect on electricity rates have recently led the German government to drastically revise those policies by capping the enormous subsidies in 2014 and limiting annual increases thereafter to 2.5 percent. • The German government has also finally realized that all users connected to the electric grid must help pay for it, and have recently approved implementation of a grid usage charge for new renewable owners. Germany thus became the first in Europe to charge consumers for access to the grid for their renewable generators. New renewable generators greater than 10kw are required to pay a 6 cents (US) per KWh grid access tax. The above two changes to the original German “Energiewende” laws will not reduce German retail rates for a long time, but will reduce the rate of growth of the incredibly high retail rates in Germany.
The study found that the German policies have actually resulted in current residential electricity rates of 39.5¢ (US) per kilowatt hour – more than three times the average residential rate in the U.S.
Growing Demand in China When looking at the international energy field, an eye must be kept on China’s growing economy and energy needs. China is scheduled to build 21,000 MW of new coalfired electrical generation units annually for the next 10 years (210,000 MW total). U.S. baseload generation is expected to increase a mere 29,000 MW in total over the same 10-year period (29,000 MW total). However, if the Environmental Protection Agency’s plan for new coal-based generation is enacted, no U.S. new baseload generation will be from new coal-fired units. As a result, China’s new unit coal-fired CO2 emissions will grow by approximately 6.23 billion tons, while new unit natural gas U.S. emissions will increase by about 559 million tons. Even assuming all U.S. new baseload demand would be met by coal over the next 10 years, total U.S. growth in the electric utility sector would be about 914 million tons. Assuming the EPA proposal does what NRECA anticipates and eliminates all new coal, the maximum possible CO2 reductions under this proposal are about 355 million tons or five percent of China’s growth over the next 10 years. Cooperative Connections • August 2014 13
A Sensible Solution Huron-based Company Puts Irrigation Control in Palm of Farmers’ Hands
P By Elizabeth Mayrose
icture this: the weather has been dry for days. There is no rain in the forecast. A smart phone pings with an alert stating the moisture probes placed around fields indicate the ground is in need of some serious moisture. Without any effort besides a few taps on a smart phone, irrigation pivots have begun moving and supplying water to the growing crops. A few more taps and their direction and speed change. Soon, the soil is soaked to satisfaction, with all of the action taken with just the touch of a button. South Dakota thrives on agriculture. As the largest industry in the state, caring for the land is the chosen life for many. With that life comes the realization that Mother Nature often has a say in how
14 August 2014 • Cooperative Connections
the work goes. However, thanks to new advances in technology, farming has become more productive with man-made options that help when the weather might have different plans in mind. In 2003, brothers Mel and Terry Wieting felt there was a need within their own farming operation located by Hitchcock, S.D., for increased technological works. From that, their brainchild – AgSense – was born. With assistance from the Greater Huron Development Corporation, they soon became a part of the Huron business community, basing their headquarters close to their own home. Along with the location, company president Terry Wieting said, “Because a number of young
Left: AgSense’s Field Commander pivot monitor and control controllers communicate with smart phones via AgSense’s wireless ag network, WagNet, putting a powerful tool in farmers’ hands. Opposite Page: A producer consults his smart phone to get real-time data about irrigation efforts at his operation.
software engineers with local ties were looking for an opportunity to develop as well” they felt Huron was a great fit. Now over a decade later, it has expanded to be one of the leading companies that deal with irrigation monitoring. While calling Huron home, the company now has offices in Nebraska, Iowa and Idaho. Over the years, the company has acclimated to the changing demands of a constantly changing industry, adding more product options and furthered services when the need arises. This company does things a little differently. By choosing not to specialize in one area, they’ve made themselves unique. “AgSense as an organization is a hybrid between a productdriven company and a service-based company,” says Wieting. They are a technology conglomeration, centralizing and combining the running of multiple irrigation pivots and different outlets. Not only does utilizing technology save one time, but also money. For farmers who used to spend hours manually checking each irrigation pivot, tweaking it to the necessary operating status, the option to run and monitor every single one from a smart phone is ground-breaking. Hailed by istockanalysis.com as a “pioneer in remote management solutions,” AgSense paved the way towards making this sort of technology standard for all farmers, no matter the size. With AgSense equipment, all information that is collected is saved within a secure network, meaning it can be viewed and studied from iOS and Android apps or simply any computer with Internet access. With that convenience, producers aren’t limited to a single means of analysis. WagNet, was introduced as a means to put all of the information gathered in one single location that not only allows for control of equipment, but also comprehensive reports. Not only does it offer the knowledge that information will be available to view immediately as well as long-term, but it also comes with the freedom knowing that a producer can be miles away and have the peace
of mind that all things are running smoothly and can be alerted directly if something were to go wrong. Using irrigation as a means to help increase bushel size is a practice used by many farmers. In fact, many South Dakota electric cooperatives in South Dakota and western Minnesota have a portion of their kilowatt-hours dedicated to the operating of irrigation pivots. “The Ogallala Aquifer, which stretches from western South Dakota to the panhandle of Texas, is where a significant portion of our business resides,” Wieting said, noting that AgSense is utilized all over. AgSense makes a direct impact on the costs farmers pay to operate their pivots as it makes them run more efficiently and effectively. In 2012 and 2013 when a drought affected South Dakota, more irrigation was required thus requiring more electricity. A high cost of running machinery and man-hours is not a welcome expense when the crop is already suffering profit wise. Along with irrigation, AgSense has been helping farmers maintain grain bin integrity with monitoring that can be compared to their irrigation monitoring. With updates that can be viewed remotely as well, there are ways to inspect temperature, moisture content and weight. Because data can be viewed via smart technology, the benefit of knowing what exact condition a product is in helps to make quick decisions regarding the nature of the product. Farmers all over the country have grown to love the AgSense technology and in the 11 years that this company has been in business, they’ve grown to not only be utilized by American agricultural producers but producers on a global scale as well. Now working in more than 10 countries including Saudi Arabia, Chile and South Africa, AgSense was recognized in March 2014 as being one of the contributing businesses responsible for the $1.6 billion international exports from South Dakota. “Developing global markets can be costly and a little scary to take on. Obviously, agriculture and more specifically water management presents a global opportunity and is a key component of our strategic plan in the upcoming years. We will invest significant resources in developing foreign markets in the upcoming years,” commented Wieting.
For farmers who used to spend hours manually checking each irrigation pivot, tweaking it to the necessary operating status, the option to run and monitor every single one from a smart phone is ground-breaking.
Cooperative Connections • August 2014 15
Regional Dateline
Events of Special Note
July 18-20 Festival in the Park Spearfish, SD, 605-642-7973
July 18-20, 25-27 Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant DeSmet, SD, 800-776-3594 www.desmetpageant.org July 24-27 Midwest Water Ski Show/ Championships Aberdeen, SD, 605-380-9932 July 25 Sara Evans in Concert Deadwood, SD, 605-559-1187 deadwoodmountaingrand.com July 25 Montgomery Gentry in Concert Watertown, SD, 605-881-1781 July 25-26 Storybook Land Festival Aberdeen, SD, 605-226-1557 July 25-27 Elk’s Rodeo, Winner, SD 605-842-1533 July 26 Dakota Irish Fair Sioux Falls, SD, 605-373-9154 July 26-27 South Dakota Peach Festival Sioux Falls, SD, 605-366-7022 SouthDakotaPeachFestival.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF S.D. DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
July 18-20 Hills Alive Festival Rapid City, SD, 605-342-6822 www.hillsalive.com
August 11-17 Brown County Fair Aberdeen, SD, 605-626-7116 www.thebrowncountyfair.com August 16 Riverboat Days Extreme Bull Riding Tour, 7:30 p.m. Yankton, SD, 605-760-2153 or 605-760-4217 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.
July 26-27 Western Dakota Gem & Mineral Society Show Rapid City, SD, 605-348-8948
August 9 Street Masters Car Show and Ice Cream Social Fort Pierre, SD, 605-223-7722
July 27 Tesla in Concert Deadwood, SD, 605-559-1187
August 15-17 Riverboat Days & Summer Arts Festival, Yankton, SD 605-665-1657 www.riverboatdays.com
August 1-3 Sioux River Folk Festival Canton, SD, 605-987-2263 www.gfp.sd.gov August 1-10 Sioux Empire Fair Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7178 www.siouxempirefair.com August 3 Car Show Madison, SD, 800-693-3644 www.prairievillage.org August 4-10 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Sturgis, SD, 605-720-0800 www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com
August 16 South Dakota Bat Festival Custer, SD, 605-255-4515 www.gfp.sd.gov August 16-18 Frontier Days Wacipi & Rodeo White River, SD, 605-828-2561 August 19-21 Dakotafest, Mitchell, SD www.FarmShows.com August 20 Miller Lite Bull Bash Mitchell, SD, 605-770-8299
August 20-24 Corn Palace Festival Mitchell, SD 605-995-8430 cornpalace.com August 22-24 52nd Annual Steam Threshing Jamboree Madison, SD 800-693-3644 www.prairievillage.org August 28-September 1 South Dakota State Fair Huron, SD, 605-353-7340 www.sdstatefair.com August 29-31 LifeLight, Worthing, SD 605-338-2847 www.lifelight.org August 30 Rockin’ RibFest, Yankton, SD 605-665-2263 historicdowntownyankton.com