TIMES MARCH & APRIL • 2019
VOTE FOR YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS PG 8 ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: pg 4 • SAFE DIGGING STARTS WITH YOU pg 6 • GRID RESILIENCY pg 10 • BUDGET BILLING REVIEW pg 14 • NATURAL GAS SAFETY FOR KIDS
ELECTRIC • NATURAL GAS • PROPANE
THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE
TIMES
1500 GRANVILLE ROAD NEWARK, OHIO 43058 (800) 255-6815
MYENERGYCOOP.COM FEEDBACK@THEENERGYCOOP.COM
TODD WARE PRESIDENT & CEO GARY BAKER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS HEATHER JUZENAS COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
WHAT’S INSIDE: 3•
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Join us for the annual meeting.
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SAFE DIGGING STARTS WITH YOU April is safe digging month. Learn more about the importance of OHIO811 before you dig.
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GRID RESILIENCY Learn how we work to ensure your power stays on.
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COOPERATIVE ELECTIONS Members can cast their ballot one of three ways this year. EARTH & ENERGY DAY Celebrate with us on April 28th from noon to 4:00 pm at John Geller Park in Heath.
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10 • BUDGET BILLING REVIEW Are you on budget billing? If so, you may see an adjustment on your March bill. 12 • DIRECTOR’S CORNER District 4 Director, Dan Dupps, shares the cooperative director’s pledge. 13 • FEATURED RECIPE Member, Betty Drake shares her recipe for Hannah’s Kentucky Chocolate Chip Pie. 14 • NATURAL GAS SAFETY FOR KIDS Share these tips with your children to help them recognize a natural gas leak.
COOPERATIVE MEMBERS – PLEASE REPORT ANY CHANGE OF EMAIL ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER TO US AT (800) 255-6815 OR FEEDBACK@THEENERGYCOOP.COM. THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE, WITH A CIRCULATION OF MORE THAN 63,000. THIS MAGAZINE IS THE BI-MONTHLY COMMUNICATION LINK BETWEEN THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE BASED IN NEWARK, OHIO, AND ITS MEMBERS.
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THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • MARCH & APRIL 2019
(800) 255-6815
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
JOIN US FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING BY TODD WARE, PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The Energy Cooperative exists to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to our members. As one of those members, you have a perspective that is valuable to us––and we invite you to share it throughout the year. There are two important ways you can do this in the Todd ToddWare Ware coming months. The first is to participate in cooperative elections. The second is attending our annual meeting in May. Cooperative principle number two is democratic member control. Each year, members elect a Director from three of our nine districts. Directors are entrusted to provide strategic direction for the cooperative and to ensure it is governed appropriately. Directors are also members-- just like you. This year, Directors for district 3, 4, and 7 will be elected. You will receive letters, emails, and notifications to help cast your ballot. The election results are announced during the annual meeting. At the annual meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the members of the Board of Directors, and myself as we share priorities and challenges for the coming year. Every energy bill you pay helps to ensure better reliability for you and your neighbors. Your dollars are reinvested locally into improvements that impact the service and affordability of your energy. There is no substitute for in-person engagement. If you’ve never attended our annual meeting, or if it’s been awhile, we invite you to attend this year. Our cooperative family looks forward to hearing from our members. We’ll bring the food and door prizes. We will also give each member household who attends the annual meeting a five dollar credit on their energy bill. Mark your calendar for the annual meeting at the Reese Center on the Ohio State Newark & Central Ohio Technical College Campus on May 20th at 6:00 pm.
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THE COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES 1. VOLUNTARY AND OPEN MEMBERSHIP
Cooperatives are open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership.
2. DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL
Cooperatives are controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Members have equal voting rights – one member, one vote.
3. MEMBERS’ ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION
Members contribute equally to the capital of their cooperative. Surpluses are allocated to the benefit of members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative.
4. AUTONOMY AND INDEPENDENCE
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.
5. EDUCATION, TRAINING AND INFORMATION
Cooperatives provide education and training to their members, and inform the general public about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
6. COOPERATION AMONG COOPERATIVES
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
7. CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.
MARCH & APRIL 2019 • THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES
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Safe Digging Starts With You. BY CONNIE HOGUE, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES & SAFETY
APRIL IS NATIONAL SAFE DIGGING MONTH, an event that reminds
excavators and homeowners to contact OHIO811 before digging to avoid injuries or fatalities that could result from striking a utility line. While this year started out cold and blustery, Punxsutawney Phil predicted spring is heading our way. As warmer weather moves into Ohio, it is the Connie Hogue perfect time to remember why we call 811. Before you begin outdoor projects (landscaping, installing a fence, installing a new mailbox, or building a deck) it is essential to know where the underground utility lines are located. Don’t make a judgment call. Always contact OHIO811 before you dig.
WHY OHIO811?
Contacting OHIO811 is not only for your safety-- it is also the law. An underground utility line is damaged once every six minutes in the United States. This is often because someone made the choice to dig before the underground utilities were marked. The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) association reports an estimated 439,000 excavation-related incidents that caused damage to underground facilities in 2017. This increased 5% from the previous year’s findings. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in damage to gas, electric, communications, water, and sewer lines. This damage can lead to disruptions in service (something we try to avoid) but can also cause very serious injuries or death to the person digging. Experts predict approximately 38.6 million people will dig this year without first having underground utility lines marked. This is especially dangerous because the ground underneath us covers an incredible amount of buried utilities. There are more than 20 million miles of underground utility lines in the United States. That equates to more than one football field’s length (105 yards) of buried utilities for every man, woman, and child in our country. The Energy Cooperative maintains 1000 miles of natural gas distribution pipeline, 155 miles of natural gas transmission pipeline, and 742 miles of underground electric lines. Our lines could literally be in an area where you want to dig. Contacting OHIO811 gives us, and other utilities, the opportunity to show you where they are located before you dig.
AFTER THE CALL
Contacting OHIO811 notifies the appropriate utility companies of your intent to dig. Each utility is legally required to send professionals and mark the approximate locations on any underground lines with flags, paint, or
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THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • MARCH & APRIL 2019
both. There is no fee for the utility companies to mark their lines. However, if you have privately owned lines (for instance a service line) and the utility company does not mark them, it is your responsibility to have those lines marked. Utilities use colored flags and/or paint to identify the type of underground service. As you can see in the graphic below, our lines are always marked in red (electric) and yellow (natural gas).
IF YOU HIT A LINE • • • •
Walk away immediately and take steps to clear the area to protect yourself and others. Do not try to repair or stop a leak yourself or use anything that might create a spark, such as a cell phone. If a substance starts releasing into the air, such as natural gas, immediately call 9-1-1. Contact the utility company listed on the nearest marker as well as OHIO811, even if there appears to be no damage. Not all facility damages can be detected by the naked eye.
CONTACTING OHIO811.
Contact OHIO811 at least 48 hours but no more than 10 working days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) before any digging project begins. There are two ways to contact OHIO811. • Call 8-1-1 or 1-800-362-2764. • Submit an online request with e-dig, the remote ticket entry system for homeowners to use before beginning any digging project.
LEARN MORE
For more information, please visit the Ohio Utilities Protection Service website at: http://www.oups.org. Safety is always our top priority. Keep safety first this spring and remember, safe digging starts with you!
OHIO UNIVERSAL MARKING STANDARDS
RED YELLOW ORANGE BLUE PURPLE GREEN PINK WHITE
Electric Power Lines, Cables, Conduit and Lighting Cables Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum, or Gaseous Materials Communication, Alarm or Signal Lines, Cables or conduit. Portable Water Reclaimed Water, Irrigation and Slurry Lines Sewers and Drain Lines Temporary Survey Markings Proposed Excavating (800) 255-6815
Plant the Right Tree in the Right Place Trees beautify our neighborhoods, and when planted in the right spot, can even help lower energy bills. But the wrong tree in the wrong place can be a hazard… especially to power lines. LARGE TREES Height/spread of more than 40 feet, such as: • Maple • Oak • Spruce • Pine
• Birch • Sweetgum • Linden
For more tips on smart tree planting in your community, contact us or visit www.ArborDay.org.
MEDIUM TREES
SMALL TREES
Height/spread of 25 to 40 feet, such as:
Do not plant within 20 feet of power lines. Plant only shrubs and small trees within 21-40 feet of a power line.
• Washington hawthorn • Goldenraintree • Eastern redbud • American arborvitae • Dogwoods
Height /spread of no more than 25 feet such as: • Star magnolia • Crabapple • Lilac 40ft.
40ft. high or less
Tree pruning zone Maximum tree height 25ft.
60ft.
40ft.
20ft.
0
Source: The Arbor Day Foundation and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association MYENERGYCOOP.COM
MARCH & APRIL 2019 • THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES
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Grid Resiliency BY GARY GLOVER, VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER – ELECTRIC OPERATIONS
WHAT IS GRID RESILIENCY?
When we mention the electric grid, perhaps you think of large towers and transmission lines that intertwine across the United States to deliver generated electricity for the power companies. Well let’s narrow that picture down a bit to the system that directly serves you. Let’s talk about our system at The Energy Gary Glover Cooperative. Grid resiliency means several things to us. Simply put, it is the reliability of your electric system. Resiliency is our ability to efficiently restore power to you. It ensures we can meet the demands of new technology, and that we serve our members with various generation sources without skipping a beat. Ultimately, resiliency is how we deliver on our promise to provide you with safe and reliable energy.
HOW WEATHER IMPACTS OUR SYSTEM
Let’s talk a little bit about the leading cause of power outages on our system, and across the United States-weather. When it comes to having a resilient electric grid, it begins with a system that is designed and built to withstand certain wind strengths and ice loading for the areas being served. Currently we review our electric system for lines that don’t meet those standards as well as our aging circuits that do not meet our design. We identify ways to back feed, isolate or tie circuits together to minimize the exposure of an outage to the members. Resiliency includes reconstitution and general readiness such as pole and line maintenance programs, vegetation management programs, and participation in mutual aid assistance.
SMART METERS
Until recently, most cooperatives were aware that members had lost power when the member called to report an outage. This can result in a delayed and inefficient response due to having incomplete information about the outage, its location, and the extent. This year we will begin replacing our AMI meters with a Smart meter that has outage notification capabilities, which make it possible for the cooperative to know when the member has lost power, pinpointing the location and extent of the outage. This new meter will also alert us when the members power is restored after an outage.
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Coupling this technology with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) points in our substations allows The Energy Cooperative to save both time and money by having the capability to remotely monitor, open and close devices in a safe manner resulting in significant improvements in our restoration efforts, giving us the ability to deploy crews more efficiently.
SUBSTATIONS
At the substation level, we have large power transformers (a custom-designed piece of equipment). This equipment is both costly and associated with long manufacturing times and deliveries. A focused effort is given to station maintenance through testing programs, daily station checks, and SCADA monitoring to ensure the wellness of these power sources. Along with all the technology we implement today, every precaution is taken to safe guard against any cyber security threats or other disruptions that could result in outages. This includes cameras and security systems at each of our substation locations.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
A resilient grid needs to be flexible and adaptable by allowing different types of generation, such as our community solar, to seamlessly work together to provide members with safe and reliable power.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Resiliency is on our minds 24/7/365. Whether it’s the power lines, substations or generation facilities on our grid, it takes proactive maintenance and investment to keep them running smoothly. Throughout the year, we perform many system inspections. Our goal is to find the problem before it becomes one. For example, if we find a deteriorated or damaged pole, we replace it. If we see danger or threatening trees, we remove them. If there is a stranded phase or low hanging conductor, we repair it. Doing this work ensures your electric system remains strong and resilient. Currently we have 32 miles of 69kV transmission lines, 3 switching stations, 20 substations, 3,000 miles of distribution lines, and serve 25,000 members across 9 counties. With the design and programs we have in place today, I feel confident in the resiliency of our system to recover from most situations with minimal disruption to our members.
THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • MARCH & APRIL 2019
(800) 255-6815
HOW WE POWER OUR MEMBERS HIGH -VOLTAGE TRANSMISSION LINES TRANSMISSION TOWERS AND CABLES THAT SUPPLY POWER TO TRANSMISSION SUBSTATIONS.
DISTRIBUTION SUBSTATION A SUBSTATION SERVES HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF MEMBERS.
MAIN DISTRIBUTION LINES DISTRIBUTION LINES CARRY POWER TO LARGE GROUPS OF MEMBERS IN COMMUNITIES OR HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS.
TAP LINES TAP LINES DELIVER POWER TO TRANSFORMERS EITHER MOUNTED ON POLES OR PLACED ON PADS FOR UNDERGROUND SERVICE .
INDIVIDUAL HOMES THE SERVICE LINE CONNECTS THE TRANSFORMER TO YOUR RESIDENCE.
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MARCH & APRIL 2019 • THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES
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COOPERATIVE ELECTIONS BY LIJA KALEPS-CLARK, DIRECTOR OF LAND & LEGAL SERVICES
As a member of The Energy Cooperative, you are more than a customer, you are a member who can participate in the annual election for our Board of Directors. This gives you a voice in how your Cooperative is operated. This year, we are expanding the ways you can cast a ballot in our cooperative elections. The Energy Cooperative is working with Survey & Ballot Systems to offer electronic Lija Kaleps-Clark voting, in addition to our traditional mail-in paper ballots. Electronic voting is a secure and easy way to vote.
BEGINNING AS EARLY AS APRIL 5, MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE A PAPER BALLOT AND ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE. EACH BALLOT CONTAINS A UNIQUE PASSCODE THAT ALLOWS MEMBERS TO VOTE ONLINE. Democratic member control is one of the seven core principles for cooperatives. With the addition of electronic voting, our members can vote and participate in the
democratic process with ease. This year the Board of Directors seats in Districts 3, 4, and 7 are up for election. The results of the election will be announced at the annual meeting. Please make sure to attend this year’s annual meeting on May 20, 2019 at the Reese Center to hear more about The Energy Cooperative’s business and learn the results of the election. If you have any questions regarding electronic voting, please contact our member service department at 1-800255-6815 or visit our website at myenergycoop.com. Information on candidates and step by step instructions for the ballots will be available on our website in April.
• • • CASTING YOUR BALLOT • • • • • • • • • • • • MEMBERS CAN VOTE ONE OF THREE WAYS: 1. Mark and return the paper ballot in the enclosed return envelope. 2. Login and click VOTE NOW in SmartHub. 3. Visit The Energy Cooperative’s Website and click VOTE NOW. You will need to log in using the unique election passcode provided in the paper ballot. Your vote will only be counted once.
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THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • MARCH & APRIL 2019
(800) 255-6815
JOIN US FOR
Sunday April 28th Noon to 4:00 pm
John Geller Park • 580 Cynthia Street • Heath, Ohio As part of our efforts to fulfill the seventh cooperative principle, concern for community, we look forward to hosting our annual Earth & Energy Day celebration for you. Be sure to bring your family to John Geller Park on Sunday, April 28th from noon to 4:00pm. Along with several community partners, we will provide our members with a FREE day filled with great educational activities focused on earth science, conservation, energy efficiency, recycling, safety, and much more! Pick up a tree, lunch, and a bag of goodies while supplies last. Bring the ticket included in this newsletter or a copy of your bill for entry.
In February of 2019, The Energy Cooperative Operation Round Up Foundation, Inc. awarded $43,525 to community groups in our service area. • • • • • • • • •
TLS Northeast PTO toward equipment for library Miracle League of Muskingum Valley Ohio toward expansion West Muskingum Athletic Boosters toward fencing for track & football field Licking County Humane Society toward shelter expansion Licking County Community Health Clinic for a computer 4-H Camp Ohio toward bathroom renovation St. Vincent de Paul Housing Facilities for bunk-beds Northridge Academic Boosters for achievement board Morgan County Health Department towards fitness equipment for schools.
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MARCH & APRIL 2019 • THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES
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Budget Billing Review Call us at (800) 255-6815
Budget billing is a free service that evenly distributes an entire year’s worth of your payments to The Energy Cooperative over twelve months. While this program does not reduce your overall utility expenses, it can make your monthly budgeting process a little easier.
HOW DO WE DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET BILLING AMOUNT?
The monthly amount for budget billing is calculated based on the average of your last 12 bills. Energy bills differ based on usage, the size of the home, its insulation, the season, energy rates, and how carefully members monitor their energy usage.
REQUIREMENTS FOR BUDGET BILLING:
1. The account must be paid in full to be eligible. 2. It is easier to set up if your account has been open for 12 months, but we will work with you to establish your average payment amount. 3. During March, your budget amount may increase or decrease depending on your annual usage, the weather, and market conditions.
Once enrolled, your account automatically renews in budget billing each year.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT OUR MEMBER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT (800) 255-6815.
In March, April, May, and June, The Energy Cooperative will be working with National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Market Research Services to complete a member satisfaction survey. The surveys will be both by phone and email, but not everyone will be contacted. If you are contacted, we would greatly appreciate a few minutes of your time to share your opinions of The Energy Cooperative.
We want to
FROM
HEAR
YOU!
We strive to provide all members with safe, reliable, and affordable energy. By participating in the survey, you will help us make decisions that benefit you, your family, and your neighbors.
Thank you for the feedback! Your thoughts and opinions about The Energy Cooperative help us to serve you better. All information is confidential.
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THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • MARCH & APRIL 2019
(800) 255-6815
IMPORTANT MESSAGES In accordance with Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations 49 CFR, Part 192.16, The Energy Cooperative is required to inform members that the member shall be responsible for their gas service lines.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW • •
•
•
•
The member is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all gas piping from the gas meter to all gas appliances. The member is responsible for the repair/replacement of the gas service line located on the member’s property from the buried curb valve to the inlet of the gas meter. Buried gas piping that is not maintained may be subject to the potential hazards of corrosion and leakage. For your safety, all buried pipe should be periodically inspected for leaks. If the buried piping is metallic, it should also be periodically inspected for corrosion. If an unsafe condition is found, the gas piping will need to be promptly repaired. When digging near buried gas piping, the piping should be located in advance and the excavation done by hand. As a reminder, any time you are excavating, OHIO811 should be called by simply dialing 811 or 1-800-362-2764 at least 48 hours prior to digging. OUPS will notify various utility companies to locate utilities lines in the area. Plumbing and heating contractors can assist in locating, inspecting, and repairing the member’s buried piping. The Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that a DOT-qualified plumbing contractor must be used to repair or replace a member’s buried piping upstream of the meter,
including the gas riser attached to the meter set. While this is not required for piping downstream of the meter, The Energy Cooperative strongly recommends a DOT-qualified plumber be used for all buried gas piping.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT OUR MEMBER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT (800) 255-6815. SLOW DOWN. MOVE OVER.
Ohio’s Move Over Law is designed to protect the lives of everyone who works on or uses our roadways. The law requires all drivers to move over one lane passing by any vehicle with flashing or rotating lights parked on the roadside. The original law took effect in 1999 to reduce risk to law-enforcement officers and emergency responders. It was expanded in December 2013 to apply to every stationary vehicle with flashing lights, including road construction, maintenance and utility crews. Across the nation, hundreds of people are killed or injured every year when they’re struck by a vehicle after pulling over to the side of the road or highway. On average, these “struck-by” crashes kill one towtruck driver every six days; 23 highway workers and one law-enforcement officer every month; and five firefighters every year. Tragically, stranded motorists are also struck and killed. The cooperative will be focusing more on this initiative in the coming months. Stay tuned!
SLOW DOWN. MOVE OVER.
FOR ALL
ROADSIDE WORKERS MYENERGYCOOP.COM
MARCH & APRIL 2019 • THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES
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DIRECTOR’S CORNER
BY DANIEL DUPPS, DISTRICT 4 DIRECTOR CCD, BL AND GOLD CREDENTIAL
Since being elected a director of The Energy Cooperative, I’ve come to learn and respect the cooperative business culture. This includes its governance (Code of Regulations and Articles of Incorporation), its seven guiding principles; director education programs; and retraining programs to keep directors upDaniel Dupps to-date on numerous issues that confront cooperatives on a monthly basis. The leadership of our board, the management team and our employees professionally carry out their duties each and every day. Additionally, many have accepted positions throughout our member communities, the state-wide cooperative, Ohio region 4, and on national cooperative boards. The board works hard to carry out what is espoused by W.H. Dankers, extension economist in marketing at the University of Minnesota and entitled, A Cooperative Director’s Pledge. We are not perfect, but I believe The Energy Cooperative’s Board of Directors strives to fulfill the pledge.
A COOPERATIVE DIRECTOR’S PLEDGE
• • • • • • • • • • • •
I pledge to do my best for the Cooperative that has elected me to serve in a position of honor and trust.
•
I WILL:
•
• • •
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Above all things be honest and diligent; Place the interest of the Cooperative above my own personal interest; Give as careful attention to the affairs of the Cooperative as I give to my own business;
THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • MARCH & APRIL 2019
•
Give the necessary time to board meetings and other deliberations; Study the business and problems of the Cooperative, and the broader considerations that affect its welfare; Strive for continued and increased efficiency in the association; Be prompt and attentive at all meetings of the directors so that there is no loss of valuable time; Do independent and careful thinking, express my honest opinion, and not be a rubber stamp; Be open minded and a team-worker and realize that the individual views of board members cannot always prevail; Remember that the majority rules and that the minority must fall in line; Present views of the board of directors to fellow members, rather than my own, whenever I speak for the Cooperative; Strive to keep this a member’s Cooperative and not let it become a director’s or manager’s Cooperative; Represent the Cooperative in its entirety and not just the members from my community; Do all in my power to have the Cooperative controlled democratically, including the election of directors; Welcome new ideas as a means of keeping life in the Cooperative and the service to the patrons at a high level; Do everything possible to inform members and patrons of established policies and programs of the Cooperative; Be a good listener to the reactions of the members and patrons as a means of better shaping the policies of the Cooperative; Curb emotions and apply reason and common sense to all problems.
(800) 255-6815
BENEFITS OF TREE TRIMMING
Clearing trees and overgrown vegetation is vital to provide safe, reliable power to our consumer-members.
We clear certain areas in our service territory, known as rights of way, to: • Keep power lines clear of tree limbs • Restore power outages more quickly • Keep crews and members of our community safe • Reduce unexpected costs for repairs
Vegetation management improves service reliability for you – our members!
Featured Recipe
HANNAH’S KENTUCKY CHOCOLATE CHIP PIE Submitted by: Betty Drake, Zanesville
INGREDIENTS: • • • • • • •
1 stick of butter, melted 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup chocolate chips 1 cup nuts, chopped 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie shell
MYENERGYCOOP.COM
SUBMISSIONS
Send your recipe to The Energy Cooperative, Attention Editor, PO Box 4970, Newark Ohio 43058. You can also email recipes to feedback@ theenergycoop.com subject line: recipe contest. Submissions must be received by April 5, 2019.
DIRECTIONS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a small kettle, melt the butter and set aside. Beat eggs, sugar and vanilla in separate bowl. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Add melted butter and beat well. Add mixture to unbaked pie shell. Bake 50 minutes or until done.
MARCH & APRIL 2019 • THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES
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THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • MARCH & APRIL 2019
(800) 255-6815
PROPANE SAFETY INFORMATION Safety is very important to us, both for our employees and our members. If you are one of our propane members, take a moment to review these safety guidelines.
IF YOU SMELL GAS
• NO FLAMES OR SPARKS! Immediately put out all
smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
• LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY! Get everyone out of
the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
• SHUT OFF THE GAS. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
• REPORT THE LEAK. From a neighbor’s home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call 911 and The Energy Cooperative right away.
• DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA.
You should not return to the area until we determine that it is safe to do so.
• GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED. Before you attempt to
use any of your propane appliances, we need to check the entire system to ensure it is leak-free.
CARBON MONOXIDE AND YOUR SAFETY
WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)?
You cannot taste or smell CO, but it is a very dangerous gas produced when any fuel burns.
CARBON MONOXIDE CAN BE DEADLY! In extreme cases, high levels of or extended exposure to CO can result in brain damage or death. Symptoms of CO poisoning include: headache; dizziness; shortness of breath; nausea; and fatigue. IF YOU SUSPECT CO IS PRESENT, ACT IMMEDIATELY!
1. If you or a family member shows physical symptoms of CO poisoning, get everyone out of the building and call 911. 2. If it is safe to do so, open windows to allow entry of fresh air, and turn off any appliances you suspect may be releasing the CO. 3. If no one has physical symptoms of CO poisoning, but you suspect that CO is present, call us immediately to check CO levels and your propane equipment.
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ODOR FADE
Odor fade is an unintended reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane, making it more difficult to smell. Although rare, several situations can cause odor fade: • Air, water, or rust in a propane tank or cylinder can reduce propane odor concentration. • If the propane is leaking underground, its passage through soil may reduce the smell of propane. • The propane odor may stick to the inside surfaces of gas piping and distribution systems and possibly other materials. Since there is a possibility of odor fade or problems with your sense of smell, you should respond immediately to even a faint odor of gas. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED that you or others in your home may have difficulty smelling propane, consider buying one or more propane gas detectors.
APPLIANCE CONNECTORS
• PROPERLY INSTALL AND MAINTAIN CONNECTORS.
The final section of the system that brings gas to your appliances is the appliance connector. It is important that all appliance connectors are properly inspected, installed, and maintained by a qualified service technician.
• HAVE CONNECTORS CHECKED WHEN MOVING OR REPLACING APPLIANCES.
Connectors can wear out from too much moving, bending, or corrosion. Connectors should be checked by a qualified service technician whenever the appliance is replaced or moved from its location.
• USE ONLY APPROVED APPLIANCE CONNECTORS.
Make sure that all connectors and gas piping/tubing that bring propane to your appliances are installed by a qualified service technician and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
• HAVE OLDER APPLIANCE CONNECTORS INSPECTED.
Over time, some types of appliance connectors can crack or break, resulting in a serious gas leak and the possibility of fire or explosion. If you have an appliance that is more than 20 years old, have a qualified service technician inspect the connectors to be sure they are safe and meet current safety-code requirements.
• DO NOT MOVE AN APPLIANCE YOURSELF.
Moving an appliance might damage the connector and create a leak.
MARCH & APRIL 2019 • THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES
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1500 Granville Road P.O. Box 4970 Newark, Ohio 43058-4970 (800) 255-6815 myenergycoop.com
FOR MEMBERS OF THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE: • •
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
COLUMBUS, OH PERMIT NO. 608
TO REPORT AN ELECTRIC POWER OUTAGE OR A DOWNED POWER LINE: CALL (888) 535-5732. TO REPORT A NATURAL GAS OR PROPANE OUTAGE OR EMERGENCY: MOVE AWAY FROM THE AREA AND FROM A SAFE DISTANCE CALL (800) 255-6815.
CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY REMINDERS 000
• Install CO alarms on every floor of your home and outside each sleeping area. • Test CO alarms monthly. • Replace CO alarm batteries at least annually. • Make sure your family knows the difference between CO and smoke alarm sounds. • If your CO alarm sounds, immediately go outdoors.