TIMES January & February 2021
Ready for winter storms?
1936
85 Years of Service
2021
Pg 6
Also in this issue President's Message, Pg 2 Restoring natural gas outages, pg 4 Budgets & Aging Infrastructure , Pg 8 Director's Corner with Nelson Smith, Pg 9 Using an electric generator, pg 10 Save money with Co-op Connections, Pg 12 1
1936
85 Years of Service
2021
1500 Granville Road Newark, Ohio 43058 1.800.255.6815
myenergycoop.com Todd Ware President & CEO Gary Baker Director of Marketing & Public Relations Heather Juzenas Communications Manager Please report any change of email address or phone number to us at 1.800.255.6815 or contact us from myenergycoop.com. The Energy Cooperative Times is the official publication of The Energy Cooperative. This magazine is the bi-monthly communication link between The Energy Cooperative, based in Newark, Ohio, and its 65,500 members.
Find energy resources for kids @ myenergycoop.com/kids-corner.
In this issue President’s Message
3
Restoring Natural Gas Outages
4
Ready for winter storms?
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Budgets & Aging Infrastructure 8 Director's Corner with Nelson Smith 9 Using an electric generator 10 Save Money with Co-op Connections
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Winter Energy Savings word search 15
President’s Message By Todd Ware, President & Chief Executive Officer The Energy Cooperative is different from investorowned utilities. Our business model sets us apart because we follow seven guiding cooperative principles that reflect the core values of honesty, transparency, equity, inclusiveness, and service to the greater good of the community. As we begin our Todd Ware 85th year of service, I want to share what has kept this cooperative going since 1936.
Our mission. We exist to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to our members.
Meter Change, 1963
We are guided by a set of principles.
Every cooperative operates according to the same We do not have customers. We have members. Cooperatives are unique businesses seven cooperative principles: voluntary and open because they are owned by the people they serve. This membership; democratic member control; members’ gives members a voice in the way we run the cooperative. economic participation; autonomy and independence; Members vote annually to elect the cooperative’s board of education, training and information; cooperation directors, and can run for a seat on the board if they wish. among cooperatives; and concern for community. These Your vote and participation helps to shape the direction principles guide every decision made by the cooperative. of our cooperative.
We are committed to innovation.
We are not-for-profit. Unlike investor-owned utilities, which are operated to make the most profits for shareholders, cooperatives do not earn profits. Instead, any margins or revenue remaining (after all expenses have been paid) are reinvested into the system and eventually allocated to members in the form of capital credits.
We are local and community focused. Because we are owned by the members we serve, The Energy Cooperative has a strong commitment to our local communities. In addition to providing safe, reliable and affordable energy, cooperatives are involved in local community development programs and projects.
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Because we answer to local members rather than shareholders, cooperatives can respond quickly to changing member needs. We are committed to innovating in ways that benefit the local communities and members we serve. 2021 is very different from 1936, when a group of community members started Licking Rural Electrification (known today as The Energy Cooperative). While times have changed, our values remain relevant today. I commit to you that our cooperative roots run deep. We are proud to be part of this community, and look forward to bringing you safe, reliable, affordable energy — now and always.
Restoring Natural Gas Outages By Dan McVey, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer – Gas Operations
Dan McVey
Natural gas outages are rare, but they do happen. The process of restoring a natural gas outage is different than restoring an electric outage. While the basic principles are the same, there is one significant difference. A natural gas outage requires our employees to make two visits to your home or business.
Planned outages give everyone time to prepare. Unplanned outages are a different story. They occur when someone not affiliated with The Energy Cooperative hits one of our gas lines while digging, or there is some other kind of interruption in the gas flow.
How we respond 1. The Energy Cooperative employees visit impacted homes and businesses to shut off natural gas service. We do not need access to your home to turn off the gas, but we do need clear access to your meter. 2. Our crews make necessary repairs to the natural gas main and/or service lines. 3. We visit each home and business (a second time) to safely restore natural gas service. If no one is home when we arrive, our crews leave a door tag with more information.
What causes an outage? There are two types of natural gas outages, planned and unplanned. Planned outages allow us to perform necessary maintenance or upgrade our system. We notify members before planned outages occur. To make sure you receive this type of notification, check your preferred “contact methods” in SmartHub. Verify we have the correct phone numbers, and that you are not on our ‘do not call’ list. We may also communicate planned outages on social media or myenergycoop.com, depending on the size and scope of the work. You might even see information left on your doorstep alerting you of the outage.
Turning your gas on 1. Someone over the age of 18 must be present for us to restore natural gas service. 2. It is important to check for natural gas leaks. Our employees cannot restore natural gas service if they find a leak. In this case, our technicians explain necessary steps for us to restore your service. 3. We perform a safety inspection of your natural gas appliances. Our employees cannot relight appliances if they fail our safety check.
We’ve got you covered. Want to see our ID? Just ask. Our employees will arrive in an Energy Cooperative truck, and have a company ID. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call at 1-800-255-6815. Our member service representatives can verify one of our employees is at your home. Your safety is important to us! We want all our members to stay warm and cozy during the cold, winter months. While gas outages do happen, we work extremely hard to avoid them. If you find yourself experiencing a natural gas outage, rest easy. We’ve got you covered. Our crews continue to work until all our members have their natural gas service restored.
Scott Sorrell, Energy Cooperative employee, at Earth & Energy Day 2019
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Important Information
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.
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. OHIO811 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.
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1-800-255-6815
Ready for winter storms? By Connie Hogue, Director of Human Resources and Safety Stay fed
Ohioans became familiar with being at home for extended periods of time in 2020. We learned what we need to be safe, healthy, and comfortable at home. As we move in this new year, it is a good time to take inventory of your emergency supplies. Winter storms can bring snow, ice, and extremely cold weather. While they Connie Hogue typically do not last more than a week or two, it is important to make sure your family is prepared. Here are a few reminders to keep everyone in your household warm, fed, and safe this winter.
The CDC recommends having a supply of food and household items to sustain everyone in your household for several days. Consider adding the following items to your shopping list if you do not already have them at home. • Stock your pantry with non-perishable food, such as canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, powdered milk, instant coffee, water, and other essentials (i.e., diapers and toiletries). • Keep five gallons of water per person stored in case of an extended power outage. • Confirm that you have adequate sanitation and hygiene supplies including toilet paper, towelettes, soap and hand sanitizer.
Stay safe
Stay warm
An emergency kit should also include tools to help you weather the storm. Organize emergency supplies so they are together in an easily accessible location. • Stock your first aid kit with pain relievers, bandages, and other medical essentials. • Make sure your prescriptions are current. Include a seven-day supply of medications for you and other family members. • Set aside basic household items you will need, including flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener and portable, battery-powered radio or TV.
Heavy snow and ice can lead to downed power lines, leaving cooperative members without power. Power outages can be dangerous, especially during extremely low temperatures. Plan to have a safe alternate heating source, such as a fireplace or wood-burning stove during a power outage. These are great options to keep you and your loved ones warm, but there are important safety considerations to remember. • Make sure you properly vent all fuel and wood-burning heating sources. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. • Check your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors to make sure they are working properly. • Do not use a gas-powered oven for heating. A gas oven may go out or burn inefficiently, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. • Do not use a gas or charcoal grill inside the home. Do not use charcoal briquettes in the fireplace.
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Winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous. The Energy Cooperative is ready for what Mother Nature has in store, and we want you to be ready, too. For more winter safety tips, visit https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/.
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DRIVING IN WINTER WEATHER CAN BE DANGEROUS. Remember these tips if your vehicle ever comes into contact with a utility pole. Most importantly, always consider power lines and other electrical equipment live and dangerous!
IF A POWER LINE FALLS ON YOUR VEHICLE AND THERE IS NO FIRE: Your safest option is to stay inside your vehicle until help arrives. The vehicle acts as a path for the electrical current to travel to reach the ground. You are safe inside the vehicle, but if you get out, you could be electrocuted. Call 911 immediately. They can contact the impacted utility.
IF A POWER LINE FALLS ON YOUR VEHICLE AND THERE IS A FIRE:
40 ft.
Only attempt to leave your vehicle if it is on fire. To exit safely: Jump out of the vehicle, making sure NO part of your body or clothing touches the ground and vehicle at the same time. Land with both feet together and in small, shuffling steps, move at least 40 ft. away from the vehicle. The ground could be energized. Shuffling away with both feet together decreases the risk of electrical shock. Call 911. They can contact the utility. 7
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Budgets & Aging Infrastructure
By Pat McGonagle, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer The Energy Cooperative built large segments of its distribution system for both the electric and gas divisions during the 1960s, 70s and 80s. In recent years, the cooperative found itself needing to invest more heavily in its older infrastructure to improve system reliability and reduce interruptions. Pat McGonagle Management and the board continue to balance how to effectively refurbish, replace and modernize components of our older system while preparing for new growth through our annual capital budgeting process.
Moving into the natural gas business, older cast iron pipe is subject to cracking and breakage, steel pipe is prone to corrosion, and plastic pipe is susceptible to cracking or premature failure. The board of directors approved the Distribution Integrity Management Plan back in 2012 as a budget item to aid in the replacement of 107 miles of bare steel pipe with more modern polyethylene pipe and a plan to replace service lines and prone to fail risers beginning in 2013. As of December 31, 2020, the gas cooperative has completed the riser replacement program and has approximately 28 miles of distribution line that we need to replace. During 2020, the gas cooperative spent approximately $3.9M towards the replacement and installation of new distribution pipeline and nearly $2M on new service connections for members. During 2021, the cooperative plans to spend approximately $7.6 on capital improvements for our gas division with $4.3M spent on pipeline replacement and $2.1M on new service connections for members. We continue to invest considerable time and capital to support the safety and integrity of our pipeline system and facilities.
The modernization of our electric system is even more urgent because of the increasing dependence on electricity for modern life. During 2020, the electric cooperative spent approximately $2.5M on upgrading our Advanced Metering Infrastructure as part of a two-year replacement plan, $1.8M towards the replacement and installation of new distribution lines and nearly $2.1M on new service connections for members. During 2021, the cooperative plans to spend over $11.2 on capital improvements for our electric division. Nearly $2.4M will be spent on new services to members, $4.2M for line replacement and $3.2M on rebuilding transmission lines which should help both system reliability and reduce service interruptions.
MYENERGYCOOP.COM
The cooperative’s plan to modernize and replace essential parts of our aging electric and natural gas infrastructure proactively addresses critical areas before they become problematic. It also directly addresses the mission of your cooperative – to provide safe and reliable energy for our members now and in the future.
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Director’s Corner
By Nelson Smith, CCD, BL District 2 Director
Happy New Year! That greeting will most likely mean more to us this year than it ever has before. We look forward to putting COVID-19 behind us, allowing our families, the economy, and our business to get back to a normal routine. I am also optimistic we can put the 2020 election behind Nelson Smith us, allowing our country to reunite in a more civil and cooperative manner. Finally, I am hopeful we can see a weather pattern that is less destructive, allowing us to simply get through a new year without the flooding, wildfires and other disasters that have been so devastating around the country.
were playing on their transformer pad, “defending it like a fort” when they received an electrical shock. There was no fatality, however, both kids did receive burns. Two summers ago, I was driving through Mount Vernon when I saw two kids playing with a Frisbee in their side yard. That is normally not a hazard, but one of the kids was climbing on a metal ladder when throwing to his brother. The problem was that when he was on that ladder, he was within inches of the electric service line going to the house next door. I drove about a block before I could get turned around and went back to the house and pointed out the danger to the kid’s mother. Farming can also be hazardous. “Look up and Live.” Make sure you have plenty on clearance of any equipment when passing under power lines. Inside your home, have outlets replaced if they make a popping noise when you turn them on and have outlets child proofed. Pay attention to the smell of natural gas (usually compared to the smell of rotten eggs) and give us a call if you suspect a gas leak.
It seems like 2020 left us with a lot of things to be more hopeful for in the new year. Most of the problems of 2020 are not things we can influence, so we need to turn to the things that we can influence. One of those things can be SAFETY.
Being in the utility business we are surrounded by hazards relating to electricity and natural gas. There are hazards, both in our homes and on our property. In addition to serving on The Energy Cooperative's Board of Directors, I also have the honor of representing cooperatives from Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and West Virginia on the Federated Insurance Board of Directors, a cooperative that insures about 90% of the electric cooperatives around the country. With that position, I have become even more Let’s try to make 2021 a happy and SAFE new year. aware of the safety hazards that are all around us. Get to know your director Please take time to think about safety regarding your utilities. If you are planning on planting a new tree or digging for any reason, please call OHIO811 before you dig. It is a free service that will locate underground gas or electric lines. If you have underground electric service, make sure your children understand that the groundmounted transformer (that green box in your yard) is an electrical hazard. Last summer two kids in another state 9
Nelson was elected to the board in 2003 and is presently Chairman. He serves as a Washington Township Trustee and volunteers on the board responsible for restoring the Historic Licking County Jail. He is the retired publisher of the Utica Herald, The Heath News, the Pataskala Post and On Target. Nelson is also the former part-owner of Chapel Hill Golf Course in Mount Vernon. He is married to Kim, and between them have four children and seven grandchildren. 1-800-255-6815
Using an electric generator
By Gary Glover, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer – Electric Operations A generator can help keep your family comfortable if/ when winter storms cause unexpected power outages. As with everything electricity related, there are important safety considerations for using electric generators. Gary Glover
Prevent Backfeed
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•
You need to prevent electricity from traveling back through your home to the power lines—a dangerous event known as “backfeeding the lines.” This is very dangerous for anyone near power lines, particularly our line crews working to safely restore your service.
• • • •
There are two important ways to prevent backfeed. 1. Install a transfer switch. A transfer switch prevents your household wiring, or selected circuits, from connecting to the power grid and the generator at the same time. It also protects your generator from damage if we restore power when it is connected. Be sure to have a qualified, licensed electrician install the transfer switch for you. 2. Do not plug your generator directly into your homes wiring or circuit breaker panel. If you plug a generator directly into a wall outlet, the wiring in your home is not protected by a circuit breaker or fuse in your power panel. This can lead to the outlet overheating and possibly starting a fire.
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Additional Generator Safety Tips • • • •
Be sure to follow the manufacturers’ directions for installation and operation. To prevent electric shock, make sure your generator is properly grounded. The operation manual should supply correct grounding procedures. Operate electric generators or other fuel-powered machines outside where deadly carbon monoxide fumes cannot enter the home. Use the generator only in a well-ventilated and dry area found away from air intakes to the house. Do not use a generator in an attached garage.
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Do not overload the generator by running more appliances and equipment than the generator can handle. The operating instructions should have an output rating for the generator. Individual appliances should be plugged directly into the receptacle outlet of the generator using appropriately sized extension cords to carry the electric load. Make sure the cords are rated for outdoor use, have a grounded, three-pronged plug, and are in good condition. Do not run extension cords under rugs. Never plug a generator into a household outlet. Do not refuel a generator while it is running. Only store fuel outside of living areas and away from heat sources like water heater pilot lights. Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting it down. Keep children and pets away from generators
These safety tips are critical to help you avoid unnecessary danger when using an electric generator.
Powering Up After an Outage
When the power goes out, we expect it to be restored within a few hours. But when a major storm or natural disaster causes widespread damage, extended outages may result. Our line crews work long, hard hours to restore service safely to the greatest number of consumers in the shortest time possible.
1. High-Voltage Transmission Lines:
Transmission towers and cables that supply power to transmission substations (and thousands of members) rarely fail. But when damaged, these facilities must be repaired before other parts of the system can operate.
2. Distribution Substation:
A substation can serve hundreds or thousands of consumers. When a major outage occurs, line crews inspect substations to determine if problems stem from transmission lines feeding into the substation, the substation itself or if problems exist further down the line.
3. Main Distribution Lines:
If the problem cannot be isolated at a distribution substation, distribution lines are checked. These lines carry power to large groups of consumers in communities or housing developments.
4. Tap Lines:
If local outages persist, supply lines (also known as tap lines) are inspected. These lines deliver power to transformers, either mounted on poles or placed on pads for underground service, outside businesses, schools and homes.
5. Individual Homes:
If your home remains without power, the service line between a transformer and your residence may need to be repaired. Always call to report an outage to help line crews isolate local issue. 11
1-800-255-6815
Save money with Co-Op Connections By Heather Juzenas, Communications Manager
Heather Juzenas
The Energy Cooperative’s commitment to you goes beyond providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy. We are always looking for ways to provide value to our members, and are excited to share Touchstone Energy's Co-op Connections program with you. This free, money-saving tool gives our members access to more than 24,000 local and national deals.
combined savings of nearly $118 million on prescriptions. Want to see if you can save? Sign up today and explore Healthy Savings. You can search by prescription to see if the program benefits your family.
Signing up is simple. 1. Visit www.connections.coop or download Touchstone Energy’s Co-op Connections app on your mobile device. 2. Create your free account. 3. Select our cooperative, Licking Rural Electrification.
The Co-op Connections program has evolved over the years and we no longer distribute cards. Instead you can print a card from the website, or simply use the Save with co-op Connections • Healthy Savings – Save on prescriptions, dental, app to show your digital card. vision, chiropractic and more. • Cash Back Shopping – Earn up to 20% cash back at 2,000+ online retailers. • National Discounts – Get access to great deals and discounts. • Insurance Savings – Save hundreds annually when you compare insurance rates on home, life, auto and more.
Can we help your small business? It is free to advertise your business in the Co-op Connections Program. You design your own offer. See how other merchants have established local offers by creating a free account at www.connections.coop.
Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative As a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, we strive to serve our members according to four core values: integrity, accountability, innovation, and commitment to community. One of the most valuable features of the Co-op The Co-op Connections program is one of the ways we live Connections program is the pharmacy discount. While it up to those values, and we look forward to sharing more is not insurance, the discount can mean savings of 10 to information with you in 2021. Visit myenergycoop.com to 60 percent on prescription drugs. Our network includes learn more about Co-op Connections. You can also email more than 20,000 independent pharmacies and 60,000+ pr@theenergycoop.com or call us at 1-800-255-6815. overall. The pharmacy discount has been widely used by cooperative members across the country, resulting in a MYENERGYCOOP.COM
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1936
85 Years of Service
2021
85 Years of Service
The Energy Cooperative celebrates 85 years of service in 2021. We heard from many members who recognized family, friends, and neighbors featured in our last issue. Thank you for helping us identify everyone pictured in the previous magazine. If you recognize someone featured this month, please give us a call at 1-800-255-6815 or send an email to pr@theenergycoop.com.
Right-of-way crew, 1963
Billing Department, 1963
Annual Meeting, 1959
Signing Up Members
Pataskala Substation, 1955
Board of Directors, 1954
The first office for Licking Rural Electrification was in downtown Utica. We received several questions about the location of this office, and if there was still an underground parking garage. This office was located in the Masonic Lodge building. We do not know if the underground parking garage still exists. Our trucks were much smaller in those days and we didn’t have quite as many to store. The garage remains a mystery for now. Perhaps you know the answer?
Operation Round Up Grants The Operation Round Up Foundation awarded $33,576 in December. Thank you to all of our members who round their monthly energy bill to the next dollar. Together, we can make a big difference in our communities. To learn more about Operation Round Up Foundation, or apply for grants, visit myenergycoop.com/operation-roundup. The following organizations received a grant in December. • • • • • • • •
Licking Valley Panther Pantry for a freezer Philo High School Pantry for a freezer The Salvation Army of Mount Vernon for equipment for their food pantry TouchPointe Marriage & Family Resources for chairs, refrigerator & TV mount Center of Hope, Knox County toward a facility upgrade Bladensburg Community Heritage Foundation toward HVAC needs Wyatt Adkins Heart Organization toward field lighting at Legacy Community Park Licking Township Fire Company for rescue team equipment
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Central Christian Food Pantry toward a storage building Thorn Township Fire Department for personal protective equipment.
United Way donation
Licking Valley Panther Pantry
Again this year, many Energy Cooperative employees are supporting the United Way and helping to make a difference in their community! Pictured from left: Pat McGonagle, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, presents the annual donation along with Nichoal Samsal (Member Services), and Sara Whittington (Human Resources) to Seth Dobbelaer, Campaign Manager for United Way of Licking County.
Energy Cooperative's 2021 United Way Donation MYENERGYCOOP.COM
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WINTER ENERGY-SAVINGS WORD SEARCH
This winter, you can pitch in at home to help save energy! Read the energy-saving tips below, then find and circle the bolded words in the puzzle.
M B B T K V S N Z G G H B H C
U E M D V Y P J K N I M C N U
S T H G I L N C M I Z J Q E J
F M F G K X P I C H C W K W M
A I R F I L T E R T I O I X Q
K V R W B W K T H O F V N V S
S L H E L K Q G A L J D W R C
E R Q D P S I V N C B B L I Y
WORD BANK:
R J E G X L F O U R P L I D M
U C Q G N H A S O U I Y N V P
A K M U R Y E C V S N V E C Q
Z M S N V A Z P E D L I N B D
T T K M L S H S R M G E B B Q
H J V J T L H C Y A F J N T K
H L W L Z P K W O F P V T G T
• Unplug chargers when they’re not in use. They consume energy even when they’re not charging phones and other devices. • Ask an adult to check the air filter for your home’s heating and cooling system. Filters should be replaced regularly to help the system run more efficiently. • Always turn off lights when you leave a room.
• Open curtains and blinds during the day to allow sunlight in to warm your home. • Instead of turning up the thermostat, add more layers of clothing to keep your body warm. • If you have a fireplace, ask an adult to close the flue when a fire is not burning. 15
1-800-255-6815
1936
85 Years of Service
2021
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
1500 Granville Road P.O. Box 4970 Newark, Ohio 43058-4970 1.800.255.6815
PAID
COLUMBUS, OH PERMIT NO. 608
myenergycoop.com
Business hours The Energy Cooperative’s business hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm. We respond to outages and emergencies 24/7/365. Call if you need us. Our crews are on call and ready to respond.
Important phone numbers • • •
Member service: 1.800.255.6815. Electric outages or emergencies: 1.888.535.5732. Natural gas or propane emergency: 1.800.255.6815.
Safety Reminders • • •
If you smell rotten eggs or suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately. Call 911. Then call us at 1.800.255.6815. If you see a downed power line or other electrical hazard call 911. Then call us at 1.800.255.6815. Assume every downed power line is energized and dangerous. Consider any object touching lines energized as well.
1936
85 Years of Service
Safe, Reliable, Affordable Energy - When it matters most.
2021