Rural Electric Nebraskan - 01/16 by Nebraska Rural Electric Association

January 2016

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Contents Volume 70, Number 1, January 2016

“The Rural Voice of Nebraska”

Staff

Editor Wayne Price

Editorial Assistant Tina Schweitzer Published by the

Visit us at www.nrea.org General Manager Troy Bredenkamp

President Ron Jensen, Loup Valleys Rural Public Power District

Vice President/Secretary David Keener, Niobrara Electric Association, Inc.

Heat Pumps 101

Advertising in the Rural Electric Nebraskan does not imply endorsement for products by the Nebraska Rural Electric Association. Correspondence should be sent to Wayne Price, Editor, Rural Electric Nebraskan, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.

The Rural Electric Nebraskan is printed by Quad Graphics, 2300 Brown Ave., Waseca, MN 56093. Form 3579 should be sent to the Rural Electric Nebraskan, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.

Periodicals postage paid at Lincoln, Neb. POSTMASTER: send address changes to the Rural Electric Nebraskan, 1244 K Street, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.

Publication numbers are USPS 071-630 and ISSN 0193-4937. Rates: $10 for one year; $15 for two years; $20 for three years, plus local and state tax.

January 2016

Heat pumps are growing in popularity because higher energy costs and chances of future fuel shortages have led homeowners to seek ways to reduce their heating and cooling costs. The heat pumps available today are extremely reliable and cost efficient.

NREA Youth Leadership Programs

Every summer, students from across Nebraska are able to take part in two Youth Leadership Programs offered by the NREA. These include Youth Energy Leadership Camp and Washington, D.C. Youth Tour. Developing Nebraska’s young leaders are just one more way Nebraska’s rural electric systems are “Working for Nebraska.”

Treasurer Butch Gray, Cornhusker Public Power District.

Published monthly by the Nebraska Rural Electric Association, 1244 K Street, Box 82048, Lincoln, Nebraska 68501, (402) 475-4988.

Features

Departments EDITOR’S PAGE

SAFETY BRIEFS — Murphy

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS by Pat Keegan

RECIPES

MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS

On the cover Happy New Year! Ice transforms a windmill into a wintery sculpture in the Nebraska sandhills. Photograph by Sandhills Images photographer Bob Rooney.

Who is really paying for solar savings? EDITOR’S PAGE

rom everything I have been reading in the newspapers and seeing on television it would appear that I am missing the boat by not taking advantage of solar energy to eliminate my electric bill. My email inbox has even taken a few hits from companies wanting me to see if I qualify for government incentives that will save me up to 65 percent or more with zero money down. Since I was curious about how much I could save, I clicked on the email and it took me to a website where I had to enter my zip code, select my electric provider, and answer a question about which direction my house faced. I clicked the “next” button and a new screen popped up with an “I Agree” button and a bunch of tiny print underneath. I used my cursor to highlight the tiny print and copied it so I could try to see what it said. I pasted the text below.

F by Wayne Price

By clicking above, you agree to the Privacy Policy and authorize Solar Program and up to four Solar Companies to call using an autodialer or send pre-recorded or text messages about their services to the phone number entered above using automated telephone technology even if your phone number is listed on any national or state “Do Not Call” list. Message and data rates may apply. You understand that consent is not a condition of purchase. After reading the conditions of the privacy policy, I decided not to go any further and I did not click the “I Agree” button. I really didn’t want any solar companies calling me with an automated message about their company. I wasn’t likely to make a purchase anyway. Even though it would appear that I fit

into the perceived group of potential solar customers: a caucasian home-owner. At least that’s according to a recent Reuters article I read. The article stated solar companies are dealing with an image problem that their product is something of a luxury, for rich, mostly white, consumers with incomes of more than $125,000. While a decline in the cost of solar panels and creative financing plans have brought solar to more middle income homes in recent years, the perception that still remains. Solar power in the U.S. sits at less than 1 percent of the total energy supply and most projects still rely heavily on incentives from the government to compete with traditional, base-load energy sources. It is these incentives that allow many of the solar companies to offer power contracts promising these great savings on their electric bills. However, because these are government incentives, the burden to pay for them digs into the pocketbooks of the rest of us. These contracts usually include certain credit requirements that are not meant for apartment dwellers, homes with low monthly electric bills or low-income households that already qualify for reduced power rates, according to Reuters. The article noted, “Since minorities make up a disproportionate number of low-income households, some advocacy groups have opposed certain solar power initiatives arguing that they deepen social and racial inequality.” As a result, solar companies are working to topple both the perceptions and the economics by pushing to make their workforce more diversified, creating new alliances with minority groups, and making solar power more suitable for multi-family housing. I’m not opposed to developing renewable sources of energy, like solar and wind, but I would like to see it stand on it’s own legs, rather than being propped up with government incentives.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Southwest PPDâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;customers thankful for linemen FROM THE MAILBOX

Dear Southwest PPD Workers, We just wanted to say Thank You so much for getting our electricity back on Nov. 11th. We had only lost electricity for six hours but it was enough time to remember what a blessing electricity is! You always appreciate something more when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gone. Most of all, thank you to the men who were working on the lines east of Trenton, just south of our house. Our 1-

and 3-year-old girls were watching them out the windows and praying for their safety as they worked. We are so thankful for those men who work in such bad weather and hard conditions. Even then the sun went down, they kept working. Then our electricity came back on about 7 p.m. Thank you so much. We hope you know how much we

appreciate you and all your hard work and sacrifice! We will continue to pray for your safety as you work. God bless you all! Ramsey & Tammy Harders Trenton, Neb. The thank you included a picture that their 3-year-old colored for the linemen.

Thanks for the informative article

In the November issue, you ran an article about insulated window shades. We purchased two and not only do they look very nice, but we can tell a big difference in the amount of air coming in through those windows. We thank you for the informative article and magazine! Ben & Doris Russell Ravenna, Neb.

Booze is a curse, not a blessing The October issue of the Rural Electric Nebraskan, glorifying the booze industry, is not only disappointing but disgusting. Booze is never a blessing and has always been a curse. Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise -- Proverbs 20:1 Woe unto him that giveth his neighbor drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also... -- Habakkuk 2:15 Ron Lundy Bridgeport, Neb.

January 2016

HEAT PUMPS 101 Heat pumps are growing in popularity because higher

energy costs and chances of future fuel shortages have led homeowners to seek ways to reduce their heating

and cooling costs. The heat pumps available today are extremely reliable and cost efficient.

by Tom Tate

hink of the name, “heat pump.” It likely conjures all sorts of images to mind, none of which reflect the fact that these systems operate using the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Yes, I hear the groans, but stick with me; it isn’t going to be that bad, and you may learn something new! There are two basic types of heat pump technology – air source and ground source. In an air source heat pump, the equipment uses the outside air to provide the means for heating and cooling your home. A ground source heat pump uses good old Mother Earth’s dirt. Since ground source heat pump operation is a little easier to describe, I will start there. Once you get a short distance below the surface, around a depth of four feet, the temperature of the ground stays a reasonably constant 50 - 55 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Have you ever gone into a cave or tour a cavern? In the summer, it is nice and cool. In the winter, it seems cozy and warm. What you sense is the

Rural Electric Nebraskan

difference between the outside pipe loops buried horizontally, about temperature and that of the cavern six feet underground. During cold below ground. weather, the pipe loops absorb heat Ground source heat pumps use from the earth and deliver it to the this temperature difference to heat heat pump located in the house. The and cool. These systems need some heat pump transfers heat from the sort of heat loop to warm exchanger the air that is installed circulated underground, throughout the either vertically house by or horizontally, ductwork. The and filled with a special, fluid. The nontoxic equipment at the antifreeze house itself ensures that resembles a the system will typical HVAC not freeze system. It uses during severe pumps and winter weather. compressors to In the summer, This illustration shows how a heat move the fluid the process is pump transfers heat between a house through pipes reversed for air and outside air. Illustration provided inside the house conditioning, by IGSHPA and in the and the heat ground where it picks up or gives off pump system transfers heat from the heat, depending upon the need. The house to the ground. process is rather simple, using a fluid to move (or pump) heat from one Well Water System place to another. As its name suggests, this system Ground source systems can utilizes two wells and underground operate in nearly any climate and water. Water from one well is work well with both baseboard hot pumped through the heat pump, water and forced air systems. then returned to a second well or However, they can be expensive to discharged into a pond. This system install because of their need for a requires two – four gallons of water ground loop of some sort. per minute, per ton, to operate.

Vertical Closed – Loop In a vertical closed-loop ground heat exchanger, a water/ antifreeze mixture is circulated through sealed pipe loops buried in vertical bore holes. The bore holes are typically 150 to 200 feet deep. As with a horizontal closed-loop system, heat is transferred by the heat pump system, from the ground during the winter and to the ground during the summer. A vertical heat exchanger can be installed on smaller lots rather than a horizontal system.

Horizontal Closed-Loop In a horizontal closed-loop ground heat exchanger, a water/antifreeze mixture is circulated through sealed

January 2016

Because water is returned to the earth, the underground water supply is not depleted by the heat pump’s operation. Air source heat pumps may seem harder to grasp. How can such a system cool my home when the outside air is so hot? Or, heat it when it is so cold? Again, the mechanics of the system take advantage of very small differences in temperature using the proper compressor and refrigerant mix. Just like its ground source cousin, the air source heat pump moves heat from one spot to another. The difference is that the medium to exchange heat is the More on Page 8

How do air source heat pumps work? By transfferring heat between a house and outside airr,, these devices trim electricity use by as much as 30 percent to 40 p cent in moderate climates. per

SUMMER Cooled Air Heated Air Thermostat Outside Air

Warm Air

WINTER TE Heated Air Cooled Air

Outside Air

Thermostat Cooled Air

1 Compressor Increases refrigerant//ffreon pressure to accept the maximum heat from the air..

2 Condenser Coils move freon (and with it, hhot or cold air) to or from outside air.

3 Evaporator Coils move freon (and with it, hhot or cold air) to or from outside air.

4 Air Handler Fan blows air into a home’s duccts.

5 Reversing Vaalve Switches the direction of the freon e flow, changing the heat pump’s outpput to hot or cold air (controlled by therm mostat). Sourcce: NRECA A

Heat Pumps 101 From page 7 outside air, rather than the ground. Both air source and ground source heat pumps use refrigerant to capture the heat and carry it to where it is exchanged – either in the ground or using the outside air. Heat pumps are very efficient, much more so than traditional heating and cooling systems. Let’s use a heat pump with a COP (coefficient of performance) of 3.0 as an example: For every unit of energy used, the system produces three units of heating /cooling. It’s not a bunch of hocus pocus – just that law of thermodynamics. Efficient as they may be, it should be noted that heat pumps can have drawbacks. In extremely cold climates, air source models lose their ability to heat effectively at around 17 degrees Fahrenheit. Below that temperature, they have to use resistance electric heat to keep up and can quickly become expensive to operate. In temperate climates, they

Left: This illustration shows a vertical-loop system in winter. Right: An example of an open-loop system or well water system. Illustrations provided by IGSHPA are likely your best choice for heating and cooling, especially for forced air applications. Recently, a number of companies have introduced heat pump water heaters in response to EPA rulings to bring this efficient technology to domestic water heating. While the jury is still out, many of the same air source benefits and drawbacks apply,

including a steep price tag at present. Heat pumps, properly applied, can make a world of difference to your monthly bill as well as to your comfort. Talk to the energy experts at your local electric utility, and find out if a heat pump is the ticket for your heating and cooling needs.

Steps To Installing A Ground-Source Heat Pump Pick a qualified heating/cooling contractor

you

receive

the

bids,

have

your

that has experience installing heat pumps. North

contractor explain the EFFICIENCY of the heat

contractors are recommended.

air conditioning cycle is called the Energy

American Ask

your

accurately

Technician

Excellence

heating/cooling

evaluate

your

(NATE)

contractor

home

for

the

pump. The efficiency rating for the heat pump Efficiency Ratio or EER. The EER rating can

range from 13 to 28. The efficiency rating for

installation and capacity requirements of a heat

the heat pump heating cycle is called Coefficient

a computer generated analysis showing the

range from 3.1 to 4.5 COP.

pump system. This evaluation should consist of amount of heating and cooling needed to condition your home for winter and summer.

When requesting bids from qualified dealers,

of Performance or COP. The COP rating can The important thing to remember is: the larger

the EER and COP rating, the more efficient your

heat pump will be. It is recommended that you

consider options such as: variable speed air

purchase the most efficient system that you can

thermostats; mechanical ventilation and air

heating system that you buy today will save you

handler;

filtration.

Once

duct

sealing;

programmable

afford. As time goes on, the more efficient money tomorrow.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Boaters to help Nebraska fight spread of Aquatic Invasive Species oaters in Nebraska, starting in 2016, will help the state’s effort to prevent the infestation and spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). The Aquatic Invasive Species Program was created by the Nebraska Legislature in 2015. An Aquatic Invasive Species Fee, to be collected from resident and nonresident boaters, will help fund the program. The fees will pay for education programs, prevention efforts such as monitoring water bodies, inspection and decontamination of boats, control of AIS populations, and other projects as needed. AIS populations are present in Nebraska. Zebra mussels have been found in Lewis and Clark Lake, as well as the Missouri River below Gavins Point Dam. A heavy infestation of Eurasian watermilfoil also was found recently at Goose Lake in Holt County. A $5 Aquatic Invasive Species Fee will be added to the three-year boat registrations of Nebraska residents beginning in 2016. Nonresident boaters’ $15 fee is for the purchase an annual decal. That decal is required of every motorized watercraft registered outside of Nebraska before that craft may be launched from any Nebraska boat ramp. The nonresident decal can be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.org or at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offices in Lincoln, Omaha, Norfolk, North Platte, Alliance, Kearney and Bassett. The receipt can be used as proof of purchase until the decal arrives in the mail. The 3-inch-square decal must be permanently affixed to the starboard and rearward side of the

boat, on the outside of the hull above the water line. An AIS is any exotic or non-native aquatic organisms that pose a significant threat to the aquatic resources, water supplies, or water infrastructure of this state. AIS may cause significant ecological problems

because they have been introduced into habitats in which there are no natural pathogens, parasites or predators. AIS can also impact recreational opportunities, municipalities, and water supplies. Source: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

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January 2016

What to look for when shopping for rooftop PV by Thomas Kirk

he solar photovoltaic (PV) market has never been more exciting. Over the last 10 years, prices for PV arrays have fallen spectacularly, and more people are considering installing solar on their roof. When shopping for rooftop PV, there are several important factors to consider. First, if you are installing solar panels to reduce the amount of your utility bills, be sure to look into energy efficiency upgrades first. While not as flashy or popular as solar, upgrades such as attic insulation, weather stripping and replacing old appliances with newer Energy Star units are often more cost-effective than installing solar panels. Completing upgrades like this first can also help to reduce the size of the PV system you need. Second, make sure solar makes sense for your roof. Is your roof shaded by nearby trees or buildings? Is it slanted north? Are you planning to

replace the roof soon? If you answered “yes” to any of these, rooftop solar may not be the best option at this time. It’s also important to understand that the same solar panel doesn’t produce the same amount of electricity everywhere. Solar works best in locations with long, sunny, cloudless days in cooler temperatures. To find out how much energy your solar array could produce, use an online calculator, such as PVWatts by NREL. Third, understand the implications and limitations of solar. Many people believe that if they have solar panels on their roof and the power goes out, they’ll still have power as long the sun is shining. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. If you’re still connected to the grid and don’t have a battery back-up system, you’ll be out of power with your neighbors. Due to safety concerns, solar panels connected to the distribution grid cannot be energized when the grid is down. Rooftop solar may also have liability implications, so be sure to have a lawyer read through the contract before any equipment is installed on your roof. Some salespeople will guarantee a certain savings or return

on investment. Be sure to check their assumptions. If a solar company promises to save you money, but their analysis relies on utility rates escalating by 5 percent annually for 20 years, you may want to run the numbers under different scenarios. Finally, and most importantly, check with your local electric cooperative to see what guidance they offer. Many co-ops offer community solar or green power programs at a competitive price or have solar experts to make sure you are maximizing the value of your system and in full compliance with safety guidelines. The solar marketplace is booming, and it’s easy to be overwhelmed with all the different choices and offerings. Think carefully before purchasing a system, and remember these considerations. Thomas Kirk is a technical research analyst specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy for the Cooperative Research Network (CRN), a service of the Arlington, Va.based National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Keep freezing pipes from bursting rozen water in pipes causes pressure to build and could result in the pipes bursting at their weakest point. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are particularly vulnerable to this concern, especially when they’re subjected to extra cold air coming through utility line holes. Follow these tips to help keep your pipes from freezing: • Fit exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping. The more insulation the better. • Use caulking to seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes. • Disconnect garden hoses and turn off the water supply to spigots. • Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Allow a slow trickle of water to flow through faucets connected to pipes that run through an unheated or unprotected space.

Protect your roof from ice dams When your home's heat melts snow, water runs to the edge of your roof (where the temperature is cooler) and freezes. Over time, this ice can build up, preventing drainage and forcing water into your attic or walls. How can you avoid ice dams, or at least reduce their impact? • Keep your attic well ventilated. The cooler the attic, the less melting and refreezing on your roof. • Keep your attic floor well insulated to minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic from within your house. • If possible, eliminate recessed lighting near your roof. Heat generated from such lighting melts snow, which then contributes to ice dam buildup. Caution: We do not advise going onto a roof yourself to correct an ice dam problem. Source: American Family Insurance

January 2016

Youth leadership programs empower Nebraska students with skills to last a lifetime ome people argue that leaders are born, not made. While it’s true that some people are born with certain traits that make them more comfortable in leadership roles, all great leaders need help developing their skills. Many others who might not be perceived as “natural” leaders can become exceptional leaders if given the right coaching and an opportunity to shine. What if a high school student in your life – a child, a grandchild or the nice kid down the road who’s always willing to help out a neighbor – had the opportunity to participate in such a leadership program? For consumers of the 34 public power districts and electric cooperatives that are members of the Nebraska Rural Electric Association, this isn’t a hypothetical question. Every summer, students from across Nebraska are able to take part in two Youth Leadership Programs offered by the NREA. These include Youth Energy Leadership Camp and Washington, D.C. Youth Tour. In July, Nebraska’s rural electric member-system’s host Youth

Energy Leadership Camp at the Nebraska National Forest near Halsey, Neb. At camp, more than 60 Nebraska high school students come together for a fun week-long experience. Like many other summer camps, students who attend will enjoy all of the fun summertime actives, however, Youth Energy Leadership Camp also challenges participants to learn about the electric industry and develop their leadership skills. The popular week-long camp is set up to give young people a better understanding of public power, electricity, power generation and the rural electric program. Our goal is to offer a program that challenges participants educationally, recreationally and socially. The NREA Youth Energy Leadership Camp is established as an operating power district and provides a “hands-on” approach to member-owned businesses. The students will join other high school students from Nebraska and Wyoming, along with adult counselors and junior counselors. The adult counselors are employees of rural electric systems who donate their time and talents to the camp.

The junior counselors are selected by their peers to return to next year’s camp. On the first day of camp, a board of directors is elected to oversee the operation of the newly formed electric power district. The board then chooses a general manager to oversee the committee activities and act as a liaison between the counselors and campers. Every participant has a role in the workings of the camp. Students can participate in the Ambassador competition or actively seek a position on the Board of Directors. Each student must also volunteer to serve on at least one of the committees responsible for various aspects of the camp activities. There is even a talent show where the campers can show off their various talents. A highlight of the camp involves a tour of the Kingsley Hydro Station at Lake McConaughy and Gerald Gentleman Station, a coal-fired power plant at Sutherland, Neb. High school students who attend the energy camp may compete for a chance to participate in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. with expenses paid

Rural Electric Nebraskan

by the Nebraska Rural Electric Association. Three students are chosen as part of the Ambassador competition held during camp. The competition involves submitting an application at camp, presenting a self-introduction speech and delivering a five-minute speech on an assigned topic. Each camper votes for three candidates following the speech with the top male, top female and person with the next highest vote total becoming next year’s ambassadors. The top six finalists and ties are invited to return to next year’s Youth Energy Leadership Camp as junior counselors. Recreational activities include basketball, volleyball and canoeing. If you don’t win a trip to Washington, D.C., don’t worry, many of Nebraska’s rural electric member-systems sponsor students from camp to attend the Washington, D.C. Youth Tour. Each June, Nebraska students, along with 1,700 other students from across the country, attend the Washington, D.C. Youth Tour. Participants in the Youth Tour spend a week in Washington, D.C. where they will: • Spend a day on Capitol Hill, including face-to-face meetings with their senators and members of Congress • Visit monuments and memorials

January 2016

• Explore museums • Build lifelong friendships with other young leaders from across the country This isn’t just a field trip to Washington, D.C. It’s a transformational experience that shows students the power of democracy and the importance of leadership. Many students that have attended the Youth Tour find it to be a life-changing experience filled with lasting memories and lifelong friendships. Each public power district and electric cooperative sets its own policies for participant eligibility, application and selection, so check with your local electric utility to learn more and get the process started. Nebraska’s public power districts and electric cooperatives have sponsored the Youth Energy

Leadership Camp and Youth Tour for more than 30 years because we believe it is our responsibility as not-for-profit, community-based organizations to invest in our next generation of leaders. These aren’t your typical summer programs. NREA’s Youth Programs are an investment in Nebraska’s future leaders. After high school and college, many of these students remain in rural Nebraska where they raise families of their own and become active citizens. Whether it is practicing speaking in front of a group, experiencing city life in our nation’s capital, or strengthening your resume for college, NREA Youth Programs help to build stronger Nebraska citizens. Developing Nebraska’s young leaders are just one more way Nebraska’s rural electric systems are “Working for Nebraska.”

Visit the website at: www.workingfornebraska.org 13

Bighorn sheep hunter finds success in Wildcat Hills ebraska’s first bighorn sheep hunt of the 2015 season ended successfully in the Wildcat Hills near Gering this week. Barbara Sackman of Long Island, New York, harvested a big ram at Cedar Canyon Wildlife Management Area in Roosevelt Public Power District’s service territory, seven miles southwest of Gering on Wednesday, Dec. 2, marking the first time a bighorn sheep tag has been filled from the Wildcat Hills region instead of the Pine Ridge. Wild sheep were reintroduced to Cedar Canyon in 2001. The 9-year-old ram unofficially scored 173 5/8. It is the 19th sheep harvested in Nebraska since reintroduction efforts began in the 1980s. Sackman was accompanied by her husband, Alan, and staff members of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on the hunt. Both Sackmans are world-renowned

hunters. This marks the 29th wild sheep for Barbara, the 2015 recipient of the prestigious Weatherby Hunting and Conservation Award and many other honors.

Above: This was the first of the Rocky Mountain bighorn species for Barbara Sackman. Top: Barbara Sackman and her husband, Alan, pose with her bighorn sheep ram at Cedar Canyon Wildlife Management Area. Photographs by Justin Haag, NEBRASKAland

Despite the many sheep she has harvested in international travels with her husband, this was her first of the Rocky Mountain bighorn species. “It’s a great sheep,” Alan said. “A person could hunt his whole life and not get many better than that one.” Barbara said she and her husband hunt for the memories, relationships and healthy meat more than the awards and trophies, though. “You don’t hunt for the awards. You hunt for the fun and sport of it,” she said. “Plugging along, up and down the mountains, through the hills and streams — it’s worked out very nicely for us.” The Sackmans bought the permit by auction and is the first of two hunters traveling to western Nebraska to hunt bighorn sheep. The state’s lottery permit winner plans to hunt in the Pine Ridge region of northwestern Nebraska. Source: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Rural Electric Nebraskan

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Weathering a winter power outage at home SAFETY BRIEFS

inter storms can cause prolonged power outages by weighing power lines down with ice, causing trees to fall into lines, or creating hazardous road conditions resulting in vehicle accidents with power poles. To safely weather a winter outage, you need to prepare and know what to do when a storm strikes. When the lights go out, you should first contact your utility company to inform them of the outage. Once they are aware of an outage, they will immediately begin the assessment and restoration process. How long it takes to get your power restored depends on the extent off the stormâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s destruction, the number of outages, and when it becomes safe for utility personnel to get to the affected areas. Until the power comes back on, do all you can to keep your family comfortable. A storm preparedness kit can help you do this. The kit will need to be assembled ahead of time and should include such items as: bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets, warm clothing, first aid kit/medicine,

flashlight, radio, extra batteries, and toiletries. Monitor the temperature in your home. Infants and elderly people are more susceptible to the cold. You may want to stay with friends or relatives or go to a shelter if you cannot keep your home warm. There are many ways to stay warm during a winter power outage. First, dress warm and cover up in layers of blankets. Next, remember to close off unneeded rooms and place draft blocks at the bottom of doors to minimize cold air entering the house. Cover the windows at night to keep the cold air out. Finally, avoid going outside. Opening doors will let cold

air in and going outside will make you more vulnerable to the cold. If you are using an alternative heating source, be sure to know how to use it safely and that you have all supplies gathered for it. Follow operating instructions, use fire safeguards, and properly ventilate. Always keep a multipurpose, drychemical fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it. Use caution when using a portable generator. These should never be operated indoors because they omit deadly carbon monoxide. Additionally, never plug it into a wall outlet. This is an important precaution in preventing potentially deadly backfeed, which occurs when electricity travels from the generator back through the power lines. Take steps to protect your circuits and appliances before power is restored by switching off lights and unplugging everything. Leave one light switched on as a quick reminder that the power is restored. For more information on weathering a winter storm, visit SafeElectricity.org.

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New Digital Hearing Aid Outperforms Expensive Competitors This sleek, lightweight, fully programmed hearing aid is the outgrowth of the digital revolution that is changing our world. While demand for “all things digital” caused most prices to plunge (consider DVD players and computers, which originally sold for thousands of dollars and today can be purchased at a fraction of that price), yet the cost of a digital medical hearing aid remains out of reach. Dr. Cherukuri knew that many of his patients would benefit but couldn’t afford the expense of these new digital hearing aids. Generally they are not covered by Medicare and most private health insurance policies. The doctor evaluated all the high priced digital hearing aids on the market, broke them down to their base components, and then created his own affordable version — called the MDHearingAid AIR for its virtually invisible, lightweight appearance.

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How to use space heaters efficiently

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS

by Pat Keegan

It’s cold this winter! Instead of Q :turning up my central heat, I’m considering purchasing a space heater to help warm my living room. I saw one in the store that is 100 percent efficient! What should I consider when choosing a space heater? : It can be more cost-effective to A run a space heater than to turn up your central heating, but if you’re not careful you may increase your electric bill. Generally, it is best to run a space heater when you need to heat just one or two rooms, or if you need temporary heat in a normally unheated area like a garage or shed. If you have a particularly cold-sensitive person in the home, it can be more efficient to use a space heater in the room they most often occupy rather than overheating the whole house. However, be mindful of the costs that these little heaters can add to

your electric bill. Nick Rusnell, an energy advisor with HomeWorks TriCounty Electric Cooperative in Portland, Michigan, shared, “During an energy audit, I found three 1,500watt heaters in the house of a consumer with a high bill complaint. I did a cost analysis for him and he was shocked.” Do your own calculations for how much running one, two or three in your home would cost. And beware the efficiency hype around space heaters: electric space heaters are all 100 percent efficient at turning electricity into heat, but an Energy Star airsource heat pump can be 300 percent efficient! If a space heater is right for you, remember a few things to save energy and money: • If you’re using a space heater to heat the one or two rooms you use most, turn down your central heating so you don’t heat up rooms you aren’t.

• Close doors to rooms that are being heated to avoid heat loss. • Turn off the heater when not in use or get a space heater with a timer feature. • Purchase a heater with thermostat settings and use the lowest setting that you are comfortable with. • Select a space heater that is the right size for the space you need to heat; most will have a sizing table on the box. Due to safety and air-quality concerns, portable propane and kerosene space heaters are not recommended for use in a home or other unventilated area. Even when installed properly, these types of heaters can emit low levels of carbon monoxide. Instead, look for an electric space heater; there are two main types: • Infrared heaters: Radiates heat to the objects and people directly in front of it, rather than the air in the room. If you are often sitting in one place, such as at a desk, this can be a good option. Note that the surface of these heaters can get very hot. • Convection heaters: Uses convection to warm and cycle the air in a room. These heaters are relatively quiet and can be warm to the touch, but not so hot as to burn you. Some models use fans to push the air over warm coils; these heaters can warm a room faster, but are usually noisier. If you need a space heater to keep your home comfortable, this may be a sign that your home needs insulation or air sealing, both of which can be great investments and significantly reduce your energy bills. In the longer-term, increasing your home’s insulation or switching to a more efficient heating system, such as a ductless heat pump, can be a more cost-effective solution. A good energy auditor can help you figure out the best measures to take to keep your home comfortable. If your utility offers free or discounted home audits, take them up on it!

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Prepare to stay safe during winter storms little rain and temperatures hovering around 32 degrees are the right combination for an ice storm that can bring down trees and power lines. While icecovered branches may be beautiful, heavy ice accumulation will pull down utility wires, disrupting electric and communication services. It is important to be prepared for these potentially dangerous storms and the potential power outages that they may cause. Having the right supplies and knowing how to stay warm safely are keys to weathering a winter storm emergency.

Here are some ideas for preparing your car, home and family for the next “snowpocalypse.”

In the car No one could be prepared to give birth in a car, but some simple supplies could make a night in your vehicle much more comfortable. During winter, always keep the following tucked away in the trunk: • Warm blankets or sleeping bags • Drinking water • Non-perishable food items and a can opener • Cell-phone charger • Sturdy shoes or boots • Flashlight It’s also a good idea to never let the gas level in your vehicle go below a quarter of a tank.

At home If you’re fortunate enough to make it home from work or school, you’ll want to have supplies on hand for at least a week. Rather than joining the last-minute frenzy at the grocery store, keep an emergency kit in your closet. This should include: Five days worth of non-perishable food

January 2016

• Can opener • Drinking water (especially for homes on a well) • Flashlight • portable emergency radio • extra batteries • extra prescription medicines • food for pets If your home has a fireplace or wood-burning stove, make sure you have enough firewood available to stay warm. Others should look into purchasing a kerosene heater or other portable option for emergency heat. In addition, you’ll need a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector to help ensure safe air quality when burning emergency fuels. If you operate a portable generator, be sure to do so away from the house to keep carbon monoxide from entering the home.

should know addresses and phone numbers. Family members should agree upon and memorize a separate “ICE” number, which stands for “In Case of Emergency.” This should be the number of someone who lives out of town-an aunt or uncle perhaps-that everyone calls, if local phone service is disrupted. It’s often easier to place an out of town call than to reach others within an emergency area where phone connections are overloaded or disabled. Naturally, children will want to enjoy the rare opportunity to play in the snow. Accompany young children and make sure everyone, including pets (on leashes), stays well away from downed power lines or trees that may be heavy with snow. Source: Underwriters Laboratories

For your family Similar to tornado or hurricane readiness, there are certain precautions that can protect the safety of your family and loved ones. As young as possible, make sure children know their full names and spellings, as well as their parents’ names and spellings. They also

Down Home Recipes

Spice up your New Year with cinnamon hen the house is filled with the sweet smell of cinnamon, it’s a sure sign the holidays have arrived. This signature flavor of the season can add warmth and nostalgia to everything from traditional baked goods to vegetable sides and cocktails. “Everyone loves cinnamon in classic desserts like apple pie, but this spice is so versatile, it can be used in countless sweet and savory dishes,” said Chef Kevan Vetter of the McCormick Kitchens. “For the perfect seasonal side dish, you can toss carrots cooked in a slow cooker with a cinnamon-sugar glaze. Or, add cinnamon sticks to a festive drink, like holiday sangria.” Try these recipes to showcase that pure cinnamon flavor from cocktail hour to dessert. For more recipes and tips, check out McCormick.com and visit McCormick Spice on Facebook and Pinterest.

Find the Best Cinnamon

Before you stock up this holiday season, make sure you’re buying the highest quality cinnamon to bring pure flavor to your dishes. Look for clump-free ground cinnamon that’s a deep brown, mahogany color. It should have a warm aroma and taste with a little “red hot” cinnamon heat.

Caramel Apple Slab Pie 2 packages (14.1 ounces each) refrigerated pie crusts (4 crusts), divided 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 tablespoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon 8 cups thinly sliced and peeled Honey Crisp apples (about 8 apples) 1 cup caramel topping, divided

Mix sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon in large bowl. Add apples; toss to coat well. Spoon into pie crust. Drizzle with 3/4 cup caramel topping. Top with remaining 2 crusts. Pinch edges of top and bottom crusts together to seal. Cut small slits in top crust. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool on wire rack. Drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup caramel topping to serve.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring crusts to room temperature according to package directions. Unroll pie crusts. Line bottom and sides of 13x9-inch glass baking dish with 2 pie crusts. Press seams of overlapping crusts in middle of baking dish together to seal.

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Reader Submitted Recipes

1 1 1 2 1 1/2 1 2 1 1/2 1/2

Spiced Cranberry Sangria 1 16

3 1 1/4

orange McCormick Gourmet Whole Cloves bottle (750 milliliters) sweet white wine, such as Moscato or Riesling cups cranberry juice cup fresh cranberries cup orange-flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier McCormick Gourmet Cinnamon Sticks tablespoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract

Cut orange into 8 wedges. Press 2 cloves into each wedge. Set aside. Mix wine, cranberry juice, cranberries, liqueur, cinnamon sticks and vanilla in large pitcher until well blended. Add orange wedges. Refrigerate 3 hours or until ready to serve. Serve in ice-filled glasses, if desired. Tip: If transporting Spiced Cranberry Sangria to a party, prepare recipe without adding the wine. Take the spiced cranberry juice in a clean, portable tightly covered beverage container leaving enough room for the wine. Then pour the bottle of wine into the container at the party. Serve and enjoy!

January 2016

Cajun Chicken Lasagna

(16 ounce) package of lasagna noodles lb. andouille sausage, quartered lengthwise and sliced lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cut into chunks teaspoons Cajun seasoning teaspoon dried sage cup chopped onion tablespoon finely chopped garlic (10 ounce) containers Alfredo sauce, divided cups shredded mozzarella cheese cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine sausage, chicken, Cajun seasoning and sage. Cook until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear, about 8 minutes. Remove meat from skillet with a slotted spoon, and set aside. Sauté onion and garlic until tender, remove from heat and stir in cooked meat and one container of Alfredo sauce. Lightly grease a 9” X 13” baking dish. Cover bottom with 3 to 4 lasagna noodles. Spread with 1/3 of the meat mixture over noodles. Repeat layers and end with a top layer of noodles. Spread remaining container of Alfredo sauce over top. Top with mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Alison Jacobs Ehrlich, McCook, Nebraska

Amazing Corn Cake with Caramel Frosting

Cake: 1 can cream-style corn 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3 eggs 1 cup vegetable oil 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3/4 cup raisins 1 cup chopped walnuts

In a mixing bowl combine corn and sugars, add eggs and oil, beat until well blended. Combine dry ingredients, add to batter and mix well. Stir in raisins

and nuts. Pour into a greased 13” X 9” baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 3035 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool thoroughly. Frosting: 4 tablespoons butter or margarine 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup milk 2 - 3 cups sifted powdered sugar Bring butter and brown sugar to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat. Stir in milk. Stir in powdered sugar until frosting is desired consistency. Frost cool cake.

Jenny Bergt, Amherst, Nebraska Correction: December’s Cheesy Pumpkin Pie recipe was missing three eggs from the list of ingredients.

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