Butler Rural Electric Cooperative
Employee Newsletter Summer 2025
Between THE LINES
WELCOME TO THE SUMMER ISSUE OF OUR EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER
We hope the newsletter keeps you informed on employee and member updates. You will receive Between the Lines every three months. Each issue will feature employee anniversaries, birthdays, upcoming meetings and events, and more.
We want to hear from you
Do you have information to include in the newsletter or an idea to improve communication? Send feedback, information, and photos to Jade at jadeg@butlerrural.coop. IN THIS ISSUE
Energy Day recap PAGE 7
Golf outing PAGE 11
Hueston Woods fireworks PAGE 12
Understanding net billing PAGE 14
HAZARDS IN THE FIELD > WHAT TO LOOK FOR
It's important to report hazards in the field if you see something that looks off when you're outside the office, like when you're on your way home after work.
If you see something that could be dangerous, report it to Denis. One of our employees will inspect the problem and fix it if needed.
Report these problems even if you're unsure it's impacting an electric line or if you don't know if the electric line is in our territory. Doing so will keep our employees and the public safe.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Shown here is a tree on an electric line. If you see this in our area, report it to Denis.
PEAK ALERTS
Peak alerts are issued when the demand for electricity is near an annual high and rising toward a new peak. They typically occur on hot summer days from approximately 1 to 8 p.m., depending on weather conditions. We ask our members to reduce their energy consumption during this time to try to avoid reaching a new peak which helps keep costs down.
If members have a radio-controlled switch on their water heater or a Cool Returns switch on their central air conditioning system, it will be activated during summer peak alerts. Members are notified by email and through social media when peak alerts are in effect.
Minimizing the impact of electric demand peak is important. Annual peaks affect future transmission and generation costs. A peak alert does not indicate a shortage of electricity – it is a way for members to help hold down electric costs.
Employee birthdays
JULY
Noah Krall
July 6
Laura Smith
July 6
Andrew Strait
July 7
Lori Maynard
July 9
Curt Loewenstine
July 11
Tom Wolfenbarger
July 22
Cody Holthaus
July 25
AUGUST
Kevin Maddock
August 14
Steve Fritzsche
August 21
Ray Brunner
August 30
Kim Phipps
August 30
SEPTEMBER
Adam Bens
September 2
Kyle Fagin
September 2
Debbie Carley
September 9
Rhett Hughes
September 11
2025 Community Events
FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA AT HUESTON WOODS STATE PARK
Saturday, July 5
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative helps sponsor the Fireworks Extravaganza at Hueston Woods State Park. Enjoy a cookout, DJ, and fireworks launched from the middle of Acton Lake.
FAMILY
DAY MEMBER APPRECIATION EVENT
Friday, July 11
One of our most popular events is our annual member appreciation day. Family Day is at Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s office from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring your family for free hot dogs, popcorn, Flub’s ice cream, games, prizes, caricaturists, and more!
BUTLER COUNTY FAIR COOKOUT
Saturday, July 19
Junior fair exhibitors and their families enjoy a meal and relax after spending the day moving their animals and equipment onto the fairgrounds for the Butler County Fair.
PREBLE COUNTY JUNIOR FAIR EXHIBITOR PICNIC
Friday, July 25
Butler and Darke Rural Electric Cooperatives sponsor this annual picnic at the Preble County Fairgrounds. Junior fair exhibitors and their families enjoy a meal and relax after spending the day moving their animals and equipment onto the fairgrounds for the Preble County Fair.
LINKS TO COMMUNITY CONNECTION GOLF OUTING
Friday, August 1
Grab a team of four and join us at Indiana Ridge Golf Club to raise money for Butler Rural Community Connection!
CAMDEN BLACK WALNUT FESTIVAL
Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19
Visit the popular Black Walnut Festival with more than 135 vendors. Visitors will enjoy a fun fall festival including food trucks, kids zone, entertainment, parade, and car show.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Employees can use up to eight hours each year to participate in community service efforts. These hours can be used during our annual Community Service Day in October at Shared Harvest Foodbank. Employees can volunteer October 7 or October 14 at Shared Harvest. You can also use this time to volunteer at an organization of your choice. Speak with your supervisor to schedule community service time.
Employee anniversaries
JULY
Laura Smith
July 1
29 years
Julie Abbott
July 5 19 years
Josh Smock
July 12
4 years
Emily Bourne
July 18 9 years
Cheryl Mathews
July 20
10 years
Larry Hornung
July 21 15 years
Steve Fritzsche
July 23 13 years
Ryan Kerr
July 24 2 years
Evan Rauch
July 24 2 years
Andrew Strait
July 29 6 years
Birthday Breakfast
AUGUST 19 • 7:30 TO 8 A.M.
If your birthday is in July, August, or September, plan to join Tom and other employees in the Community Room from 7:30 to 8 a.m. for the third quarter birthday breakfast!
Bob Conrad August 16 32 years AUGUST
Upcoming events
JULY
Hueston Woods Fireworks
Saturday, July 5
Family Day
Friday, July 11
Nominating Committee Meeting
Monday, July 14
Retirement Planning Meetings
Thursday, July 17
Butler County Fair Cookout
Saturday, July 19
Preble County Fair Picnic
Friday, July 25
Employee Headshots
Wednesday, July 30
Board Meeting
Wednesday, July 30
AUGUST
August is Community Connection Month
Links to Community Connection Golf Outing
Friday, August 1
Safety Committee Meeting
Wednesday, August 13
July, August, & September Birthday Breakfast
Tuesday, August 19
Active Shooter Training
Friday, August 22
Board Meeting
Wednesday, August 27
SEPTEMBER
Office Closed for Labor Day
Monday, September 1
Community Connection Board Meeting
Tuesday, September 9
Nominating Committee Meeting
Monday, September 15
Board Meeting
Wednesday, September 24
DON'T FORGET – HEADSHOTS JULY 30
Nick Calderone from Ohio's Electric Cooperatives will be here Wednesday, July 30 beginning at 7:30 a.m. to take updated headshots of all employees and board members. We would like to get updated headshots for each employee to use for anniversaries, promotions, etc. Please work with your supervisor to plan a time that morning for a quick headshot. Professional attire or a Butler polo is recommended.
SUMMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS
The HEAP Summer Crisis Program is effective July 1 through September 30. This is a one-time benefit for members and offers up to $800 to assist with electric utility bills. If you have questions about this program, please see Darlene.
WHO OWNS WHAT?
Electric co-op-owned equipment vs. member-owned equipment
This graphic depicts equipment owned by the co-op (in gold) and the member (in blue). If storms damage any equipment owned by the co-op, we are responsible for repairs. If storms damage any member-owned equipment, the member is responsible for repairs. Members should hire a licensed electrician when making any repairs to member-owned equipment.
Trimming trees around servi ce line is the member ’s responsibilit y
Note: This graphic depicts overhead and underground service. Please be aware of which type of service you receive at your
FAMILY DAY MAP ON NEXT PAGE
Links to Community Connection Golf Outing
Friday, August 1 • Indian Ridge Golf Club
Fill out the form in the break room or see Andy to register to play!
Registration deadline is July 25.
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative earns an ACSI® 2025 Customer Satisfaction Award
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative is honored to have earned a 2025 Customer Satisfaction Award* from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®) based on our member survey results. Members were asked to rate their overall satisfaction with us, how well we lived up to their expectations, and how well we measured up to their ideal co-op experience. While these were not the only questions in the survey, we included these specifically because they are the core components of the proprietary ACSI methodology.
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s ACSI score substantially outperforms the industry average score earned by publicly measured utilities reported in the 2025 ACSI Energy Utility Study. This award is a testament to Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s ongoing efforts to provide the best possible member experience.
The 2025 Customer Satisfaction Award affirms Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s hard work has been noticed by its members. We are grateful for our members and will continue to strive for excellence through constant dedication to improvement.
*Award criteria are determined by the ACSI® and are based on customers rating their satisfaction in a survey independent of the syndicated ACSI Energy Utility Study. For more about the ACSI, visit www.theacsi.org/badges. ACSI and its logo are registered trademarks of the American Customer Satisfaction Index LLC.
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative welcomes new member services representative
In April, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative welcomed Beth Polk as our new member services representative. In this role, Beth will assist members with payments and inquiries, update member accounts, and serve as the main cashier at our front desk.
Beth is a co-op member in Ross. She and her husband, Jay, have two boys, Aaron and Nathan, and a dog named Winnie. Beth’s favorite hobbies include reading, being outside during warm weather, and cooking new things. She is most excited to work in the community in her new role at Butler Rural Electric Cooperative.
Welcome, Beth!
Hueston Woods Fireworks
Saturday, July 5
Visit Hospitality Room 100 for free food and drinks plus enjoy our NEW reserved outdoor seating area for employees and families! Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Free parking at Hueston Woods Lodge.
Beth Polk MEMBER SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE
Andy Denny promoted to community relations and marketing coordinator
In June, Andy Denny became Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s community relations and marketing coordinator. In this role she will guide the cooperative’s events, Butler Rural Community Connection, youth programs, website, and our marketing programs.
Andy has worked at the cooperative for four years, most recently serving as our community relations coordinator. She has bachelor degrees in communication studies and international studies with a minor in leadership from Kansas State University.
Andy grew up in Ross and her family has lived in the cooperative’s service territory for over 25 years. She enjoys planning trips and traveling outside of the country.
Congratulations, Andy!
Retirement seminars
Rachel DeRoeck, our NRECA field representative, will be here Thursday, July 17 to provide the following information on our retirement plans (401k and RS Plan): RS Plan (Pension)
> What a pension is and why it’s important
> Understanding pension options 401k
> Plan contributions
> Plan features
> Loans
> SDBA
> What a ROTH 401k is PIRC
> What to prepare for meetings with the NRECA PIRC representative in October
We will host Personal Investment and Retirement Consulting (PIRC) Services
October 21 through 23. A representative will be at our office to meet with employees during that time.
Andy Denny COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND MARKETING COORDINATOR
How to prepare for RESAP
NRECA's Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program, or RESAP, helps cooperatives achieve safety standards across all departments. Our internal RESAP evaluation is scheduled for this summer. Here's how you can prepare:
Clean your office
Maintain a clean work area. Secure all cables and cords to avoid tripping hazards. Keep exits clear of equipment, carts, or other items that could block walkways.
Review our Safety Improvement Plan
Our Safety Improvement Plan is on the intranet under Safety > Safety Improvement Plan. Review the plan before our RESAP audit.
Be prepared
Know where emergency items, like first aid kits and defibrillators, are stored. Report any unsafe working conditions to your supervisor.
Political Action Committee Breakfast
Thank you to the employees who attended the PAC breakfast June 6! The PAC gives co-op employees and members a powerful, persuasive voice in Washington and Columbus. This program enables members to be involved in the political process, support their electric cooperative, and speak out to government officials who will support electric coops and the needs of their members.
During the event, members heard updates from Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s General Manager Tom Wolfenbarger, Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives President and CEO Craig Grooms, and Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Director of Government Affairs Mark Armstrong.
Open Hands Food Pantry receives grant from Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives
The Community Foundation of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives granted Open Hands Food Pantry in McGonigle a $1,000 grant to support local community members. The mission of the Community Foundation of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives is to improve and advance the quality of life in areas supported by Ohio’s electric cooperatives and their employees.
Open Hands Food Pantry provides free food and household items to families in need every Monday. Power to the People is a program within Open Hands Food Pantry that provides funding for power like electric, oil, and gas to local families.
Recipients of their generous donations are those who have fallen behind due to illness, job loss, divorce, unexpected care of minors, and stressful finances. Power to the People is one of the few assistance programs within our area and has helped families struggling in a large portion of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s service territory.
Last year, Power to the People pledged over $5,000 to more than twenty members, helping them avoid disconnection. We are grateful for their organization and the support they provide members.
Wednesday, November 5
Community Relations and Marketing Coordinator Andy Denny, Director of Corporate and Member Services Laura Smith, and General Manager Tom Wolfenbarger with Deb Fitzgerald from Open Hands Food Pantry and Power to the People.
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative receives national communication award
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative is thrilled to receive a Silver Spotlight on Excellence Award for Best Strategic Communication Campaign from NRECA for our Generator Program Startegic Communication Campaign! It's an honor to have our communication efforts recognized nationally. We’re dedicated to ensuring our commitment to connecting with members is reflected in all we do.
These employees were involved in creating the award-winning entry:
> Manager of Communications and Marketing Jade Guthrie
> Director of Corporate and Member Services Laura Smith
> Manager of Engineering Cody Holthaus
> General Manager Tom Wolfenbarger
> Electrician Wade Bullock
> Manager of Electrical Services Derk Beckett
> Manager of Member Services Darlene Thompson
> Marketing Coordinator Cheryl Mathews
> Manager of Accounting and Finance/CFO Evan Rauch
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Jacob Harrison and Beth, who were married June 14!
Christmas Celebration
Saturday, December 13
Do you have information to include in the employee newsletter or an idea to improve communication? Send feedback, information, and photos to Jade at jadeg@butlerrural.coop.
Our mission
To be a dynamic, progressive organization guided by cooperative principles and to provide energy and other value-added services to its members. The cooperative will participate in its communities, providing leadership and support to improve the quality of life for all of its citizens.
BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC