Oct. 2020 GLE

October 2020

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES Great Lakes Energy Cooperative

GLE In The Community

Lighting Up 2020

Getting Getting The

National Cooperative Month

Chills Chills

WITH JOHNATHAN RAND

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 26% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT THROUGH 2020 1

You don’t have to lower the thermostat to control your heating bills. WaterFurnace geothermal systems use the clean, renewable energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. And because WaterFurnace units don’t use any fossil fuels or combustion, the EPA calls it the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to condition our homes. 2 Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer to learn how WaterFurnace is good for the environment, your budget and the feeling in your toes.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS Bad Axe/Cass City Thumb Clg & Htg (855) 206-5457 thumbcooling andheating.com Berrien Springs WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmich geothermal.com Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com

Caro Kozy Home Htg & Clg (989) 673-4328 geo4less.com

Indian River M & M Plmb & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plumbing.com

Clifford Orton Refrig & Htg (989) 761-7691 sandusky geothermal.com

Michigan Center Comfort 1/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 aireserv.com/ southern-michigan

Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheating cooling.com

Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989) 772-4822 waltonheating.com

Muskegon Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheating cooling.com Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com

Traverse City D & W Mechanical (231) 941-1215 dwgeothermal.com Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 watergeofurnace.com

Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com

visit us at waterfurnace.com WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc. 1. 26% through 2020 and 22% through 2021 2. EPA study “Space Conditioning, The Next Frontier” (Report 430-R-93-004)

Contents countrylines.com

October 2020 Vol. 40, No. 9

/michigancountrylines

/michigancountrylines

Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark EDITOR: Christine Dorr GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird RECIPE EDITOR: Christin McKamey PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association Michigan Country Lines, USPS-591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.

Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.

Postmaster: Send all UAA to CFS.

Association Officers: Robert Kran, Great Lakes Energy, chairman; Tony Anderson, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Eric Baker, Wolverine Power Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; Craig Borr, president and CEO.

CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please

notify your electric cooperative.

See page 4 for contact information.

The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.

#micoopcommunity

Cover Photo: Boots Wright

Just a sunflower, waiting on the sun @chadronald

6 LEARNING THE LINES WITH JMAP Top-notch training program gives Michigan lineworker apprentices an edge in their field.

14 GETTING THE CHILLS Johnathan Rand’s popular “Michigan Chiller” series pairs spooky stories with kids’ favorite Up North destinations.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN These simple but flavorpacked dishes can be whipped up in no time at all.

MI CO-OP COMMUNITY

18 ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS Share these tips with your children to help them stay safe around electricity.

Be featured!

Use #micoopcommunity for a chance to be featured here and on our Instagram account.

To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community

MI CO-OP KITCHEN

BEST OF MICHIGAN

GUEST COLUMN

Up Next: Stir-Fry Favorites, Soups Share your favorite recipes.

Up Next: Restaurants With A View Tell us about your favorite dining location with a scenic Michigan view you can pair with the cuisine.

Submit your fondest memories and stories.

Win a $50 bill credit!

Win $150 for stories published!

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Power On:

October Is National Co-op Month

gtlakes.com /greatlakesenergy /jointruestream

Bill Scott, Great Lakes Energy President/CEO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Robert Kran, Chairman, District 6 7380 N. Tuttle Rd., Free Soil, MI 49411 231-464-5889 • bkran@glenergy.com

John LaForge, Vice-Chairman, District 9 7363 Walters Rd., Delton, MI 49046 269-623-2284 • jlaforge@glenergy.com

Paul Schemanski, Secretary, District 1 5974 Stolt Rd., Petoskey, MI 49770 231-439-9079 • paul.schemanski@glenergy.com Larry Monshor, Treasurer, District 4 1541 Thumm Rd., Gaylord, MI 49735 989-370-2786 • lmonshor@glenergy.com

Howard Bowersox, Director, District 8 23779 8 Mile Rd., Stanwood, MI 49346 219-670-0977 • hbowersox@glenergy.com Paul Byl, Director, District 7 9941 W. Buchanan Rd., Shelby, MI 49455 231-861-5911 • pbyl@glenergy.com

Mark Carson, Director , District 2 01950 Anderson Rd., Boyne City, MI 49712 231-675-0561 • mcarson@glenergy.com Richard Evans, Director, District 3 11195 Essex Rd., Ellsworth, MI 49729 231-883-3146 • revans@glenergy.com

Dale Farrier, Director, District 5 2261 Wheeler Lake Rd. NE, Kalkaska, MI 49646 231-564-0853 • dfarrier@glenergy.com PRESIDENT/CEO: Bill Scott 888-485-2537

s an electric cooperative, our top priority is always to provide reliable, affordable energy to you, the consumer-members we serve. Because we are a co-op, our mission is to enrich the lives of our members and serve the long-term interests of our local community—and this mission has never been more critical than in recent months. One of the seven principles that guides all co-ops is “concern for community.” To me, this principle is the essential DNA of Great Lakes Energy, and it sets us apart from other electric utilities.

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October is National Co-op Month, and electric cooperatives across the country are highlighting the many ways we “Power On.” Keeping this theme in mind, I recognize the essential role we play in serving a special community like ours.

Who would have fathomed in March that the COVID-19 virus would amount to a test of our community and our nation? The changing circumstances due to the pandemic have created both challenges and opportunities. Over the past several months, we’ve all been challenged to operate differently, and the employees of Great Lakes Energy have stepped up to help our members and strengthen the safety net for our more vulnerable neighbors.

As an essential service, and to ensure the reliability of your power supply, we modified our operations to safeguard business continuity. Our line crews and other employees began working on staggered schedules to maintain separation.

Some staff worked remotely. In the office, we developed COVID-19 safety protocols, and limited meetings and gatherings to allow for safe separation. We also adjusted our walk-in office availability and in-person service calls to ensure the health and safety of our employees and our valued members. In addition, we offered free Wi-Fi hotspots for students without internet access through our fiber internet subsidiary, Truestream. For the health and safety of everyone, we think these measures were the prudent course of action for the times.

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR/EDITOR: Lacey Matthews 231-487-1316 • lmatthews@glenergy.com

For our members impacted by COVID-19 who needed help with their electric bills, we waived late fees and worked with those hardest hit to make special payment arrangements.

BOYNE CITY HEADQUARTERS 1323 Boyne Ave., P.O. Box 70 Boyne City, MI 49712

And while we certainly missed visiting with you in person, we found new ways to stay connected. We have encouraged members to take advantage of their online accounts to pay bills and report outages. We also stay connected virtually with you by increasing our social media presence.

Hours: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. M–F Phone: 888-485-2537 Email: glenergy@glenergy.com To report an outage, call: 1-888-485-2537

Change of Address: 888-485-2537, ext. 8924 Great Lakes Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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I tell you about all of these efforts not to boast about Great Lakes Energy, but to explain how much we care about this community—because we live here too.

We’ve seen other local businesses rising to meet similar challenges during this time because that’s what communities do. While the challenges caused by COVID-19 have been daunting, I’m heartened to see how everyone is pulling together.

Great Lakes Energy was built by the community to serve the community, and that’s what we’ll continue to do—Power On.

Director Receives Training Award Great Lakes Energy Director Paul Schemanski received a certificate of achievement for successfully completing the Board Leadership Program offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

Having trained directors on the board helps Great Lakes Energy better serve its members. NRECA is the service organization representing the nation’s electric cooperatives.

Then. Now. Always.

We’re proud to power your life.

October is National Co-op Month.

#PowerOn

Becoming an electrical lineworker is a rewarding career that serves an essential need for cooperative communities.

Interested in a career?

If you love being outdoors, working with your hands and are committed to learning a trade on the job, then becoming a lineworker might be the career for you. Visit your cooperative’s careers page to learn about current opportunities.

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OCTOBER 2020

LEARNING THE LINES With JMAP, Michigan’s Most Widely Used Lineworker Apprentice Program

By Shannon Hamner

he job of an electrical lineworker is physically demanding, can involve long hours in emergency situations, and requires the utmost concentration and focus on safely dealing with lifethreatening voltages. Often referred to as the first responders of electricity, lineworkers are vital to ensuring the lights stay on for all.

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Because of their essential role, ever-changing technological advancements, and growing skill set needs, lineworkers need the most advanced training to gain the skills and experience to become masters in their field. In Michigan, every electric cooperative and most municipal

utilities receive this training from the Joint Michigan Apprentice Program (JMAP) located at the Wolverine Training Center in Lake City.

“Having the Wolverine Training Center has been instrumental in bringing the overall quality of the apprentices to the next level,” said Mike Appleford, senior training advisor, Northwest Lineman College. “Developing a well-trained, sustainable workforce is an essential piece to providing safe, reliable energy to homes and businesses.”

The JMAP is a partnership between Wolverine Power Cooperative, the International Brotherhood

of Electrical Workers Local 876 (IBEW), and Northwest Lineman College (NLC)—an industry-leading educational institution that provides pre-apprentice, apprentice, and journey-level training for hundreds of companies throughout the United States and internationally.

“The instructors that NLC brings to the JMAP are among the best in the world,” said Appleford. “Our instructors have a passion for the trade and for teaching others.”

The JMAP, founded in 2017, is a Department of Labor certified program that requires apprentice lineworkers to complete 7,000 hours of on-the-job training, plus eight weeks of the classroom and hands-on skills testing over four years. The first-class instruction and experience take the apprentice from the basics of learning to climb and work from elevated positions through a deep understanding of electrical systems, including transformers,

protective grounding, and utilization of specialized equipment. And, most importantly, keeping the safety of the apprentices, their fellow lineworkers, and the communities they serve at the forefront of their minds.

“The training has been excellent and offers a great deal of information with both in-class and hands-on education,” said Nick Kuz, lineman with Great Lakes Energy and an apprentice from the JMAP. “I feel confident in the amount of training I have received to advance in my career; it’s been great to expand my knowledge and be able to bring it back to the rest of my crew.”

While JMAP is proud to train the utility lineworkers of the future, the first step to becoming a lineworker—and entering the JMAP program—is to be hired as an entry-level apprentice at an electric utility. Once hired, the utility provides training in the field from senior lineman and through an apprentice program like JMAP.

“The training has been excellent and offers a great deal of information with both in-class and hands-on education. I feel confident in the amount of training I have received to advance in my career; it’s been great to expand my knowledge and be able to bring it back to the rest of my crew.”

—Nick Kuz, Great Lakes Energy lineman and JMAP graduate

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Out-’Smart’ Your TV W

atching something on the “big screen” conjures up memories of hot buttered popcorn, Snowcaps, and the excitement of buying tickets at the movie box office.

Today, the “big screen” is the huge flat-screen Smart TV in your family room where you stream and binge-watch your favorite shows or movies 24/7.

TV screen time has increased, meaning in-home energy use is also on the rise. But there are easy ways to save energy while still streaming your favorites.

Why choose ENERGY STAR®?

• ENERGY STAR certified TVs are, on average, 25% more energy-efficient than conventional TVs. • With an ENERGY STAR TV purchase, you may qualify for a $20 rebate.

Energy-efficient TV features to consider: • Automatic Brightness Control (ABC) • Local dimming • Preset picture settings

Gaming? Configure your gaming console to use less energy. Today’s gaming consoles provide many great features like voice control and gesture recognition, but these features also require more power to operate. To save: • Activate the power savings settings on your console, • Turn off the controllers when not in use, • Utilize the “smart” function on your Smart TV. The built-in streaming capabilities are much more efficient than streaming from your gaming equipment.

Utilize a smart power strip.

Many electronic products continue to draw power from the outlet even when they are turned off. Using a smart power strip is a convenient solution. It senses when the master electronic device—such as a TV—is turned off. Then, it automatically shuts down other associated devices like your child’s PlayStation.

For a complete list of rebates available from the Energy Optimization program, visit michigan-energy.org or call 877-296-4319.

Upgrade and earn cash incentives when you purchase an ENERGY STAR® qualified TV! V I S I T : michigan-energy.org C A L L : 877.296.4319

GREAT LAKES ENERGY

PHOTO

CONTEST

Birds 1. Battle of the graceful grosbeaks—Megan Moffitt, Ludington 2. Good ol’ rooster, Merle!—Sami Weesies, Mears 3. Kissing loons on Opal Lake—Kelly Gilling, Gaylord 4. Nature’s beauty—Gary Ventrice, Fountain 5. Oriole gathering dog hair for its nest—Beverly Cherwinski, Vanderbilt 6. Kramer, the pileated woodpecker— Judith Dubiel, Fife Lake

MOST VOTES!

Enter to win a

$200

energy bill credit!

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Submit Your “Magic of Winter” Photos!

Each month, members can submit photos on our website for our photo contest.

The photo with the most votes is published here along with other selections.

Our October theme is Magic of Winter. Photos can be submitted by October 20 to be featured in the January 2021 issue.

How To Enter: Enter the contest at gtlakes.com/blog. Make sure to vote and

encourage others to vote for you, too. The photo receiving the most votes will be printed in an issue of Michigan Country Lines along with other favorites. All photos printed in the magazine in 2021 will be entered to win a $200 bill credit in December 2021.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Recipes

Photos by Robert Bruce Photography || Recipes Submitted by MCL Readers and Tested by Recipe Editor Christin McKamey

EASY RECIPES Quick, easy, and on your table fast.

WINNING RECIPE!

SALSA DELISH

Jean Alexander, Great Lakes Energy 1 (15-ounce) can yellow corn, rinsed and drained 1 (15-ounce) can white corn, rinsed and drained 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained ½ cup finely chopped onions ½ cup finely chopped green bell peppers ½ cup diced tomatoes 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro ½ cup Italian low-fat or regular dressing

Win a

$50

energy bill credit!

10 OCTOBER 2020

RECIPE CONTEST

Stir-Fry Favorites due December 1 • Soups due January 1 Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $50 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines with a photo and a video.

Go to micoopkitchen.com for more information.

Place canned items in bowl and mix.

Stir in rest of ingredients and mix.

Drizzle Italian dressing over salsa and stir. Serve chilled with nacho chips.

Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos

DARK CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE Leslie Brasure, Alger Delta 2 ¼ 1 3½ ¼ ¼ 2 2 •

tablespoons unsalted butter cup dark chocolate chips large egg tablespoons buttermilk teaspoon vanilla cup sugar tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder tablespoons self-rising flour pinch of salt

Combine the butter and chocolate chips in a large mug. Microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until melted. Add the egg and whisk it in with a fork.

Stir in the buttermilk, vanilla, sugar and cocoa.

Add the flour and salt. Beat the batter until smooth. Divide between 2 mugs. Microwave separately for 1 to 2.5 minutes each, until risen and firm. Topping ideas: whipped cream, fresh berries, or shaved chocolate. Serve immediately.

SIMPLE, SCRUMPTIOUS CASSEROLE Deb Finedell, Great Lakes Energy

1 package frozen tater tots or potato rounds 1 pound ground beef 1 package frozen broccoli 1 can french fried onions 1 tomato, chopped 1 can cream of mushroom soup ¹⁄ ³ cup milk 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ¼ teaspoon garlic powder ¹⁄ 8 teaspoon ground black pepper Preheat oven to 400 F. Place potatoes on bottom and sides of pan. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes.

Brown beef; drain. Place remaining ingredients over potatoes, reserving some cheese and onions for topping. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Put the rest of the cheese and onions on top and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

GREEN OLIVE DIP Jennie Lewandowski, Presque Isle

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese 1 (10-ounce) jar sliced green olives Let cream cheese soften, or soften in microwave. Add entire jar of green olives (brine too). Mix well! This dip is served best with regular Doritos!

CHRIS’ CORNY CASSEROLE Christine McAfee, Presque Isle

4 eggs 1 (14-ounce) can creamed corn 1 cup corn muffin mix (Jiffy is a brand option) ²⁄ ³ cup canola oil Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix all ingredients together in an ovenproof bowl. Bake 45 minutes or until center is set. Serve immediately. Note: You can up the cornbread mix to a whole box or lower the amount of oil or even the eggs, but none of the above changes will be as fluffy or light as the original recipe.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Lighting Up 2020

PRIZES ARE:

Grand Prize:

We are celebrating National Cooperative Month by making 2020 just a little bit brighter. Complete a short questionnaire for a chance to win prizes this month.

Questionnaires will be mailed with your October bill. Please complete and return with your bill payment or follow the link to complete the survey online.

iPad

7th Generation, 32GB

20 Winners:

A Box of 20 LED Lightbulbs (equal to almost $82 in energy savings a year) And A $20 Gift Of Energy

Be sure to visit and like our Facebook page (facebook.com/greatlakesenergy) for a chance to participate in contests to win more prizes. *Prize winners will be randomly selected from members who complete the questionnaire.

Internet at the Speed of…

No matter how rural your home may be, Truestream high-speed internet and voice services allow you to stay connected to what matters most.

Pre-register* today for free installation (a $149 value).

Sign up now at jointruestream.com no data caps

•

no contracts

•

speeds up to 1 Gig

1-888-485-2537 | jointruestream.com *Certain restrictions apply. If construction for your area is completed before registering your interest in Truestream, a $149 installation charge will apply. Visit jointruestream.com for construction timelines.

Plans start at

$59.99 /mo*

GLE in the COMMUNITY

No doubt 2020 was a year unlike any other. Even in challenging times, GLE remains committed to our concern for the community, one of the seven guiding principals that cooperatives follow.

STORMS

Multiple storms hit the GLE service area in 2020.

Lineworkers and GLE employees were always ready to reconnect members back to power as quickly and safely as possible.

TRUESTREAM

Truestream free Wi-Fi hotspots were set up all around our Petoskey service area during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hotspots allowed students who lacked access to the internet to complete their studies. Members took advantage of the hotspots (and warm spring weather) outside GLE’s headquarters in Boyne City.

EV CHARGING NETWORK

Six GLE offices now offer free charging stations for Electric Vehicles (EVs). This allows EV owners to trek off the beaten path and explore rural communities.

Find out more at gtlakes.com/energy-efficiency/.

Getting Getting The

Chills Chills

WITH JOHNATHAN RAND

By Emily Haines Lloyd || Photography by Boots Wright

In “Mayhem on Mackinaw Island,” siblings Sandy and Tim Johnson spend their usual summer on Mackinac Island.

But this particular holiday, they find themselves on not just a school vacation, but a reallife adventure.

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Johnathan Rand wrote the story of the Johnson children and their curious adventure in 2000. The book joins nearly two dozen more stories in his “Michigan Chiller” series. They are an homage to the thrillers he would read under the covers at night with a flashlight when he was a kid.

Could he have imagined that his own life would be a thrilling ride, not unlike the ones he depicts in his novels?

“I was the guy who brought a book wherever I went,” said Rand. “My wife used to look at me like I was crazy to grab a book on the way out to dinner. I wouldn’t read at dinner, but ‘what if?’ Books have always been important to me.”

Rand, his pen name, started in radio as Christopher Wright. And then eventually Christopher Knight, to avoid confusion

14 OCTOBER 2020

with a competing on-air personality. While there, he became the go-to guy for writing and producing advertising spots, which were the real money maker for the station.

Everyone loved how he threaded stories into his 30-second spots, and that was the first nudge Rand received that he’d like to become a writer.

“I’d write the spots using characters and situations to make the stories come to life,” said Rand. “But then I realized I had a bunch of interesting story ideas bouncing around in my head. So, I finally decided to do something with them.”

His first novel, an adult thriller written back in 1995, was originally picked up by a publishing house where, like many manuscripts, it sat. Not one to wait for something to happen, Rand, who wrote his

RAND’S BOOK SERIES adult ventures under Christopher Knight, wrote his second and then third offerings, which he chose to self-publish.

“It’s an old adage, but when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life,” said Rand.

It was in 2000 that he started his “Michigan Chiller” series for younger readers, also self-published. Rand imagined families venturing to Northern Michigan for their vacations and kids wanting to take away a story from their travels. While bookstores are rarely on the itinerary for tourists, Rand knew that everyone needed to eat, sleep, and get gas while in town. So, he and his wife would pack up their car with books and stop into every motel, restaurant, and gas station they could find, offering books on spec to the establishments.

Rand and his wife also opened up ChillerMania, a bookstore in Indian River, betting against the old norm that northern vacations wouldn’t include a stop at a bookstore. He also offers writing seminars and book camps. It’s the speaking engagements in the schools that Rand speaks especially warmly about. It’s as if he’s looking to inspire another young person to sneak a book and flashlight into bed at night for a chance to read just a few more chapters.

“At first, folks balked. But years in radio and advertising kicked in,” Rand joked. “I’d make it easy, leave some copies and check in later. No commitment. And I’d leave before they had time to argue.”

Sooner, rather than later, Rand would get a call from the establishments asking for more copies and regaling him with tales of families asking if there were more stories and where they could find them.

The stories were up in Rand’s head and eventually came pouring out at an alarming rate. With 20 in the “Michigan Chiller” series, 43 in “American Chillers” plus other series—”Freddie Fernortner” and “Dollar Store Danny,” along with others—it’s a wonder Rand can keep up the creative pace.

“I love talking to kids about reading and writing. Especially when I see a kid who didn’t like to read, but does after getting ahold of one of my books,” said Rand. “I also let them know it’s hard work. A book may be fun and easy to read, but there’s a lot of hard work behind it.”

For a man who writes about things that are meant to give the reader a bit of a fright, it’s clear hard work isn’t something that Rand has ever been afraid of.

Learn more about Johnathan Rand’s book series online and on Facebook: • • • •

americanchillers.com facebook.com/Chillermania/ facebook.com/americanchillers/ facebook.com/johnathan.rand.9

“I love talking to kids about reading and writing.

Especially when I see a kid who didn’t like to read, but does after getting ahold of one of my books.”

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Antrim County Emergency Management received $2,000 for radios from the People Fund.

Join People Fund Plus Now you can make a greater impact in your local community with People Fund PLUS. Choose a People Fund donation level in addition to your rounded-up amount. Your donations are awarded in the form of grants to local community nonprofit groups.

All People Fund contributors have the chance to win a $100 bill credit twice per year. In 2019, the People Fund awarded $228,481 in grants to local nonprofits. Visit gtlakes.com to see the list of grant recipients in your area.

JOIN TODAY!

Working together, we can help enhance our local communities and meet the needs of so many.

EXAMPLE: With People Fund: Bill Amount $65.42 + $.58 for People Fund = $66.00 With People Fund PLUS: Bill Amount $65.42 + $.58 for People Fund + $2.00 for PLUS = $68.00

• Call 888-GT-LAKES or visit gtlakes.com/people-fund to join. •

PAY YOUR WAY. GREAT LAKES ENERGY PROVIDES CONVENIENT METHODS FOR YOU TO PAY YOUR ELECTRIC BILL.

PAY ONLINE, BY MOBILE DEVICE OR BY TELEPHONE f Pay online through your self service account by visiting gtlakes.com. o Select “Login to Your Account.” o Don’t have an online account? Sign-up is easy! You will just need your account number, the last name on the account, and an email address. f To pay using your mobile device, download our app by searching “GLE” on the App Store© or Google Play marketplace. f To pay by automated phone system, call 888-485-2537.

FLEXPAY Pay in advance and manage your electricity use on a daily basis. There are no late fees, no reconnect fees and no deposits involved with this plan.

PAY BY MAIL Checks and money orders can be sent to: Bill Payment Center 2183 N. Water Road Hart, MI 49420-9007 Please include the top stub of the bill to assure that your account is properly credited. Please do not send cash.

AUTOPAY BY CHECKING OR SAVINGS FOR THE EASIEST WAY TO PAY How does AutoPay by checking or savings account work? f Payments can also be made by automatic withdrawal from your checking, savings, debit or credit account. To use this method, call our office at 888-485-2537.

How will I know the amount of my bill? f You will still receive a Great Lakes Energy billing statement (at least 10 days before it is due).

What if I have a question about my bill? f As always, call us at 888-485-2537.

How do I know the bill has been paid? f Each payment will be clearly itemized on your next GLE billing statement and financial institution account statement. You can also monitor your account 24/7 by setting up your online GLE account on our website, gtlakes.com.

Can payments be withdrawn from a savings account? f Yes, however, federal regulations limit the number of transactions on some accounts. Contact your financial institution for information about your specific account.

Is there a charge for automatic payment through my checking or savings account? f No, we do not charge for this service. In fact, it’s the most cost-effective way for us to receive payments. Most financial institutions don’t charge either. Remember, they save time and money too!

What if I change financial institutions? f You will need to complete a new enrollment form and allow up to 30 days for the change to go into effect. If you decide to cancel your participation in the plan, simply give us a call.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS When children are old enough to understand rules, then it’s a good idea to have house rules around electrical safety. Make sure that an electrical safety plan is part of your overall emergency preparedness plan. When your children know what to do and not to do around electricity, accidents are less likely to occur.

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DON’T plug too much stuff into one outlet or extension cord. It could damage the electrical

Keep electrical stuff far away from water. Water and

electricity never mix. Use caution outdoors and keep all electrical appliances at least 10 feet away from hot tubs, pools, ponds, puddles and wet surfaces. Never place electronics near the shower or bathtub, and keep liquids and drinks away from computers, video games, and TVs, or anything that has a cord and plug.

system in your house or even cause a fire. Show children how plugs work, and let them know that even if they are curious about the slits of an electrical outlet, nothing else should be placed inside.

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Never put metal objects in an appliance or outlet.

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DON’T yank an electrical cord from the wall. Pulling on a

DON’T ever climb the fence around an electrical substation. If a ball or

cord can damage the appliance, plug or outlet.

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DON’T FLY! Teach children to never

fly kites or carry helium balloons on long strings under or near power lines.

Electricity is always looking for a route to the ground; kites and balloons make the perfect conduits. If a kite gets stuck in a tree that’s near power lines, don’t climb up to get it. Contact your local electric cooperative for assistance. The kite and the string may conduct electricity—sending it right through you to the ground.

LOOK DOWN! In

some neighborhoods, power lines are buried in the ground. It can be difficult to tell where these lines are located.

Teach children not to dig in the ground in any areas you have not told them are safe.

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pet gets inside the fence, contact your local electric utility for assistance— they’ll come and get it out for you.

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LOOK AHEAD!

Transformers are often large, green, metal boxes sitting on the ground.

Teach your children that these are not mountains to be climbed or treasures to explore. Tell your children that if they notice one of these boxes open, they should alert an adult immediately.

LOOK UP!

Look out for power lines before you climb a tree. The electricity can go right through the tree branch—and right through you!

10

LOOK OUT!

When lightning strikes, it’s time to head inside.

Children should know to go indoors when storms are approaching, but especially when thunder sounds and lightning strikes.

TO CA DA LL Y!

i

Mornings are for coffee,

not tending a woodstove.

Reduce your dependency on traditional heating methods, like wood, and SAVE TIME, EFFORT, AND ENERGY when you add a Well-Connect to your current HVAC system.

600

$

HEAT AS LOW AS

ALL WINTER

INSTALLS IN JUST

1 DAY

80

FINANCE AS LOW AS

$

A MONTH

HOW IT WORKS Our hybrid geothermal heat pump provides affordable renewable heating and cooling by harnessing your existing water well as a free and clean energy source.

Adding a Well-Connect to your current system provides year-round home comfort, helps you save on monthly energy bills and time chopping wood.

CALL OR VISIT US ONLINE FOR A FREE HOME SITE ASSESSMENT!

989.356.2113 • WellConnectGeo.com

gtlakes.com

facebook.com/greatlakesenergy

October is National Co-op Month.

Built to power rural communities.

Led with a purpose to serve.

Belonging to you.

Power. Purpose. You.