Sioux Valley Energy New Member Handbook

BRANDON SERVICE CENTER: 108 N HERITAGE RD PO BOX 857 BRANDON, SD 57005

800-234-1960

COLMAN HEADQUARTERS: 47092 SD HWY 34 PO BOX 216 COLMAN, SD 57017 (OPENING SUMMER 2022)

HARTFORD SERVICE CENTER: 1184 RUUD TRL, STE 4 HARTFORD, SD 57033

PO BOX 336 PIPESTONE, MN 56164

(HWY 30 & 75 JCT)

PIPESTONE SERVICE CENTER: 1102 7TH ST SE

OFFICE HOURS: 7:30 AM-4:30 PM

WELCOME

SIOUX VALLEY ENERGY NEW MEMBER HANDBOOK

OUR MISSION:

SERVING OUR MEMBERS. ALWAYS.

POST OFFICE BOX 216, COLMAN, SD 57017 PHONE: 800-234-1960 EMAIL: SVE@SIOUXVALLEYENERGY.COM WEB: W W W.SIOUXVALLEYENERGY.COM OFFICE HOURS: 7:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

ABOUT US

TIM MCCA RTHY

GENER A L M A NAGER/ CHIEF EX ECUTIV E OFFICER

Sioux Valley Energy is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative. Our mission is: Serving Our Members. Always.

By receiving electric service from Sioux Valley Energy, you are more than just a customer...you are a member.

We hope the information included in this booklet will be a helpful resource for you. We’ll also keep you informed about issues and events that might impact you, the Cooperative or your electric service through our monthly newsletter, Sioux Valley Energy Cooperative Connections. (www.siouxvalleyenergy.com/my-cooperative/cooperativeconnections-newsletter)

If there is anything we can do to serve you better, please call 800-234-1960 or email me at tim.mccarthy@siouxvalleyenergy.com.

Sincerely, General Manager/CEO

Point your smartphone camera at the QR codes throughout this brochure to connect to our website to learn more!

MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT

The operation of Sioux Valley Energy and your involvement is guided by a set of by-laws that are available for your review on our website at www.siouxvalleyenergy.com. If you would like a paper copy of the by-laws, please contact our office at 800-234-1960.

One of the benefits of being a member of an electric cooperative is that you have a say in how the Cooperative is run. You own a portion of the business and receive patronage capital (capital credits) based on the amount of electricity you use over the years. Periodically, those capital credits are retired and returned to you in the form of a bill credit.

Among the commitments you make by accepting this membership and service, are: •

The agreement to be bound by the by-laws and policies, rules, and regulations of this Cooperative.

•

The agreement to maintain your electric facilities on and in your premises to the safety standards required by appropriate local and state codes.

•

The agreement to indemnify the Cooperative against injury, loss, or damage resulting from defective or improper use or maintenance of your premises’ wiring or any apparatus connected thereto.

•

The agreement to provide easements as required by the Cooperative to provide service to you and other Sioux Valley Energy members, including the right of entry on your property for necessary maintenance of the Cooperative’s electrical delivery system.

WE LOVE YOUR ENERGY And we think you’re going to love ours. So let’s work together. As an electric cooperative, Sioux Valley Energy was built by the communities we serve – and by members just like you.

Please complete the Sioux Valley Energy Membership Data Form Now:

THE 7 COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES

Cooperatives around the world operate according to the same set of core principles and values, adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance.

These principles are a key reason why America’s electric cooperatives operate differently from other electric utilities, putting the needs of our members first.

1. VOLUNTARY AND OPEN MEMBERSHIP Membership in a cooperative is open to all people who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender, or economic circumstances.

2. DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Representatives (directors/trustees) are elected among members and are accountable to them. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote); cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.

3. MEMBERS’ ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative; setting up reserves; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

4. AUTONOMY AND INDEPENDENCE Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control as well as their unique identity.

5. EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND INFORMATION Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors/trustees), CEOs, and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives.

Communications about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, help boost cooperative understanding.

6. COOPERATION AMONG COOPERATIVES By working together through local, national, regional and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies, and deal more effectively with social and community needs.

7. CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.

GIVING PAYMENT BACK OPTIONS OPER ATION ROUND UP ®

PAY BY PHONE

POOLING PENNIES FOR GOOD

Pay by phone by calling 877-779-7476.

The circle of giving — you give and you receive. That is the philosophy behind Sioux Valley Energy’s Operation Round Up® program. Participating members’ electric bills are rounded up to the next dollar and that money is collected for Operation Round Up.

To pay by check or money order, use the envelope provided with your monthly statement or send payment and include bill stub to: Sioux Valley Energy, PO Box 216, Colman, SD 57017

Since 2000, more than $2 million has been awarded to worthwhile causes. More than 85% of SVE members and employees participate in the program.

PAY BY M AIL

IN PERSON Drop boxes are located at each of our service centers for no-contact payments: 108 N Heritage Rd, Brandon, SD 47092 SD Hwy 34, Colman, SD 1184 Ruud Trl, Ste 4, Hartford, SD (HARTFORD CENTER OPENING SUMMER 2022)

1102 7th St SE, Pipestone, MN

AUTO PAY Automatically pay your bill each month from your bank account or card when you enroll in Auto Pay. Your payment will be automatically deducted from your checking, savings account, or credit/ debit card on the first business day after the due date. Log in to SmartHub to set up automatic payment.

BILLING OPTIONS 1) Monthly billing statement – With this option, you receive a monthly billing statement and pay on a due date.

2) Prepaid billing – This is a pay-asyou-go option where your usage and basic service charge are calculated daily. You may track your balance by logging into your SmartHub account or by calling 877-779-7476.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

SMART COMMUNICATION Review billing history Make payments Monitor energy usage Get alerts on outages and other events

Manage your electric account like never before with Sioux Valley Energy’s SmartHub app!

SmartHub goes beyond bill payments and usage tracking. This online and mobile app is also a powerful communication tool.

Download today!

Report service interruptions and route account inquiries on the go. Be in the know with alerts from your cooperative. ...all in the palm of your hand and online.

General Inquiry & Outages: 800-234-1960  www.siouxvalleyenergy.com  Billing Questions: 877-511-8062 Sioux Valley Energy is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.

SMA RT MA NA GE M EN T. SMART L I F E. SMART H U B .

BEWA R E OF BILLING SCA MS Scammers have been known to call and demand immediate payment. Do not disclose your financial information. Instead, hang up and call Sioux Valley Energy directly at 877-511-8062.

Today’s technology makes paying your bill easier than ever.

Sioux Valley Energy offers several convenient ways to pay your monthly bill.

If you have questions about your bill, want to make a payment arrangement, or let us know you are moving, please call our Member Services Department directly at 877-5118062.

For general inquiries or to report an outage, please call 800-2341960.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Electrical safety is YOUR responsibility.

We have many resources available to help you learn how to keep you and your whole family safe.

LOOK UP AND LIVE It’s important to look up and check for overhead power lines before doing any chores around the house or farm activities that could potentially come in contact with an overhead electric line.

Never allow any object or person within 10 feet of a power line.

OUTAGES CALL:

800-234-1960 We work to ensure you have reliable electric service, but sometimes outages occur. While we can’t promise you will never have an outage, we can promise that we will work to restore it in a timely and safe manner.

IF YOU EXPERIENCE A N OUTAGE, PLEASE R EPORT IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE: - Report outages in seconds using SMARTHUB - Our dispatch center is available 24/7, call us at 800-234-1960 - Then, keep notified by viewing the outage map for live updates. https://www.siouxvalleyenergy.com - DO NOT report outages on social media (Facebook, Twitter, InstaGram, etc.)

These accounts are not monitored 24/7.

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.

Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL A series of 10 district meetings are held per year.

The district meetings are where members elect someone to represent them on the Board of Directors. At least three directors are up for election each year.

Annual Meeting Each year the Cooperative holds one annual meeting, typically at the beginning of June.

The annual meeting is required by the by-laws and is combined with a member appreciation event where members enjoy a meal, fun activities, and entertainment.

GET TO KNOW SIOUX VALLEY ENERGY Check out our website at www.siouxvalleyenergy.com where you can learn so much more about what it means to be a member and part of Sioux Valley Energy. There, you can learn more about the Cooperative’s history, mission, and strategy.

DID YOU K NOW? Sioux Valley Energy started out as Sioux Valley Electric Association in 1938.

We have more than 6,000 miles of line in our system and nearly 28,000 meters.

The Cooperative constructed its first solar array in April 2015.

GET CONNECTED SHOP LOCAL. Because Co-op Connections® helps you save big and enjoy more.

The One Card that Does It All®.

As a member of Sioux Valley Energy you can use the Co-op Connections Card to receive discounts at local businesses!

Stick it in your wallet and go shopping, dine out, or get a needed service.

YOU GET THE CREDIT

The Cooperative Difference means YOU get the credit!

When you signed up to receive electric service from Sioux Valley Energy, you became a member of an electric cooperative. While investor-owned utilities return a portion of any profits back to their investors, electric cooperatives allocate margins (revenue minus expenses) to members as capital credits and retire – or pay – them when the co-op’s financial condition permits.

The amount of capital credits you earn in a given year is based on the amount of capital you contribute to the Cooperative through payment of your monthly electric bills and the amount of operating margins realized by the Cooperative.

If you have questions about your capital credit retirement, contact our Member Services Department at 877-511-8062.

STAY INFORMED Check your monthly Sioux Valley Energy Cooperative Connections for additional information and log in 24/7 to www.siouxvalleyenergy.com.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates, energy saving tips, and more important information.

SIOUX VALL

EY ENER SEPTEMBER 2021 VOL. 22 GY NO. 5

ERATIVE

CONNECTIOCNOSNNECTIONS

Old Spink New Spink

SD restauran ts rol with the change l s Page 8 Dealing with drought Page 12 Joyce Scherm er, Karisma Trip p and Brad and Lori Joha nns shown at Spin en are k Restaurant in Family Elk Point

BENEFICIAL ELECTRIFICATION Sioux Valley Energy offers a complete portfolio of programs, special rates, rebates, and incentives for you, our members.

If you have questions about your bill, want to make a payment arrangement, or let us know you are moving, please call our Member Services Department directly at 877-511-8062. For general inquiries and information about rebates, programs, and services or to report an outage, please call 800-234-1960.

WATER HEATER A ND LOA D M A NAGEMENT Purchase the last water heater you will ever need to buy for your home!

Lifetime tank/six-year parts warranty for original purchaser available if placed on load management. Some restrictions apply. Water heaters are available for purchase at SVE service centers.

H VAC PROGR A MS Incentive programs are available to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. We offer an electric heat rate and rebates for heat pumps, smart thermostats, and commercial electric heat.

ELECTRIC V EHICLE PROGR A MS Drive electric! We have an entire suite of EV programs available for members, including incentives for the purchase of an electric vehicle, renewable energy credits, a rebate for an EV ready new construction home, special off-peak charging rates, and a commercial rebate for businesses that install a public/employee EV charger. Visit our website to check out our EV resource tool to help you learn more about electric vehicles https://www.siouxvalleyenergy.com/my-programs/ electric-vehicles-evs-1

GENER ATOR SERVICES Sioux Valley Energy provides extremely reliable electric service, but, on occasion, power interruptions do occur. SVE sells and installs interlock kits and Kohler standby generators to give you peace of mind.

TIME OF USE R ATE Directly impact your electric bill through conservation efforts and daily usage habits by utilizing the Time of Use (TOU) Rate. The TOU Rate can lower your electric bill when you shift electric use to off-peak times.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Let SVE help make your home or business more efficient. SVE offers both residential audits and a commercial energy audit rebate for members.

LOA N PROGR A MS Loans are available to assist qualifying members in purchasing heat pumps, weatherization products, and Kohler standby generators.

COM MERCIA L/AG PROGR A MS Rebates available for remotemanaged irrigation systems and retrofit LED lighting projects in existing agricultural and commercial facilities.

Westinghouse/HTP water heaters with a limited warranty are available for ag/commercial members for $400 if placed on load management.

W EBSITE:

www.siouxvalleyenergy.com

800.234.1960

QUICK REFERENCE

CO-OP PHONE NUMBER: 800-234-1960

877-511-8062

AUTOM ATED PAYMENT PHONE NUMBER: 877-779-7476

ONLINE BILL PAY A ND ELECTRIC USAGE MONITORING: siouxvalleyenergy.smarthub.coop

M AILING A DDR ESS:

W W W.SIOUXVALLEYENERGY.COM

MEMBER SERVICES PHONE NUMBER:

Sioux Valley Energy | PO Box 216 | Colman, SD 57017

PHYSICA L LOCATIONS: Colman Headquarters | 47092 SD Hwy 34 | Colman, SD 57017 Brandon Service Center | 108 N Heritage Rd | Brandon, SD 57005 Pipestone Service Center | 1102 7th St SE | Pipestone, MN 56164 Hartford Service Center | 1184 Ruud Trl, Ste 4 | Hartford, SD 57033 (OPENING SUMMER 2022)

800-234-1960 (Do NOT report via social media.)

OFFICE HOURS: 7:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. | Monday-Friday

FOLLOW US: @svecoop @siouxvalley siouxvalleyenergy sioux-valley-energy

47092 SD HWY 34 • COLMAN, S.D.

R EPORT A N OUTAGE: