(USPS 171-360 Published
Contributors:
Cathy Rhoades and David Toll
Publication Office:
2777 S. 840 W. Manilla, IN 46150
Periodical Postage paid in Indianapolis, Indiana 46206
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Send address changes to: ELECTRAWATT
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RushShelby Energy lineman Brown joined a crew of 15 other Indiana electric cooperative linemen traveling to Guatemala in late January as a part of an international initiative to bring electricity to a developing area in Guatemala.
"Project Indiana: Empowering Global Communities for a Better Tomorrow" will bring electricity to a part of the Central American country where none is available. The crew departed on January 29 and will return on February 15. Their task is to extend the electric infrastructure in the village of Palmira, a mountainous area along the western edge of Guatemala. When completed, approximately 109 homes will have electricity for the first time.
Jaylin Brown, who joined RushShelby Energy in 2023 as a journeyman lineman, shared his reason for volunteering: "I've been extremely blessed throughout my life and just wanted to give back to people less fortunate."
This is Indiana electric cooperatives' sixth trip to Guatemala. In August 2012, 28 Hoosier linemen from 17 of Indiana's electric cooperatives, spent four weeks working across the mountainous terrain to bring electricity to 184 homes, a church and a school in three villages. In April 2015, 14 linemen battled extreme heat and the rugged land to bring electricity to 164 homes, a school and a church. In 2017, 14 linemen endured extreme temperatures to power 68 homes, a school, a church and a health clinic. In 2019, 14 linemen brought electricity to nearly 90 homes, two churches and a school, and ensured that every home they wired for electricity had a proper vented wood-burning cooking stove installed to replace the open fires villagers have used for years. And on the last trip in 2023, 14 linemen brought electricity to 26 homes and a school.
Thank you Jaylin, for representing RushShelby Energy and making a meaningful impact. Your dedication and efforts exemplify the power of giving back and inspire others to make a difference.
Exciting Opportunities for Students: Art, Adventure and Exploration Await!
Don't miss out on these exciting opportunities designed to inspire and engage students across Indiana!
Indiana Electric Cooperatives and Indiana Connections magazine invite K-12 students to participate in the Cooperative Calendar of Student Art Contest. This contest is open to all Indiana students, regardless of their electric service provider, offering prizes and the chance to be featured in the 2026 wall calendar. First-place winners from each grade will receive $200, and their artwork will be highlighted in the calendar. Honorable mentions will receive $75, and their artwork will also be displayed in the calendar. The deadline to enter is February 28, 2025
RushShelby Energy will sponsor ten students to attend the annual Camp Kilowatt from June 4-7, 2025, at Camp Tecumseh in Brookston, Indiana. This four-day camp, designed for sixth-grade students, combines traditional outdoor camp experiences with educational activities focused on environmental stewardship, electrical safety and cooperative business models. Students interested in attending can apply online at CampKilowatt.org.
Questions? Contact Cathy Rhoades at 765-544-2938 or crhoades@rse.coop. Applications are due by March 3, 2025, and students do not need to be served by RushShelby Energy to participate.
RushShelby Energy will sponsor two students for the Indiana Youth Tour, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Washington, D.C., from June 15-22, 2025. This trip includes visits to iconic landmarks like the Flight 93 Memorial, Gettysburg Battlefield, Arlington National Cemetery, the Smithsonian museums and the National Mall memorials. Students will also have the chance to meet with Indiana's congressional delegation on Capitol Hill and participate in a special youth event hosted by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
To qualify, students must live on RSE lines. Additional applicants will be placed on a waiting list for potential openings. Apply online at indianayouthtour.org. For questions, contact Cathy Rhoades at 765-544-2938 or crhoades@rse.coop.
RushShelby Energy is offering two $2,000 scholarships for high school and homeschooled seniors graduating in May 2025. Applicants must be the child of an RSE member and reside in a home served by RSE. Scholarships will be awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement and an essay. For full details, visit www.rse.coop. The deadline to apply is April 14, 2025.
At RushShelby Energy, our board of directors is made up of community-minded individuals with a variety of skill sets, including farmers, educators, business owners and more. Each member brings unique expertise and perspectives that help us make well-informed decisions about long-term priorities and investments.
Our directors live right here in the cooperative's service territory, making them the eyes and ears of the community. They provide valuable insights on important local issues, ensuring our decisions align with the needs and aspirations of the members we serve.
We understand that creating a well-rounded board requires the combined efforts of individuals with diverse talents and experiences. That's why we're seeking dedicated community members who can contribute their skills to benefit our friends and neighbors. Most importantly, we're looking for people who have a passion for our communities and a desire to see them thrive - today and for generations to come.
If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and serve as a voice for your community, we encourage you to consider joining our board. Together, we can continue to strengthen and support the place we all call home.
Serving on the RushShelby Energy board is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community. By using your individual talents and perspectives, you can help guide critical decisions for the cooperative, directly benefiting the broader community. While day-to-day operations are managed by the co-op staff, the board is responsible for making major decisions to ensure the vitality and sustainability of both the cooperative and the communities it serves.
At a more detailed level, board members provide input and guidance on several key areas, including:
• Budgets: Shaping financial plans to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Co-op Goals and Direction: Setting long-term priorities and initiatives.
• Capital Investments and Upgrades: Deciding on equipment and technology improvements.
• Renewable Investments and Energy Mix: Balancing traditional and renewable energy sources.
• Economic Development: Defining the co-op's role in supporting local growth and opportunities.
The energy industry is experiencing significant change, driven by technological advancements and an increased member demand for renewable energy. RushShelby Energy is at the forefront of these shifts, facing big decisions that will shape our future.
Board members play a pivotal role in helping chart the cooperative's course through these transitions.
To best serve our communities, we need a diverse range of voices and perspectives that reflect the full spectrum of views within our service area. If you're ready to bring your expertise and passion to the table, we invite you to consider joining the RushShelby Energy board. Together, we can create a stronger, more sustainable future for everyone.
Serving on RushShelby Energy's board of directors is a unique opportunity to represent your neighbors and contribute to the success of our cooperative. You don't need to be an expert in electricity or business to run for the board. What matters most is a passion for your community and a willingness to actively serve and learn.
We're seeking individuals who reflect the diversity of our membership and can represent the board spectrum of views and interests in our service area. Our board meets regularly to discuss and guide the cooperative's policies and direction. To support board members in their role, we provide specialized training opportunities that offer a deeper understanding of the electric utility industry, the cooperative business model and local economic development efforts.
RushShelby Energy's board elections will be held at the annual meeting on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Our board is comprised of nine members who set the policy and direction of our organization. Each year, three directors are elected to serve on the board. In 2025, elections will take place for Districts 2, 5 and 8.
Any member residing in a home served by RushShelby Energy and located in a district up for election may have their name placed on the ballot by completing a petition. The petition requires 15 signatures from other RushShelby Energy members, regardless of where they live on our cooperative system.
Petitions will be available from our office starting March 3, 2025, and must be returned by May 2, 2025. For additional information, including detailed eligibility requirements, visit the bylaws section on our website at www.rse.coop.
If you're passionate about your community and ready to help shape the future of RushShelby Energy, we encourage you to step forward and run for the board. This is your chance to make a lasting impact.
Planning is in full swing for the 2025 Annual Meeting, and we're excited to celebrate you, our member, this summer!
Mark your calendars for July 10, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:30 PM at our headquarters. This year's meeting will feature a meal, live entertainment and fun for the whole family. Plus, there will be giveaways and a grand prize you won't want to miss! Stay tuned for more details in upcoming newsletters. We can't wait to share this special day with you!
Ensuring your home is properly insulated can improve energy efficiency and make your home more comfortable. Insulation acts like a cozy coat that reduces heat loss during winter months and a protective layer that reduces heat gain during summer months.
Many older homes have less insulation than newer homes, but even newer homes can benefit from additional insulation. While it's not the least expensive efficiency improvement, adding insulation and air sealing your home can provide the biggest bang for your buck in energy savings and overall comfort.
The most common areas to insulate are attics, ceilings, crawlspaces or unconditioned basements, exterior and interior walls, floors and ductwork located in unconditioned spaces.
The amount and effectiveness rating of insulation required for each area varies by climate, but many websites like The Department of Energy or Home Depot provide easy-to-follow recommendations. Visit energy.gov/insulation to learn about recommended R-values for specific areas of the home based on climate zones.
It's important to understand how insulation effectiveness is measured. Insulation is rated in R-value, which measures the material's resistance to conductive heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value you'll need depends on factors like climate, type of heating and cooling system and which area of the home you plan to insulate.
Insulation is offered in a wide range of materials from bulky fiberglass rolls to cellulose materials made from recycled paper products. If you're considering installing additional insulation, talk to an expert who can offer guidance on the right materials for your budget, climate and comfort needs.
Investing in proper insulation for your home not only enhances comfort but also reduces energy consumption.
This month, we proudly recognize Sam Kinder, Vice President of Accounting, for 15 incredible years of dedication and hard work. Sam's commitment to excellence and steadfast support of our membership have had a lasting impact. Please join us in congratulating Sam on this remarkable milestone. Thank you for all you do, Sam!
We're excited to announce that entries are now open for the 2026 Planner Photo Contest! This is your chance to showcase your photography skills and have your work featured on the cover of the 2026 Planner. The winning entry will also receive a $250 bill credit! Additionally, 12 honorable mentions will be selected to represent one of the months of the 2026 Electrawatt newsletter and will receive a $50 bill credit. The deadline to enter is August 22, 2025. More details are available at www.rse.coop. Don't miss this opportunity to share your talent and earn rewards!
Congratulations to Jamie Bowman for earning an honorable mention in the 2025 Planner Contest! Pictured is her daughter, Elena. We appreciate Jamie's creativity and her unique take on the static electricity image - truly thinking outside the box!
If you have a home office, look for opportunities to save energy in your workplace. Use ENERGY STAR®-rated equipment, which consumes up to 50% less energy than standard models. Set equipment like printers and scanners to automatically switch to sleep or energy-saver mode when not in use. In addition to saving energy, the equipment will stay cooler, which will help extend its life. Another way to save energy in your home office is to use efficient lamps for task lighting. Replace any older bulbs with energy-saving LEDs.
Mini-Member Puzzle
Annie Easley
February is Black History Month! Let's take a look at a few African American inventors whose contributions helped revolutionize the way we use electricity and essential devices that power life. Read the descriptions of each inventor and their contributions, then choose the best answer to complete the description.
Annie Easley started her career in 1955 as one of the first African Americans at NASA (when it was called the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics), essentially acting as a human computer, performing manual computations for researchers. Annie was a gifted programmer and developed computer code that was used to analyze ___________ energy projects, as well as batteries for early hybrid vehicles.
A. nuclear B. wind and solar C. geothermal
Annie Easley broke down barriers for women and people of color in STEM fields and won the admiration and respect of her coworkers.
Lewis Howard Latimer
Lewis Latimer worked with Thomas Edison on the development and commercialization of the incandescent light bulb. He invented a method to manufacture __________ filament to make lightbulbs mass producible. His method was patented in 1882.
A. carbon B. hydrogen C. silicon
Without Lewis Latimer's contributions, our lives would never have been so bright!
Marian Croak
Marian Croak began her career at Bell Laboratories (now AT&T) and patented more than 200 inventions. One of her greatest contributions was VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, VoIP technologies are essential for today's fast-paced digital world. VoIP allows voice functionality over an _________, including helpful features for video calls and mobile messaging.
A. airwave B. audible barrier C. internet connection
Marian Croak's passion for advancing technology has improved our digital capabilities and overall quality of life.
Answer Key: Annie Easley: B, Lewis Howard Latimer: A, Marian Croak: C
