January 2023

Congratulations 2022 Retirees...ENJOY! DAVE PLATT

Dave Platt, Clerk A, is retiring a er 37½ years. Dave was recognized at Indiana Electric Cooperatives for 25 and 30 years of service. Dave and his wife Amy plan to travel and volunteer for Jesus.

MAC SIMPSON TRUDY JONES

Mac Simpson, Journeyman Meterman is retiring with 36 years of service. Mac said it was a pleasure serving the membership for 36 years and he really enjoyed it.

Mac plans to spend more time with his family and especially his two grandchildren Eian and Winnie and help his son with his new business.

Trudy Jones has worked at RushShelby Energy for 23 years serving in various roles and retiring as the Corperate Services Manager.

Trudy served as the president of the RSE Propane, LLC board her entire career. Trudy's responsibilities included managing the metered propane service and all subsidiary activities, along with working with the ber network, renewable energy and the capital credit program.

Jones also served as a board member for the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and was past president of the WINUP (Women's International Network of Utility Professionals) Indiana Chapter.

Trudy looks forward to spending time with her grandchildren and not leaving the house before daylight.

Karen Sutton has worked at RushShelby Energy for 17½ years and had worked in the o ce at Trane for 24 years prior.

Once Karen completed her degree while at Trane, she decided to embark on a new career at RSE as an Account Specialist and promoted to Sta Account. Karen has learned a lot and wore many hats. Linda Hood was Karen's main in uence while at RSE and she has gained many lasting friendships over the years.

Karen has no retirement plans except sleeping past 5 am. She wants to continue yoga, walking, traveling and spending time with her family, especially her one-year twin grandsons Paul and Vance.

Crossroads Energy Announces New Board

Long-time directors for Crossroads Energy retired at the end of 2022 and were recognized on December 15, 2022, at the RushShelby Energy Propane, LLC meeting.

ose recognized were Denny Frey, the retiring CEO of Shelby County Co-op, who has served 13 years as secretary, Trudy Jones; board president with over 23 years of service; Linda Hood, treasurer, who announced her retirement for April 2023, served 23 years and Karen Sutton, Sta Account for RSE also retired at the end of 2022.

New Board Members for Crossroads Energy

Sam Kinder will serve as the treasurer for RSE Propane, LLC, Janet Labrie has been named president, Eric Cole, newly named CEO of Shelby County Co-op, will serve as secretary and Paul Hammersmith will be vice president.

RSE Propane, LLC is the partner between RSE Services, LLC and Shelby County Co-op providing metered propane service and doing business as Crossroads Energy to RushShelby Energy's members.

DON'T MISS OUT - YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES 2023

INDIANA YOUTH TOUR

Indiana Youth Tour provides young Hoosiers the opportunity to visit the nation's capital, experience American history, learn more about government and gain a better understanding about their electric cooperative. e 2023 Indiana Youth Tour is June 11-18.

is week-long trip to Washington D.C. is available to high school juniors. RushShelby Energy will sponsor four students living in our service territory. Chosen students will have the opportunity to travel from Gettysburg to Washington D.C. as they learn about our government and cooperatives. Applications will be accepted online through March 1, 2023.

CAMP KILOWATT

RushShelby Energy will sponsor ten students at the annual Camp Kilowatt. e camp will be held June 7-10, 2023, at Camp Tecumseh in Brookston, Indiana.

Students entering seventh grade in 2023 are eligible to attend the fourday camp. e students' agenda combines traditional outdoor camp activities with environmental education, electrical safety practices and cooperative business education.

Camp Kilowatt was developed by a committee of electric cooperative employees from Indiana. e camp is funded in part by Indiana's electric cooperatives, Hoosier Energy, Wabash Valley Power Alliance, Indiana Electric Cooperatives and other industry partners. Applications will be accepted online through March 1, 2023.

STUDENT ART CALENDAR CONTEST

Indiana's electric cooperatives and their statewide magazine, Indiana Connection, invite Indiana K-12 students to enter the Cooperative Calendar of Student Art Contest.

A rst-place artist will be selected for each grade, K-12, and will receive $200. e artwork for each grade level winner will illustrate either the cover or one of the 12 months of the calendar. Additional artists will earn honorable mention awards and will receive $75.

Artwork will be judged on merit, originality, creativity and its suitability for a wall calendar. Indiana public, private or home-schooled students in K-12 during the 2022-23 school year are eligible.

For more information visit indianaconnection.org/for-youth/artcontest. Deadline to apply is March 24, 2023.

Honorable Mention for 2023 - Mira Smith - Kindergarten - Fairland

why IS MY WINTER ELECTRIC BILL HIGHER?

a frigid fact: You use more energy in cold weather

Use Caution with Electrical Heating Devices

Electric space heaters and blankets are great ways to stay toasty warm when the temperature drops. RushShelby Energy reminds you during these winter months, when space heaters and electric blankets come out of hibernation, home fires increase.

Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the United States. More than 65,000 home fires are attributed to heating equipment each year. These fires result in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries and millions of dollars in property damage.

An electric space heater is a temporary option for supplemental heat and can increase your bill significantly if used for long periods of time. Many homeowners may use this option to heat specific rooms while they sleep, but this is unsafe. When you leave a room or go to sleep, it is important to turn off your electric space heater. If you're leaving it unattended, it could overheat or fall. It is also important to always plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord to avoid overheating.

Electric blankets and heating pads are also popular during the cold months. Never fold them and avoid using them while sleeping. Inspect them for dark, charred or frayed spots and check to see if the electric cord is cracked or frayed. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions and warning labels carefully before using them in your home.

While there is no risk for carbon monoxide poisoning with an electric space heater, it holds many other safety hazards if not used properly. In accordance with fire safety, install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas. If you already have them, be sure to test them once a month to be sure they're working properly.

Don't let your guard down if you keep yourself or your home warm with an electric space heater, electric blanket or heating pad. By following these tips, you and your family have a better chance of avoiding significant fire and electric shock hazards.

Joy Lux, Payroll Accountant, was named Employee of the Month for January. Joy was nominated for her positive attitude, willingness to help anyone and being a pleasure to be around. Congratulations, Joy. Well deserved.

Mind the thermostat. If you have a traditional heating and cooling system, set the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower. Consider a smart or programmable thermostat for additional savings.

Get cozy.

Add layers of clothing for additional warmth, and snuggle up under your favorite heavyweight blanket.

Don't block the heat. If your air vents or heating elements (like radiators) are blocked by furniture or rugs, your home isn't being adequately heated.

Cody Wilson, Journeyman Meterman, is celebrating 5 years of service at RushShelby Energy. RSE appreciates your hard work and dedication to our membership.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP

Did you know insulating your electric water heater could reduce standby heat loss by 25% to 45%? is could save you 7% to 16% on annual water heater heating costs. Insulating your electric water heater is an easy, inexpensive project that can improve energy e ciency and save you money each month. e Department of Energy rates this project level as medium di culty, meaning most homeowners can tackle this project on their own. You can purchase pre-cut jackets or blankets for $20 at most home improvement stores. Visit energy.gov for project tips and additional considerations.

Take advantage of sunlight. Open window coverings during the day to let natural sunlight in to warm your home. Close them at night to block the chilly night air.

Block air leaks. Seal windows and exterior doors with caulk and weather stripping to improve indoor comfort and decrease the amount of energy used to heat your home.

Mini-Member Electrical Word Scramble

Electricity is essential for our daily lives, but it can also be dangerous if you don't play it safe!

Read the safety tips below and unscramble the bolded text to complete the phrase. Use the answer key to double check your work.

1. Never place extension rdsoc under rugs or carpets.

2. Make sure electrical cords are not yrafde or broken.

3. Smoke maalsr should be tested every month.

4. Place electrical cords in areas where you won't itpr on them.

5. Keep ammable items at least 3 feet away from space shetear.

6. Electricity and rwtea never mix.