TABLE OF CONTENTS
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CAPITAL CREDITS
3
YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES
4
ROLLING BLACKOUTS
5 RESTORING POWER SAFELY
6
GENERATORS
7
QUICK LINKS
8
OPERATION ROUNDUP
Contact Us: 765-544-2600 Outage Reporting: 800-284-3452 (USPS 171-360 Published Monthly)
Contributors: Cathy Rhoades, Brad Rogers, Jared Seiffert and David Toll Publication Office: 2777 S. 840 W. Manilla, IN 46150 Periodical Postage paid in Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: ELECTRAWATT P.O. Box 55, Manilla, IN 46150
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www.rse.coop
Capital credit checks were mailed on June 30th. If the amount of your check amount is under $75.00, your patronage refund will be applied directly to your account and appear on your next statement. You received a check, what happens if: A check is delivered to your address in the name of someone who does not live at your address Write "return to sender" on the outside of the envelope and it will be returned to RushShelby Energy. Writing on the envelope that this person does not live at this address will direct us to update that account. The name on the check is the name of a relative who has passed away The check can be rewritten in the heir's name once the proper paperwork is on file with RushShelby Energy. Heir claim forms can be obtained by calling the number below or on our website at www.rse.coop. The check is in my spouse's name, but they passed away Banks will not cash checks if they are in a deceased person's name. An active account is still in my deceased spouse's name It is illegal to have an active account in a deceased person's name. Call our office, and we can transfer the electric account and rewrite the check. In August, we will publish the unclaimed list. You will find the forms necessary to make a claim within this document. For other questions, contact Trudy Jones at 765-544-2924.
Since the early 19th Century cooperatives have been shaping the way many businesses are run. In the United States, this became apparent during the 1930s under the leadership of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the years following the Great Depression. Cooperatives provide a unique business model, allowing members to play an important decisionmaking role. As we continue to run our cooperatives in the 21st Century it is essential for our youth to understand the value of this type of business. Cooperatives stand behind the 7 Cooperative Principles, two of which are "Concern for Community" and "Education, Training and Information." Through the youth programs we offer, we can hone in on each of these important principles and help them understand the value of being part of a cooperative.
Youth Tour
RushShelby Energy was proud to sponsor five students on a trip to Washington D.C. for the Rural Electric Youth Tour. This program has been in place since 1957. It allows youth from rural electric cooperatives across the nation to learn more about their national government and the rural electric program. From June 16-23, these students had the opportunity to see our nation's capital, tour historical monuments, meet their U.S. Congressional Representatives and make great new friends. Dale Ann McCain, Service Order Clerk, chaperoned the trip.
Camp Kilowatt Camp Kilowatt is a fun and unique camp experience for incoming seventh-grade students across Indiana. This year's camp was June 8-11 at Camp Tecumseh in Brookston, Indiana. Justin Walton, Journeyman Lineman, helped chaperone. Throughout the week, students learned about alternative energy, electric safety and how electric cooperatives can help the communities where they live. They also enjoyed zip-lining, archery, swimming, rock-climbing and many other outdoor activities.
Cooperative Calendar of Student Art Contest The Cooperative Calendar of Student Art Contest is an art contest for students K-12 from across Indiana. Winners will have their artwork featured in the 2023 calendar and receive cash prizes. Mira Smith, a Kindergartner from Fairland, entered the contest for 2023 and received an honorable mention and a monetary prize for her entry. The Cooperative Calendar of Student Art Contest is celebrating its 25th Anniversary.
Rolling Blackouts Balancing the demand for electricity with just-in-time supply (currently, electricity can't be stored in meaningful amounts) and then transmitting the electricity over an expansive grid of transmission and distribution lines make the U.S. electric grid the most complex machine in our nation's history. Several domestic and international economic challenges currently impact us as an industry. These challenges follow the national trend over the past several years of retiring coal generation and transitioning to more intermittent, renewable resources. So far, the pace of generation additions hasn't kept pace with the retirements of dispatchable resources they will replace. As a result, we want everyone to be increasingly more aware of the possibility of requests to reduce electricity usage. Suppose the supply/demand problem becomes too great. In that case, our regional grid operator will order short duration rolling blackouts to preserve the operational integrity of the grid and reduce the risk of prolonged and widespread power outages. Generation reserves are typically available for unexpected events impacting the system's balance of supply and demand. Still, they aren't as large as they once were. This situation increases the possibility for reductions in electricity more frequently to prevent large-scale power outages. RushShelby Energy will convey messages and requests that you consume less energy when demand is high, and supply is constrained. We ask you to turn off any unnecessary lights, appliances, etc. Use the delayed start functions on machines to move laundry and dishwashing to later in the day. Setting your thermostat slightly higher this summer will also help. We are working hard to ensure members are informed of these issues. We will continue to send messages and post on social media when these things happen. Again, please be prepared for the possibility of outages. Should the situation dictate, power could be intentionally disconnected for periods to preserve the integrity of the entire grid.
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We do our best to avoid them, but there's no way around it: power outages occasionally happen. For most RushShelby Energy members, outages are rare and only last a few hours. But extended outages are unavoidable when major storms like May 21st and June 13th impact our area.
Restoring Power Safely & Efficiently
So, when the power goes out, how do RushShelby Energy crews know where to start working? How do you know if your outage has been reported? We've got answers to these questions and more, and it all begins with a safe, efficient plan for power restoration. When the lights go out, and it's safe for our crews to begin the restoration process, they start by repairing power lines and equipment that will restore power to the greatest number of people in the shortest time possible. This process typically begins with repairs to the larger main distribution lines that service many homes and businesses. After those repairs are made, crews work on tap lines, which deliver power to transformers, either mounted on utility poles (for above-ground service) or placed on pads (for underground service). Finally, individual service lines that run between the transformer and the home are repaired. We can't control the weather, but we can prepare for it. RSE keeps a supply of extra utility poles, transformers and other equipment on hand so we can quickly get to work in the event of an outage. When widespread outages occur, multiple crews will be in the field, simultaneously working to repair damage at multiple locations. We also coordinate with nearby co-ops to bring in additional crews when necessary. A proactive approach to maintenance helps minimize the chance of prolonged outages; this is why you see crews periodically trimming trees and clearing vegetation near rights-of-way. We love trees too, but it only takes one overgrown limb to knock out power for an entire neighborhood. Trimming improves power reliability for our entire community. In addition to managing vegetation, we regularly inspect utility poles, power lines and other critical equipment to maintain a more reliable system.
The Jacobs Family thanked the linemen with cupcakes and cookies.
If you experience a power outage, don't assume a neighbor reported it. It's best to report the outage yourself, and we make it easy. The quickest way to report an outage is through our SmartHub app, or by calling our outage reporting number at 800-284-3452. DO NOT report your outage on our Facebook or Twitter page. We post updates on social media as they become available; however, social media is not monitored 24/7. If you have a medical condition that requires electrical equipment, please let us know, and always have a backup plan in place. This plan could include a portable generator, extra medical supplies, or moving to an alternate location until power is restored. If you plan to use a generator for backup power, read all the safety information and instructions before use. See the quick guide to generators on page 6. Mother nature can be unpredictable, but as a member of RSE, you can feel confident knowing we're standing by, ready to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
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Quick Links
Congratulations, Bruce!
August Festivals August 4-7 The Pioneer Engineers Club of Indiana 74th Annual Reunion -Rushville August 6 Hops 4 Hope -Greenfield August 12 Dan Patch Stakes Festival -Anderson
Bruce Everhart, Board of Director representing District 7, has reached a milestone in his career. Bruce has served on the board for five years. RushShelby Energy appreciates your hard work and dedication to our membership.
August 12 Chocolate Walk -Greenfield August 13 Big Blue BBQ -Shelbyville August 17-21 Greensburg Power of the Past -Greensburg August 19-20 Madison Ribberfest BBQ & Blues -Madison August 20 WAMMfest -Greenwood August 26-27 Archway Days Festival -Centerville August 26-27 GreekFest 2022 -Carmel
Energy Efficiency Tip Did you know the combined use of large appliances like dishwashers, clothes dryers and washing machines account for the largest percentage of electricity use in the average U.S. home? Take small steps to save energy when using these appliances. Only run full loads in the dishwasher and thoroughly scrape food from dishes before loading. Dry towels and heavier cottons separate from lighter-weight clothing and clean the lint screen after every use. Wash clothing in cold water to save energy used to heat water. 2022 Festival Guides are available at RSE.
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PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID
Jeff Standeford presented a check to Girls Inc for laptops.
Mike Herndon and Jeff Standeford presented a check to the Manilla Volunteer Fire Dept for radios.
May Grant Recipients THIS COULD BE YOUR NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
Next grant cycle is in August with applications due on August 4. Applications and more details are available at www.rse.coop. Historic Connersville - Shelving
Franklin County 4H - Lighting & Electrical Needs Fayette County Cemetery - Radar
Jeff Standeford presented a check to the Shelby County Public Library to purchase a Micro Film Reader.