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Checks Are In The Mail
RushShelby Energy is pleased to announce that general retirement checks will be mailed out July 1. This year's checks will cover the full amounts of 1987 and 1988, along with a portion of the patronage allocated for 2023 as approved by the RushShelby Energy Board of Directors.
For 2023, only a portion of the allocation on file for each member will be paid out at this time, with the remaining amount to be retired in the future. Members who have a patronage refunds of $75 and under will see these amounts applied directly to their accounts, which will be reflected in their billing statements.
This approach ensures that all members benefit from the retirement of older patronages while also receiving a part of the most recent year's allocation.
What to do if you receive a check for someone who doesn't live at your address -
If you receive a check addressed to someone who no longer lives at your address, please write "Return to Sender" on the outside of the envelope. This will ensure the check is returned to us. Additionally, please note on the envelope that the addressee does not live at your address. This information will help us to update our records and ensure future communications and checks are sent to the correct address.
What to do if a check is issued to a deceased relative -
If you receive a check made out to a relative who has passed away, don't worry. We can reissue the check in their heir's name once we have the proper paperwork on file. To start this process, you will need to complete an heir claim form. These forms can be obtained by calling 765-5442904 or by visiting our website at www.rse.coop. Once the necessary documentation is submitted and verified, we will reissue the check accordingly.
What to do if a check is issued to a deceased spouse -
On the cover: Chaperone, Jaylin Brown, RSE Journeyman Lineman and camper, Lincoln Holliman of Miami-Cass REMC.
(USPS 171-360 Published Monthly)
Contributors: Cathy Rhoades 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
If you receive a check in the name of your deceased spouse, please be aware that banks will not cash checks made out to a deceased person. To resolve this, you will need to contact our office to request a capital credit request form. This form will allow us to reissue the check in your name. Once the form is completed and submitted, we will process your request and issue a new check accordingly.
What to do if your account is still in your deceased spouse's name -
If your electric account with RushShelby Energy is still in the name of your deceased spouse, it is important to address this promptly, as this is illegal to maintain an active account in the name of a deceased person. Please contact our office so we can assist you in transferring the electric account to your name. During this process, we can also rewrite any checks issued in your spouse's name.
In August, RushShelby Energy will publish a list of unclaimed checks and accounts in our newsletter. This publication will include the forms necessary to make a claim.
We encourage you to check the unclaimed list to ensure you receive any funds you are entitled to.
For any questions or additional assistance, contact Janet Labrie at 765-544-2904.
Energy Scams Unmasked
Members with water, gas and electric connections have long been targets for utility scams. But in today's digital world, every swipe and click increases the risk of potential scams.
Scammers are more sophisticated than ever before, and they understand our increasing reliance on technology. With their sharpened digital knives, scammers have adapted their tactics to trick unsuspecting members through a variety of methods.
RushShelby Energy wants to help you avoid energy scams, whether a financial loss or leak of your personal information. This month, we'd like to share updates on some of the latest utility scams, as well as tips to help you stay safe from even the craftiest scammers.
Recent Utility Scams
Scammers typically disguise themselves -either physically or digitally- as utility employees or representatives to steal members' money or personal information. A common trick is to claim a member's bill is past due and threaten to disconnect service if payment isn't received immediately. Scammers approach members through a variety of means, including phone calls, text messages, emails and even in-person visits. However, the digital line of attack is increasingly more common.
For example, new capabilities disguising caller ID or "spoofing" can make the phone number you see on caller ID appear to be from a trusted source. Spoofing makes it easier for scammers to deceive you because it's more difficult to immediately verify the call. Another recent scam uses fraudulent websites that are identical to utility payment webpages-and what's worse, these pages are often promoted on search engines to trick members into clicking and making a payment.
Another recent scam involves phone calls, text messages or emails claiming you overpaid your electric bill and will receive a cash or banking refund. This offer may seem too good to be true, and it is-it's likely a scam aimed at stealing your personal information.
Spotting a Scam
There are several red flags you can watch for to identify an energy scam. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to create a sense of urgency, like claiming your electricity or other services will be disconnected if a payment isn't made immediately.
Additionally, scammers may ask for an unusual payment method such as gift cards or cryptocurrency. If someone is pushing for an unusual payment method, it's likely a scam.
You've probably noticed that many digital scams, like emails or text messages, include poor grammar, spelling errors and odd email addresses. These are red flags, so when you see these dodgy forms of communication, consider it a potential scam.
What RushShelby Energy Will (and Won't) Do
RushShelby Energy will never demand an instant, immediate payment and threaten to disconnect your service without prior notice or warnings. We strive to resolve challenging situations and work with our members to avoid disconnects.
We offer several secure payment options, including in-person, online and scheduled payments.
Avoiding Scams
Whether in-person, over the phone or online, always be suspicious of an unknown individual claiming to be a RushShelby Energy employee requesting banking or other personal information. We will only send you text messages if you have opted in for important alerts like outage updates from our CRC program.
If you're ever in doubt about a potential energy scam, just give us a quick call at 765-544-2600 so we can assist. RushShelby Energy wants to help protect you and our communities against utility frauds, and by notifying us about potential scams so we can spread the word and prevent others in our communities from falling victim.
Youth Opportunities
Since the early 19th century, cooperatives have significantly influenced how many businesses are run. This impact became especially apparent in the United States during the 1930s under the leadership of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the years following the Great Depression. During this time, cooperatives emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience, offering a unique business model that empowered members with significant decision-making roles.
As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it is essential for our youth to grasp the value and principles of cooperative businesses. Cooperatives operate under the guidance of the 7 Cooperative Principles, which include "Concern for Community" and "Education, Training and Information." These principles are not just guidelines but are foundational to the cooperative movement, ensuring that members are not only involved in decision-making but are also committed to the well-being of their communities.
Through the youth programs we offer, we have a unique opportunity to highlight these principles. By focusing on "Concern for Community, " we teach young people the importance of community involvement and support. By emphasizing "Education, Training and Information," we ensure that they understand the significance of continuous learning and staying informed. These programs can help youth appreciate the cooperative model's emphasis on collective effort and shared benefits.
Camp Kilowatt
Camp Kilowatt offers a fun and unique experience for incoming seventh-grade students across Indiana. Throughout the week, students immerse themselves in a blend of educational and recreational activities that leave a lasting impression.
On the educational side, students learn about alternative energy sources, electric safety and the role of electric cooperatives in their communities. These sessions are designed to be engaging and informative, helping students understand how cooperatives contribute to the well-being of their towns and neighborhoods.
However, Camp Kilowatt is not just about learning - it's also about having fun and making memories. Students enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as zip-lining, archery, swimming and rock climbing. These activities are designed to build confidence, encourage teamwork and provide a well-rounded camp experience.
By combining education and adventure, Camp Kilowatt ensures that students leave with a deeper understanding of energy and cooperatives, as well as a sense of accomplishment and a host of new friendships. This camp is a perfect example of how learning and fun can go hand in hand, preparing young minds for a brighter future.
Campers: Alexander Anderson, Dravin Brinson, Justice Freed, Brinton Himes and Brody Walton Chaperones: Kristan Brinson, Jaylin Brown and Justin Walton
Indiana Youth Tour
RushShelby Energy was proud to sponsor six students on a trip to Washington, D.C., as part of the Indiana Youth Tour. This program, established in 1957, provides youth from rural electric cooperatives across the nation with an invaluable opportunity to learn more about their national government and the rural electric program.
During their time in the nation's capital, the students toured historical monuments, met with their Congressional Representatives and gained a deeper understanding of the federal government's workings. This enriching experience also allowed them to form lasting friendships with peers from different parts of the country.
The students representing RushShelby Energy were Aurora Belton, Victoria Burkhart, Sydney Griffin, Jacob Hawk, Tanna Tatlock and Libby Weinantz. Each of these young individuals demonstrated great enthusiasm, making the most of this unique opportunity to explore, learn and connect.
RushShelby Energy is committed to fostering the development of future leaders through programs like the Indiana Youth Tour. We believe that experiences like these are crucial in helping young people understand the importance of civic engagement and the role of cooperatives in their communities.
RSE Scholarship Winners
RushShelby Energy is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 RSE Scholarships. This year, we recognized two outstanding students for their academic achievements, school involvement and community contributions.
Joshua Hadler from Shelbyville High School will be attending Ivy Tech to study Paramedic Science. His dedication to helping others and his commitment to pursuing a career in emergency medical services exemplify the spirit of service that RushShelby Energy values.
Quentin Livezey from Morristown Jr/Sr High School will be attending Indiana University to study Astrophysics. Quentin's passion for science and exploration showcases the curiosity and drive that we aim to support through our scholarship program.
Scholarship recipients were evaluated based on their academic performance, involvement in school activities and contributions to their communities.
We extend our congratulations to Joshua, Quentin, and the entire class of 2024. We wish you all great success in your future endeavors.
Joshua Hadler
Quentin Livezey
Legislative conference takes your voice to D.C.
The annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., serves as an essential platform for sharing with our Congressional Delegation how decisions made in D.C. impact the communities we serve.
This necessity for political involvement is why cooperative representatives annually travel to Washington, D.C., to engage with legislators. While there, these representatives advocate for you and our rural communities to ensure you have access to reliable and affordable power.
This year, board directors, Robert Stroup, Bruce Everhart and & I attended the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Legislative Conference, where we engaged in meaningful discussions with elected officials and their staff.
Among other issues, a primary concern we brought to their attention is the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recent rule for existing coal and new natural gas power generation plants. Not-for-profit electric cooperatives, like RushShelby Energy, have a responsibility to represent the best interest of our members and are concerned about the impact of this rule. The final rule jeopardizes affordable and reliable electricity by forcing the premature closure of always available power plants while making it harder to permit, site and build crucial new power plants. Unfortunately, the final rule comes at a time when reliability concerns are growing and energy demand is increasing across the country. Indiana's electric cooperatives support a responsible energy policy that balances Hoosiers' energy needs with environmental concerns.
Another significant issue we raised is the protection of the rural electric infrastructure that powers our homes, schools, hospitals and businesses. The electric pole network owned by RushShelby Energy is also used by cable, telephone and broadband companies. It is incumbent upon our cooperative to make sure that pole infrastructure is structurally sound for all intended uses and meets electric reliability and safety standards. However, legislative or regulatory proposals can jeopardize safety and reliability while driving up costs for electricity. We asked legislators to leave rules about our local electric infrastructure up to state policymakers.
Throughout our meetings, the strong support from cooperative members was evident and impactful. Legislators recognize our role as representatives for you, the rural voters, ensuring that your voices are effectively heard in Washington, D.C.
Pictured: Robert Stroup, Board Director, Anna Beth Chastain, daughter of Chris Chastain, Chris Chastain, CEO & President and Bruce Everhart, Board Director
Chris Chastain, CEO & President
Quick Links
Director Milestone
Celebrating Two Decades of Dedication
RushShelby Energy Director Fred Smith, representing District 5, is celebrating 20 years of service this month. RushShelby Energy appreciates his hard work and dedication to the membership. Congratulations, Fred!
Welcome to RushShelby Energy
We are pleased to introduce the newest additions to our team. Each of them brings valuable skills that will help us to continue to grow and succeed.
Electricity used to operate major appliances accounts for a significant portion of your home energy use. Here's an easy way to lighten the load on your clothes dryer. Before you dry a load of damp clothing, toss in a clean, dry towel. The towel will absorb excess water, shortening the drying time. If your dryer does not include an autosense feature to determine drying time, remember to reduce the timer to about half of what you normally would. Remove the towel about 15 minutes after the cycle begins. Shorter drying time will extend the life of your dryer and save energy.
Katie Nolley HR Generalist
Luke Sullenbarger Groundsman
Gage Back Groundsman
Zach Kuhn System Engineer
Mini-Member Puzzle
National Grilling Month Word Search
Cooking outdoors is a fun way to spend time with friends and family! By cooking outside, you can save energy and keep your home cooler.
July is National Grilling Month! Can you find all the words associated with grilling in the puzzle below? Use the word bank as a guide.
Hamburger Spatula Hot Dog Friends Summer Barbeque Family Tongs Grill Apron
