The Power Behind the Power You've likely noticed RushShelby Energy's crews out and about, working on power lines and other electrical equipment in our community. It's no secret that a lineworker's job is challenging, but it's a job that's essential and must be done, often in challenging conditions. Next month, we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day on April 11.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 LINEWORKER APPRECIATION DAY
3 REPLACING A POLE
4-5 MEROM PLANT
6 SURGE PROTECTION
7 QUICK LINKS
8 WORD SEARCH Cover Photo Courtesy of Pam Johnson
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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The work can be heavy in more ways than one. Did you know the equipment and tools that a lineworker carries while climbing a utility pole can weigh up to 50 pounds? That's the same as carrying six gallons of water. Lineworkers are required to climb poles ranging anywhere from 30 to 120 feet tall. Needless to say, if you have a fear of heights, this likely isn't the career path for you. Lineworkers must be committed to their career because it's not just a job; it's a lifestyle. The long hours and ever-present danger can genuinely take a toll. In fact, being a lineworker is listed in the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S. Lineworkers often work non-traditional hours outdoors in difficult conditions. While the job does not require a college degree, it does require technical skills, years of training and hands-on learning. Did you know that becoming a journeyman lineworker can take around 8,000 hours of training? That's because working with high-voltage equipment requires specialized skills, experience and ongoing mental toughness. Shortcuts are not an option, and there is no room for error in this line of work. RushShelby Energy lineworkers are committed to powering our local community despite the many challenges. During severe weather events that bring major power outages, lineworkers are among the first ones called. They must be ready to leave the comfort of their home and families unexpectedly, and they don't return until the job is done, often days later. That's why the lineworker's family is also dedicated to service. They understand the importance of the job to the community. Nationwide, there are approximately 120,000 electric lineworkers. RSE has 19 lineworkers responsible for keeping power flowing 24/7, 365 days a year. They maintain 2,170 miles of power lines across nine counties to do this. In addition to the apparent tasks lineworkers perform, their job today goes far beyond climbing utility poles to repair a wire. Today's lineworkers are information experts who can pinpoint power outages from miles away. Line crews now use laptops, tablets and other technologies to map outages, survey damage and troubleshoot problems. Being a lineworker may not seem like a glamorous job, but it is absolutely essential to the life of our community. Without these hardworking lineworkers exceptional dedication and commitment, we would not have the reliable electricity that we need for everyday life. So, the next time you see a lineworker, please thank them for the work they do to keep the power flowing, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. After all, lineworkers are the power behind your power. Please join us as we recognize them on April 11, and follow "ThankALineworker"on social media to see how others recognize lineworkers.
Steps to Replacing a Pole
Utility poles remain the backbone of most electric distribution systems. After more than 80 years since electric cooperatives first set them throughout rural Indiana, they remain the most cost-effective way to safely support power lines, insulators, transformers and other electric hardware. Occasionally, either through a vehicle strike, lightning strike, ice storm, tornado, or simply age, a pole needs to be replaced. While every electric cooperative has thousands of poles throughout its system, each pole replacement is different. It's much more than just digging a hole and sliding a new pole in the ground. The work is done methodically and, even in the best scenarios and weather conditions, might take several hours. One of the most common reasons for a broken pole and an unexpected power outage is a vehicle strike. Here's a step-by-step description of what typically goes into a pole replacement so that consumers on the "dark side" of the damaged pole can better understand why the power outage affecting them might be taking longer than they would think.
1. Assess the situation. The cooperative is notified of a broken pole. This can come from the cooperative's own monitoring system, sheriff 's department or consumers. Lineworkers will visit the pole and assess the damage. This may take 30 minutes to an hour depending on the location and if the notification comes outside of normal business hours. 2. Secure the scene and call in a crew. If the pole needs to be replaced, the lineworkers on the scene will first make sure the scene is safe. They'll de-energize the line following established safety procedures. Next, they will call for a crew of three or four others to come with a bucket truck and a digger truck. In many cases, resetting or replacing a pole also requires calling into 811, the Indiana "call before you dig" service, before crews can dig new holes. This is required to locate other buried utilities along the right-of-way and can add time to the restoration. 3. Obtain supplies and tools. The original responding lineworkers will work on what can be done until the additional crews arrive with a new pole and replacement equipment. Depending on the weather and the proximity of the broken pole to the replacement pole and equipment, this may take 1-2 hours. 4. Replace the damaged pole. When all crew members are present, they begin setting a new pole and will work to safely restore power to consumers as quickly as possible. This includes removing equipment from the broken pole and attaching the necessary equipment to the new pole. Depending on the location, the equipment needed on each pole will vary. Poles are generally buried around 6 feet in the ground. The buried part of the broken pole is usually pulled out with the hydraulic lift on a truck. Sometimes it's necessary to dig a new hole. Dirt is backfilled and tamped down with hydraulic equipment. The power lines are then lifted back into place and mounted on the new insulators. Once all is back in place, the protective gear is removed, an all-clear is given and the power is turned back on. Sometimes it's possible during the pole replacement process to redirect power to those affected by the outage. It is the goal of the electric cooperative to safely restore power to as many consumers as quickly as possible. The average pole replacement could take up to 3-4 hours under favorable conditions with no mitigating circumstances - or longer if unforeseen circumstances slow crews down.
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Hoosier Energy to Transfer Merom Generating Station to Hallador Energy Company Hallador Energy Company (NASDAQ - HNRG), through its new subsidiary Hallador Power Company, LLC, will acquire Hoosier Energy's 1-Gigawatt Merom Generating Station, located in Sullivan County, Indiana, in return for assuming certain decommissioning costs and environmental responsibilities. The transaction, which includes a 3.5-year power purchase agreement (PPA), is scheduled to close in mid-July 2022 upon obtaining required governmental and financial approvals. Per the agreement, Hoosier will purchase 100% of the plant's energy and capacity through May 2023, reducing purchases to 22% of energy output and 32% of its capacity beginning in June 2023 and through 2025. The companies' existing renewable PPA signed in May 2021 and representing 150 MW of solar generation and 50 MW of battery storage - will be retained, with its start date delayed until Merom's eventual retirement. "As the future owner and operator of Merom, Hallador secures demand for up to half of its coal production for years to come," said Hallador Energy CEO Brent Bilsland. "With current and anticipated market power and fuel prices, we're confident this investment will provide value to our shareholders. In addition, the parties will be keeping their existing solar/battery storage PPA in place, providing a path for Merom's transition to renewable energy when the coal plant is eventually retired. This transaction is an example of how Hallador intends to help the market transition from coal to renewable energy by providing base load capacity in the near term utilizing existing coal-fired power generation while transitioning to renewables in the longer term. It's a great transaction for all involved parties." In January 2020, Hoosier Energy announced a new Long Range Resource Plan, which included the expected retirement of Merom in May 2023. Hoosier said at the time it would sell the plant if the right deal came to fruition. After entertaining interest from a number of different parties, the company found a unique partner in Hallador, which is able to operate the plant at a much lower cost given ownership and control of fuel supply. "This is an ideal outcome for Hoosier Energy and its member distribution cooperatives, continuing our commitment to provide reliable, affordable and sustainable power," said Hoosier Energy President & CEO Donna Walker. "It's a positive development for current Merom employees and Sullivan County as well, preserving more than 100 jobs and a major economic driver for the area. Several milestones must still be achieved prior to completing the transaction, and we will remain diligent as this process continues to progress." Hoosier will retain approximately 5,760 acres of land, which has potential for diverse economic redevelopment. Other benefits include elimination of millions of dollars in costs for plant decommissioning and long-term grounds maintenance. The new PPA provides additional capacity to Hoosier as well, another important element of the deal. "Our 2020 Long Range Resource Plan was the right plan for Hoosier Energy and its members, and it still is," said Walker. "This agreement creates a win-win dynamic, providing short- and long-term cost savings and continued stability during the transition of our resource portfolio, all while allowing Hoosier to remain on course with the Long Range Resource Plan."
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A power surge is an unexpected increase in voltage, and it can occur from various of sources. Regardless of the cause, power surges can majorly damage electronic devices and equipment in your home. Let's look at common causes of power surges and how you can protect your sensitive electronics. One of the most common causes of a power surge is lightning. Most of us have experienced this during a severe thunderstorm. When lightning strikes an electrical system, it must channel the excess current somewhere unfortunately, in many cases, it's sent through a home. Your best bet is to unplug all unused devices and electronics during severe thunderstorms. Another common cause of power surges is electrical overload. This happens when devices or appliances are plugged into an outlet that can't handle the required amount of voltage, or if multiple devices are plugged into one outlet through an extension cord. If you're experiencing power surges due to electrical overload, it's time to call a qualified electrician to evaluate your home's circuits and electrical needs. Faulty wiring in a home can also cause power surges. Damaged or exposed wires can cause spikes in voltage, creating a potentially dangerous situation. If you notice signs of faulty wiring, like visible burns on outlets, buzzing sounds from outlets or frequently tripped circuit breakers, your home may be due for electrical wiring repairs and updates. Surges can also occur after a power outage. When electricity is being restored and reconnected, it's common to experience a quick surge in current. Similar to a surge caused by lightning, it's best to unplug sensitive electronics during the outage - then wait to plug them back in after power is fully restored. Aside from unplugging devices when you suspect a power surge, there are two ways you can take additional precautions to protect electronics in your home. Point-of-use surge protection devices, like power strips, can protect electronics during most surges. But remember, not all power strips include surge protection, so read the packaging label carefully before you buy, and don't overload the power strip with too many devices. You can also install specialized electrical outlets that offer additional surge protection. Talk to a trusted electrician to learn more. RushShelby Energy offers whole-home surge suppression devices that are installed between your meter and your home. Whole-home surge protectors offer protection from larger, more powerful surges. These devices can be purchased for $210.46 (tax and installation included). For more information you can call our office at 765-544-2600 or visit our website at https://www.rse.coop/member-services/surge-protection/.
Surge Protection 101
Quick Links
April Festivals April 8-10 The Indiana Hot Luck and Fiery Foods Market -Madison
If you or anyone you know in Rush, Henry or Hancock County are interested in a completely free and federally funded preschool for children ages 3 and 4. You can contact your local ICAP office at 765-529-4403. Classes are Monday through Friday, 6 hours per day. Children are provided breakfast, lunch and a snack at no cost to you. This program will prepare your children for kindergarten. The well-educated staff will focus on school readiness goals via the DIG curriculum. Children will also be screened for all developmental milestones regarding speech, language, mental health, vision, dental and hearing. Again, the ICAP office covering Rush, Henry and Hancock counties can be reached at 765-529-4403 or by visiting the website at icapcaa.org.
If you apply for an electric lawn equipment or HVAC rebate, the rebate will be returned as a bill credit. For an application and more details visit our website at www.rse.coop.
Energy Efficiency Tip
When was your cooling system last serviced? Most manufacturers recommend an annual tune up for your home's cooling system. March is a great time to schedule this service so you can beat the summer rush when the pros are busiest.
April 20-23 Welcome to Fairyville -Noblesville April 23 Rock the Block -Greenwood April 23-24 Bridgeton Rendezvous -Bridgeton April 23-24 Perry County Dogwood Festival -Tell City April 29-May 1 Crossroads Acoustic Music Festival -Seymour April 30 Metamora Mandolin Gathering -Metamora
A qualified professional can check the amount of refrigerant, accuracy of the thermostat, condition of belts, motors and other factors that can impact the efficiency of your system. Source: Dept of Energy
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Electrical Equipment Word Search
Did you know we use a variety of equipment to send electricity to your home? Read the facts to learn about the equipment we use, then find and circle the bold words in the puzzle below.
• Transformers look like large metal cans on top of utility poles or big green boxes on the ground. They reduce the voltage of electricity for safe use in your home.
• Power lines hang overhead or are placed underground to carry electricity from where it's generated to homes and businesses.
• Lineworkers use bucket trucks to reach power lines and poles when making repairs and updates to the electrical system.
• Electric meters are placed on the outside of homes to measure the amount of electricity you use.
• Substations are facilities that contain equipment to help control the flow of electricity.