Contributors: Cathy Rhoades and David Toll Publication Office: 2777 S. 840 W. Manilla, IN 46150
Electric cooperatives stand out from other types of businesses because we are built and led by the communities we serve. As independent, not-for-profit electric utilities, we are owned and governed by our local members - not by outside shareholders or investors. That is a powerful differentiator.
Here are a few ways electric co-ops like RushShelby Energy bring unique value to local communities they serve:
• We put people before profits. Co-ops are not-for-profit and provide at-cost electric service. Any excess revenue is returned to our members in the form of capital credits, typically as a bill credit or check.
• Community comes first. We live and work here too, and we care deeply about our local communities. That's why we engage in development and revitalization projects, sponsor local students for scholarships and youth programs, and give back to local organizations to help our neighbors in need.
• Affordable, reliable power is our priority. RushShelby Energy purchases electricity from Hoosier Energy, our wholesale energy partner. Hoosier Energy is a generation and transmission cooperative formed by a group of electric co-ops in Indiana. This cooperative business structure allows us to pool local resources and provide electricity at a lower cost than if we purchased it from outside sources.
We're focused on our members' energy needs - not only today but for the long haul. We're advocating for smarter energy policies that prioritize reliability and affordability for all. We recognize we must be inclusive of all energy sources, including coal, natural gas and solar to generate the electricity we provide for our members.
RushShelby is working to power a brighter future through innovation that meets tomorrow's energy needs.
Reliable, affordable electricity is more important than ever before, and our focus will continue to be in the best interest of the local communities we serve. To learn more about RushShelby Energy, visit www.rse.coop.
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RushShelby Energy Bills Delayed in Mail - Co-op Operations Unaffected
RushShelby Energy would like to inform members that all billing statements have been sent out on time as usual. However, we are aware that some members are experiencing delays in receiving their bills due to issues within the postal system. We can't control what happens with the bills once the postal system has them. This issue is happening all over the country and is not isolated just to RushShelby Energy members.
We understand the importance of timely delivery and want to assure you that our internal processes remain on schedule. If you have not yet received your bill, you can access your account and payment details through our online portal, SmartHub (see page 5 for details) or by contacting our office directly.
To avoid potential late fees, we encourage members to explore alternative payment options such as online payments, automatic bank drafts, paying over the phone or in-person at our office.
We appreciate your patience and understanding. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to RushShelby Energy's customer service team at 765-544-2600.
Celebrating Dedication and Safety!
We are proud to recognize our outstanding employees for their years of service and commitment to saftey!
Chris Chastain, President & CEO - 25 Years
Dale Ann McCain, Service Order Clerk - 20 Years
Warren Shuppert, Staking Engineer - 20 Years
Jessica Boger, Member Service Representative - 10 Years
Dale Ann, Warren and Jessica were also recognized for their dedication to safety.
Thank you all for your hard work and commitment.
Understanding Factors That Impact Your Energy Bills
When you receive your bill from RushShelby Energy, you'll find a detailed summary of your electricity usage for the billing cycle. A handy graph showcases your average daily usage, costs, temperatures and a comparison to your usage from the previous year. For an even deeper dive into your energy consumption and billing details, consider joining SmartHub.
But you might be surprised to learn that beyond your monthly energy consumption, there are external factors that can impact the cost of electricity.
Fuel Prices
RushShelby Energy purchases electricity from our power generation partner, Hoosier Energy, at a wholesale cost, then we deliver that power to our local communities. The cost of generating and transmitting electricity from our generation partner accounts for a significant portion of the cost to provide electric service to local homes and businesses - and the cost of fuels that are used to generate that electricity, such as natural gas and coal, fluctuate based on supply and demand. While these fluctuations can impact the cost of electricity, we work closely with Hoosier Energy to plan ahead and help stabilize electricity prices for our members.
Extreme Weather
While we can't control the weather, we can receive weather patterns and forecasts to prepare for times of extreme cold or heat, when we know the demand for electricity will increase. But when temperatures become extremely cold and the demand for electricity spikes, the price of electricity can also increase.
Infrastructure and Equipment
To cover the costs associated with providing electricity to your home or business, RushShelby Energy members pay a monthly service charge. This flat monthly fee ensures the cost of equipment, materials, labor and daily operations are covered for all members in RushShelby Energy territory. To ensure the reliable service you expect and deserve, we must maintain the local grid, including power lines, substations and other essential equipment.
Energy Policy and Regulations
Federal energy policies and regulations can have a profound impact on electricity costs. As energy generation shifts to the use of more renewable sources and stricter regulations for traditional, always-available fuel sources, such as natural gas and coal plants, costly upgrades and technologies must be constructed and deployed. These additional costs are ultimately passed to members.
U.S. power consumption is expected to double by 2050. Across the country, electric cooperatives are working with members of Congress to advocate for smarter energy policies that reliably power our local communities.
You Have Control
While many of these external factors that impact electricity costs are out of our control, we all have the power to manage our energy use at home. The most effective way to lower use is thermostat management. Since heating and cooling account for a major portion of home energy use, adjusting the thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting can help you save energy and money. Remember to service your heating and cooling system annually and replace dirty filters as needed.
You can also reduce energy use by taking advantage of off-peak periods, when the demand for electricity is lower. Reserve energyintensive chores for off-peak times, such as early in the morning or later in the evening, to save energy. Be sure to seal air leaks around windows, doors and other areas where gaps are possible. This will help your heating and cooling system work less and improve the overall comfort of your home.
RushShelby Energy is your local energy partner, and we're here to help. As always, we will continue working diligently to provide you with reliable power at an affordable cost.
Effective Ways to Lower Home Energy Use
Tracking Your kWh Habits With
Every winter and summer RushShelby Energy receives calls from members concerned about their bills being higher that usual. It's important to remember that when the weather changes, so do your energy consumption habits. To assist our members in troubleshooting their accounts and identifying why their bill may be higher, RSE provides our members with access to Smarthub. Smarthub is RSE's one-stop location for all your electric utility needs. With SmartHub you can access your account, pay your bills, monitor your energy usage, report outages and keep up to date on your cooperatives events. All of this can be accomplished through a simple website or mobile app.
There are two options for signing up for Smarthub. You will want to select the option that best fits your needs. IMPORTANT: To use the SmartHub App on your phone or tablet, you must first sign up through the website.
Option 1: Sign up through the website 1. Please read all the instructions before beginning. 2. Go to this link: https://rse.smarthub.coop/#registration. 3. Enter your account number, last name and email address.
Option 2: Stop by our office...We can help! If you would like assistance in signing up for SmartHub, please stop by our office. One of our representatives will guide you through the process and provide you with an introduction to SmartHub.
Now that you've signed up for a SmartHub account, there are several features that you can take advantage of.
Bill Pay - Make bill payments through SmartHub, view current and past bills.
Contact Us - Simple communication in just one step.
Service Status - Report an outage or view the status of an outage at your account location. Facebook and X - One click will take you directly to our social media accounts.
One of the most used tools on SmartHub is My Usage. The My Usage section provides several tools for you to analyze your past and current usage, as well as plan and conserve in the future. Compare your use and costs, set markers to monitor changes in your usage over periods of time.
USAGE EXPLORER
Usage Explorer gives you a detailed look at your past and current usage, all in one place. View your usage and weather trends by month.
AVERAGE USAGE
Average Usage shows you what your typical or average use is for a selected time period. This helps you discover when you can save the most on your electric bill.
USAGE COMPARISON
Usage Comparison lets you compare two bills worth of usage history side-by-side. You can also view the difference between this month last year or other combinations to see how your bill varies each month.
You're likely to notice more electric vehicles (EVs) on the road and charging stations in shopping areas and other public locations. The increasing popularity of EVS is being driven by several factors, such as new vehicle options, lower prices, additional charging stations and financial incentives.
According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), EVs accounted for 7.6% of all the sales in 2023 which is up from 5.9% in 2022. That market share is even larger when factoring in hybrid vehicles.
While EVs may not work for everyone's daily driving requirements, which depend on commute times, public charging availability and additional factors, EVs can provide many benefits, such as lower operating costs and less maintenance.
If you're considering making the switch to an EV, RushShelby Energy is here to help. As your trusted local energy partner, we can help you make informed decisions about home charging options and factors to help you decide if an EV works for your typical driving needs.
Types of EVs
There are three common types of EVs. All-electric vehicles, also known as battery electric vehicles or BEVs, are powered solely by a large battery. Because BEVs are powered by a rechargeable battery and do not use gasoline, they produce zero emissions. On average, BEVs can run on a full battery for 110-300 miles.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are powered by a combination of a large battery, an electric motor and a gas-powered engine. PHEVs recharge battery power from regenerative braking and can also be plugged in to a standard outlet. Depending on the model, the power comes from the gas engine, and they do not plug in to an electrical outlet.
Home Charging Options
Most new BEVs and PHEVs include a Level 1 charging unit (110-volt-compatible), which can be plugged into any standard household electrical outlet. A Level 1 charger typically provides two to five miles of range per hour of charging, which may work for those with shorter daily commutes.
For lengthier daily drive times, Level 2 chargers can be installed for faster charging, at 10-30 miles of range per hour. A Level 2 charger uses 240-volt service, which may require electrical upgrades conducted by a licensed electrician.
RushShelby Energy Can Help
Consumer interest in EVs is growing, which is why RushShelby Energy provides information on charging requirements, vehicle options and more - helping members make informed EV purchasing decisions.
If you own an EV or purchase one in the future, we encourage you to contact Janet Labrie at 765-544-2904. As more members switch to EVs, it's important for the co-ops to understand EV charging needs for our local communities.
Making the Switch to an Electric Vehicle?
Quick Links
Celebrating Years of Service
We are proud to recognize the dedication and commitment of our team members who have reached significant service milestones. Keith Theobald, Board of Director for District 1, is celebrating an incredible 45 years of leadership. David Toll, Vice President of Administration & Member Engagement, marks 25 years of service contributing to the success of our organization. MariBeth Schmidt, Operations/Engineering Assistant, celebrates 5 years of hard work and support. We sincerely appreciate their dedication and the impact they have on RushShelby Energy and our members.
On the Cover
We're thrilled to congratulate Debra Slone for earning an honorable mention in the 2025 Planner Contest! Debra's stunning rainbow shot is a perfect fit for St. Patrick's Day, and she was awarded a $50 bill credit. We wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day, a bit of luck and a treasure of happiness.
Scholarship Deadline Approaching
The deadline is quickly approaching for the RushShelby Energy Scholarship! High school/home schooled seniors graduating this May can apply for one of two $2,000 scholarships. To be eligible, applicants must be a child of a RushShelby Energy member. Scholarships will be awarded based on academics, citizenship and school activities, and each application must include 750-1,500-word essay.
Don't miss this chance to earn financial support for your education! Visit www.rse.coop for full scholarship details and essay requirements. The application deadlines is April 14, 2025. Apply today!
Keith Theobald 45 Years
David Toll 25 Years
MariBeth Schmidt 5 Years
Mini-Member Puzzle
Electronics Efficiency Fill-In-The-Blank
You can help save energy at home by using electronic devices more efficiently. Read the energy-saving tips below and fill in the blanks with the correct word that completes the efficiency tip. Psst! Check your work in the answer key below.
1. Use a(n) ________ with an on/off switch when powering multiple electronics to easily manage energy use.
A. power strip B. extension cord C. remote control
2. For devices that require ______, use rechargeable ones, which are most cost effective and environmentally friendly.
A. power cords B. lights C. batteries
3. Unplug electronic devices that consume energy even when they're not in use, like ________.
A. lamps B. ceiling fans C. phone chargers
4. Use the sleep or power management mode on your _______ to save on energy costs.
