November 2022

(USPS 171-360 Published Monthly)

Contributors: Michael Cochran, Cathy Rhoades, Brad Rogers and David Toll

Rate Increase Set for April 2023

General economic forces are adding up in all areas of our lives. e impact of in ation can be noticed at the grocery store, gas pumps and major retailers, to name a few. RushShelby Energy is not immune to in ation. is has increased the cost of electricity, materials and equipment we purchase daily to operate and maintain our system. For example, gas for our trucks increased, and materials such as wire, nuts, bolts, poles and transformers have more than doubled in cost. In some cases, it has become challenging to obtain these items.

Toward the end of 2021, global energy costs began to increase dramatically due to in ation, supply chain issues and most recently, the war in Ukraine. Coal prices have gone up 300% since last year, and natural gas prices have increased more than 100%. is has resulted in an increase of more than 175% in wholesale power prices. While we have added wind and solar power to the mix of electricity we purchase from Hoosier Energy. ere isn't enough green power produced to cover all our needs. Coal and natural gas represent more than half of Hoosier Energy's annual operating cost. More than 65% of RSE's operating cost consists of purchasing power to deliver to our members. To help cover these volatile costs, Hoosier Energy charges RushShelby Energy a Power Cost Adjustment (PCA), which is part of charges billed to the member. is PCA was negative for the last few years as gas prices were low, but now that coal and natural gas have increased signi cantly, the PCA is a positive number you see on your bill. While we cannot predict the future, the hope is that in the next year, gas prices will stabilize, level out or decrease.

RushShelby Energy has absorbed a considerable amount of these higher costs through sound management and stewardship. However, due to continued industry-wide increases, we must spend more on purchasing electricity and supplies than we can absorb. Unfortunately, this means we must raise rates to help us meet our nancial goals and remain scally sound. is change will take e ect on usage starting April 1, 2023, which will bill in May. is is the rst base rate increase since April 1, 2019.

In an article in our September's newsletter, we stated that we were in the middle of a rate study. e study showed that electricity rates were insu cient to recover the cooperative's power costs and operating expenses. A er careful review from management, board of directors and our rate consultants an overall increase of 5.4% increase to our base rates was necessary.

We provide electric service to six di erent rate classes. Di erent types of users have di erent load characteristics and con gurations for lines, transformers and substations. Each con guration bares other costs allocated appropriately to each rate class. Due to these di erences, each rate class may see a rate change varying from the average of 5.4%.

For years, we have charged much less in the monthly connection charge that covered the xed costs to maintain the quality, reliability and integrity of the services we provide to get electricity to your home. What the monthly connection charge does not cover is recouped in the energy charges. is current rate structure relies heavily on the sale of power to recover the xed costs such as power lines, equipment, right-of-way maintenance, taxes, insurance and more. is can be negatively a ected by signi cant variations in energy sales. Di culty covering the day-to-day operating costs or collecting more than what was needed can be the result of this. Moving the expenses where they need to be will level out this issue for RushShelby Energy. e monthly connection charge for all residential members will change to $55.00 per month while the kWh charges will decrease.

Looking ahead, only some people can speak with con dence about future energy policies and costs. While most of these factors are global and beyond our control, our energy usage is not. We encourage all our members to be mindful of how they use electricity daily and how they can save energy around the house. Please call RushShelby Energy or visit our website at www.rse.coop for energy saving tips to help you manage your energy bills.

We are aware that any increase under any economic condition can be challenging. Rates are the only source of revenue for your electric cooperative. As always, RSE sta and board of directors will continue to work diligently to manage costs and be good stewards of your cooperative's nances.

Community Day 2022

Indiana's Electric Cooperative Day was Friday, October 14th. Fi een RushShelby Energy employees and board of director Ann Sipes worked side-by-side to demonstrate one of the core cooperative principles: Concern for Community. is initiative provides the cooperative the opportunity to use their time and skills to impact our communities positively.

RushShelby Energy volunteered in Rush County, helping the Mahoning Valley Christian Services Camp this year. Employees spent the day painting, caulking, trimming and clearing trees, setting poles for decorative lights and helped with a support wall.

We want to thank our volunteers, Ann Sipes and the employees who kept the o ce running, making Community Day a huge success.

Mahoning Valley Christian Services Camp was founded in 1943 to train young people for Christian service. e camp's organizers work to motivate young men and women to commit themselves to full-time Christian service to increase the number of missionaries, ministers and other servants of Christ's kingdom. Mahoning Valley Christian Service Camp is a Christian ministry focusing on summer and youth camps and year-round retreats.

e camp is always in need of volunteers of any given skill set. From painting and gardening to heating & cooling or electrical. For more information on volunteering or attending a camp, visit mahoningvalley.org.

Keeping Pets and Energy Bills Comfortable

Most of us consider our four-legged companions' part of the family. at's why during the winter months, we make sure our whole family, including our four-legged members, are cozy - without taking a big "bite" out of our budget.

is month, we'd like to share a few simple ways you can make your home more comfortable this winter, which can ultimately help you save on energy bills.

At the onset of the cold weather season, we replace the HVAC lter for better air quality and to help the unit operate more e ciently. You can also keep your home cozier by caulking and weatherstripping windows and doors. If your home is particularly chilly, you can tape or a x heavy, clear plastic to the inside of your window frames to create an additional barrier against the cold. Ensure that the plastic is tightly sealed to the frame to help reduce in ltration.

We know winter can be "ru ", setting your thermostat at 68 degrees is a "purr-fect" temperature for people and pets. is is especially important for smaller, short hair and senior dogs - not just for warmth, but for their general health. Puppies, kittens and older pets with arthritis or other ailments may have a harder time controlling their body heat and need the additional warmth when it's chilly out.

Pets that sleep close to the oor can be subject to cold dra s that enter your home through windows and exterior doors. If your pet's bed is near a window or door that feels dra y, tightly roll up a towel and place it near the bottom of the door or window to eliminate the dra . Cutting down on cold dra s helps everyone feel more comfortable during colder months.

If possible, elevate your pet's bed so it's not placed directly on a cold oor. An old chair or sofa cushion works well. If you don't use a dog bed, take some old blankets and create a donut shape on the cushion so the dog can snuggle and "nest" within the blanket. You can do the same for cats but on a smaller scale. Blankets enable pets to nestle into them, even when they aren't tired, and provide a comfortable place for dogs and cats to curl up.

During the day, open your blinds and curtains to allow sunlight to warm your home. Close window coverings at night for an added layer of insulation.

At RushShelby Energy, we want to help you save energy and money. Check out our website for additional energy-saving tips.

We can't control the weather, but we can provide advice to help you save energy and keep your family and furry friends more comfortable during the winter season.

Holiday Lighting Tips

is year is rapidly drawing to a close and that means the holiday lighting season is back. If your home space is in need of a decorative refresh, here are some tips to take your artistic stylings to the next level. ere are two areas to cover, so let's get started.

Safety is up rst. If your lights are ground mounted or can be installed standing on the oor or ground, you can skip ahead. However, since most decorations involve some installation at height, you need to do the following:

1. Have a ground crew (one or two people) to steady your ladder and pass up the decorations...an invaluable part of safety and for keeping you supplied with untangled light strings, fasteners and encouragement.

2. Remember to keep a safe distance from your overhead electric service.

3. Don't overreach. If you cannot get to a point with your body completely centered between the sides of the ladder, get down and relocate it.

4. Don't overextend the ladder. If your ladder is too short, rent or borrow a longer one. A ladder extended beyond its working limits is dangerous as is standing on rungs too close to the top.

5. Do not overload circuits by stringing more light sets together than the manufacturer recommends. Check the packaging for details.

6. Check your wires for breaks and cracks in the insulation that can lead to shorts. Most of these tips apply equally to inside and outside decorating activities.

Light selection is next. If at all possible, invest in LED lights this season. Unlike the rst versions to hit the market that were characterized by rather harsh and unattractive colors, the newest generation's colors are reminiscent of the incandescent lights of yore.

Why go the LED route? Longevity and cost of operation are the two key reasons. Unlike incandescent lights, whether the large or mini bulb, LEDs will last for many, many years. LEDs have no laments to burn out. Aside from physically destroying the bulb, the LED is amazingly robust. Given the modest number of hours of operation, you can expect LEDs to last seven or more years. en there is the cost of operation bene t from LEDs. ese gems of technological advancement truly sip electricity. A reasonable estimate of power consumption is 71 watts per 100 lights. How does that compare to the old incandescent? Each of those bulbs used 12 watts so a string of 100 devoured 1200 watts.

Truly want to manage the cost of operating holiday lights? Invest in timers to turn the lights on and o automatically. Really into gadgets? Invest in a smart plug for your lights you can program and control from your smart phone.

Once you have your design nalized and installed, it is my recommendation to leave as much of the outside portion of lights in place. No, don't be that person who leaves the holiday lights on all year. Simply disconnect them a er the holidays, protecting the plugs and sockets from dirt and debris. ink of reduced stress and risk if you set and forget your design. With the longevity of the LEDs, you can enjoy this freedom and pratically eliminate the risks associated with high-wire seasonal gymnastics.

Employee Spotlight

Hoosier Energy HEATS Graduates

On October 28th, Nate Best and Cameron Cox received the title of Journeyman Lineman a er graduating from Hoosier Energy's HEATS program. Cody Wilson also completed the program and earned the title of Journeyman Meterman.

Sam Kinder, Vice President of Accounting, was also recognized at the Hoosier Energy HEATS graduation for completing the MSR HEATS training. Congratulations, Sam.

Congratulations to Kenny Geis and Dylan Mann! Both have completed basic and advance pole climbing training. Safety Advanced Climbing School trains rst year apprentices to learn how to safely climb and work on poles, use their fall restraint gear, and become quali ed in emergency pole-top rescue.

CEO & President, Chris Chastain met with Congresssman Greg Pence at Indiana Electric Cooperatives headquarters. Congressman Pence spoke to the group of cooperative CEO's and IEC employees about electric utility a airs.

Nate Best

Cody Wilson Cameron Cox

We are thankful to have wonderful members, just like you! To thank you for your membership this holiday season, we would like to invite you to stop by our o ce and pick up a 2023 yearly planner, pocket calendar and Farmers' Almanac. All will be available beginning November 21st.

Rebate Deadline

To ensure you receive your rebate, all paperwork for HVACs, water heaters, electric lawn equipment and HVAC tune-ups, must be turned in to our o ce no later than December 15, 2022.

Look for 2023 rebate o ers in future newsletters.

Holiday Efficiency & Safety Tips

• Here's an easy way to save energy this holiday season! Use an automatic timer to manage energy used by outdoor holiday lighting and other electric decor.

• A hydrated tree is a happy (and safe) tree! Remember to check your tree's water level regularly.

• Even if the weather isn't all that frightful, the fire truly is delightful! Remember to close the damper when you're done using the fireplace.

• Frayed or damaged decor isn't worth the risk. Toss out any worn out (electrical) decorations and replace them for a safe holiday season.

• We know you're cooking up a storm this holiday season! Countertop appliances use less energy than larger appliances, so use them when you're preparing a smaller feast.

• Extension cords help bring our holiday lighting to life. But be mindful of where you place them.

RSE will be closed December 23 & 26 for Christmas!

Is your home heating system ready for the winter chill? One of the easiest ways to keep your system running e ciently is to regularly replace lters. If your central air system has a furnace lter, it should be replaced about every 90 days. If your home is heated through warmair registers, baseboard heaters or radiators, remember to clean regularly to boost e ciency.

Five Ways to Fight the Winter Chill and Save Energy

We all have our favorite season. Some people love crisp, cool weather and bundling up under a favorite blanket, while others prefer the warm temperatures summer brings and all fun outdoor activities that go with it.

But there's one thing we can all agree on: high winter bills are never fun. RushShelby Energy is here to help you nd ways to manage your home energy use and keep winter bills in check.

Here are ve tips to help increase your home's energy e ciency this winter:

1. Mind the thermostat. is is one of easiest ways to manage your home energy use. We recommend setting your thermostat to 68 degrees (or lower) when you're home. When you're sleeping or away for an extended period of time, try setting it between 58 and 62 degrees; there's no need to heat your home when you're away or sleeping and less active.

2. Button up your home. e Department of Energy estimates that air leaks account for 24% to 40% of the energy used for heating and cooling a home. Caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors is another simple, cost-e ective way to increase comfort and save energy. If you can feel dra s while standing near a window or door, it likely needs to be sealed.

3. Use window coverings wisely. Open blinds, drapes or other window coverings during the day to allow natural sunlight in to warm your home. Close them at night to keep the cold, dra y air out. If you feel cold air around windows, consider hanging curtains or drapes in a thicker material; heavier window coverings can make a signi cant di erence in blocking cold outdoor air.

4. Consider your approach to appliance use. When combined, appliances and electronics account for a signi cant chunk of our home energy use, so assess how e ciently you're using them. For example, if you're running the dishwasher or clothes washer, only wash full loads. Look for electronic devices that consume energy even when they're not in use, like phone chargers or game consoles. Every little bit helps, so unplug them to save energy.

5. Think outside the box. If you're still feeling chilly at home, think of other ways to warm up - beyond dialing up the thermostat. Add layers of clothing, wear thick socks and bundle up under blankets. You can even add layers to your home! If you have hard-surface ooring, consider purchasing an area rug to block cold air that leaks in through the oor.

Winter months o en bring some of the highest energy bills of the year. By being proactive about saving energy, you can increase the comfort of your home and reduce monthly bills. Visit our website at www.rse.coop for additional energy-saving tips.