Photo Contest Winners
We are thrilled to announce the winner of the 2025 Planner Photo Contest! Congratulations to Laura Moorman, whose amazing photo earned her the top spot and a $250 bill credit.
We would also like to recognize our Honorable Mentions, whose photos will be featured on the cover of each month's edition of the Electrawatt in 2025:
Victor Bedel
On the cover: Jaylin Brown, Journeyman Lineman, helping to restore power in Georgia following Hurricane Helene. Photo taken by Justin Nolen, NineStar.
(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
Jamie Bowman
Jerilyn Dismore
Deb Gibson
Dylan Osborne
Robin Richardson
Linda Richmond
Debra Slone
Steve Stephenson
Jerry Wiley
Israel Wilson
Kara Zagar
Each Honorable Mention was awarded a $50 bill credit as a token of our appreciation.
We were truly impressed by all the fantastic entries and want to thank everyone for their overwhelming participation. We look forward to seeing more of your photos for the 2026 planner!
Planners, pocket calendars and Farmer's Almanacs will be available in our lobby at the end of this month.
Is a Ductless Mini-Split System Right for Your Home?
How would you like a professionalized comfort zone within your home? One where the temperature is customized to your liking and may be different than the temperature in the shared living areas or other rooms in the house. This flexibility and customization are precisely why mini-split systems, also known as ductless air-source heat pumps, and their energy efficiency aspects are so popular.
Let's unpack some mini-split basics and explore whether this type of system is a good choice for your home heating and cooling needs.
A mini-split system is a type of HVAC equipment used for heating and cooling, allowing you to control the temperature in individual rooms or spaces. Similar to central heating and cooling, mini-split systems have two main components - an outdoor compressor and an indoor air-handling unit(s). A narrow conduit links the indoor unit(s) to the outdoor compressor.
While central heating and cooling systems feature an indoor unit connected by long lengths of ductwork, mini-splits are typically ductless. This means energy is not lost traveling through long stretches of ductwork. Installing the airhandling unit in a desired room or area enables you to control the temperature more precisely, reducing energy consumption. That's because you're adjusting the temperature to a single room or space rather than the whole home.
Is a mini-split system right for you?
Mini-split systems are a popular option in home additions, or to supplement heating and cooling in a space that may be furthest away from the main living area, such as a finished attic or basement. In these instances, it may not be feasible to install or extend the ductwork required in traditional central cooling and heating systems. In contrast, mini-splits are relatively easy to install requiring a small hole for the conduit connecting the indoor and outdoor units. Most systems can handle up to four indoor rooms or zones connected to one outdoor unit. Each of the zones can be customized because each includes a thermostat that enables you to heat or cool the space as needed, saving energy and money over time.
Cool solutions
Mini-split systems bring additional benefits. They are quiet, improve indoor air quality and are typically easy to install. Many come with remotes to make temperature control even easier, and because of their smaller size, mini-split systems have many placement options for indoor and outdoor units.
One of the greatest benefits of mini-splits is that they typically have a higher SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating than traditional central heating and cooling systems. The higher the unit's SEER rating, the more energy efficient it is.
Additional considerations
However, according to the Department of Energy, "mini-splits cost about $1,500 to $2,000 per ton of cooling capacity. That's about 30% more than central systems (not including ductwork) and may cost twice as much as window units of "similar capacity."
While the technology is improving and evolving, those in particularly colder climates may need a fuel backup to run a mini-split system. Aesthetics are another factor to consider, as some homeowners don't like the appearance of the indoor units, which are more visible than central air conditioning vents.
If you're considering an upgrade or additional heating and cooling equipment, talk to a qualified technician to learn if a ductless mini-split system could work for your home.
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May Your Holidays Be Merry & Bright
As November kicks off, it's hard to believe we'll soon be gathering with family and friends to celebrate the holiday season. This festive time of year brings joy and warmth, but as the weather gets colder and we spend more time indoors, the holidays can also bring increased energy use and a higher risk of electrical and fire hazards.
As your local electric cooperative, RushShelby Energy cares about your wellbeing. This month, we'd like to share a few practical tips to help you stay safe and efficient during the holiday season.
Safety first.
Most people truly enjoy decorating their homes for the holidays. Before you deck the halls, always check electrical cords and light strands to ensure they aren't frayed or damaged. This will give you peace of mind, knowing your holiday lights are ready to safely brighten your home. Also, double-check that the lights you use outdoors are rated for outdoor use.
Like many households, we also enjoy holiday-scented candles. While festive, candles can create fire hazards and should never be left unattended. One of the best and easiest ways to safeguard your home is to test smoke alarms often. I test mine on the first of each month, so it's easy to remember. Testing smoke alarms only takes a few seconds and could save lives, so make it a habit.
'Tis the season for savings.
Spending more time indoors with a few more guests in the home can really impact home energy use. By taking a few small steps to save energy during the holiday season, you can lower your bills.
Remind family members to mind the thermostat. Since heating and cooling makes up the majority of home energy consumption, the thermostat is one of the best places for savings. Lower it a few degrees, especially when you have family or friends stopping by. Good company brings additional warmth to your home.
Your family can also save energy decorating with LED holiday lights. LEDs are the most energy efficient lighting options available, and they last much longer than traditional bulbs.
There's no denying one of the best parts of the holiday season is food - not just the meals but the time we spend together in the kitchen. There are many ways to save in the heart of the home, but one of the best approaches is to cook with smaller countertop appliances, such as air fryers, slow cookers and toaster ovens. These handy appliances, consume a fraction of the energy used to heat the oven, creating the perfect recipe for mealtime and energy savings.
We hope you will implement some of these energy-saving and safety tips into your holiday plans. We're here to help you with safety and savings year-round.
From your friends at RushShelby Energy, we hope your holiday season is merry and bright.
RushShelby Energy recently sent two dedicated volunteers to help restore power after the devastation caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Tony Adkins, Journeyman Lineman and Apprentice Kenny Geis were among over 40 Indiana volunteers who lent their expertise in the recovery efforts.
While working long hours to restore electricity, the team encountered a family who had been without power for eight days. The family's young daughter relies on a ventilator that requires electricity to operate, and they had been using two generators - one they purchased after the storm - to keep it running. Moved by the family's situation, the Indiana group generously donated $1,700 to help the family with expenses for the ventilator or to purchase another generator.
This act of kindness is a perfect example of Cooperative Principles in action - Concern for Community and Cooperation Among Cooperatives.
RushShelby Energy's commitment to help those affected by Hurricane Helene continues as Adkins and Geis have returned home. Now, two more Journeymen Linemen, Brandon McQueen and Jaylin Brown, have stepped up to take their place. RushShelby Energy is proud of all the linemen who have volunteered their time and effort to aid those in need during this challenging time. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Helene Relief Effort
Community Day
On October 11th, Indiana's Electric Cooperatives (IEC) hosted their annual Community Day, highlighting one of the core Cooperative Principles: Concern for Community. This year, RushShelby Energy participated by volunteering at the The Springs in Oldenburg and the Indiana Rainbow Girls Foundation in Edinburgh, where we helped trim and cut trees. Additionally, volunteers took part in cleaning headstones at McCarter Cemetery near Milroy.
RushShelby Energy extends thanks to the employees and Townsend Tree Service INC who contributed their time and effort, as well as the dedicated staff who remained in the office to serve our members. It was a day of teamwork and service that truly reflected the cooperative spirit.
The Springs Indiana Rainbow Girls
McCarter Cemetery
Quick Links
This winter, high school students from across the state will have the opportunity to participate in a Page Day hosted by Indiana Electric Cooperatives on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
The day will feature a tour of the Indiana Statehouse, mock bill activity, speakers and educational activities. Participants will have the opportunity to meet state legislators.
High school students are eligible to participate. To apply, visit IECPageDay.org. The application deadline is January 7, 2025.
For more information about the 2025 Indiana Electric Cooperative Page Day, contact Karlee Gable, 317-408-7903 or kgable@indianaec.org.
Energy Efficiency Tip
If you're heading out of town during the holiday season, remember to set your home to vacation mode. You can save energy while you're away by lowering your thermostat a few degrees or creating an "away" schedule with a smart or programmable thermostat. Newer water heaters include a vacation mode setting to help you save on water heating costs, or you can simply lower the temperature manually. Small actions can also stack up to energy savings. Unplug devices that consume energy when they're not in use, including phone chargers, toothbrush chargers, TVs and gaming consoles.
We're Grateful for Your Membership.
Our office will be closed
Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
We are grateful for your membership!
From
our co-op family to yours, we hope you have a wonderul Thanksgiving!
Mini-Member Puzzle
BE AN ENERGY EFFICIENCY MVP
Do you have what it takes to be the energy efficiency MVP (most valuable player) in your home? When you take proactive steps to save energy at home, you can help your family save on monthly energy bills and help the environment - that's a win-win! Read the sentences below and unscramble the bolded letters to complete the energy efficiency tips. Check your work in the answer key.
1. Turn off glhsit when you leave a room.
2. Unplug smaller electronic devices like phone reahgcsr when you're not using them.
3. Reduce your nesecr time to save energy and spend more time outdoors.
4. Turn off the reatw while brushing your teeth.
5. Keep doors and swdwnio closed when your home's heating/cooling system is running.
6. When it's cold, wear an extra layer of tohgncil inside instead of adjusting the thermostat.
