October 2020

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Hope. They Progress. Opportunities. used to have dreams. Now they have plans. CONTENTS 2-3

Guatemala Update

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kWh Around the World

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Kitchen Safety

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Quick Links USPS Rates Surge Protectors

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We take the modern conveniences electricity provides us for granted. But many families in remote areas of the world live the simplest of lives. They endure extreme hardships because electricity isn't available. In 2012, RushShelby Energy participated in a program with other Indiana electric cooperatives. Hoosiers Power the World sent crews to a remote area of Guatemala to bring electricity to villages for the very first time. Larry Herbert, Tim Smith and Warren Shuppert were selected from RushShelby Energy to be on two different teams of linemen who went to Central America. Twenty-four linemen spent two weeks working alongside Guatemalan municipal employees in Hoja Blanco and Huehuetenago Blanco in the department of Huehue. The villages were located in the northwestern highlands and often referred to as the "Frontier Zone." Their story was told in a television documentary titled, "Power to the People" that aired on WFYI. By 2015, the vision grew into Project Indiana - moving beyond electrifying villages to making them a better place to live and enhancing the community.

RSE will be closed November 28 & 29. Happy Thanksgiving

(USPS 171-360 Published Monthly) Contributors: Jason Clemmons, Cathy Rhoades, and Brad Rogers 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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www.rse.coop

RSE Lineman, Tim Smith, enjoyed playing ball with local chil-


Volunteers carrying a 1,000 pound pole . Keith Combs, RSE lineman, joined a crew of 13 other Indiana electric cooperative linemen on a trip to another area of Guatemala in 2015 as part of an international initiative to bring electricity to Sepamac, Guatemala. Through Project Indiana, we're empowering global communities one village at a time. And, we know it all begins with electricity - access to better healthcare, fresh drinking water, expanded educational opportunities, economic development and increased public safety.

Guatemala $.36 per kWh

Population: 17,663,081 Main Energy Source Petroleum, Hydroelectricity and fuelwood.

"With each trip we've trained a Guatemalan to be a lineman and we leave equipment and tools with them. Most of our projects have been clustered in regions where we've already done a project, or another state has. On our trip this past spring, we also used linemen from other project sites for some additional training," Jennifer Rufatto, Vice President of Communications and Human Resources, stated. Another electrification trip is scheduled for early 2021. In the end, it's not only light that Project Indiana brings - it's life, hope, progress and opportunities.

"Serving the people of Guatemala was one of the most rewarding things I've done. It's not only changed their lives, it's changed mine. The appreciation they had for the work we did was second to none, truly something I'll remember the rest of my life," commented Combs.

Keith Combs enjoys a break with some children from the village of Sepamac.

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Alaska $.22 per kWh Population: 710,231 Main Energy Source Natural Gas

kW h Charges

Canada $.11 per kWh Population: 37,196,563 Main Energy Source Gas, Nuclear, Hydro and Oil

Reykjavik $.02 per kWh Population: 129,840 Main Energy Source Hydro & Geothermal

Maine $.15 per kWh California $.20 per kWh Population: 37,253,956 Main Energy Source Natural Gas

Indiana $.12 per kWh Population: 6,619,680 Main Energy Source Coal

As we look at the impact electricity can have on a region, it is interesting to see the varying costs of electricity worldwide. Electricity rates vary from country to country, and notably from city to city in particular countries.

Population: 1,328,361 Main Energy Source Fuel Oil

Venezuela $.02 per kWh Population: 28,498,733 Main Energy Source Hydropower

Morocco $.12 per kWh Population: 36,471,769 Main Energy Source Oil, Natural Gas,

The cost of electricity also varies by the power source. You can see on the map that sources of energy varies. Some of the sources are: • Natural Gas • Nuclear • Hydro-power • Oil • Diesel Power • Coal - 42% of utilities use coal-fired power plants. In a world of supply and demand, it's also important for us to consider this piece of the puzzle. Studies have shown that demand for electricity is driven by temperatures. We all experience that when we turn on our heating system or air conditioners. While comparing the cost of electricity around the world, we must keep the full picture in mind. We are fortunate to live in a time and place where we can often forget the obstacles overcome to bring electricity to our homes.

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Columbia $.19 per kWh Population: 28,498,733 Main Energy Source Hydropower

Argentina $.09 per kWh

Population: 44,991,785 Main Energy Source Thermal Plants Fueled by Natural Gas


s Around the World Russia $.07 per kWh Population: 138,082,178 Main Energy Source Geothermal Energy

Germany $.35 per kWh Population: 82,449,241 Main Energy Source Fossil Fuels

China $.36 per kWh Population: 1,434,965,320 Main Energy Source Coal

The Soloman Islands $.99 per kWh Population: 599,000 Main Energy Source Diesel Power

Kenya $.15 per kWH Population: 52,843,195 Main Energy Source Hydropower

South Africa $.12 per kWh Population: 58,721,704 Main Energy Source Coal

Austrailia $.25 per kWh Population: 25,203,198 Main Energy Source Coal & Gas

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Baking it Safe

Keep Your Oven Clean

Cleaning your oven does not have to make your entire house stink and the smoke detectors go off! A little elbow grease and some common household products are all you need. Begin by removing the racks from your oven. Make a paste from baking soda and water and spread it over all the interior surfaces of your oven except the heating element. Let the paste sit overnight. Wipe out the dried paste with a damp cloth. Put some white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it on the interior of your oven. Wipe this out with a clean, damp cloth. Replace your oven racks and get ready to bake!

Fresh-baked pies, homemade bread and a plump, juicy turkey - all things to look forward to in the months ahead. If you're preparing to host a huge gathering or just going about your daily life, there are many things you can do to make your kitchen a safer and more efficient place to be. • Keep all of your appliances and their cords away from the kitchen sink and hot surfaces. • Keep your stove and oven clean and make sure towels and potholders are not placed near the burner. • Unplug the toaster and other countertop appliances when not in use. • Allow enough room behind your refrigerator for air to circulate and vacuum the coils every few months to keep it running efficiently. • If you are shocked by an appliance, shut it off at the circuit breaker and have it checked by an electrician. • Use GFCI-protected outlets for countertop appliances. These simple steps might not take all the stress away from holidays, but will go a great way to help you stay safe in the kitchen!


Quick Links Employee Milestone

November Events November 2 Shelbyville Delta Theta Tau Gift & Hobby Show November 2 Columbus Wine-A-Ree

Congratulations to Jessica Boger, Customer Service Representative, for five years of service. RushShelby Energy appreciates your hard work and dedication to our membership.

November 9 Rushville Holiday Expo

Community Day

November 15-16 Muncie Holiday Handcrafters Showcase

Indiana Electric Cooperatives' Community Day provides an opportunity for electric cooperatives across the state to work collectively toward making a positive impact on our great state. In October of each year, electric cooperatives are asked to determine a need within their service territories. The day provides an opportunity to focus on the good work electric cooperatives do in their communities, while raising awareness about Indiana's electric cooperatives. This year RSE along with Whitewater Valley REMC, volunteered in Fayette County. Volunteers painted the lower part of Miller Gym, cleaned Miller Gym, cleared a mile and a half of brush along the Nickel Plate Trail, and replaced security light bulbs at the Babe Ruth Diamonds.

Statement of Ownership, Management & Circulation

November 21 Yearly Planners Pocket Calendars Farmer's Almanacs Available in the Lobby November 22 Hope Christmas of Yesteryear November 23 Carmel Holiday on Center Green November 29 Metamora Christmas Walk November 30 Shirley Christmas Walk November 30 Anderson Festival of Trees


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P.O. Box 55 Manilla, IN 46150-0055


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