KC News: The Power Surge

The pulse of K.C. happenings

Women and Cooperatives August 26 is Women’s Equality Day. The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. In the formative years of the cooperative world, women were allowed to become members, giving them the power to voice their opinions and to vote for their board members. This was the case for K.C. Electric in 1946.

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n a Paraguay sugar cane cooperative, located in South America, several co-op leaders believe that female members are generally more likely to apply what they learn in training and adopt new farming techniques compared to their male counterparts. That co-op sees more women in leadership roles as well, contributing to a stronger and more stable cooperative. Globally, more women join savings and credit cooperatives, giving them increased access to financial resources.

Here at K.C. Electric, we have had just two women serve on the board of directors. Maye Gene Lee, of Hugo, served on the board from 1983-1986.

Also, she was an employee during the 1950s. Asked if it was difficult being the only woman on the board, she replied, “I felt that I was accepted very graciously.”

Luanna Naugle, of Wild Horse, has been on the board since 2009. She shares, “Cooperatives are of vital importance in keeping local control in our rural areas for the services that we all need and use. I realize how important this link is in the continued viability of the rural and residential economy in the three counties K.C. Electric serves. A balance between staying ahead for the future,

taking care of all current responsibilities, while being accountable to your members should be assessed on a continued basis. “ Raised on a farm, Luanna brings thoughtful consideration to rates, reliability and safety.

HERE ARE THOUGHTS FROM OUR FEMALE WORK FORCE: Jacque Schmidt, Operations Clerk/ Receptionist in Stratton since 1989.

A woman’s strength to a cooperative: 1. Women see opportunity in everything and everyone. They give their ideas life and inspire others to do the same.

Women are much more strategic, focused and keep their eye on the prize.

2. Women are masters of navigation, and putting their ideas to the test is their gift. They do this through networking. They follow-up and make sure they sow the seeds of their ideas in the most fertile networking ground.

3. Women are masters at facilitating connection points between people, resources and relationships. Women don’t waste time and can quickly identify areas to consolidate, organize and strengthen business outcomes.

4. Women seek to give to others but also to their communities. Women

enjoy living their lives through a cause that serves the advancement and acceleration of societal needs.

Sue Dutro, Accountant in Hugo since 1980: Women are referred to as “gatherers” of a family. I think that is true of the women who work in a cooperative setting.

The women of K.C. Electric “gather” information that is necessary to provide the consumers’ billing for the electrical services they use monthly. They receive and analyze previous facts and figures that contribute to the financial stability and well-being of the co-op.

Women” gather” outage information from consumers, and dispatch the service crews to restore electricity in a timely manner when it is possible.

Women process the payment of bills that are necessary to ensure that there is material on hand for the linemen to do the building and repairing of the lines and services for the consumers. Women also “gather” the information from their peers and fellow workers that makes this cooperative the family that it is.

Kristie Constance, Data Supervisor in Hugo since 2002: Our biggest role in the cooperative is to be a team member. Although we each have our individual jobs and duties, Continued on p9

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2016 Youth Tour

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eing close to history, meeting wonderful people, learning, and discovering amazing careers are some of the sentiments shared by teenagers who attended the 2016 Youth Tour in Washington D.C. June 9-16. Each year, students are sponsored by the local cooperatives and hosted by National Rural Electric Association (NRECA).

Students experienced government from the inside, visited historic sites, and learned about the electric utility industry at a national level. Prior to the tour, students gathered in Denver where a safety demonstration was presented by three of United Power linemen. The group also learned about the electric grid from Michelle Pastor of Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, before touring the state capitol. Colorado Rural Electric Association (CREA) was represented by Heather Williams who explained the legislative process. One of the highlights for the students was a presentation by the Blue Star Mothers, a group of women who have children serving in the military.

K.C. Electric’s representative was Katherine Liptrap from Hugo. Katherine will be a Senior this year at the Genoa-Hugo School. She is involved with some outstanding volunteer projects, such as reading to the residents at the Lincoln Community Care Center and helping at the Hugo Public Library.

Katherine is a good student and is active in extracurricular activities, including the anti-bullying program, sports, and speech.

Stinky Water Heaters

By Dee Ann Blevins

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ecently employees in the Hugo office noticed smelly water coming from the hot water faucet in the bathroom. It continued for a long time. It was to the point where we didn’t want to wash our hands because they would smell like rotten eggs. When we checked the water heater, we realized that it was an extremely old conventional-type water heater. We replaced the water heater unit with a 40 gallon Marathon unit and the smelly water problem disappeared. Marathon is the only line of water heaters that K.C. Electric sells.

According to the Internet, the most common cause of smelly water is anaerobic bacteria which react with the magnesium and aluminum sacrificial anodes that come with most water heaters, producing hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas is the classic rotten egg 8

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odor. Marathon water heaters do not have anodes.

If you have smelly water coming from your hot water faucet, you may need to replace the anode rod in a conventional water heater with an aluminum/zinc alloy anode. For better performance and to extend the life of your water heater, each year you should test the pressure/relief valve and clean out the sediment build-up. If you are looking to replace a worn out water heater, you might want to explore the highly efficient Marathon water heaters. At this time we have 40, 50 and 85-gallon units, but when the 85s are gone, we cannot re-order them.

Water heaters are available at our offices in Cheyenne Wells, Hugo and Stratton. Stop in and look at their unique design.

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Women and Cooperatives continued from p7

everyone has to work together for the cooperative to operate effectively and efficiently. A team doesn’t have to be 50 percent women and 50 percent men for it to be balanced, but how each person’s talents and knowledge are represented and utilized, that is the basis of balance.

Without it, nothing is accomplished!

Jodi Withington, Cashier/Receptionist in Hugo since 2012: I believe women bring a nurturing component to the work place. The natural instinct is to care for all those around them—not only co-workers, but the people they serve as well.

Working in customer service allows me the opportunity to assist people on a daily basis. My goal is to ensure each member receives the best possible service, and that their concerns are given the utmost courtesy. Providing a caring and positive environment is crucial to the success of any company, especially a cooperative.

Dee Ann Blevins, Work Order Clerk in Hugo since 1987: I have seen a lot of technological changes over time. Each change requires adaptation and often problemsolving to get the information or outcome we need. I love the challenge and am very proud to be the flexible person I am. I enjoy working with the operation side. We have a great group of linemen and specialists who are very helpful.

Poor communication will always remain the biggest obstacle to efficiency, no matter what happens with technology or what gender is involved! Women may bring different skills and strengths to the cooperative, but it takes all of us working together to be successful.

While men outnumber the women at K.C. Electric, each person is valued and is necessary to keep the cooperative functioning in a competent manner.

In some ways, jobs have become more specialized, requiring stronger interdependence upon one another. The cooperative model is still viable today!

Meet George Ehlers

By Dee Ann Blevins

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he new Member Services/IT Manager understands the big picture, but also sees the value of taking care of the details.

George Ehlers has been on a journey of discovery and growth his entire life. He has spent 20 years in Denver, 12 years in Wyoming in addition to his formative years in Colorado.

George grew up in Hugo, the fourth of five children to Jerry and Leota Ehlers. His parents have been an inspiration to him, teaching him a strong work ethic by example. His father was involved with telecommunications and ranching, but possibly his greatest achievement was the well-known business with his wife, the J & L Cafe in Hugo.

George tries to reflect the good qualities he learned based on the way his parents lived their lives. George lost his father in 2012, but when he had the opportunity to move back to Hugo in 2014, it brought him closer to his family, especially his mother, who lives in Pueblo. This was one decision, based on selfishness, that he has not regretted.

George was involved in the telecommunication business for more than 30 years. He has experienced the time of analog through the digital age, along with wireless. Information technology (IT) is a familiar aspect of George’s history that will serve K.C. Electric very well. He can troubleshoot, clean up and fix issues that otherwise would make the day to day operation a nightmare!

Member services is all about community relations and good communication with members. George is excited to learn more about the electric utility business and how it applies to the members. He wants to help the consumer with improving efficiency and to help K.C. Electric be more involved in community. For George, his community is Eastern Colorado. He is at home in this region and already knows many people. He is outgoing and will enjoy meeting and visiting with members in this service territory.

From George’s viewpoint, the political pressures surrounding the regulation and shut-down of coal mines will have a huge impact on utilities. Other changes affecting the industry are wind and solar power. Once again, he will be part of tremendous change in his new career. He is up to the challenge.

As to his personal life, George has a few loves: golf, hunting, studying World War II history, working on his house, and baseball. George values giving back to his family and community. He loves coaching high school baseball and hopes to keep students actively involved with the sport. George enjoys watching the kids learn and grow and WIN! If it seems that George is high-energy, that’s exactly what a power company wants! He welcomes any opportunities to help or to just get to know members. And his co-workers extend a warm welcome to our newest employee and team member.

Claim Your Savings Each month, consumers have a chance to claim a $10 credit on their next electric bill. All you have to do is find your account number and call the Hugo office at 719-7432431 and ask for your credit. The account numbers are listed below. How simple is that?

You must claim your credit during the month in which your name appears in the magazine (check the date on the front cover).

Mary Ann Hays—622300001, Joyce Colvin—1110480001 Laura Stone—533200001, Geoffrey Tomes—205100001 In June, winners who claimed their savings were Edna Fross of Bethune, Orin Jacobson of Burlington, and Ruby Gibbs of Kit Carson. Congratulations, winners!

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Recipes will be discontinued at this time.

We appreciate all the contributions over the years! As we work through the transition of changes with job duties, we appreciate your understanding and patience. Change often creates more change, so perhaps a new feature will surface within the shuffle.

—Dee Ann Blevins

Forgotten Cookies Ida Mae Davis, Kit Carson, CO 1 large egg white 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1/2 cup chocolate chips 1/2 cup chopped nuts 1/2 cup sweet coconut, shredded Preheat oven to 350. Line a cookie sheet with foil. Beat egg white until stiff. Fold in sugar, vanilla and remaining ingredients. Spoon equal-sized portions two inches apart onto cookie sheet. Place in oven. Turn off heat. Let sit for 8 hours without peeping. Do not open oven until time is up!

Barbecue Dry Rub Creighton Osborne, Hugo, CO 1 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup salt 2 tablespoons ground celery powder 2 tablespoons ground cumin 2 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper Combine all ingredients and mix well. Store in air-tight container in a cool place or in the freezer. Rub on beef, chicken or pork, for at least one hour or leave overnight before baking or grilling.

Do You Have Our Address? By Dee Ann Blevins

Products to Avoid

By David Churchwell, General Manager, dchurchwell@kcelectric.coop

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hen it comes to saving energy, buyer beware is alive and well. We are all bombarded by claims that border on outright falsehoods, so it pays to view savings claims from third parties cautiously. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it generally is.

Electric space heaters drain energy savings from your home if used incorrectly. Some companies make elaborate claims about the amount of money you can save, and charge exorbitant sums for their products. The advertisements frequently target those on a fixed income, presenting false hope while extracting precious dollars from their customers. I have seen a number of these space heaters and admit they appear to be well made, but they typically offer no better economy than any other 1,500-watt electric heater. Bottom line, electric space heaters should only be used to heat small spaces—not your entire home.

Black boxes that claim to clean up power, protect appliances and reduce energy use come and go. These often require an electrician to install and claim to improve power quality, smooth out power fluctuations and store energy so you can reduce your bills. Save your money. The concepts they present are already in use by K.C. Electric and require utility-size equipment to deliver them.

Something that can fit in a shoebox is not going to deliver any value, at least not in the areas promised. If you are concerned about protecting your sensitive appliances and electronics, give us a call to discuss surge protection options.

When you see the ad that reads, “The power companies don’t want you to know,” skip it. These are generally claims around building your own renewable energy source from parts easily obtained at the local hardware store or a motor that produces limitless “free” electricity. I would equate these with the emails I get from foreign countries telling me I can receive millions of dollars by simply sending all my banking information. At least in the case of the homemade renewables and limitless motor you get some cool plans and parts lists. You decide if it’s worth $50-$200. I’d give it a pass.

I will close with a non-technology warning. Scammers love to call, mail or stop by claiming they represent the local power company. Never give anyone who claims to be a K.C employee personal or financial information without first confirming their identity. Ask for a call back number from the caller, then call one of our offices to confirm the call originated from K.C. Electric.

If someone comes to your door claiming to be a K.C. employee simply look for our company logo on their vehicle or clothing. If they really are a co-op employee, they’ll easily be able to prove it. Recently, companies have begun mailing information to cooperative consumers in Colorado indicating that they can provide you with 100% pollution-free wind energy for 1.5 cents per kilowatt hour. These companies don’t control any power lines in Colorado, they don’t control the flow of electrons to your house, what they are really trying to sell is renewable energy credits.

Renewable energy credits (REC’s) are tradable, non-tangible energy commodities that represent proof that electricity was generated from an eligible renewable energy source. If you are interested in purchasing REC’s, K.C. has been offering these for many years and currently you can purchase REC’s in 100 kWh blocks from K.C. for $ .09.

Most of us want to save energy and keep our bills manageable. Technology can help do this, but be careful. Call K.C. Electric before making any investments in technology that seem too good to be true. You’ll be glad you did.

Do you know that K.C. Electric has a website? Have you ever been to www.kcelectric.coop? When you are looking for information such as the next meeting of the Board of Directors or when scholarship applications are due, or if you need to pay your bill or report an outage, the website is the place to go! The home page contains current news. There are tabs that will give you information about other topics such as rebates for appliances or policies that may affect you. There is an outage map that will show you the number of consumers who are without power in a given area.

Many members use their smart phones to access this address, but you can peruse our pages from your computer at home. If you haven’t ever visited, please check us out!

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