Rural Electric Nebraskan - 07/16

July 2016

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Contents Volume 70, Number 7, July 2016

“The Rural Voice of Nebraska”

Staff

Editor Wayne Price

Editorial Assistant Tina Schweitzer Published by the

Visit us at www.nrea.org General Manager Troy Bredenkamp

President David Keener, Niobrara Electric Association, Inc. Vice President/Secretary Butch Gray, Cornhusker Public Power District

The Electric Grid

Advertising in the Rural Electric Nebraskan does not imply endorsement for products by the Nebraska Rural Electric Association.

Correspondence should be sent to Wayne Price, Editor, Rural Electric Nebraskan, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.

The Rural Electric Nebraskan is printed by the Aradius Group, 4700 F Street, Omaha, NE 68117.

Form 3579 should be sent to the Rural Electric Nebraskan, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.

Periodicals postage paid at Lincoln, Neb. POSTMASTER: send address changes to the Rural Electric Nebraskan, 1244 K Street, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.

Publication numbers are USPS 071-630 and ISSN 0193-4937.

Rates: $10 for one year; $15 for two years; $20 for three years, plus local and state tax.

July 2016

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Since its discovery and taming, electric energy has been steadily improving our lives. Through the digital revolution, the pace of that innovation has accelerated. Discover how rural electric utilities are working to improve the electric grid to meet the growing demand for energy.

Cyber Counter-Attack

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Rural electric utilities are increasing their efforts to enhance and formalize their security plans, processes and controls. They are working closely together to protect the power supply and utility data from Internet cyber hackers.

Vice President/Secretary Greg Weidner, Elkhorn Rural Public Power District

Published monthly by the Nebraska Rural Electric Association, 1244 K Street, Box 82048, Lincoln, Nebraska 68501, (402) 475-4988.

Features

Departments EDITOR’S PAGE

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SAFETY BRIEFS — Murphy

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CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS by Pat Keegan

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RECIPES

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MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS

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On the cover Physical security at remote substations, along with cyber security, are part of doing busiess for rural electric utilities. See the related story on Page 12.

Photograph by Wayne Price

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Keep safety in mind when the water rises EDITOR’S PAGE

ertain parts of Nebraska are prone to flooding, especially along the Platte and Missouri rivers. However, it seems like flooding has been taking place around the state more and more in recent years. Spring and early summer storms have been dropping a large amount of rain, causing streams and creeks to overflow their banks.

The top concern during this time is safety. It is especially important to be aware of downed power lines or electrical equipment in contact with wet ground.

If you see any sagging or downed power lines, stay back and report them to your local rural electric utility. Just because they are down doesn’t mean they are de-energized.

Until utility crews arrive to make sure the lines are not energized, the area can be very dangerous. Warn others to stay away as well.

An energized power line that is down can cause things around it to become hazardous and potentially deadly. A metal fence or guardrail in contact with a downed line can be electrified for several thousand yards. Even puddles of water are a risk. Anyone who comes into contact with these is at serious risk.

Touching one of these energized structures can be as dangerous as coming into contact with the power line itself.

If you are one of those people that likes to drive around and view the flood waters yourself, make sure you don’t attempt to drive over a downed power line. Most people think that they are safe because the tires are made of rubber.

If a storm or accident causes power lines to fall across your vehicle, don’t try to drive away.

And do not get out of your vehicle. The ground around the vehicle could be energized and the moment you step out, making contact with the ground and the vehicle, you could be killed.

Stay inside the vehicle and call for help. Warn others trying to help to stay back until utility crews arrive and make the area safe.

The aftermath of a flood can be a dangerous time, especially during clean up efforts. Be aware of the potential hazards of flooding or standing water. Safe Electricity urges people to be careful when helping with clean up by following these tips.

If using electric yard tools in clean-up efforts,

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by Wayne Price

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do not operate them if it’s raining or the ground is wet, or while you are wet or standing in water. Keep all electric tools and equipment at least ten feet away from wet surfaces. Make sure outdoor tools are plugged into outlets with ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection. If your outdoor outlets don’t have GFCIs, use a portable GFCI cord.

Homes that are flooded should be given extra precaution. Never step in to a flooded room or other area if water is covering electrical outlets, appliances or cords. Be alert to any electrical equipment that could be energized and in contact with water. Never touch electrical appliances, cords or wires while you are wet or standing in water.

Using appliances that have been damaged by water during a flood is also risky. Electric motors that have been submerged or soaked should be well cleaned and reconditioned before they are used again. Never use any appliance that has had water damage until a professional has given it the okay.

Food safety is another important item to consider after a flood. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends doing these things after a flood: • Keep the fridge or freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain cold temperature. The fridge will keep food safely cold for about four hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 if it is half full) if the door remains closed.

• Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers and deli items after four hours without power.

• Drink only bottled water. If bottled water is unavailable, boil the water for at least one minute to kill most types of disease-causing organisms. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or let it settle. Then, draw the clear water for boiling. Let it cool and store in covered containers.

• Discard any food that is not in a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come in contact with flood water. Discard wooden cutting boards, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and pacifiers.

Have a safe summer!

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Going ductless in a manufactured home

by Brian Sloboda

anufactured homes, sometimes dubbed mobile homes, often log disproportionately higher energy bills than traditional wood-frame or modular homes. Luckily, there are steps you can take to help manage the energy costs of manufactured homes.

Manufactured homes come in several configurations: single-wide, double-wide and triple-wide. Doublewides and triple-wides require a crossover duct to provide airflow between the sections—a major culprit in air leaks that contribute significantly to wasted energy.

Quality of life for most manufactured home owners suffers due to the prevalence of leaky ducts, resulting in poorly cooled and heated living spaces. Manufactured home residents with ducted heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems may find the indoor temperature in their homes uncomfortable or unmanageable, especially in hot and cold seasons.

Inefficient heating and cooling systems in manufactured homes have also been shown to negatively impact indoor air quality, important health factors and safety. For instance, poorly ducted HVAC systems in manufactured homes located in warm, humid areas can cause severe mold, mildew and floor buckling. A study in the Northwest found that roughly one-fifth of manufactured home residents report suffering from indoor air quality problems, such as draftiness, stuffiness, mildew or persistent odors.

Evidence suggests that retrofitting manufactured homes with a ductless heat pump (DHP) could improve energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling loads. DHPs do not require ductwork to deliver conditioned air to the home. DHPs also are called “mini-split” heat

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July 2016

pumps—“mini,” because they are suitable for conditioning smaller areas, and “split,” because they consist of a separate outside compressor and one or more inside air-handling units. A complete DHP system includes the following main components: • An outdoor compressor unit • One or more indoor air handling units mounted on a wall or ceiling • Refrigerant line(s)—insulated copper tubing—running from the compressor to the air handling unit(s), generally running along the outside of a wall • A handheld wireless remote or wall-mounted control unit with a programmable thermostat A 2012 study funded by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) found that DHPs in manufactured homes use an average of 39 percent less energy for heating than the electric forced air furnaces they replaced.

On average, manufactured homes retrofitted with DHPs saved 4,147 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year in heating electricity and 6,022 kWh per year in overall electricity use, demonstrating an

average overall load reduction of 30 percent. The study also found that DHPs on average saved nearly twice as much heating kWh in manufactured homes than in singlefamily homes.

There isn’t a magic bullet to lower the energy consumption of a manufactured home. It takes time and hard work to troubleshoot all of the possible causes of energy loss. Other actions that can be taken include: • Verify belly board integrity • Identify air leakage/infiltration • Seal crossover ducts • Add additional insulation • Insulate ductwork • Replace single-glazed windows and uninsulated doors DHPs can provide long-term solutions to lowering energy purchases. However, many easy and low cost options also exist. Savings of up to 50 percent have been reported in manufactured homes that have been properly sealed and had electric furnaces replaced with new electric heat pumps. The key is to get out there and start hunting for the savings lurking underneath and inside your manufactured home.

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The

electric

GRID The grid will connect us to our energy future

by Justin LaBerge

t’s often said that we live in an information age. There are hundreds of channels on satellite and cable TV. Consumers who live in communities with high-speed Internet can use services like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu to access many more entertainment options. Satellite radio, podcasts and music streaming services fill our ears with everything from our favorite tunes to dating advice.

Anybody with a computer or smartphone can create content and distribute it through social media.

Even in rural areas without broadband service or 4G mobile data, it’s still a far cry from the days when consumers had to pick from three TV networks, a handful of radio stations and one local newspaper.

There are many factors that came together to spur this digital revolution, but two of the most important are advances in technology and

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Advances in renewable power generation, energy storage and energy management technology are likely to change the electric industry in the coming years.

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Rural Electric Nebraskan

growth of the nation’s data transmission network.

It is faster, easier and cheaper than ever to create all kinds of content, but just like any product, content is useless without an efficient distribution system. Fortunately, we’ve built a vast network of fiber optic cables and wireless towers that allows us to send and receive content almost anywhere.

Our nation’s power system is in the beginning stages of a similar revolution.

Historically, the electric grid has operated much like the old broadcasting system with three major networks. In this system, called central station power, electricity essentially flows in one direction from a big plant to consumers.

It starts at power plants that can generate enough electricity to power thousands of homes and businesses. The power plant sends its

July 2016

Substations transform voltage from high to low, or the reverse, or perform many other important duties.

energy out over high-voltage transmission lines to public power districts, electric cooperatives and other utilities. The utilities reduce the voltage and deliver electricity to individual consumers through their local power systems.

This is a time-tested system that has proven itself safe, reliable and efficient, and it continues to be the best solution for the vast majority of American energy consumers.

But advances in renewable power generation, energy storage and energy management technology are likely to change that model in the coming years.

Solar panels are becoming cheaper to produce. Batteries are lasting longer, charging faster and costing less. Smart home devices can make instantaneous calculations to optimize our energy use.

More on Page 8

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The electric grid From page 7 With all these advances in technology, it might seem like our energy future will be a world where homes and businesses could unplug from the grid completely. In theory, it’s certainly possible, and some people already choose to live off the grid.

But for us to realize the full potential of renewable generation, energy storage and smart home technology, the electric grid and utilities will continue to play critical roles.

Just as our information age was made possible by digital devices talking to each other over a communication network, our modern energy system will rely on new technologies working together through an interconnected power grid. In some small ways, this is already happening.

Earlier this year, America’s public power districts, electric cooperatives and several other groups released a study that showed one surprising way that an established technology can help support the development of renewable energy systems and reduce electricity costs.

The study found that specially equipped electric water heaters that “talk” to the electric grid can be used like batteries to store energy for later use. By heating water at times when demand for electricity is low, electric water heaters can lower costs and

improve the efficiency of the power grid.

If the energy used to heat that water comes from renewable sources, such as electricity generated by wind turbines spinning at night, there can be environmental benefits as well.

Roughly 250 public power districts and electric cooperatives in 35 states have offered efficiency programs using these special water heaters for years, but advances in renewable energy and grid control technologies are revealing new ways to maximize the benefits of this proven concept.

In the future, electric cars charging in garages overnight could be used in a similar way.

The key to making the system work is a smart electric grid that

Sheldon Station is a coal-fired generating plant located near Hallam, Neb., which can generate 225 megawatts of electricity.

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enables the two-way flow of energy from a decentralized network of generation resources.

While many of these new generation and storage technologies aren’t quite ready for primetime, public power districts and electric cooperatives are already working to make the grid smarter and more adaptable.

Even as renewables come down in cost and improve in reliability, large and highly efficient generation facilities will continue to play a critical role in our power system.

Whether these facilities are fueled by traditional sources or renewable resources, they provide a steady, reliable and efficient backbone for the network.

Since its discovery and taming, electric energy has been steadily improving our lives. Through the digital revolution, the pace of that innovation has accelerated.

In the not-too-distant future, electricity will power an even larger share of our daily lives, from cars to super-efficient appliances, to home automation systems.

These technologies have the potential to make our lives easier, reduce pollution and save us money, and a smart electric grid is the network that will make it all possible.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Lower your energy costs while getting the wash done ashing and drying laundry uses more energy than you may think. Not only are you running the machines, many times you are also using warm or hot water from your hot water heater.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average household does about 400 loads of laundry a year. Of those, 49 percent run with warm water, 37 percent with cold water, and 14 percent with hot. Depending on your energy source for making hot water, the average energy cost per load is about $1. It does not take long to see that this common chore provides a great opportunity to use energy more wisely and save on monthly energy bills.

Here are five ways you can reduce your energy costs while getting the wash done: 1. Use cold water. According to Energy Star almost 90 percent of the energy consumed by the washing process is used to heat water. You can save a lot of energy by washing your clothes in cold water. Cold-water washing also keeps colors bright, reduces wrinkling, and will not set stains. Although you may find that regular detergent is sufficient, try out cold-water detergents that are specifically formulated to work in cooler temperatures.

2. Run a full load. Your clothes washer will use about the same amount of mechanical energy, regardless of how full it is. If you do not run a full load, be sure to set the water level for the amount of laundry you are running.

3. Use the washer’s energy-saving settings. Be sure to start with the appropriate wash cycle for the fabrics being laundered and do not wash for longer than needed. Some loads only need 10 minutes of washing. Avoid the excessively hot “sanitary cycle,” but do choose the “high spin” option to remove more moisture at the end and cut down on drying time.

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4. If you are in the market for a washing machine, get one with the Energy Star label. Energy Star washing machines use 37 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than regular washers.

5. Soak heavily soiled items before

washing, and rub collars or other stains with household soap. There's nothing worse than having to repeat a wash because stains didn't come out.

Source: Nebraska Public Power District

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NPPD encourages boaters to clean, drain, and dry their boats on’t move a mussel! That’s the message Nebraska Public Power District is sending to recreational boaters and fishermen to help prevent the spread of the invasive zebra mussels into lakes and waterways of Nebraska. Moving a mussel can result in problems for both the body of water and its uses for utilities and recreational activities.

The zebra mussel is one of many invasive species that has clogged cooling intake structures of power plants and other utilities along the Great Lakes as well as inflicting millions of dollars in damage to recreation, water systems and fisheries. Over the past few years, zebra mussels have been found in or near Nebraska waters, most recently in 2015 at Lewis & Clark Lake along the Nebraska-South Dakota border.

Why is this important to NPPD? The District utilizes water in the generation of electricity at several locations including Gerald Gentleman Station by Sutherland Reservoir, at the North Platte Hydroelectric Plant, and at Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville along the Missouri River.

Keeping these aquatic invasive species at bay and preventing clogging of intake lines is the better way to provide low cost, reliable electricity rather than spending ratepayers’ money to control the species.

“We have been fortunate over the past few years that we have not been impacted at any of our power plants, but we need boaters to be aware of the potential of unknowingly transporting aquatic hitchhikers,” NPPD Environmental Manager Joe Citta explained.

Citta says boaters should follow three steps to make a difference in keeping Nebraska waters free from zebra mussels and other invasive species. “They need to clean the boat, drain the boat, and dry the boat,” he said. “If it’s done properly, and systematically, this can be accomplished in a short amount of time.”

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The Nebraska Invasive Species Program recommends the following: • Clean after boating and before leaving the launch to remove all visible plants, animals, fish and mud from the boat, trailer or other equipment and dispose of the debris in a suitable trash container or on dry land. Power washing the boat and trailer is another option.

• Drain after boating and before leaving the launch by draining water from the bilge, live wells, ballast tanks and any other equipment

holding water. If draining water is not an option, using a cup of diluted bleach will kill off the zebra mussel.

• Dry your boat, trailer, and all equipment completely before arriving at the next launch ramp to go boating or fishing.

Tips for preventing zebra mussels being introduced into Nebraska bodies of water are available through the Nebraska Invasive Species Program at www.neinvasives.com.

Source: Nebraska Public Power District

Aquatic invasive species boat inspectors working across Nebraska oaters enjoying some of Nebraska’s major public waters may be contacted by boat inspectors this summer.

Inspections will reduce the risk of aquatic invasive species (AIS) being spread across the state.

Inspections will include a brief examination of the watercraft and a survey of boat operators about their recent boating activities.

Participants also will be provided information on ways to prevent the spread of AIS. Inspection and survey results will be used to determine if a risk of spreading an invasive species exists.

Regulations state that boaters are not allowed to launch or leave a boat ramp facility with any water unless it is from a domestic water source. In addition, boaters are required to drain all lake or river water from the watercraft and remove any vegetation or mud from the boat and trailer before leaving a boat ramp.

It is recommended that boaters follow the following Clean, Drain and Dry protocol after boating and before launching your boat in a

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different water body to prevent the spread of AIS: • Rinse the boat and all equipment with hot tap water, ideally more than 140 degrees Fahrenheit, to kill zebra and quagga mussels. Vinegar also can be used to kill young zebra and quagga mussels, especially in live wells.

• Spray the boat, live well, engine and trailer with a high-pressure sprayer.

• Pull the plugs from bilge, live wells and engine to drain upon leaving a water body. Trim the motor up and down to facilitate the draining of water.

• If washing the boat away from the water body you are leaving, do not allow runoff to enter a drainage.

• Dry the boat and all equipment for at least five days. Use a towel to speed up the drying process, especially in the live well.

The education and compliance by recreational water users is necessary to eliminate the movement of AIS in Nebraska.

Source: Nebraska Game & Parks Commission

Rural Electric Nebraskan

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Cyber

counter-attack

How we keep hackers away from the electric grid

by Paul Wesslund

bout 3:30 in the afternoon last December 23, operators at three electric utilities halfway around the world in western Ukraine found themselves not to be solely in control of their computer terminals.

Someone from outside the utilities had taken over the controls and started opening circuit breakers at more than 27 substations, cutting power to more than 200,000 customers. Thousands of fake calls clogged utility switchboards, preventing people from phoning in to get information about the outage.

Utility workers switched to manual operations, and it took three hours to restore power.

That’s not a movie plot. And if you missed or forgot about that news report from last year, people who run electric utilities have not. Attention to cyber security at electric utilities has been growing fast in the past few years, and the Ukraine attack pushed that trend into overdrive.

“It’s garnered a lot of attention from the federal government and throughout the industry,” says Barry Lawson, Associate Director of Power Delivery and Reliability for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

A big part of Lawson’s job is helping the nearly 1,000 electric coops in the country understand

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digital-age dangers, and ensuring that they know how to protect and secure the power supply, electric grid, and co-op members and employees from Internet mischief.

Public power districts and electric co-ops are showing they do understand the importance of cyber security, says Cynthia Hsu, Cyber Security Program Manager for Business and Technology Strategies at NRECA. “Electric cooperatives were the first utilities to test and use the U.S. Department of Energy’s cyber security self-assessment tool,” says Hsu. “They are often on the cutting edge of implementing best practices to improve their cyber security capabilities.”

While the Ukraine cyber attack has been studied in-depth by U.S. utilities and the Federal Department of Homeland Security, most analysts see a large-scale attack by hackers as unlikely to succeed in this country.

The reports characterize the Ukraine attack as extremely well planned and coordinated, but not technically sophisticated.

The Ukraine incident actually started as early as March of last year, when utility workers received e-mails with Microsoft Office documents, such as an Excel spreadsheet, from the Ukrainian

parliament. But the emails were not from the Ukrainian parliament.

When workers followed the email instructions asking them to click on a link to “enable macros,” malicious malware embedded in the documents––called BlackEnergy 3–– secretly infected the system. Among other capabilities, BlackEnergy 3 can enable an adversary to observe and copy all the keystrokes made on the infected computers, giving hackers passwords and other login information needed to access the utility’s operations control systems.

Defenses against that kind of attack are pretty basic, and you’ve probably even heard the warnings yourself—don’t click on any links or attachments unless you were

Rural Electric Nebraskan

expecting the message to be sent to you. Utilities are increasing their efforts to enhance and formalize their security plans, processes and controls. New cyber security standards require upgraded levels of training for utility operators, multiple layers of security to shield operational and control systems from the Internet and even stricter procedures for visitor access (physical and electronic) to control rooms. These utilities are regularly audited for cyber security compliance, and regulators, such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), can levy strict penalties for not following standards.

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NRECA’s Lawson describes an example of one type of security technology, a security token—a physical device an operator would carry with them that changes their password every 30 seconds.

NRECA has also worked with the Department of Energy to develop software called Essence, which constantly monitors a utility’s system for even a microsecond of irregularity that might indicate some kind of hacking attempt or malware is interfering with the system.

With all that attention to keeping the electricity flowing, Lawson says there’s another major cyber-threat receiving high-priority attention from public power districts and

electric co-ops—protecting data and critical utility information to avoid identity theft of members’ information. He says some rural electric utilities hire firms to periodically try to hack into their computer systems, so the utility can identify and fix the holes in their security.

Lawson describes a scary world of cyber terrorists, organized crime, issue-oriented groups or just kids in their basement seeing what kind of trouble they can cause on the Internet. At the same time, he compares those high-tech threats to risks posed by hurricanes or the everyday need for paying attention to safety at the public power district or electric cooperative. Rural electric utilities regularly use risk assessment and management practices to balance a wide range of threats to their systems.

“Physical security and cyber security are becoming just another cost of doing business,” says Lawson.

“You’ll never be 100 percent secure, and all you can do is try your best to keep up with the bad guys. It’s a fact of life in these days and times we’re living in.”

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What you need to know about SCADA ext time you find yourself in on data and system commands, and the company of engineers, communications gear. wow them with your So how do SCADA systems impact knowledge of SCADA. You say you consumers of the public power don’t know anything about SCADA? districts and electric cooperatives in Well, you have come to the right Nebraska? Let’s walk through an place! example. We want to ensure that Let’s begin with the basis of the everything is operating correctly at acronym: Supervisory Control And all of the substations. Inside the Data Acquisition. Basically, SCADA substation, sensors and actuators systems help public power districts that are connected to an RTU are and electric cooperatives quickly spot installed. A secure communication and solve power outages – this means link is created between the devices safer, more reliable electricity for you. and the utility’s engineering office by Believe it or not, most of us use a using wireless, hardwired or fiber SCADA system everyday. Do you optic connections. drive? Consider the dashboard your Engineers program the operating car or truck’s Personal SCADA characteristics they want to monitor system. From the driver’s seat, you and control – in this example, let’s can instantly gauge your speed, fuel say it’s voltage and frequency. This is level and engine diagnostics. Utilityto ensure that the power leaving the scale SCADA is substation meets exactly the power quality same, only standards.

A much bigger. diagram of the The system is substation is bigger because created and there are more displayed on a things that need computer so the to be monitored engineers can and controlled. see what is Now that the happening baseline is set, inside. let’s discuss the Everything components of a is powered up SCADA system. and the SCADA Both hardware system goes into SCADA systems help electric and software action. Suppose cooperatives monitor and control are used. The the voltage from what is happening in co-op’s service software a transformer territory. provides the goes too far out intelligence. It processes the data of its range, creating a potentially gathered, allows operators to dangerous situation. The sensor program automated responses to sends this data to the RTU. The RTU particular situations and displays the sends this to the SCADA software data in a graphical format for the and an alarm is generated in our operators so they can easily interpret engineering office. what is happening in the utility’s When an alarm is received, a service territory. The hardware couple of actions are possible. An consists of sensors that collect data, automated response can be remote terminal units (RTUs) that programmed into the system that monitor the sensors and transmit the tells the RTU to use actuators to data on the SCADA network, implement a particular corrective actuators that perform actions based measure. These types of automated

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This image shows a substation transformer with a remote terminal unit (RTU), which monitors sensors and transmits data on the SCADA network. actions provide immediate response to a situation while alerting the engineers that it has occurred. Or, the alarm allows engineers to assess the situation and issue commands from their computer to correct the problem. The system is flexible, so the engineers can automate what they want and opt for human intervention for especially important actions.

Since the data is supplied in near real-time, these systems are extremely valuable to ensuring the safe, reliable and stable operation of the grid. They are also becoming important in the creation of the Smart Grid. At its most basic, it involves two-way communication between devices installed within the grid. At its most advanced, it automates major portions of grid operations to provide immediate response to grid conditions that can lead to problems for you.

So, the next time you find yourself in the company of engineers, you can impress them with your knowledge of SCADA systems.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Perfect Choice HD™ is simple to use, hard to see and easy to afford…

Invention of the Year PERSONAL SOUND AMPLIFICATION PRODUCTS (PSAPs)

THEY’RE NOT HEARING AIDS

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Now you see it...

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Perfect Choice HD is NOT a hearing aid. It is a Personal Sound Amplification Product (PSAP). Hearing aids can only be sold by an audiologist or a licensed hearing instrument specialist following hearing tests and fitting appointments. Once the audiologist had you tested and fitted, you would have to pay as much as $5000 for the product.

Personal Sound Amplification Products use advanced digital processing to amplify the frequencies of human speech. Thanks to the efforts of a doctor who leads a renowned hearing institute, this product is manufactured in an efficient production process that enables us to make it available at an affordable price.

only you’ll know you have it on. It’s comfortable and won’t make you feel like you have something stuck in your ear. It provides high quality audio so soft sounds and distant conversations will be easier to understand.

Try it for yourself with our exclusive home trial. Some people need hearing aids but many just want the extra boost in volume that a PSAP gives them. We want you to be happy with Perfect Choice HD, so we are offering to let you try it for yourself. Call now, and you’ll find out why so many satisfied seniors are now enjoying their Perfect Choice HD, hearing their grandchildren and what the world has to say.

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1-888-848-7431 1998 Ruffin Mill Road, Colonial Heights, VA 23834 Perfect Choice HD is not a hearing aid. If you believe you need a hearing aid, please consult a physician.

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Use caution near electric equipment SAFETY BRIEFS

s you find yourself spending more time outdoors this summer, remember to exercise caution near electrical equipment maintained by your local public power district or electric cooperative.

Substations and power lines carry extremely high voltages, and if contact is accidentally made, the results can be dangerous––or even deadly.

Never climb trees near power lines.

If you make contact with a tree that is touching a power line, your body could become the path of electricity from the line to the ground. If you encounter an animal trapped in a tree near power lines or inside a substation, do not attempt to remove it––no matter how furry and cute!

Call your local electric utility or 911 for assistance.

These days, we are seeing more remote-controlled toys, like drones and airplanes, which can be a great way to have fun outdoors. But these gadgets also bring new safety concerns. Remote-controlled toys should never be flown near power lines, substations or other electrical

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Drones have sharp, fast-spinning propellers that can hurt someone or damage property. Please practice consciousness and use your common sense in choosing where, when and how to fly. equipment.

Remember these safety tips when flying a remote-controlled toy: • Keep a safe distance from electrical equipment when you fly. If contact is accidentally made with a power line or a transformer inside a substation, many members of your

community could be left without electricity.

• Keep the remote-controlled toy in sight at all times.

• Avoid flying if weather conditions are unfavorable. High winds could cause you to lose control of the remote-controlled toy.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

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Nebraska Eye Doctor Helps Visually Impaired To See Advanced Technology Allows Many To See Better or Drive Again

Grandchildren as viewed by a person with Macular Degeneration

Same scene of Grandchildren as viewed iewed through telescope glasses.

For many patients with macular degeneration or other eye diseases, the loss of vision can signal the end of independence and the joy of life. Nebraska optometrist, Robert Stamm, prescribes miniature telescope glasses to help people who have reduced vision see better.

“Some of my patients consider me their last chance for vision improvement” said Dr. Stamm, one of few doctors specially trained by

the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists.

Imagine special glasses that can improve your vision enough to change your life. Custom designed telescope glasses are an optical technology that can give you back your independence. ³0\ MRE LV WR ¿JXUH RXW HYHU\WKKLQJ and anything possible to allow a person to see better” says Dr. Stamm.

Call For a Free Telephone Consultation n with Drr. Stamm and to schedulee an appointment.

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CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS

Wash the energy waste out of your laundry

by Pat Keegan two kids, which means Q :weWedohave a lot of laundry—it never ends! What are some ways we can reduce our energy use in the laundry room?

Do fewer loads: When possible, wash a full load of clothes. However, when you must do a smaller load of laundry, remember to adjust the water level settings on your machine.

The average American family A :washes about 300 loads of laundry per year—all that laundry uses a lot of energy! However, there are some easy ways to reduce your energy use in the laundry room.

Consider purchasing more efficient appliances: One of the biggest changes you can make is to purchase a new Energy Starcertified washer and dryer. Washers with this certification use about 40 percent less water and 25 percent less energy than standard washers.

Energy Star washers can be toploading or front-loading machines; however, front-loading machines are generally more water and energy efficient, helping offset any additional upfront costs. Energy Star dryers use 20 percent less energy than standard dryers.

Visit ENERGYSTAR.gov for more information about estimated water and energy use of all of their certified products.

Get out of hot water: The easiest source of energy efficiency in the laundry room is to stop using hot water. Almost 90 percent of the energy consumed by your washing machine is used to heat water—but most loads of laundry can be just as easily cleaned with cold water. Using cooler water is also easier on your clothes. If you need to use hot or warm water on a particularly dirty load of laundry, a well-insulated water heater will help decrease the costs of using warmer water.

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Take advantage of your solarpowered dryer: a clothesline!

Photograph provided by Freeimages/Julia Eisenberg Help your dryer out: One of the best ways to reduce the amount of drying time is to get as much water out of the clothes as possible in the washing machine—use a higher spin setting to wring the extra water out of your laundry. When you are ready to dry, remember not to overfill the dryer so there is enough room for drying air to reach the clothes.

Use your dryer’s features: If your dryer has a moisture sensor, use it rather than guessing how long each load of laundry will need to dry.

A dryer’s cool-down cycle uses the residual heat to finish drying your clothes, without using as much energy.

Dry like with like: Heavy fabrics, like towels and blankets, should be dried separately from lighter fabrics,

like T-shirts. When using a dryer’s moisture sensor, the dryer will keep running until the wettest (and probably heaviest) item is dry.

Rather than one towel extending the drying time for each of your loads of laundry, dry the towels together.

Live lint free: Clean the lint trap on your dryer regularly to help air circulation. Periodically use a vacuum nozzle to clean the area under or behind the lint filter, where lint can also get caught. If you use dryer sheets, scrub the filter clean about once a month—dryer sheets can leave a film on the filter that reduces air flow.

Remember safety: Your laundry room extends from the back of the dryer, down the dryer duct and all the way to the end of your dryer vent. Inspect your outside dryer vent regularly to make sure it is not blocked, and periodically work with a professional to clean your dryer ducts. Making sure the duct and vent are clear not only helps your dryer work more efficiently, but can also prevent a fire—more than 15,000 fires per year are sparked by clogged dryer ducts and vents. If possible, move the dryer closer to an exterior wall to shorten the length of the dryer duct and make sure the duct is as straight as possible—this helps reduce the opportunities for clogging and increases efficiency.

Use your solar-powered dryer: Going “old-fashioned” and air drying your clothes will definitely reduce your energy use! You can also tumble dry clothes until damp, then line dry them until fully dry—taking this step can prevent the “crunchy” feeling that line dried clothes can sometimes have.

There are many ways you can wash the energy waste out of your laundry routine. Try a few of these simple tips, and “load up” on the savings!

Rural Electric Nebraskan

“To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.”

— J. Fitzgerald, VA

Easy-to-use remotes for massage/heat and recline/lift

Complete with battery backup in case of power outage

Sit up, lie down — and anywhere in between!

correct spinal alignment, promotes back pressure relief, and encourages better posture to prevent back and muscle pain.

Our Perfect Sleep Chair® is just the chair to do it all. It’s a chair, true – the finest of lift chairs – but this chair is so much more! It’s designed to provide total comfort and relaxation not found in other chairs. It can’t be beat for comfortable, longterm sitting, TV viewing, relaxed reclining and – yes! – peaceful sleep. Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of positions, including the Trendelenburg position and the zero gravity position where your body experiences a minimum of internal and This lift chair external stresses. You’ll love the puts you safely other benefits, too: It helps with on your feet!

And there’s more! The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining. The high and low heat settings along with the dozens of massage settings, can provide a soothing relaxation you might get at a spa – just imagine getting all that in a lift chair! Shipping charge includes white glove delivery.

Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away!

Includes one year service warranty and your choice of fabrics and colors – Call now!

The Perfect Sleep Chair® Call now toll free for our lowest price.

Please mention code 103431 when ordering.

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We’ve all had nights when we just can’t lie down in bed and sleep, whether it’s from heartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back aches – it could be a variety of reasons. Those are the nights we’d give anything for a comfortable chair to sleep in, one that reclines to exactly the right degree, raises feet and legs to precisely the desired level, supports the head and shoulders properly, operates easily even in the dead of night, and sends a hopeful sleeper right off to dreamland.

Down Home Recipes

Keep your summer barbecues healthy and safe ummer not only brings out barbecue grills, but also bacteria. Bacteria love the hot, humid days of summer, grow faster than at any other time of the year, and can cause foodborne illness.

Summer barbecues are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and each other’s company. Keep your barbecues with family and friends healthy and safe this summer with the following tips.

Keep it clean. Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food. If you're eating where there’s no source of clean water, bring water, soap, and paper towels or have disposable wipes or hand sanitizer available.

Marinate food in the refrigerator. Don’t marinate on the counter—marinate in the refrigerator. If you want to use marinade as a sauce on cooked food, save a separate portion in the refrigerator. Do not reuse marinade that contacted raw meat, poultry, or seafood on cooked food unless you bring it to a boil first.

Keep raw food separate. Keep your barbecue safe by keeping raw meat, poultry, and seafood in a separate cooler or securely wrapped at the bottom of a cooler. Don't use a plate or utensils that previously held raw meat, poultry, or seafood for anything else unless you wash them first in hot, soapy water. Have a clean platter and utensils ready at grill-side for serving.

Source: Lisa Franzen-Castle, RD, PhD, Nutrition Specialist, UNL Panhandle Research & Extension Center

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Caribbean Pork Kabobs 1/2 cup pineapple juice 3 tablespoons Mrs. Dash Caribbean Citrus Seasoning Blend, divided 1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into small cubes 1 sweet onion, cut into cubes 1 red bell pepper, cut into cubes 1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled, cut into cubes Mix pineapple juice and 2 tablespoons seasoning blend in a small bowl.

Pour 3/8 cup (6 tablespoons) of the pineapple juice mixture over the pork in a separate bowl and the remaining over the vegetables. Stir to coat evenly.

Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour.

Thread pork pieces onto 9 skewers, alternating with onion, pepper and pineapple cubes. Sprinkle on remaining 1 tablespoon seasoning blend.

Grill or broil for 10 to 15 minutes or until pork is thoroughly cooked.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Reader Submitted Recipes Easy Kosher Dill Pickles

3 cups water 3 cups vinegar 6 tablespoons canning salt Dill Garlic Onion Mustard seed Cucumbers

Chipotle Burgers with Spicy Onions 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 large red onion, peeled and thinly sliced 2 tablespoons Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle Seasoning Blend, divided 1 pound extra lean ground beef 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 2 egg whites, or egg substitute equivalent to 1 egg 4 toasted hamburger buns Sliced tomatoes, optional Lettuce, optional Heat oil in large non-stick skillet, add onion and cook until golden and tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon seasoning blend, mix thoroughly and remove from heat.

Gently mix ground beef, 1 tablespoon seasoning blend, cilantro, and egg whites or egg substitute. Mix well, and shape into 4 burgers.

Preheat grill to medium-high heat and grill burgers for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once. Toast buns and top with burger and spicy onions. Garnish with tomato and lettuce, if desired.

Wash cucumbers. Boil water, vinegar, salt until dissolved and hot.

Sterilize jars. Put cucumbers, several stalks and heads of dill, garlic, onion (to taste), 1/2 tablespoon mustard seeds into each jar. Pour brine over and seal with 2 piece lid. Water bath for 10 minutes. Ready in 2 to 3 weeks.

Margaret Trojan, Beaver Crossing, Nebraska

Grilled Corn on the Cob Texas Style

Shuck desired amount of sweet corn Butter or Margarine Salt & Pepper Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning

Use a sheet of heavy duty foil for each ear of corn. Spread butter on inside of foil, sprinkle with salt, pepper and creole seasoning on top of butter. Roll corn up tight in foil. Grill 15 minutes, turning often.

Leola Ward, Kearney, Nebraska

2 2 1 1

Tablespoons Olive Oil teaspoons vinegar teaspoon sugar teaspoon seasoning salt Pepper to taste Tomatoes – amount desired to eat

Quarter tomatoes, mix other ingredients and poor over tomatoes. Chill & serve. Great dish to use up the extra garden tomatoes.

Darlus McWilliams, Norfolk, Nebraska

The Rural Electric Nebraskan will pay $25 to any reader who submits a recipe which is selected for publication in the magazine.

Be sure to include a mailing address for payment purposes and a phone number in case we need to contact you.

July 2016

Tomatoes in Vinaigrette

Recipes will not be returned and not all recipes will be used. Recipes should be submitted in typewritten or printed form or emailed to Tina Schweitzer at tschweitzer@nrea.org.

Mail recipes to the Nebraska Rural Electric Association, Rural Electric Nebraskan Recipes, P.O. Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.

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MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS GENERAL MANAGER McCOOK PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT McCOOK, NE The Board of Directors of the McCook Public Power District is seeking qualified candidates for the position of General Manager for the District.

Candidates are expected to have 10 years of electric utility experience with at least five of those years in a manager/supervisory role. A bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field is highly preferred. The board seeks candidates with broad electric utility experience in areas such as electric operations, finance, planning, and customer service.

Experience working with a board is preferred. The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, proven leadership ability and a strong commitment to teamwork with proven emphasis in safety.

McCook Public Power District has 27 employees serving approximately 5000 meters and 2,600 miles of sub-t and distribution lines. The District’s annual revenue is approximately $18 million. The District is a member of the Nebraska Rural Electric Association and has a full requirement wholesale power contract with the Nebraska G&T. The MPPD office is located in the City of McCook.

McCook PPD offers an excellent benefit package and salary commensurate on experience. Please send resume, three professional references, and salary history by July 15, 2016 to: McCook Public Power District Board of Directors John Scharf, President P.O. Box 1147 McCook, Nebraska 69001

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Rural Electric Nebraskan

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVLUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION.THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. INDIVIDUAL RESULTS MAY VARY. ALOCURE IS NOT A DRUG. IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY TAKING A PRESCRIPTION DRUG, YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE USE. FOR THE FULL FDA PUBLISHED WARNING ON PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS PLEASE VISIT HTTP://WWW.FDA.GOV/DOWNLOADS/FORCONSUMERS/CONSUMERUPDATES/UCM213307

OUR SUCCESS IS ROOTED D IN COOPERAATION T Trri-State Generation and T Transmission ransm mission Association is proud to stand with Nebraska farmers rmers and ranchers as they uphold a rich agricultural tradition. radition. The reliable and affordable power we providee helps you get the job done today and lets you plan forr tomorrow.

TRISTATE.COOP