TIMES JANUARY & FEBRUARY • 2019

LOOKING FORWARD TO A NEW YEAR PG 3 ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: pg 4 • WINTER SAFETY TIPS pg 6 • SAFE, RELIABLE NATURAL GAS pg 11 • HIGH BILL CONCERNS pg 13 • COOPERATIVE ELECTIONS

ELECTRIC • NATURAL GAS • PROPANE

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE

TIMES

1500 GRANVILLE ROAD NEWARK, OHIO 43058 (800) 255-6815

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TODD WARE PRESIDENT & CEO GARY BAKER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS HEATHER JUZENAS COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

COOPERATIVE MEMBERS – PLEASE REPORT ANY CHANGE OF EMAIL ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER TO US AT (800) 255-6815 OR FEEDBACK@THEENERGYCOOP.COM. THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE. WITH A CIRCULATION OF MORE THAN 63,000. THIS MAGAZINE IS THE BI-MONTHLY COMMUNICATION LINK BETWEEN THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE BASED IN NEWARK, OHIO, AND ITS MEMBERS.

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WHAT’S INSIDE: 3•

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Looking ahead to January & February 2019

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WINTER SAFETY TIPS Review tips for outages; space heaters; home heating; winter driving and more.

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FINANCIAL CORNER Natural gas prices are rising. Read how this impacts our members.

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DIRECTOR’S CORNER District 6 Director, John Klauder discusses your investment in The Energy Cooperative.

SAFE, RELIABLE NATURAL GAS Learn how we purchase and store natural gas to meet your needs throughout the entire year.

11 • HIGH BILL CONCERNS? Our member service team provides tips for high winter bills. 12 • EMPLOYEES GIVING BACK Concern for community is one of our core values. Read more about how our employees give back to the communities we serve. 13 • COOPERATIVE ELECTIONS Gain insight into this year’s Board of Directors elections, and see how we are expanding ways our members can participate in this key part of our democratic process. 14 • FEATURED RECIPE CONTEST Member Harlene Reidenbach shares her recipe for fruit bars.

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019

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President’s Message

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2019

BY TODD WARE, PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Here at The Energy Cooperative, we focus on providing the safe, reliable, and affordable energy you expect. Last year we continued our efforts of improving reliability for all our members. Our crews worked hard to clear the rights-ofTodd Ware way and prevent unnecessary electric outages. We made significant upgrades throughout our entire system; and worked to ensure we have enough propane and natural gas in reserve to meet our member’s needs this winter. We finished rebuilding approximately eight miles of transmission lines for our electric members, and made significant pipeline improvements to keep natural gas flowing into your homes and businesses safely. Our propane team worked hard installing tanks this fall, and ensuring tanks were filled for winter’s early arrival. In addition to providing safe and reliable energy, we are focused on expanding the connection with our members. We recognize that our members have varying level of needs and expectations for us. In response, we continue to provide options for members to get the information and the service they need. Many members use SmartHub (our mobile application) providing them with increased insight into their account. Through SmartHub you can pay your bill; view current service status; review outages; and see your energy usage in detail. You can also send messages to our member services team through SmartHub. Our new website, launched in late 2018, is much friendlier and easier to view from any mobile device. We hope you notice a positive difference the next time you submit a

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propane meter read; apply for an Operation Round Up Grant or send us a message directly from your phone. The website also features a Member Center intended to provide quick access to the information you need most often. We are working hard to offer the quality member service you deserve and continue to seek new ways to enhance our overall member experience. We know many of our members have concern for high energy bills this time of year. After several mild winters, it started out cold this winter and energy usage is trending upward. The increased usage will likely create a noticeable difference in your energy bill. If you are concerned about a high energy bill, contact our Member Services department at 1-800255-6815 to discuss our budget billing options. Our member service representatives can also connect you with community resources to assist with winter utility bills. We sincerely want to help you find ways to control energy costs. That’s why we openly communicate with you about energy prices and discuss ways to help manage usage. It’s never too late to take steps towards reducing your winter energy usage, including helpful tips in this issue (page 11). When you have questions about the reliability of your energy; our energy efficiency programs, your account, or any of our products or services, just ask us. When we know your wants and needs, we’re in a better position to deliver successful results. So, call, drop in and see us, or connect with us virtually by using our messaging from the website and/or our social media. We are always glad to hear from you, and we are ready to listen.

JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 • THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES

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Winter Safety Tips BY CONNIE HOGUE, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES & SAFETY

Connie Hogue

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The Energy Cooperative cares about the safety of our members, and we want you to be prepared during the cold winter months. Heavy snow, high winds, and ice can cause several safety issues. This includes downed power lines and dangerous driving conditions. During an outage, our crews work as safely and quickly as possible. There are a few things you can do, however, to ensure you are prepared before an outage occurs.

OUTAGE CHECKLIST

Have at least one heating source in working order in case the power goes out. Consider a fireplace, indoor portable space heater, kerosene heater, or an electric generator to provide heat during an outage. Collect extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm winter coats, mittens, gloves, scarves, and hats for everyone in your home. Have a power outage supply kit handy (flashlight, extra batteries, first aid supplies, and bottled water). Make sure your fireplace is in good condition. If you have a wood burning fireplace, ensure you have plenty of dry firewood available. If you have a gas log fireplace verify it is usable.

SPACE HEATER SAFETY

Whether you are supplementing your home heating with space heaters, or using them for outages, space heaters can be effective when used properly. The National Fire Protection Association reminds the public, however, that space heaters should be used with caution as they do present potential fire hazards. Most of those fires started by space heaters were a result of the heater being too close to flammable items, especially furniture and fabric (such as clothes, curtains or bedding). If you decide to use a space heater this winter season, be sure to use one with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements. Also, keep heat sources at least 3 feet away from anything. Additionally, if you are utilizing space heaters plan to have

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the following safety equipment on hand: • Chemical fire extinguisher • Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector that are in working order (Check prior to winter storm season and change batteries twice a year).

HOME HEATING SAFETY

There are also a few dangerous behaviors you should always avoid when heating your home. • Never turn on the cook stove for heat. It is not safe. • Never use an electric generator indoors, inside the garage, or near the air intake of your home. Doing so significantly increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. • Do not use a generator or appliances if they are wet. • Do not store gasoline indoors where the fumes could ignite. • Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.

GENERATOR SAFETY

Never connect a standby generator into your home’s electrical system. There are only two safe ways to connect a standby generator to your equipment. •

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Stationary Generator: An approved generator transfer switch, which keeps your house circuits separate from the electric co-op, should be installed by a professional. Portable Generator: Plug appliances directly into the outlet provided on the generator.

Set up and run your generator in a well-ventilated area outside the home. Make sure it’s out and away from your garage, doors, windows and vents. The carbon monoxide generated is deadly. Use a heavy-duty extension cord to connect electric appliances to the outlet on the generator. Start the generator first before connecting appliances.

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019

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CAR AND EMERGENCY CHECKLIST

Plan to ensure you are protected for vehicle emergencies during winter storms or inclement travel weather. The following items can help you in vehicle emergencies. • Cell phone and portable charger • Windshield ice scraper • Battery-powered radio with extra batteries • Flashlight with extra batteries • Water • Snack foods • Heavy Blankets for all passengers • Spare winter gloves, hats and scarves • Shovel.

WINTER STORM WARNING TERMS •

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WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY: Expect winter weather conditions (e.g., accumulation of snow, freezing rain, and sleet) that could cause severe inconvenience and life-threatening hazards. FROST/FREEZE WARNING: Expect below-freezing temperatures. WINTER STORM WATCH: Be alert; a storm is likely. WINTER STORM WARNING: Take action; the storm is in or entering the area. BLIZZARD WARNING: Seek refuge immediately! Snow and strong winds, near-zero visibility, deep snow drifts, and life-threatening wind chill. BLACK ICE: a thin coating of glazed ice on a surface.

Perhaps the most dangerous of winter events is black ice. Black ice is virtually clear, and forms when the surface air temperature is freezing (or colder) and rain is falling. The best recommendation for black ice is to avoid being out in these conditions, especially at night. If you must drive, exercise extreme caution.

5 SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVING ON BLACK ICE •

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Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Remember it takes twice as long to stop on black ice. Never hit the brakes on ice to avoid skidding. Instead, hold your steering wheel steady. Be vigilant in the early morning hours, when air temperatures rise faster than the temperature of the road’s surface. Take extra caution when driving on bridges, overpasses, and in tunnels. Don’t over correct your steering if you feel your car sliding.

Sources: National Safety Council, National Fire Protection Association

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BE PREPARED

BEFORE A STORM STRIKES In the event of a power outage, be prepared by keeping the following items in an easy-to-find emergency supply kit.

WATER Three-day supply, one gallon per person per day.

Flashlight, extra batteries, manual can opener, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.

FIRST AID KIT AND PRESCRIPTIONS First aid supplies, hand sanitizer and at least one week’s supply of prescriptions and medications for the family.

PANTRY SUPPLIES • BEANS • CANNED FOOD • CEREAL • DRIED FRUITS • DRIED MEATS/JERKY •CRACKERS • PASTA • RICE • OATMEAL

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MEETING YOUR NEEDS WITH SAFE & RELIABLE NATURAL GAS BY DAN MCVEY, VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER – GAS OPERATIONS

The Energy Cooperative operates three underground natural gas storage fields on our transmission system. Located in Muskingum and Perry counties, these fields hold enough gas to provide our base load supply for natural gas, as well as, some peak demand capability. During any given winter month, as much as half of all our natural Dan McVey gas supply may come from our storage fields. This gas supply provides our members with reliability and protection from price volatility when the demand is particularly high. Demand for natural gas is usually higher during the winter months because it is used for heat in both residential and commercial settings. Natural gas storage is needed for meeting seasonal demand requirements and as insurance against unforeseen price spikes or supply disruptions. Unlike oil and other liquid fuels like propane, natural gas isn’t stored in tanks. Instead it’s typically stored in underground storage facilities built specifically for this purpose. Depleted gas production fields are the most common type of storage facility. Stored natural gas plays a vital role in ensuring that any excess supply delivered to us during the summer months is available to meet the increased demand of the winter months. Typically, natural gas is put into storage during the summer months (from April through October) and withdrawn during the winter from (November to March). The recent trend towards natural gas electric generation facilities has increased the demand for natural gas during the summer months.

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Base load storage is used to meet seasonal demand increases. Base load facilities can hold enough natural gas to satisfy our long-term seasonal demand requirements. These storage reservoirs are relatively low-deliverability, meaning the natural gas that can be extracted each day is limited. Instead, these facilities provide a prolonged, steady supply of natural gas. Peak load storage, on the other hand, is designed to have high-deliverability for short periods of time, meaning natural gas can be withdrawn from storage quickly should the need arise. Peak load facilities are intended to meet sudden, short-term demand increases. Natural gas storage plays a vital role in maintaining the reliability of supply needed to meet the needs of our members. Storage is a buffer between production, transmission and distribution. This buffer helps us ensure adequate supplies of natural gas are in place for seasonal demand shifts and unexpected surges. Natural gas in storage also serves as insurance against any unforeseen accidents, natural disasters, or other occurrences that may affect the production or delivery of natural gas. In addition to serving those purposes, natural gas storage is also used for cost advantages; storing gas when prices are low and withdrawing when market prices are higher to hedge against gas cost increase. The bottom line is that we work hard to ensure our natural gas supply meets your needs throughout the entire year. When you run natural gas appliances, or turn on your furnace, we want to ensure everything works without disruption. This reliable natural gas service takes a great amount of planning and work behind the scenes. It’s work we have been doing for years. We are proud to provide our members with safe and reliable natural gas.

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019

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Propane Members HAVE YOU SUBMITTED YOUR PROPANE READ RECENTLY? We ask our propane members to submit a reading by the 12th of each month. Be sure to let us know if you have 20% or less in your tank. By sharing the meter reading and the percentage of fuel in the tank, we can make sure you have the propane you need (when you need it). Fees are applied if your tank is completely out of propane, as our team needs to ensure it is safe to refill it. This includes a complete check of the tank and home interior to ensure your family stays safe. Our propane team is working hard to keep our members tanks full during this busy season. If you have questions or concerns about your account specifically, give us a call at 800-255-6815. Members can also send us an email through our website to inquire about the propane schedule. Visit myenergycoop.com/contact to send an email to our member service team. Questions? Give us a call at 800-255-6815.

WHAT’S THAT SMELL?

OUR NATURAL GAS AND PROPANE SMELLS BAD ON PURPOSE. We add an odorant to our natural gas

and propane that smells like rotten eggs. Natural gas and propane in their original state are odorless, we add an organic compound called Mercaptan before the gas is delivered to help alert you to the presence of natural gas or propane in or around your home. The source of a gas odor could be inside your home from a leak in your house line or appliance connection. It could also be outside from leaks in a service or main line that could come into your home through foundation walls or drain lines.

THREE WAYS TO RECOGNIZE A NATURAL GAS OR PROPANE LEAK

1. SMELL: To help you SMELL a leak from a gas line or 2. 3.

appliance, a familiar odor like rotten eggs is often added to natural gas and propane gas. SEE: Near a gas leak, you might SEE blowing dirt, bubbling water or an unusual area of dead vegetation. HEAR: A leaking pipeline might make a hissing sound you can HEAR.

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WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS OR PROPANE

1. Leave the building or the area immediately. 2. Don’t light matches, touch electrical switches, use the phone or start a motor vehicle. 3. If you have propane, shut off your tank by turning the knob located under the blue dome clockwise.

4. Call 911 from a phone that is not near the leak. 5. Call The Energy Cooperative at 1-800-255-6815. Our employees are on call 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies. 6. Never try to extinguish a gas fire or operate any pipeline valves. 7. Plan to meet our service person or provide access to your home to inspect your equipment and check for the source of the odor.

JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 • THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES

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The Financial Corner BY PAT MCGONAGLE, VICE PRESIDENT & CFO

The natural gas futures market is off to an unpredictable start this winter. Natural gas futures rose to their highest level in more than four years during the week of November 12th as the December 2018 delivery contract traded at $4.846 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) on the New York Mercantile Exchange Pat McGonagle (NYMEX). The final settlement price for December was $4.715 as compared to the November close of $3.185 representing a 48% increase for the month. The primary reasons for this price spike appear to be low storage inventory levels across the nation combined with short-term weather forecasts for colder than normal weather. Due to the current volatility in the pricing of natural gas and the early arrival of winter I thought it may be a good time to review how we calculate our Gas Cost Recovery (GCR). The GCR reflects the cost incurred by the cooperative to purchase the gas used by our members. Through the GCR charge, the cooperative, in turn, charges you the member the same price it paid for the gas. Gas costs recoverable through the GCR include the following three components: the cost of purchasing the gas, the cost of transporting the gas from the producing region to the cooperative’s service territory and any over/under recovery of gas costs from previous months. First, the cooperative purchases natural gas based on projected usage. In order to ensure a reliable supply and counteract price fluctuations, the cooperative purchases gas supplies through contracts with various suppliers and local producers. Most of these gas purchases are based off NYMEX pricing and the volatility in this market

greatly affects the monthly GCR. A portion of the gas used during the winter, November through March, is purchased and injected into our underground storage fields during the summer and fall in order to meet demand during the winter and hedge against a spike in price like we are currently witnessing (see page 6). Next, the cooperative transports purchased natural gas on one of three interstate pipelines from the Gulf of Mexico to our service territory. The cost of transporting this natural gas to our pipelines is then calculated on each pipeline and added to our gas cost. The cooperative then completes the first step of the GCR calculation adding the gas and transportation costs. This subtotal is what the natural gas industry refers to as the Expected Gas Cost (EGC). The final component of the GCR is calculating the over/ under recovery of gas costs from previous months. This over/under recovery is referred to as the Actual Adjustment (AA) in the regulated natural gas industry. The AA calculation is comprised of two main variables, which are usage and price. The most common factor effecting usage is weather. Weather can provide for large changes in projected customer usage, either up or down. The second factor can be a change from the anticipated natural gas cost as projected when the GCR is calculated to actual costs for the month. The methodology listed above that the cooperative uses to calculate the Gas Cost Recovery is, with a few exceptions, the same methodology that is prescribed by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Rest assured, the price the cooperative paid for the natural gas is the same price you pay when you consume the product.

Where is this charge on your Natural Gas bill? 8

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019

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DIRECTOR’S CORNER BY JOHN KLAUDER, DISTRICT 6 DIRECTOR, CCD, BL

We appreciate and value the investment that you make in the The Energy Cooperative each month, and we strive to use that investment wisely for the benefit of all members of our community. Twenty eighteen for Licking Rural Electric, Inc. (LRE, Inc.), dba The John Klauder, CCD, BL Energy Cooperative, is now in the books. Last year the weather was a bit more seasonal with winter temperatures a bit colder and summer temperatures a bit warmer than it has been in recent years. The “normal” temperatures make it easier to forecast and even maintain our budget the following year. The President & CEO and his staff spend many hours reviewing trends and assumptions that help predict revenues and expenses. Budgets are prepared for Licking Rural Electric, National Gas & Oil, (NGO), NGO Transmission,

NGO Propane, NGO Development and Producers Gas. The budgets are then presented to and approved by the board of directors. In fact, budgets were reviewed and approved at December’s monthly board meeting. In this edition of the newsletter, Vice-President & CFO, Pat McGonagle talks about natural gas prices rising 48% at the end of 2018. How can utilities predict that dramatic change in the market? They can’t, but they can manage gas purchases and storage to help moderate the dramatic change in pricing. See Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Dan McVey’s article on how we store and manage the supply of our natural gas. This is a crucial part of our financial strategy when trying to keep gas rates as low as possible while maintaining an adequate supply. As we get started in 2019, I want to assure you that Todd Ware, President & CEO, his staff, and your Board of Directors are working hard to manage the short and long term financial stability of The Energy Cooperative.

NATURAL GAS SAFETY NOTICE In accordance with Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations 49 CFR, Part 192.16, The Energy Cooperative (TEC) is required to inform members that the member shall be responsible for their gas service lines.

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HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW • •

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The member is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all gas piping from the gas meter to all gas appliances. The member is responsible for the repair/ replacement of the gas service line located on the member’s property from the buried curb valve to the inlet of the gas meter. Buried gas piping that is not maintained may be subject to the potential hazards of corrosion and leakage. For your safety, all buried pipe should be periodically inspected for leaks. If the buried piping is metallic, it should also be periodically inspected for corrosion. If an unsafe condition is found, the gas piping will need to be promptly repaired.

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When digging near buried gas piping, the piping should be located in advance and the excavation done by hand. As a reminder, any time a member is excavating, Ohio 811 should be called by simply dialing 811 or 1-800-362-2764 at least 48 hours prior to digging. OUPS will notify various utility companies to locate utilities lines in the area. P  lumbing and heating contractors can assist in locating, inspecting, and repairing the member’s buried piping. The Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that a DOT-qualified plumbing contractor must be used to repair or replace a member’s buried piping upstream of the meter, including the gas riser attached to the meter set. While this is not required for piping downstream of the meter, TEC strongly recommends a DOTqualified plumber be used for all buried gas piping.

QUESTIONS? CONTACT OUR MEMBER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT (800) 255-6815.

JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 • THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES

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Quick Tips to Avoid High Winter Bills

Looking to lower your bills this winter? Use the 10 tips below to conserve energy.

Seal air leaks and insulate well to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home.

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Reduce waste heat by installing a programmable thermostat.

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Turn off lights when not in use.

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Lower your water heater temperature. The Dept. of Energy recommends using the warm setting (120 degrees) during fall and winter months. Unplug electronics like kitchen appliances and TVs when you’re away.

Open blinds and curtains during the day to allow sunlight in to warm your home. Close blinds and curtains at night to keep cold, drafty air out. Use power strips for multiple appliances, and turn off the main switch when you’re away from home. Wash clothes in cold water, and use cold-water detergent whenever possible. Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, which use at least 75 percent less energy. THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019

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High Bill Concerns? Call us at (800) 255-6815

The primary factor impacting your bill from The Energy Cooperative is the cost to heat or cool your home. Weather plays a big part in this, however, there are things you can do to ensure you are using energy as efficiently as possible.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS FOR COLD WEATHER

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Set thermostats to 68°F in winter (or as close as you can while staying comfortable). In the winter run ceiling paddle fans on low, blowing air up. Reverse this in the summertime. Set water heater temperature no higher than 120°F. Wash clothes in cold water. Use hot water only for very dirty loads. Set the refrigerator temperature to 34°-37°F and freezer temperature to 0°-5°F. Replace any light bulb that burns more than one hour per day with its equivalent compact fluorescent bulb. Turn computers and monitors off when not in use. Unplug battery chargers when not needed. Change HVAC filters monthly. Make sure drapes and shades are open to catch free solar heat in the winter. Make sure heating vents are not blocked by furniture.

HAS YOUR USAGE BEEN ESTIMATED?

When a bill is estimated, it is based on usage from the same time last year, and can often result in your estimated usage being lower or higher than your actual usage. Your next bill, based on an actual read, will bring your account back in line with the current reading on your meter. If your previous estimated bill was too low, your next bill may be higher than you expected. Similarly, if your bills have been overestimated, you will eventually receive a reduced bill.

HAVE YOU USED MORE ENERGY?

You will see your energy usage for the previous twelve months on your bill. To understand why you may have used more energy, look at the billing dates on the bill and think about what happened during that period. • Did someone in your household spend more time than usual at home, or did you have guests staying? • Did you use more heating during a cold period? • Did you use more hot water, or did you cook with gas more than you normally do? • Did you buy or use any additional appliances?

WWW.THEENERGYCOOP.COM

LOOKING FOR WAYS TO LOWER YOUR BILL?

How about a home energy audit performed by our professional Energy Advisor? The Energy Cooperative is here to help you understand your energy bill and find ways to be more energy efficient. We offer our members budget billing and average payment plan options. If you would like to speak with one or our Member Service Representatives, please call us at (800) 255-6815 to discuss your bill concerns.

CAN WE HELP?

If you would like to be able to plan your expenses each month and know in advance what your utility statement will be, then the budget billing makes sense for your household. The Energy Cooperative offers budget billing which allows your monthly utility costs to remain constant throughout the entire year. You can sign up for budget billing by simply calling our Member Service Department at (800) 255-6815. Please note the following: • The account must be paid in full to qualify. • We would prefer that you have 12 months consumption history but will work with you if you do not. • The budget accounts may be adjusted during the month of March. At this time your budget amount may be increased or decreased depending on your usage, the weather, and market conditions. Our Average Payment Plan (APP) is another option to stabilize your bill throughout the year. While this plan does not offer the equal monthly payments the budget billing offers, it can significantly moderate the monthly variations while avoiding the potential of accumulating a large balance, or credit when the budget is reviewed in March and September. The monthly payment is based on the average of the current month’s bill, plus the previous 11 months’ bills. As a result, the payment amount will fluctuate slightly from month to month.

LOOKING FOR ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS?

Beyond the programs we offer to help stabilize your monthly bill, we can connect you with community assistance programs who may be able to help.

JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 • THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES

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Concern for Community BY GARY BAKER, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS “The broadest and maybe the most meaningful definition of volunteering: Doing more than you have to because you want to, in a cause you consider good.” – Ivan Scheier Concern for Community is the seventh cooperative principle. It is also something employees of Gary Baker The Energy Cooperative (TEC) value year-round. Our employees are your neighbors. They live in the communities we serve and work to improve the quality of life for our members. Our employees coach little league, volunteer at church, and serve with you in any number of community organizations. This is often after spending the day delivering propane, working to keep the lights on, or bringing natural gas into your home. Gary Baker

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In addition to being involved in their communities, many of our employees (and their families) also volunteer to help during our member events. They might set up tents, carry boxes of t-shirts, or serve hot dogs to members. Regardless of how they contribute to the events, we couldn’t do it without them! We would like to send a special thank you to our employees who work hard for our members every day. With their help and support, we can host events for your family and collectively make a big difference in our communities. If you haven’t yet attended one of our events, we hope to see you this year!

SAVE THE DATE • • •

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES • JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019

Earth & Energy Day Sunday 4/28/19 Annual Meeting Monday, 5/20/19 Kids Day Sunday 6/23/19

COOPERATIVE ELECTIONS

BY LIJA KALEPS-CLARK, DIRECTOR OF LAND AND LEGAL SERVICES

COOPERATIVE ELECTIONS ARE COMING SOON

As a Cooperative member, you have a voice in how your Cooperative is operated. The Board of Directors that manages the business and affairs of the Cooperative is elected by you, the member. Elections for The Energy Cooperative’s board of director Lija Keleps-Clark positions are coming up soon. You will receive this year’s ballot by mail in early April. The results of the elections will be announced at the annual meeting on May 20, 2019.

ELECTRONIC VOTING IS HERE!

This year we will be introducing electronic voting, which will allow members to vote for board of directors candidates online in addition to traditional mail-in paper ballots. The Energy Cooperative is working with Survey & Ballot Systems to offer electronic voting to make it easier for our members to vote. Electronic voting is a secure and easy way to vote. All members will receive a paper ballot by mail that will include a special code for voting electronically, giving members the option to vote online. You can easily vote through SmartHub or The Energy Cooperative’s website. Members will still be able to vote by mail-in paper

ballot. More information about electronic voting will be available soon on our website and by mail. If you have any questions regarding electronic voting, please contact our member services department at 1-800-2556815.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A BOARD MEMBER?

This year the Board of Director seats in Districts 3, 4 and 7 are up for election. To find out more about the Cooperative Districts, visit myenergycoop.com/boardof-directors/. A letter will be mailed to all members in these three districts in January with instructions on submitting recommended nominations. If you would like to run for the board or know someone who you feel is qualified, please send in the postcard from the letter for their nomination. The candidates will then be interviewed by the nominating committee in late February or early March and, if nominated by the committee, the candidate will be added to the ballot. To run for the board, you must be an active member for the past three consecutive years and reside in the district you plan to represent. Additional qualifications and information on running for the Board are provided on our website and in the Code of Regulations. If you have any questions regarding the election process, please call our member services department at 1-800-255-6815 for more information.

In December of 2018, The Energy Cooperative Operation Round Up Foundation, Inc. awarded $67,338 to the following community groups in our service area: • • • • • • • • • • •

Newark Campus Development Fund towards new Science & Technology building on Newark Campus Hebron Fire Department for CO and gas detectors Centerburg Senior Services, Inc. for window air conditioners at the Center Licking Valley Intermediate School towards chromebooks and charging cart Mental Heath America of Licking Co towards computer system upgrade Newark Catholic High School towards new Performing Arts Center Licking County Sheriff’s Office for AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) The Dawes Arboretum towards interpretive carts Fredericktown Local Schools Library to repair and replace books Utica Area Foundation towards mural on historic building Harrison Township towards Township Pool renovation.

MAKES CENTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY. For more information on the Operation Round Up Foundation, Inc. or to apply for a grant visit myenergycoop.com. WWW.THEENERGYCOOP.COM

JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 • THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TIMES

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Featured Recipe Fruit Bars

Submitted by Harlene Reidenbach INGREDIENTS: • • • • • • •

Fruit (1 can cherries) 2 cups sugar 2 sticks of butter 3 cups flour 4 eggs 1 tsp vanilla Powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Mix melted butter with sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla. Slowly mix in the flour. Grease and flour a 9” x13”(or larger) deep cookie sheet. Pour 3/4 of the batter into the cookie sheet. Add fruit. Add the rest of the batter in drops. Bake at 350 degrees 25 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle powered sugar on top when cool. Cut and enjoy!

cious family mple and deli is chosen to be si a ve ha u OKS! Do yo ur recipe ll! CALLING ALL CO with us! If yo it e ar Sh your energy bi ? to pe ci it re ed cr er nn 00 di give you a $1 printed we'll service , your name, contacted pe ci re e th a copy of s will be All we need is ntact information. Winner co address and tter editor. by our newsle tention operative, At wark, OH Co gy er En e pe to Th x 4970, Ne Send your reci Road, P.O. Bo energycoop.com, e ll vi an Gr back@the Editor, 1500 e-mail to feed 43058-4970. Or Recipe Contest. subject line: 19. FEBRUARY 7, 20 20. BY ED IV CE RE 12 BE , extension RECIPES MUST (800) 255-6815 ll Ca s? on ti Ques

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