TIMES JULY & AUGUST • 2020
Considering solar? We’re here to help!
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also in this issue summer storm safety, Pg.6 Who owns what? pg 10
ELECTRIC • NATURAL GAS • PROPANE 1
TIMES MARCH & APRIL • 2020
In this issue
1500 Granville Road Newark, Ohio 43058 (800) 255-6815
myenergycoop.com feedback@theenergycoop.com
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considering solar power
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summer storm safety
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Smart Savings with SmartHub
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director’s corner
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who owns what? 10
Todd Ware President & CEO
Outdoor living with natural gas 12
Gary Baker Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Natural Gas safety tips for kids 13 Operation Round Up grants 14
Heather Juzenas Communications Manager
energy savings word search 15
Please report any change of email address or phone number to us at (800) 255-6815 or by emailing feedback@theenergycoop.com. The Energy Cooperative Times is the official publication of The Energy Cooperative. This magazine is the bi-monthly communication link between The Energy Cooperative, based in Newark, Ohio, and its 65,000 members. MYENERGYCOOP.COM
President’s Message
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President’s Message By Todd Ware, President & Chief Executive Officer As we put the close on 2019, I want to take an opportunity to recap last year and share our future plans. As you know, we postponed our annual meeting and are currently working on a plan to host a business meeting. This business meeting will be much different from our normal annual meeting. The year 2019 seems like so long Todd Ware ago with all the uncertainties we have had to deal with during the early part of 2020. However, it makes sense to take a quick look back at the progress we made last year.
in 2019, nearing the end of their advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) program. The electric division continued to focus on system reliability. We spent over $9 million on capital improvement projects during 2019. Some of our major projects were upgrading the Martinsburg station and the Johnstown station transformer, installing a new circuit switcher in the Bladensburg station, and rebuilding several lines. These projects will help to reduce outage hours each year. The electric cooperative upgraded just over 7,000 AMI meters as part of the first phase of this project. As always, we continue to work on maintaining our right-of-way to help reduce outages. Our crews trimmed, mowed, or sprayed over 1,000 miles of right of way during the year.
We continue to work hard to deliver your energy in a safe and reliable manner, while also keeping our employees safe. Safety is our number one priority. We participate in national safety review programs for both electric and natural gas and are considered leaders within those programs. Our safety metrics continue to be better than both state and national industry averages and our electric cooperative has gone over twenty years without a lost time injury.
Each year we work hard to improve service to you, our members. During 2019, we continued to make small changes to how we handle issues and concerns when they arise. We also added a new way for you to contact us. The live chat feature on myenergycoop.com allows you to chat directly with a member service representative. We continue to see progress as we got a slight increase in our natural gas ACSI score, while making a modest increase in our retention rates. We also saw a threepoint increase in our electric ACSI score and increased our retention rate by a respectable three points. We will continue to work hard in 2020 to meet your expectations in the service we provide you.
Consolidated financial results continued to be strong and we reported a positive net margin of $6.7 million. This result was slightly above budget. The biggest driver for being ahead of budget was lower than expected operating expenses. Consolidated comprehensive income was $5.3 million which was slightly under budget. Unrealized losses on post-retirement benefits caused the shortfall from budget for comprehensive income. These results raised our equity position to just over seventeen percent. New growth continued to be strong for our natural gas cooperative as we added 621 new residential members. During the year we added eighteen miles of new distribution pipe and replaced eight miles of aging distribution pipe. The replacement of this aging infrastructure reduced our unaccounted-for gas to .7%, which is slightly below industry standards. The natural gas cooperative installed 1,000 new meters
We put many goals in place for 2020. While the year had a very difficult start, we are working hard to meet every goal set by your Board of Directors. Once again, we have a sizable capital budget planned for the year, however, it fits well within the overall financial plan. I continue to be honored to lead this cooperative and I am humbled by the great employees we have working here every day. Without our employees we would not be able to accomplish all the positive things we do. Your Board of Directors continues to provide excellent leadership as we look toward to The Energy Cooperative’s future.
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Considering solar? By Gary Glover, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer – Electric Operations What about Community Solar?
More and more homeowners are considering installing solar panels on their rooftops. Whether you are interested in saving money or helping the environment, there are many reasons homeowners are looking to install solar.
Remember there is more than one path to solar energy. The Energy Cooperative offers a community solar program where you can lease a solar panel located in Utica, Ohio. With community solar, the cooperative handles all the logistical details (including site assessment, selecting, and installing the equipment, interconnection and permitting details, and maintaining the system after installation). Contact our member service team to learn more about community solar. We can help you determine the best options for your situation.
Installing solar panels on your property is a major household Gary Glover decision. We can provide you with valuable advice throughout the process so there are no surprises down the road. Unlike a solar company that has one objective–to sell their products and services– we can look at your total energy picture to help you determine the best options for your home. While rooftop solar certainly works for some people, it is not the answer for all.
Renewable Energy Ohio’s electric cooperatives take a balanced approach to renewable energy. Buckeye Power and its member cooperatives have made significant investments in renewable energy on behalf of Ohio cooperative families. This includes solar energy, bio-gas projects, methane generation from landfills, and hydro-power from upstate New York. If you are interested in lowering your electric bills or learning more about renewable energy, please reach out to us. Your electric cooperative is a great resource to discuss the benefits and considerations of rooftop solar, especially before making any agreements with solar vendors.
As your trusted energy advisor, our motivations are not profit driven. We are a member-owned, member-driven cooperative that exists to improve the quality of life for our members and our communities. Every decision we make is with our members’ best interests in mind. With a project of this magnitude, choosing the right professionals and company to install your solar panels is an important consideration. The Energy Cooperative can work with you to help you make the best decision possible.
Contact us If you are looking to lower your energy costs, it is important to ensure your home has reached its peak efficiency. Implementing energy efficiency measures like adding insulation, sealing joints and cracks for air leakage, or replacing old, inefficient appliances with new ENERGY STAR models are investments you should consider. We can provide you with specific efficiency recommendations for your home and help you find ways to lower your utility bills. Give us a call at 1-800-255-6815 or send us a message from myenergycoop.com.
We can discuss how your solar panel system will integrate with our electric distribution grid and how energy generated will be compensated through our net metering policies. A proactive cooperative-contractor-homeowner partnership from the beginning of the project helps to ensure you have the best possible experience and outcome with your solar project.
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SOLAR
CONSIDERATIONS Solar panels are heating up on the consumer market. If you want to know more about residential solar, consider these three important factors:
claims on unrealistically high predictions of future electricity rate increases, so talk to your co-op for a calculation that takes your actual and specific forecasted electric rates into account.
TAX CREDITS – Ask questions and read the fine print. Federal solar energy tax credits are available, so check to see how they apply to your plans. If you're working with a contractor to install solar panels, make sure you know who gets to take advantage of those credits — you or the contractor.
COLLABORATION – Contact The Energy Cooperative early in your solar power journey to learn about our procedures, how to get interconnected to the electric grid, and how we can help you make the most out of this major home investment.
PAYBACK – Work with The Energy Cooperative to find out how long it will take for the solar savings to pay for your upfront investment. Be aware that some solar energy contractors base their payback
The Energy Cooperative is here to help you reach your energy goals. Contact us to get started.
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Summer storm safety
By Connie Hogue, Director of Human Resources and Safety Floods
The best way to stay safe during summer storms is to prepare for severe weather before it happens. Summer storms can produce lightning, damaging winds, tornados, or flash floods. Stay alert this summer by regularly checking local news and weather alerts regarding storm watches or warnings. It’s also a good idea to opt into Connie Hogue government emergency and public safety alerts on your mobile device. Summer storms can be dangerous, but there are ways you can both stay safe and minimize damage.
Flash flooding can be among the most damaging and costly of all-natural disasters. Learn your vulnerability to flooding by determining the elevation of your property. If you live in an area prone to flooding, it is important to know how to keep your family safe. • If you live in a flood-prone area, keep sandbags, plywood, and plastic sheeting on hand. • Contact your local emergency management agency to learn what protective measures should be taken around your home. • Seal the walls in your basement with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage. Remember that standard homeowner's insurance typically does not cover flood damage. If you live in a flood-prone area, see the National Flood Insurance Program for information about obtaining flood insurance. • Never step into a flooded basement or other room if water may be in contact with electrical outlets, appliances or cords. The water could be energized and could shock or electrocute you.
Thunderstorms Lightning kills more people every year than tornadoes and hurricanes. Rain and heavy winds can cause flooding, damage to homes and widespread power outages. Here are some tips for staying safe in a thunderstorm. • If a thunderstorm appears likely, postpone all outdoor activities. • If a thunderstorm watch or warning is issued, take shelter in your home or other building. Shut all windows and close exterior doors securely.
Power outages We work hard to prevent power outages, but we cannot control storms. A powerful storm could lead to an extended power outage. Be sure to know how to keep your family safe during a power outage. • Have flashlights and batteries available. • Use a battery-powered radio or your mobile device to get information about the status of power restoration. • For backup power, consider purchasing a generator and operate it safely according to manufacturer's guidelines. • Assume all downed power lines are energized. Call 911. Then call us at 1-800-255-6815 to report it.
Tornadoes Tornadoes are capable of destroying homes, uprooting trees, and hurling objects through the air. Outdoor sirens are common, but communities have different warning methods. Signs of a tornado include a dark-colored sky, low-lying clouds, large hail, or a loud roar. • Get to know your community's tornado warning system. • Choose a safe area in your home where you and your family can gather if a tornado warning is issued. This area should be in the basement or a room with no windows and located on the lowest level of your home. • Conduct routine tornado drills with the entire family so everyone knows where to go and what to do if a tornado is approaching. MYENERGYCOOP.COM
Know your risk and make a plan. By understanding the risk of summer storms, you can stay safe and minimize damage. Work with your family to create a disaster supply kit and make a plan for each type of severe weather. For more information on disasters and emergencies visit ready.gov. 6
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Smart Savings with smarthub
By Pat McGonagle, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Notifications
Managing your Energy Cooperative account does not need to be complicated. You may have heard about SmartHub, our tool for account management, but do you know all it can do for you? SmartHub helps you take control of your energy use and has several features that make managing your Pat McGonagle account as easy as possible. You can access SmartHub from myenergycoop.com or on your smartphone by downloading the app. Through SmartHub you can pay your bill, view energy use, contact member service, and receive important notifications about your account.
Visit the notifications section to select when you are contacted or alerted about your account. For instance, you can receive a text when your bill is due, get confirmation when your payment is received, and more. You can also add or update phone numbers and email addresses on your account in SmartHub. Contact methods indicates if you are on our ‘do not call list’. If you have asked us not to contact you by phone, you will miss important notifications about planned outages, right-of-way spraying, planned natural gas outages, and more. While this is not the only way we notify members of this type of work, it is one important way you can stay informed.
Report Service Issues Reporting a service issue is quick and easy from the SmartHub mobile app. You can also use the SmartHub app to contact our member service representatives to ask a billing question, submit a request, enter a propane meter reading, inquire about a high bill, and more. SmartHub’s contact feature makes it quick and easy for members to contact the cooperative. Plenty of things in life are complicated. Managing your Energy Cooperative account doesn’t need to be.
QR code to download the app Scan the QR code with your phone to download the app.
Take control of your energy use. As soon as you log into SmartHub, you can view your billing history and make a payment. In addition to your current bill, you can see bills from the previous month or even year. Not only will you see your total energy use, but you can also view your hourly energy use. This makes it easy to see how your use trends over time, which can help you take steps to lower your bill.
Making Payments The first time you make a payment through SmartHub, you have the option to securely store payment information for future transactions. The next time you need to pay your bill, it only takes a couple of clicks. MYENERGYCOOP.COM
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Are you a cooperative voter?
By Donald Hawk, District 1 Director, CCD, BL As a member owned cooperative, voting is part of our DNA. Cooperative principle number two is Democratic Member Control. This principle ensures we remain controlled by our members. All our members can vote for our Board of Directors. We have annual elections for cooperative directors, who are Donald Hawk also members of The Energy Cooperative. I encourage you to vote annually in our cooperative elections. We postponed the most recent election due to the pandemic, but you will receive information on how to vote approximately thirty days before voting is rescheduled to begin.
to express our concerns to our elected officials. Now is the perfect time to confirm your voter registration is valid and encourage any new voters to get registered. For information on how to register and vote in our state, visit the Co-ops Vote website at www.vote.coop. Co-ops Vote is a non-partisan program developed by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). We are part of this network of 42 million cooperative members across the United States. Together we have a powerful voice on national issues that have a local impact. I am honored to serve as your District 1 Director. The Board of Directors is very committed to serving your energy needs today and in the future. If you have not participated in a cooperative election, I hope you will do so this year. Please visit www.vote.coop to read more about important issues facing our cooperative, and exercise your right to vote in November.
Voting helps us maintain a utility that is responsive to the members it serves. Elections impact cooperatives in the same way that federal, state and local elections impact our communities. When voters miss their chance to vote, they lose an opportunity to communicate their concerns to leaders about issues that matter.
Get to know your Director Donald is a self-employed farmer who has owned and operated Skyline Turkey Farm, Inc. for the past forty years. He has served as a township trustee, Soil and Water supervisor, member of the Ohio Poultry Marketing board, the Knox County Farm Bureau, and is a member of the St. Luke Catholic Church. Donald is married to Janet and they have four children: Daniel, Delbert, Joseph and Shannon.
Reliable electricity, rural infrastructure and access to rural broadband are just a few of the issues that are important to cooperatives across the United States. These issues will only become priorities if we continue
Make your voice count Take the pledge to vote this election year. Visit vote.coop to take the pledge. Co-ops across the nation are dedicated to making our voices heard at the polls. Collectively we can make a difference.
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Who Owns What? This graphic depicts equipment owned by the cooperative (in orange) and the member (in blue). If equipment owned by the cooperative becomes damaged or does not work, we are responsible for repairs. If member-owned equipment becomes damaged or does not work, the member is responsible for repairs. Members should hire licensed professionals when making any repairs to member-owned equipment.
natural gas members In accordance with Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations 49 CFR, Part 192.16, The Energy Cooperative is required to inform members that the member shall be responsible for their gas service lines. • 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.
Natural Gas Meter
member Service line Main Gas Pipeline MYENERGYCOOP.COM
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•
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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, OHIO811 should be called by simply dialing 811 or 1-800362-2764 at least 48 hours prior to digging. OHIO811 notifies various utility companies to locate utilities lines in the area. Plumbing 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, The Energy Cooperative strongly recommends a DOT-qualified plumber be used for all buried gas piping.
Who owns what? The Energy Cooperative
Electric members
The Homeowner
Service point
Power distribution lines Transformer
Weatherhead Service line Service mast
Power pole
Service mast guy
Meter socket and jaws
Meter Meter socket
Padmounted transformer
Service panel
member Service line
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Outdoor Living with Natural Gas By Dan McVey, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer – Gas Operations
Dan McVey
Summer is the time when families head outdoors. Your patio or deck is a great place to create barbecue meals and spend time with friends and family. Natural gas appliances and equipment are nice additions to any outdoor space. They can supply efficient and reliable cooking, lighting and space heating.
Here are a few options for outdoor living with natural gas. • Fire pits - A built-in fire pit provides the warmth and beauty of a campfire and all of the safety and convenience of natural gas. • Gas grills - A natural gas grill is a safe and economical choice for outdoor barbecuing. No need to mess with dirty charcoal or refill tanks. Gas grills make cooking outdoors convenient and fun. • Patio heater - Patio heaters offer warmth, extend the life of outdoor rooms and add indoor comfort to outdoor spaces. Units can be wall-mounted or suspended. • Gas lights - The warm yellow glow of gas lighting can add extra ambiance and security to your outdoor living space. Gas tiki torches are also a decorative lighting option.
Gas convenience outlets Convenience outlets are gas plugs that allow you to quickly and safely connect and disconnect natural gas equipment. They provide flexibility in designing your outdoor space and using natural gas appliances.
MYENERGYCOOP.COM
Natural Gas Safety Tips Safe, reliable and clean-burning, natural gas is good for the environment and will enhance your outdoor experience all summer long. Though rare, natural gas line leaks can be dangerous. The most telling sign of a gas leak is a rotten egg smell. This unpleasant odor comes from a harmless chemical, mercaptan, which is added to natural gas to make detection easier. Warning signs of a natural gas leak: • A rotten egg smell. • A hissing sound. • Dirt spraying into the air. • Continual bubbling in a pond or creek. • Plants that seem to be dead or dying for no reason. If you suspect a natural gas leak: • Warn others and leave the area immediately. • Do not use electricity, cell phones, flashlights, or fire, as a spark could ignite the gas. • Leave the area immediately. Call 911. Then call us at 1-800-255-6815. • Stay away from the area until safety officials say it is safe to return.
Plan for safe digging Always contact OHIO811 before starting any digging projects. Ohio law requires anyone digging to contact OHIO811 at least 48 hours (excluding weekends and legal holidays) prior to beginning their work. Hitting an underground utility line can cause damage to the environment and/or serious personal injuries. Failure to contact OHIO811 could also result in fines and penalties.
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Operation Roundup Grants The Energy Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Foundation awarded $57,142 to the following community organizations in June. • Beechwood Trails Park & Pool toward repairs and renovation • The Salvation Army in Newark toward a freezer and lift truck • Abbot Senior Living for computers • OSU Extension Knox Co. for a children’s activity area at 4-H booth • Licking County Coalition of Housing for washers and dryers • New Hope Lutheran Church for school supplies for their festival • Maysville Elementary for supplies for math program • Homer Public Library toward new lighting and fixtures • Hospice of Knox County for patient lock boxes • Buckeye Lake Village Fire Department toward firefighter gear • Licking Township Fire Department to upgrade cardiac monitor • Twin Oak Elementary Library for books • Horns Hill Trail Fund toward revitalization of park and trails
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Behavioral Health Partners of Central Ohio, Inc. toward flooring for renovation Together We Grow, Inc. toward materials for a new project.
The Operation Roundup Foundation also made a donation to food pantries in Licking, Knox and Muskingum counties.
Do you know an organization that could benefit from an Operation Round Up Grant? The remaining meeting dates for 2020 are Aug 4, Oct 6, and Dec 1. Application materials must be received ten days before the meeting date for consideration. Visit myenergycoop.com/operation-roundup to apply for an Operation Round Up grant, or to download the application for paper submission.
Thank you to our members who round up their monthly bill to help organizations in our communities. Your contribution makes a difference!
Chuck Moore, Executive Director of The Food Pantry Network of Licking County accepts donation from Todd Ware, President & CEO.
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I S G G J T M T R K J M C Y P
D F H M A D J X F E C C R C H
E B G M A L C J K S T E G R O
S L S C T X O Y E X H A K I N
N J E E G J E H H S G C W T E
I Z B C Z L P G A H F Z O E C
A S O K T H Y W L Q M I A B H
T M R Z M R H X T B X G T O A
R H V G Q S O A A S Z V N H R
U R S I I I V N L L R Q O E G
C R Z D B L E F I V A E Z M E
G B N M H T I A L C O R F D R
W S O C M E U A U Z S E I Y S
W K S L O W C O O K E R S F C
E S D T W I N J D W T F T Q H
SUMMER ENERGY-SAVINGS WORD SEARCH When you save energy at home, you’re helping your family save money and protecting our environment. Read the energy-saving tips below, then find and circle the bolded words in the puzzle. • Close blinds and curtains on hot, sunny days to block additional heat from entering your home. • Turn off lights and electronics, like TVs and stereos, when you leave a room. • Turn off the water while you brush your teeth.
• Only clean full loads of dishes when you run the dishwasher. • Cooking with smaller appliances like slow cookers and toaster ovens use less energy than larger appliances. • Unplug phone chargers when they’re not in use – they consume energy even when they aren’t charging devices. 15
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
1500 Granville Road P.O. Box 4970 Newark, Ohio 43058-4970 1-800-255-6815
PAID
COLUMBUS, OH PERMIT NO. 608
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Disconnects to resume July 20, 2020 The Energy Cooperative will resume disconnections for accounts with a past due balance beginning July 20, 2020. If you are unable to pay your bill, contact us to discuss payment options.
Important phone numbers • • •
Member service: 1-800-255-6815. Electric outages or emergencies: 1-888-535-5732. Natural gas or propane emergency: 1-800-255-6815.
Safety Reminders • • •
If you smell natural gas (rotten eggs), leave the area immediately. Call 911. Then call us at 1-800-255-6815. If you see a downed power line or other electrical hazard call 911. Then call us at 1-800-255-6815. Assume downed power lines are energized and dangerous. Consider any object touching lines energized as well.
Changing Business Hours The Energy Cooperative’s business hours change to 7:30am - 4:30pm on August 1, 2020. Hours will remain 8am - 5pm until that time.