Times Magazine March & April 2021

TIMES March & April 2021

We are there for you When you need us most Pg 3

1936

8 5 YEARS OF SERVICE 2021

Also in this issue Ohio811 Before you dig, pg 4 Lineworker & Gas Worker Appreciation, Pg 12-13

1936

8 5 YEARS OF SERVICE 2021

1500 Granville Road Newark, Ohio 43058 1.800.255.6815

myenergycoop.com

In this issue President’s Message 3

Todd Ware President & CEO Gary Baker Director of Marketing & Public Relations Heather Juzenas Communications Manager

OHio811 Before you dig 4 How to claim missing stimulus payments 6 Operation Round up Grant Recipients 7 Propane Member Checklist 8 National Gas & Oil Photo Archives 9

Please report any change of email address or phone number to us at 1.800.255.6815 or contact us from myenergycoop.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 65,500 members.

Find energy resources for kids @ myenergycoop.com/kids-corner.

Director's Corner with John Parkinson 10 Natural Gas Safety Tips 11 Lineworker & Gas Employee Appreciation 12-13 Electronics Efficiency Crossword 15

President’s Message

By Todd Ware, President & Chief Executive Officer Safe, Reliable and Affordable Energy is the core of our mission at The Energy Cooperative. Safe because we work to ensure our infrastructure is maintained and upgraded regularly.

Reliable because we know how important it is that our electric and gas operations function properly each and Todd Ware every day. Affordable because the cooperative, not-for-profit, model means the payment members make each month for electric or gas stays within the cooperative. Because we do not have shareholders any margins are re-invested back into the system.

We make large investments each year to assure we have systems that are robust. In addition, we work with many partners to ensure that our energy supply has ample back up. Being part of large networks allows us to “balance” electric or gas supply from neighboring states or regions where they have different energy options. One of these networks is the 13-state PJM interconnection that supports Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives. This interconnected alliance backs up the electric cooperatives especially in extreme conditions.

reliable energy resource mix—coal, natural gas, methane, solar, and hydrogen power—which is more conducive to grid stability, as well as essential to our safety, security, and prosperity.

Buckeye Power’s natural gas-fueled peaking facilities serve Ohio cooperative members on the coldest and hottest days of the year.

Buckeye Power’s natural gas-fueled peaking facilities serve Ohio cooperative members on the coldest and hottest days of the year.

We Are Proud of Our Employees.

The last few months have been far from easy for any of Ohio weather changes drastically with each new season us, but our employees have powered through tough times. and even day to day. Cold winters and hot summers mean I want them to know how much we all appreciate their that our entire system must be built to withstand extreme commitment to the cooperative. As you might imagine, temperatures and conditions. That is why we have an suddenly working from home, riding alone in a truck, extensive winterization process for both our electric and staying six feet apart, wearing a mask, constantly washing hands and more, has tested all of us. Providing Safe, gas system to prepare for such extremes.

Reliable and Affordable Energy could never be possible without our outstanding employees that often go above A Balanced Approach to Renewable Energy and beyond their normal responsibilities to help the Buckeye Power, our Generation and Transmission supplier, member. supports alternative energy sources. However, we are not reliant on renewable energy generation resources.

So, when the wind doesn’t blow or the sun doesn’t shine, We are there for you, when you need us most.

Buckeye Power has a reliable amount of generation for heat and power for Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives. All in all, Ohio’s Electric Cooperative network has a diverse “all of the above”

3

OHIO811 Before you dig

By Connie Hogue, Director of Human Resources and Safety OHIO811 Mobile App

Is it time to build a fence for your new four-legged family member? Or perhaps you want to upgrade the backyard garden this year. Whatever the project, be sure to contact OHIO811 before a shovel hits the ground. This free step is critical for keeping you and your family safe. Hitting an underground utility line is Connie Hogue extremely dangerous and can cause severe injury or death. It can also cause service disruptions for your neighbors and result in a significant financial penalty. Do not get yourself into a dangerous situation. Always contact OHIO811 before you dig.

Did you know, everything you need to plan a digging project can be found on your mobile device? While you can still call 811 from your telephone, Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) has other options available to you. The OHIO811 app gives you access to all the information and tools you need to plan a safe digging project. You can contact OHIO811 directly from the app. Contractors can find all the information they need in the app, including an excavator manual. You can search the status of your project in the ‘near ticket’ feature. With one click you can verify each of your utilities saw your request and marked their lines. The OHIO811 app is an excellent resource for homeowners and contractors alike.

OHIO811 First Contact OHIO811 before you dig a new flowerbed, move your mailbox, or build a fence for that cute little puppy.

There are many ways to contact OHIO811. You can call (dial 811). You can visit their website (www.oups.org). You can download their app (OHIO811). Be sure to pick one before your digging project begins.

Pro Tip: Ohio law dictates the person doing the digging must contact OHIO811. This means your contractor should be the one initiating the request. It does not mean, however, that you should assume they know where the lines are located. Do not allow work to begin before you see marked utility lines.

April is National Safe Digging Month Common Ground Alliance (CGA) is an organization committed to saving lives and preventing damage to the underground infrastructure in the United States.

In 2008, CGA started National Safe Digging Month to further promote their important message. April was selected as safe digging month because it traditionally marks an increase in outdoor projects. National Safe Digging Month is a reminder for us to always contact OHIO811 before starting any digging project.

MYENERGYCOOP.COM

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5 STEPS FOR SAFE DIGGING 1. CALL

Call 811 or make a request online two to three days before you plan to start your project.

2. WAIT

Wait two to three days for a response to your request. Affected utilities will mark underground lines.

3. CONFIRM

Confirm each utility has marked their lines before you dig.

4. RESPECT

Respect the markers and use them as a guide for the duration your project.

5. DIG CAREFULLY

If you can’t avoid digging near the provided markers, consider moving your project.

Electric

Sewer

Cable Water

Gas

5

Survey Reclaimed Water

Excavating

1-800-255-6815

How to Claim Missing Stimulus Payments on Your 2020 Tax Return

By Pat McGonagle, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer With tax season in full swing, those who have not received their stimulus payments or think the IRS deposited the wrong amount can finally take action to get the money they’re owed. The IRS has already distributed the majority of economic impact payments to households without issue. But some people either fell through the cracks or received the wrong Pat McGonagle amounts. Those people can claim their missing money on their 2020 tax returns. If you believe you’re owed money from the IRS, here’s what you should know about stimulus payments and your taxes.

How do I claim the payments on my taxes?

size changed in 2020, then you might qualify for more money.

(If you received a payment but your income increased from 2019 to 2020, you won’t owe any of the money back to the IRS.) Here’s an example: A single person made $150,000 in 2019, but lost their job at some point in 2020 and only made $50,000 for the year. They wouldn’t have qualified initially for either payment, but can now claim the full amount on their 2020 tax return, and expect a total of $1,800. This also applies to people who received a partial payment, but their income fell enough in 2020 that they became eligible for the full $1,200 and $600.

Finally, many low-income individuals who do not normally file taxes may not have received their payments. While they can file a return in 2020, President Biden has directed the Treasury Department to take additional measures to finally deliver payments to anyone who has not received them yet.

You won’t see “stimulus checks” or “economic impact payment” on your tax return. To get the money you’re owed, look for the Recovery Rebate Credit. This will be on line 30 I was claimed as a dependent on someone of your 2020 Form 1040 or 1040-SR. On this line, you will else’s 2019 return, but was on my own in list the difference between what you are owed and what you 2020. Do I get a payment? received (you can find the amount the IRS paid you in your The short answer is yes. If you were a dependent on someone IRS.gov account). Then, either your refund will increase or else’s tax return in 2019, but were not in 2020, then you can the amount you owe the IRS will decrease. claim the payments on your own return this year. Assuming you meet the income limits and don’t have dependents of your own, you can expect $1,800.

How much should I have received?

The first economic impact payment was worth $1,200 per adult earning up to $75,000 in 2019 ($2,400 for couples earning up to $150,000) and $500 per child under age 17. The second was valued at $600 per adult earning up to $75,000 ($1,200 for couples earning up to $150,000) and $600 per child.

After those income limits, the payments phase out. If you received the proper payment amounts for each check, then you don’t need to do anything on your tax return.

What if my income or household size changed from 2019 to 2020?

The payments were based off 2019 (and in some cases 2018) income and household size. If your income and/or household MYENERGYCOOP.COM

6

However, adult dependents age 17 and older do not qualify for either payment and cannot claim them. This includes many college students, disabled Americans and elderly dependents.

A Third Stimulus Package It is possible a third stimulus will be approved by the time you read this article. I encourage you to visit IRS.gov to see if you qualify for this payment.

Please consider consulting a tax advisor to help ensure you receive the proper amount of your stimulus payments this tax season.

Operation Round Up The Operation Round Up Foundation donated $14,331 to the following community organizations in February 2021.

• • • • • •

Beechwood Trail Park & Pool toward a new pool pump & upgrades to bathrooms Hospice of Knox County toward supplies and pain charts House of New Hope toward a scissor lift Newark Twp. Fire Department toward a 3” fire hose replacement One Book/One Community for a community book club Village of Philo towards electric & lights in shelter house.

Thank you to all of our members who round their monthly energy bill to the next dollar. Together, we can make a big difference in our communities. To learn more about Operation Round Up Foundation, or apply for grants, visit myenergycoop.com/ operation-roundup.

"Following Cooperative Principle number seven, Concern for Community, The Operation Round Up Foundation takes great pride in giving back to the community. Since 2005, Operation Round Up has given over 3.5 million dollars to charities and non-profits in east central Ohio. Cooperative members “round up” their bill to the nearest dollar and that amount is distributed by a board of directors that meet 6 times annually."

Robert “Bob” McGaughy, Chair, The Energy Cooperative Operation Round Up Foundation

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1-800-255-6815

Propane Member Checklist

By Gary Baker, Director of Marketing & Public Relations

On February 2nd, Buckeye Chuck declared six more weeks of winter. This came right in the middle of a winter that was already making its mark.

The first few months of 2021 brought a return to extreme winter weather in Ohio. While we are used to working in snow and extremely cold temperatures, we experienced Gary Baker challenges during the snow filled months of January and February that we do not want Our trucks weigh 50,000 lbs when they are empty. Once to repeat. One of those challenges was to safely deliver we add heavy fuel. We need icy driveways treated with propane to all our members. sand or salt, and our propane bobtails need a ten foot wide clearance (at a minimum). We must avoid unplowed We ask our propane members to submit a meter read driveways and icy terrain. monthly. Why? The answer is simple. We want to avoid a situation like the one in the picture. Our propane team All of our drivers are safe, and we want to keep it that way. knows our members, and the challenges that may (or may Here is how you can help. not exist) when filling each propane tank. This is why we ask you to report the amount of propane in your tank each Propane member checklist month. It allows us to plan safe deliveries. When we know 1. Keep driveways and/or lanes maintained creating extreme weather snowy weather and cold temperatures are a clear, safe path to your propane tank. coming our way, we can make sure you have the fuel you 2. Understand that we cannot deliver propane if the need (when you need it). When you talked to our member pathway to the tank is not safe. service representatives last month, they likely spent more 3. Submit monthly meter reads so we can plan safe time asking if your driveway was clear and tank accessible. deliveries.

As your cooperative we must determine if the driveway or 4. If you order bulk propane, be sure to check the lane is safe enough to deliver the propane. level of your tank regularly and let us know when it is close to 30%.

How to submit a meter reading You can submit a propane meter read multiple ways. Find the one that works best for you.

• Visit myenergycoop.com/propane to enter your monthly meter reading.

• Return your meter read along with the paper copy of your monthly bill.

• Provide a member service representative with your meter reading by calling 1-800-255-6815 or chat with us from myenergycoop.com.

Don’t forget to submit a meter reading monthly, even when you are not using much propane. This helps us stay ahead of the game when a cold snap occurs.

MYENERGYCOOP.COM

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1936

2021

85 Years of Service

85 Years of Service National Gas &

Oil Archives

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National Gas &

Archive

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Oil Archives

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National Gas &

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1915

The Energy Cooperative celebrates 85 years of service in 2021. We heard from many members who recognized family, friends, and neighbors featured in previous issues. Thank you for helping us identify everyone pictured in the previous magazine. If you recognize someone featured this month, please give us a call at 1-800-255-6815 or send an email to pr@theenergycoop.com.

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1-800-255-6815

Director’s Corner

By John Parkinson, CCD, BL, District 5 Director

John Parkinson

Every year The Energy Cooperative has an annual meeting. While it looked very different last year, and likely will in 2021, one of the most important activities during the meeting is to announce election results for the board of directors. Directors are the nine people we entrust to give strategic direction and ensure the cooperative has good governance.

At The Energy Cooperative, we try to make it as convenient as possible for members to participate in the election by returning your paper ballot, voting online, or casting your vote through the SmartHub app. As the utility industry continues to face challenges, we need your active participation. As a member of our cooperative you have the right to help set the direction.

attachment to the organization other than seeking a return on their investment. Communities served by municipally-owned systems may vote for the mayor or city council, but the connection to the electric service is very indirect. The board of directors of a cooperative makes important strategic decisions for the organization, while the operations (day-to-day running of the business) is entrusted to the cooperative's CEO. So as we approach this year’s election, I encourage you to ask the candidates where they stand on issues that are important to you. Democracy is not only the American way, it’s the cooperative way. I encourage you to participate in the upcoming election and make sure you have a voice in our cooperative’s future.

Get to know your director

John was elected to the board in 2003. Through extensive training, he received the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD), Board Leadership (BL), and Director Gold Certificates from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. John is a self-employed farmer, and a member This is a critical difference between cooperatives and of the Knox County Farm Bureau. He was also a 4-H Advisor other electricity providers, such as investor-owned for over 25 years. John attends the Utica Methodist Church utilities (IOUs) or municipally-owned systems. With IOUs, and has three children and four grandchildren. you are a customer and there is no required ownership.

IOU stockholders live far away and often have no direct

10

The Energy Cooperative Board of Directors, with CEO Todd Ware, during the ground breaking of the Smiths Mill Substation in 2014

Earth Day is celebrated each year on April 22 to highlight the need to build a healthier, more sustainable planet. How can you help? Take steps to conserve energy, reuse and recycle, eat local and organic, and use water more wisely. By making a few simple changes, you'll be doing your part to make the planet a better place.

Important Information

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.

What you need to know 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 11

piping will need to be promptly repaired.

When digging near buried gas piping, the piping should be located in advance and the excavation done by hand. As a reminder, any time you are excavating, OHIO811 should be called by simply dialing 811 or 1-800-362-2764 at least 48 hours prior to digging. OHIO811 will notify 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 DOTqualified plumber be used for all buried gas piping.

Lineworker Appreciation Day Across the nation, April 18th is recognized as Lineworker Appreciation Day. Lineworkers do more than keep the lights on. They ensure we have the power we need to keep our homes, businesses, and schools running smoothly.

“Being a lineworker takes years of specialized training, a strong dedication to safety, and a willingness to do what is needed to keep our members power on.”

Gary Glover, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer – Electric Operations

Rex and Brian

Marcus and Rob

Brad and John

Terry, Shannon, Andrew, Kenny

Doug

John, Travis, Brad

Travis, Dean

Jarrod, Dave

Gas Utility Workers' Day March 18th, 2021 is the fifth year Gas Utility Workers’ Day has been officially celebrated across the country. This day of recognition is intended to build public awareness about the hard work done by the employees of natural gas utilities, and the impact they have one our everyday lives.

“Safety and reliability are vital aspects to natural gas service. Energy Cooperative employees work hard to make natural gas delivery as safe as possible while providing exceptional member service.”

Dan McVey Vice President & Chief Operating Officer – Gas Operations Mike

Darrin

Ryan

Caleb

Keith

Rex

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1-800-255-6815

Natural Gas Safety Tips

1936

8 5 YEARS OF SERVICE 2021

The Energy Cooperative is committed to providing safe and reliable energy to our members with highly-responsive service consistent with Cooperative principles.

THE PURPOSE AND RELIABILITY OF NATURAL GAS AND PROPANE GAS PIPELINES: Purpose: To safely transport natural gas and propane gas.

Reliability: Our natural gas and propane gas pipelines are installed only by qualified professionals and tested for leakage before they become operational.

HAZARD AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MEASURES: Awareness of Hazards: Damage to gas piping can cause a fire or explosion.

PREVENTION MEASURES UNDERTAKEN: Natural gas and propane gas companies are required by law to perform leakage tests on all jurisdictional main lines and service lines before activating them with natural gas or propane gas. Periodic leak surveys are also required as a method to locate and/or repair a leak before it becomes hazardous.

PIPELINE LOCATION INFORMATION: The natural gas transmission, gathering and distribution, and propane pipelines we operate and maintain are mostly not visible to the public. The pipelines are buried below ground in our right-of-ways. The approximate locations of our pipelines are identified by pipeline markers that are placed within the right-of-way. In accordance with federal regulations, our pipelines are patrolled on a regular basis to inspect for any leakage, corrosion problems, encroachment, etc. Some segments along our pipelines have been designated as “high consequence areas.” We have developed supplemental assessments and prevention plans for these highly populated areas that are near our pipelines’ right-of-way.

PURPOSE OF PIPELINE MARKERS AND WHAT THEY ARE USED FOR: Natural gas and propane gas pipelines are identified by markers placed at intervals along pipeline right-of-ways. The markers display the name of the owner of the pipeline and display a 24 hour emergency telephone number.

The markers are generally placed whenever needed to indicate the presence of a pipeline, such as where a pipeline easement intersects a highway, railroad, creek, or river crossing, and in heavily congested areas. The markers are used to show the approximate location of the pipeline.

AVAILABILITY OF THE NATIONAL PIPELINE MAPPING SYSTEM (N.P.M.S.): Our transmission pipelines are located within four Ohio counties – Licking, Muskingum, Noble, and Perry. The pipelines are a safe and reliable source of moving natural gas within our system. The pipelines are not visible because they are buried within our right-of-ways. The pipelines are patrolled and surveyed on a routine basis for leakage, corrosion, and encroachment problems, etc. To view our transmission pipeline system go to npms.phmsa. dot.gov.

LEAK RECOGNITION AND RESPONSE: Remember the three ways to recognize a natural gas or propane gas leak: • SMELL: To help you SMELL a leak from a gas line or appliance, a familiar odor like rotten eggs is 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. Natural gas transported by gathering pipelines may not be subject to fluid protection, may have varying levels of btu content, and does not have the odorant mercaptin added, although the gas may still have a distinct natural odor.

IF YOU RECOGNIZE EVEN ONE OF THE ABOVE SIGNS, WALK AWAY, RIGHT AWAY. • Don’t try to stop or repair the leak yourself or use anything that might create a spark such as a cell phone.

• Avoid using potential ignition sources such as telephones, doorbells, electric switches, or motor vehicles.

• From a safe distance, call 911. Never try to extinguish a gas fire or operate any pipeline valves. Then contact The Energy Cooperative immediately at 1-800-255-6815.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR GAS-LEAKS IN THE HOME: Be prepared.

Practice safety drills for getting your family out of the house at night before an emergency occurs. Don’t turn lights on or off.

Remember: • Don’t light matches or cigarette lighters.

• Don’t use a flashlight during the drill because an electric arc might ignite the gas.

• Don’t use the telephone or cell phone because an arc might ignite the gas.

• Plan what you’re going to do and move slowly and carefully.

• Practice the drill in the daylight first.

BE SAFE - OHIO811 BEFORE YOU DIG: Before you break ground at any construction site or begin a project around your home, be sure you have taken the proper measures to achieve the highest level of safety possible. A simple phone call at least two days before starting the excavation work to the Ohio Utilities Protection Services (OUPS) will result in a representative locating buried facilities at your construction site or at your residence. This FREE service can help protect you from personal injury or property damage, and prevents interruption of your Energy Cooperative and other utility services.

• To contact the Ohio Utilities Protection Service, call 811, or 1-800-3622764, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• In case of emergency call The Energy Cooperative at 1-800-255-6815.

Questions? Contact us at 1-800-255-6815 or myenergycoop.com.

ELECTRONICS EFFICIENCY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Did you know there are ways you can reduce your electronics energy use? Complete the crossword puzzle below to learn about electronics efficiency.

WORD BANK: label chargers computers rechargeable power strip

1

2

3

4

5

1 DOWN: Use a _____ _____ with an on/off switch when powering multiple electronics to easily manage energy use.

2 ACROSS: For devices that require batteries, use ______ ones, which are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

3 DOWN: Unplug electronic products, like ______, when you’re not using them.

4 DOWN: Electronics that include the ENERGY STAR® _______ are the most energy efficient.

5 ACROSS: Many ______ come with a sleep mode or power management feature, which can save $30 on annual energy costs.

ANSWER KEY

1.

DOWN: POWER STRIP

2. ACROSS: RECHARGEABLE

3. DOWN: CHARGERS

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1-800-255-6815

4. DOWN: LABEL

5. ACROSS: COMPUTERS

1936

85 Years of Service

2021

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

myenergycoop.com

Business hours The Energy Cooperative’s business hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm. We respond to outages and emergencies 24/7/365. Call if you need us. Our crews are on call and ready to respond.

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 rotten eggs or suspect a gas leak, 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 every downed power line is energized and dangerous. Consider any object touching lines energized as well.

Know what’s below OHIO811 Before You Dig