Times Magazine September & October 2020

TIMES SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER • 2020

Preventing power outages Why we clear the right-of-way

Also in this issue Business Meeting Update, Pg 3 Distracted Driving, pg 4 Scholarship recipients, Pg 5 Propane with a purpose, pg 6 Cost of service study, pg 11

ELECTRIC • NATURAL GAS • PROPANE 1

pg.8

TIMES In this issue 1500 Granville Road Newark, Ohio 43058 (800) 255-6815

myenergycoop.com Feedback@theenergycoop.com

Distracted driving

4

Operation roundup scholarships

5

Propane with a purpose

6

Director election results

7

Preventing power outages

8

Electric member rebates 13

Gary Baker Director of Marketing & Public Relations

Operation Round Up grants 14 Co-Op month word search 15

Heather Juzenas Communications Manager

Cover photos were taking by The Energy Cooperative‘s Chris Miller, FAA Certified Drone Pilot, with a DJI Phantom 4 Pro.

Please report any change of email address or phone number to us at (800) 255-6815 or by emailing feedback@theenergycoop.com.

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Cost of service study 11

Todd Ware President & CEO

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.

President’s Message

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President’s Message

By Todd Ware, President & Chief Executive Officer

Due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus, we were unable to hold our traditional annual meeting this year. Instead we released a virtual business meeting on our website.

Board Chairman Nelson Smith called the meeting to order and introduced the Board of Directors. The cooperative’s legal counsel announced the results Todd Ware of our recent Director elections, and I shared an update that I typically give in person during the annual meeting. I also want to share those highlights in this newsletter.

often find opportunities for operational improvements.

We successfully completed required commitments in both programs during 2019.

MEMBER SERVICE MEASURES One way we measure our level of service is through our annual American Consumer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) scores. Our scores continue to increase steadily. The electric cooperative scored 84 with a 78% retention rate, and our natural gas cooperative scored 87 with an 81% retention rate. Both scores are well above the utility industry average.

QUESTIONS FROM OUR MEMBERS

When will the cooperative start paying capital credits/ dividends? Your Board of Directors have the authority to COOPERATIVE FINANCES institute payments of capital credits if it is not harmful In 2019, the cooperative had a positive margin of $6.7 to the condition of the cooperative. Our primary lender million, as compared to 2018 net margin of $9.9 million. We requires our equity to be at 20% or higher before we pay finished just ahead of our budget of $6.4 million for 2019. capital credits to members. Our equity level at the end of The comprehensive income for the year was $5.3 million.

2019 was 17.2%. The Board is working towards the goal Comprehensive income is calculated by adjusting net of paying capital credits. At this time, however, I do not margin by any unrealized gains/losses from post retirement know when that will be. The Energy Cooperative currently health plans. In 2019, we have a $1.4 million unrealized loss. allocates capital credits to members and pays capital credits Major factors impacting our 2019 results were weather, to member estates. operating expenses and reduced patronage capital from Why do I pay a fixed cost for natural gas in the summer our generation supplier Buckeye Power. The year 2019 was when I do not use it? Our goal is for all member classes to 7 percent warmer than the 30-year average and 6 percent share fixed costs equally. We have a large amount of expenses warmer than 2018. This resulted in lost revenue of $4 that are fixed. The monthly facility fee covers the cost of million for the cooperative. providing you access to the natural gas pipeline system year round. The Energy Cooperative must maintain and have the Operating expenses were lower than budget by 1.5 percent system available year round. The fixed cost does not change or $800,000. Our Debt Service Coverage (MDSC) remained depending on the time of year. Whether you use a lot or strong at 1.46. This ratio measures our cash flow versus our a little energy each month, the cost of delivering natural debt payments. Our bank requires a minimum of 1.35 MDSC gas to your home or business stays the same. Rates must two out of every three years. We continued to grow equity be designed to align fixed revenues with fixed costs. This as it has grown to 17.23 percent as of December 31, 2019. principle also applies to our electric rates.

SAFETY IS ALWAYS OUR TOP PRIORITY

I would like to conclude by thanking our members. We appreciate the accolades our employees receive when working in your backyard, especially during severe weather and dangerous conditions. We have a very dedicated group of employees who hard work everyday. With their efforts, and the strategic direction provided by the Board of Directors, The Energy Cooperative will continue to provide you with safe, reliable, and affordable energy — now and always.

Our electric and gas operations continue to participate in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Safety Achievement Program and the American Gas Association Peer Review Program. These voluntary programs allow electric cooperatives and natural gas company employees to share leading work and safety practices along with their peers and they look for and 3

Distracted Driving month

By Connie Hogue, Director of Human Resources and Safety National Safety Council (NSC) plans to launch their annual distracted driving campaign in October this year. Distracted driving causes hundreds of unnecessary injury crashes every day in the United States.

The Multitasking Myth While many of us spend our day moving quickly between multiple tasks, research shows the human brain cannot handle two thinking tasks at the same time. Instead, your brain gets particularly good at moving quickly between two tasks.

Connie Hogue

Distracted Driving Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from safely operating a vehicle. This means taking your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off the task of driving. Drivers who send/receive text messages, make a phone call, glance at directions, or get social media alerts put themselves at great risk, and impact the safety of others who share the road.

Inattention Blindness “Inattention blindness,” is a driver’s failure to notice a visible hazard because their attention is elsewhere.

When drivers focus on another task, they can miss up to half of what is in their environment. Simply listening to someone during a phone conversation can decrease brain activity associated with driving by more than one-third. The use of smart watches, virtual assistants, and smart cars all create their own challenges. The best choice is always to focus only on driving when you are behind the wheel.

Tips to Stay Safe on the Road • Turn on the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature on your devices.

• Park in a safe location before using any devices.

• Appoint a passenger to manage your phone, or other tasks that take your focus away from driving.

• Keep devices out of arms reach to avoid the temptation of using them while driving.

• Speak out if you are a passenger in a vehicle with a distracted driver.

• Avoid calling or texting others when you know they are driving.

Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, AAA, National Safety Council

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN MULTITASK? Your brain can’t process two things at once. It switches attention from one task to another.

Did I remember to feed the dog?

nsc.org/justdrive Nothing is more important than getting to your destination safely. Use your phone and other technology only when you are safely parked.

Operation Roundup Scholarship winners

Congratulations to the students awarded Operation Roundup Scholarships in 2020!

Jaden Bussom

Mayleea Hansen

Caroline Holmes

Dylan Mitchell

Kathryn Noth

Caroline Sedor

William Small

Jacob Stone

Nathan Stone

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1-800-255-6815

propane with a purpose

By Dan McVey, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer – Gas Operations The Energy Cooperative supplies propane to more than 4,500 members within a 12-county area. Last year our members consumed over three million gallons of propane.

Our delivery trucks traveled more than 70,000 miles and our drivers made more than 10,000 deliveries in all kinds of weather conditions. Our Dan McVey propane team works hard to ensure our members have the propane they need-- when they need it.

For every gallon of propane delivered by our themed trucks, we donate one penny to community groups. The pink and lavender trucks promote cancer awareness.

The red, white, and blue truck supports local veterans, and we added a new truck to our fleet earlier this year to honor first responders. Your propane has a purpose, and it helps us make a difference in your community.

Refer a friend and get a $50.00 rebate!

Many of our propane members have referred family, friends, and neighbors to The Energy Cooperative.

Thank you for helping us grow and for trusting us to deliver your propane. Again, this year we are offering a $50 rebate for any of our members (electric, natural gas or propane) who “recommend a friend” and help us add a new propane member. Please continue to tell your friends and family about our propane service.

Supporting Our Community A Penny at a Time When you get propane from The Energy Cooperative, you are making a difference in your community. Our delivery trucks show you the purpose behind our propane.

Our pink and purple bobtails promotes cancer awareness.

Veterans truck supports local veteran’s organizations.

Our newest addition to the fleet is a tribute to first responders.

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The pink and purple bobtails support cancer treatment and research.

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2020 Director Election Results Donald Hawk, CCD, BL District 1 Director

board since 2005. He currently serves as Secretary/ Treasurer of the Licking Rural Electrification, Inc. Board and Chairman of the National Gas & Oil Cooperative Board. Through extensive training, he has received the Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership Certificates from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). John continues to attend training classes to keep up to date with Cooperative business. John has been a board member for the Licking Land Trust, Granville Chamber of Commerce, Granville Rotary and Licking County United Way, serving as President for one year. He is married to Anne and has two children.

Don is a lifetime farmer, owning Skyline Turkey Farm in Danville. He joined The Energy Cooperative Board in 2006.

He presently serves as Vice Chairman. Through extensive training, Don has received the Credential Cooperative Donald Hawk Director and Board Leadership Certificates from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). He continues to attend training classes to keep up to date with Cooperative business. He is involved in Farm Bureau, Knox County Sheep Improvement, the Ohio Sheep and Wool Board. Don was most recently elected to the National Lamb Feeders Board of Directors and also the American Lamb Board. He has been involved in community projects such as building the Danville Interchurch Building, Knox County Ag Museum additions, and also the Ramser 4-H Activity Center.

Don is an active member of Danville St. Luke Church.

He has been married to his wife Janet for 49 years and has 4 grown children and 10 grandchildren.

Joanne Little, CCD, BL District 8 Director Joanne is a graduate of Utica High School, Columbus Business University and Central Ohio Technical College. She was the Treasurer of JohnstownMonroe, Newark City and Olentangy Schools. Joanne Joanne Little also worked at C-TEC and the Licking County Education Service Center. She served as President of Ohio Association of School Business Officials, her State professional organization. Joanne has been on the board since 2012. Through extensive training, she has received the Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership Certificates from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). She continues to attend training classes to keep up to date with Cooperative business. Since retiring, Joanne has served as Interim Treasurer and Financial Consultant for many Central Ohio school districts. Joanne has been married to her husband Harry since 1969. They have 3 children and 9 grandchildren.

John Klauder, CCD, BL District 6 Director John was born and raised in Licking County. He received a finance degree from Miami University in Ohio and continued with a master’s degree in International Management from American Graduate School of International Management John Klauder in Glendale, AZ. Upon graduation, he worked for three years in International banking. He later pursued a Master of Landscape Design and started his own business, John Klauder Associates Landscape and Design. John has been on the

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1-800-255-6815

preventing power outages

By Gary Glover, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer – Electric Operations We know power outages can be frustrating for our members.

When an outage disrupts your family dinner, interrupts your favorite show, or shuts off your alarm clock it can be inconvenient. It becomes a more serious concern when it stops you from working or going to school. It may even shut off your heating and Gary Glover cooling system, or prevents you from using important medical devices. We know our members depend on the energy we provide, and we also do not enjoy power outages. In fact, we work very hard to avoid them.

MAINTAINING THE ROW Right-of-way (ROW) refers to the strip of land underneath or around utility lines. Utilities have the right and responsibility to keep this area free of trees and debris. Keep this in mind when you decide where to plant trees, especially trees that can grow into the power lines. Trees that are directly underneath our power lines and require frequent trimming are a financial burden to the cooperative. Our crew of right-of-way workers are out on our system every day. They diligently clear hazards and keep power lines free of debris. Clearing trees and overgrown vegetation is an important part of providing you safe and reliable electricity.

Trees are the most common cause of power outages.

Storms, small animals, and vehicle crashes are also responsible for their fair share. Some of these things are beyond our control, especially when trees fall from outside the right-of-way. When a strong storm blows through our system, it can leave behind a mess.

A vehicle accident that takes down a pole involves extensive repair. There is one common cause of outages we can control – keeping trees away from our power lines. Maintaining our right-of-way helps us prevent problems before they occur.

MYENERGYCOOP.COM

Our right-of-way clearing includes cutting, mowing, and spraying certain distances around overhead and underground electric facilities. The Energy Cooperative uses herbicides to remove unwanted weeds, brush, and trees from right-of-way. This enhances wildlife habitats by promoting grasses and other ground cover that birds, deer and small animals prefer. When our team applies herbicide, we practice precision application and use buffer zones to avoid gardens, flowers, and other plants.

As for small animals, we wrap our poles with ‘critter guards’ to discourage them from playing near power lines. We also have special equipment in our substations to minimize damage from squirrels, birds, and raccoons.

keep your family safe When falling trees and/or branches bring down power lines it creates an unsafe condition. Always assume downed power lines are energized and dangerous.

Consider any object touching lines energized as well. If you see a downed power line, or other electrical hazard, call 911. Then call us at 1-888-535-5732 or 1-800-255-6815 to report it.

The bottom line There are many ways we work to prevent power outages.

While we cannot control everything, we can do our best to plan for and prevent outages before they happen.

Questions?

As always, give us a call us at 1-800-255-6815. You can also chat with a member service representative from myenergycoop.com or through the SmartHub app.

Pro Tip: When our right-of-way crews are working in your area, you will receive a phone call or voice message. If you want to receive this notification, be sure to check your SmartHub app. Make sure we have your correct phone number, and that you are not on our ‘do not call’ list.

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The most common causes of power outages Trees or tree limbs falling on power lines

Lightning strikes and high wind

Vehicles coming into contact with utility poles

The weight of snow and ice on power lines

Small animals climbing on transformers or fuses

This photo was taken by Kevin Walker, The Energy Cooperative‘s Right-of-way Supervisor 9

1-800-255-6815

CO$T OF SERVICE

Study

By Pat McGonagle, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer The Energy Cooperative (TEC) reviews rate design annually as one of the first steps in the budgeting process for the upcoming year. Every four years the cooperative engages a third-party firm to prepare a Cost of Service Study for both Licking Rural Electrification (LRE) and National Gas & Oil (NGO). The Cost of Service study helps determine the Pat McGonagle revenue requirement for each cooperative which helps management with rate design for the upcoming year.

The cost of service study is one of the most effective analytical tools that the cooperative can rely on for designing rates that equitably assign cost responsibility to each member rate class, to the mutual benefit of both the cooperative and its members. The Prime Group was engaged to prepare the cost of service study using standard methodologies that have been established by industry experts, accepted by regulatory commissions, and approved by the courts. Implementing cost-based rates helps ensure that one class of customers does not subsidize another class of customers.

The three-step process used in the study involves the functional assignment, classification and allocation of all costs based on cost causation.

In the first step, costs are assigned to the major functional groups related to providing service. A few of the functional assignments used in the study were MYENERGYCOOP.COM

purchased power costs, distribution costs and other costs. Functionally assigning all costs permitted TEC to examine our revenue requirement in finer detail and to assign cost responsibility more accurately in the next two steps of the study.

In the second step, the major cost drivers were classified for each group of functionally assigned costs.

Identifying the major cost drivers allowed the service characteristics that give rise to the costs to serve as a basis for allocation. Once the costs were functionally assigned, they were classified by the following major cost drivers: energy-related costs, demand-related costs, and customer-related costs.

In the third and final step, the functionally assigned and classified costs were directly allocated to the customer classes based on an allocation factor that is representative of the service characteristic that drives the cooperative’s costs. Energy related costs were allocated based on the amount of electric (kilowatt hours) or natural gas (ccf) used by the customer class and demand related costs were allocated based on the appropriate measurement of the maximum demand that the customer class places on the system.

The cost of service study prepared by the Prime Group allowed the cooperative to understand the impact of its costs more fully and to design rates that properly assign cost responsibility to each member rate class moving forward. This study ultimately provides mutual benefits to both the cooperative and its members as it helps eliminate any subsidies amongst member classes. These new rates will go into effect in January 2021 and affect each member class differently.

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Propane Safety Reminders IF YOU SMELL GAS

• • • • • •

CARBON MONOXIDE

• • • • •

ODOR FADE APPLIANCE CONNECTIONS

Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.

Leave the area immediately. Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.

Shut off the gas. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, if it is safe to do so.

To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).

Report the leak. From a neighbor’s home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call 911 and The Energy Cooperative right away.

Do not return to the building or area. You should not return to the area until we determine that it is safe to do so.

Get your system checked. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, we need to check the entire system to ensure it is leak-free.

You cannot taste or smell carbon monoxide, but it is a dangerous gas produced when any fuel burns.

Carbon monoxide can be deadly in extreme cases, high levels of or extended exposure to carbon monoxide can result in brain damage or death. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache; dizziness; shortness of breath; nausea; and fatigue.

If you suspect carbon monoxide is present, act immediately. If you or a family member shows physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, get everyone out of the building and call 911.

If it is safe to do so, open windows to allow entry of fresh air, and turn off any appliances you suspect may be releasing the carbon monoxide.

If no one has physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, but you suspect that carbon monoxide is present, call us immediately to check carbon monoxide levels and your propane equipment.

Odor fade is an unintended reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane, making it more difficult to smell. Although rare, several situations can cause odor fade: • Air, water, or rust in a propane tank or cylinder can reduce propane odor concentration.

• If the propane is leaking underground, its passage through soil may reduce the smell of propane.

• The propane odor may stick to the inside surfaces of gas piping and distribution systems and possibly other materials.

Since there is a possibility of odor fade or problems with your sense of smell, you should respond immediately to even a faint odor of gas. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED that you or others in your home may have difficulty smelling propane, consider buying one or more propane gas detectors.

• • • •

Properly install and maintain connectors. It is important that all appliance connectors are properly inspected, installed, and maintained by a qualified service technician.

Have connectors checked when moving or replacing appliances. Connectors can wear out from too much moving, bending, or corrosion. Connectors should be checked by a qualified service technician whenever the appliance is replaced or moved from its location.

Use only approved appliance connectors. Make sure that all connectors and gas piping/tubing that bring propane to your appliances are installed by a qualified service technician and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Have older appliance connectors inspected. Over time, some types of appliance connectors can crack or break, resulting in a serious gas leak and the possibility of fire or explosion. If you have an appliance that is more than 20 years old, have a qualified service technician inspect the connectors to be sure they are safe and meet current safety-code requirements.

Operation Roundup Grants The Operation Round Up Foundation awarded $42,438 in August to the following community organizations.

• • • • • •

Muskingum County Soil & Water Conservation District for a camera Pay It Forward Ohio toward box truck or van Village of Johnstown for shelter house at Johnstown Trailhead Park Muskingum Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America for conferencing system Granville Township Fire Department for firefighter water rescue suits Licking County Courthouse Lighting Committee toward 2020 lighting event.

Do you know an organization that could benefit from an Operation Round Up Grant?

The remaining meeting dates for 2020 are 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.

SAVE WITH CO-OP CONNECTIONS APP! AS A MEMBER OF THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE, YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO START SAVING TODAY. • • • • •

NATIONAL & LOCAL DISCOUNTS PRESCRIPTION/ HEALTHY SAVINGS ONLINE SAVINGS CASH BACK ONLINE SHOPPING TRAVEL SAVINGS

SIGN UP ONLINE 1.

2.

3.

4.

SIGN UP IN THE APP STORE

Go to www.connections.coop Click Sign Up Today!

Enter your information.

Select Licking Rural Electrification

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1.

2.

3.

4.

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Download the Co-Op Connections app.

Click Create Account.

Enter your information.

Select Licking Rural Electrification

REBATES

F O R

E L E C T R I C

M E M B E R S

RESIDENTIAL REBATES

COMMERCIAL REBATES

NEW DUAL FUEL HEAT PUMP

CUSTOM LIGHTING PROGRAM

$400.00 PER UNIT/ $600.00 FOR ENERGY STAR UNIT • No restriction on type of backup heat • Central systems and ductless mini-splits

• Program allows for a wide range of energy efficient lighting retrofit upgrades for nonresidential member facilities • Available for LEDs in new construction or facility additions • Not applicable for installation of additional lighting • Rebate is based on total amp watts saved.

• Requires visit from cooperative to confirm installation • Rebate requires quantity, watts and type of lamps removed and installed

NEW GEOTHERMAL PROGRAM

$800.00 PER UNIT • No restriction on type of backup heat.

• Must be Energy Star qualified at time of installation • Closed loop: 17.1 EER, 3.6 COP. Open loop: 21.1 EER; 4.1 COP

NEW ELECTRIC WATER HEATER

ENERGY AUDIT PROGRAM

$200.00 PER UNIT $250.00 PER UNIT/ NEW RADIO CONTROL SWITCH $400.00 PER UNIT HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER • Electric storage water heater must be > 90% EF. • On-demand water heaters are not eligible

• Energy audit performed and energy efficiency recommendations implemented • Requires visit from cooperative to confirm installation

IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM

NEW ENERGY STAR REFRIGERATOR

• Program to allow the purchase and installation of nine specific types of energy efficient equipment for non-residential member facilities.

• Requires visit from cooperative to confirm installation

$100.00 PER UNIT • Appliance must be new and Energy Star rated at the time of purchase

NEW ENERGY STAR STAND-ALONE FREEZER

QUESTIONS?

$100.00 PER UNIT • Appliance must be new and Energy Star rated at the time of purchase

These rebates are available only for electric members of The Energy Cooperative. Natural gas and propane members are encouraged to contact their electric utility for available rebate programs.

REFRIGERATOR/ FREEZER RECYCLING $50.00 PER UNIT

Contact us at 1-800-255-6815 or from myenergycoop.com. Member service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm.

ADD RADIO CONTROL SWITCH TO EXISTING AIR CONDITIONING UNIT $100.00 REBATE PER UNIT • Load control switch installed to cycle unit during peak alerts

NEW ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER

$250.00 PER CHARGER/ $1500 MAX PER RESIDENCE • Must be level 2 charger • Max of 2 charger port rebate per residential member home • Max of 6 charging port rebates per non-residential member building/facility

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1-800-255-6815

The Seven Cooperative Principles

IMPORTANT MESSAGES for 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.

Here’s 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 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 MYENERGYCOOP.COM

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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. lumbing and heating contractors can assist in locating, P 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.

Important Messages for All members When disconnection of service for nonpayment is especially dangerous to the health the member, a medical certification form can be provided to the cooperative to avoid disconnection of service. The Energy Cooperative will provide a medical certification application by request. Contact us at 1-800-2556815 for additional information.

CO-OP MONTH FILL-IN-THE-BLANK Did you know October is National Co-op Month?

Complete the fill-in-the-blank activity below to learn about a few ways co-ops are unique!

Use the word bank if you need help.

1. Co-ops and their members work together toward a common ____________.

2. Co-ops are ____________ organizations, so they understand the communities they serve.

3. All co-ops operate according to the same set of seven cooperative ____________.

4. Concern for ____________ is the seventh cooperative principle.

5. Co-ops don’t have customers; we have ____________.

6. Co-ops are ____________ by the members they serve.

WORD BANK

LED

GOAL

MEMBERS

LOCAL

PRINCIPLES

COMMUNITY

Answer Key: 1) goal 2) local 3) principles 4) community 5) members 6) led

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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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Business hours

Safety Reminders

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! 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.

•

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.

SAFE, RELIABLE,AFFORDABLE Propane •

Refer a friend to our propane service and get a $50 bill credit!

Call us today to learn more.

1-800-255-6815 • myenergycoop.com