The Energy Cooperative Times, Issue 1 2024

Times T H E E N E R G Y C O O P E R AT I V E

ISSUE 1 2024

IN THIS ISSUE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

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ENERGY SAVING TIPS

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SYSTEM GROWTH

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IN THIS ISSUE

1500 Granville Road P.O. Box 4970 Newark, Ohio 43058 1-740-344-2102 myenergycoop.com

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

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WHO OWNS WHAT: ELECTRIC

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ENERGY SAVING TIPS

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SMARTHUB

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SOCIAL ENGINEERING

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BARE STEEL REPLACEMENT

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OPERATION ROUND UP

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TRUSTED & LOCAL PROPANE

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SYSTEM GROWTH

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YOUTH PROGRAMS

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DIRECTOR'S CORNER

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LADDER SAFETY

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Todd Ware President & CEO Heather Juzenas Vice President of Marketing & Member Services Natasha Short Marketing & Communications Manager Cierra Strawser Marketing & Communications Specialist

The Energy Cooperative Times is the official publication of The Energy Cooperative.

This magazine is a communication link between The Energy Cooperative and its members.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

By Todd Ware, President & Chief Executive Officer Winter is here, and your cooperative is well equipped and trained for the usual and unusual challenges of the season including frigid temperatures, snow and ice. Each year, we ask our members to be prepared if and when winter storms tear down trees and branches, creating difficult circumstances Todd Ware for our crews when they are called upon to restore your service.

We will use our website and social media pages to let you know if the weather conditions could lead to an energy shortfall. We will alert you if energy conservation is urgent or if forced outages are most likely to occur.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU In addition to the possibility of “normal” winter outages, there is an increased chance that your electric service could be interrupted by rolling blackouts. We all can take steps to reduce the likelihood of this happening: •

This year, however, our concern goes far beyond the standard winter risks. In contrast to problems your cooperative can correct — like trees falling on our lines — there is a threat beyond our control. Electricity consumers in our region now face the possibility of outages caused by shortfalls in available electricity across the country.

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Conserve energy, particularly on the coldest days. This could mean delaying doing laundry or running the dishwasher until temperatures rise. You might throw on extra layers of clothes and lower your thermostat a few degrees to stay comfortable to use less electricity.

Pay attention to calls for conservation and make extra effort to reduce electricity use if an alert goes out that the grid is in danger from electricity shortages.

You can also be prepared for winter outages, regardless of their cause, by:

In December of 2022, due to the bitter cold and dangerous weather conditions caused by winter storm Elliott, there was a spike in electricity demand that exceeded what was available in nearby states.

Unfortunately, electric utilities were forced to shut off power to some residents to prevent widespread and uncontrolled outages (rolling blackouts). Ohio barely avoided having to deal with rolling blackouts.

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Industry experts warn that Ohio and much of the Midwest and eastern United States are at risk for similar circumstances if severe weather strikes again this winter. The premature closing of reliable fossil-fuel power plants has significantly narrowed the gap between the supply of available electricity and the ever-growing demand for power. When a winter storm drives even higher demand and threatens supply at the same time, those in charge of maintaining balance on the grid may require local utilities to reduce their electricity use.

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Ensuring the cooperative has correct and current contact information for you. If the phone number or email on your account may be outdated, call the office to update it.

Connecting to the cooperative through our SmartHub app, signing up for outage alerts, and following our social media accounts. We will use various channels to keep you informed about outages.

Gathering supplies and having a plan to stay safe in case of outages.

Your electric cooperative cannot control the weather, but rest assured that we will continue doing everything in our power to provide you with reliable service, no matter what Mother Nature sends our way.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OUR COOPERATIVE The Energy Cooperative and our electric generation cooperative, Buckeye Power, will closely monitor weather conditions and stay in contact with the regional authority that manages our portion of the electric grid. We have plans in place to notify our members quickly, clearly and effectively whether there is the likelihood of expecting an energy emergency or not.

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W H O OW N S W H AT

By Josh Filler, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Electric Operations

Josh Filler

service.

OWNERSHIP OF FACILITIES

We are preparing for the winter storm season that can cause disruptions and damage to both The Energy Cooperative and member facilities. Therefore, it is a good time to address some of the questions and concerns we get from members when storms cause damage to equipment. Here is a recap of who owns what when it comes to your electric

Ownership of electric facilities is different between overhead and underground services. In underground service installations, the cooperative owns the secondary conductor to the top lugs of the meter base.

In overhead service installations, the cooperative owns the secondary to the connection at your weatherhead or house knob attachment on your house or pole. The diagram shows this explanation. If you ever have any questions of ownership or who is responsible for what, do not hesitate to call us to clarify.

If your meter base, weatherhead or mast is torn down or damaged during a storm, you are responsible for having it repaired before we reconnect the service.

Who Owns What?

The Energy Cooperative The Homeowner

What is Clear Access?

Tree Trimming

Trimming trees around service line is the member’s responsibility

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PERMITS & INSPECTIONS

DISCONNECTS & RECONNECTS

Another issue that tends to catch our members offguard is the need to obtain a permit and inspection for work. The requirement for a permit and inspection varies across our service territory. The local authority dictates that requirement. This may come from the county, township, city, village, etc. In general, for residential services in an area requiring a permit and inspection, replacing equipment or conductors will likely need an inspection before we can reconnect the service. Be sure to check your local building code to determine if it is required in your area. If you have any doubt, feel free to call us. We can help you to determine if it is a requirement in your area.

The Energy Cooperative will always disconnect and reconnect your service when you are having electrical work done. This free service helps ensure that any work on member-owned equipment is done safely.

We ask members to schedule disconnects and reconnections ahead of time to ensure resources are available. Please call us at 740-344-2102 to schedule a disconnect or reconnect.

Power Distribution Lines

Service Point

Transformer Weatherhead Service Line

Power Pole

Service Mast

Member Service Line

Meter Socket and Jaws

Meter Meter Socket

Pad-mounted Transformer 5

Service Mast Guy

Service Panel

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E N E R G Y S AV I N G T I P S

By Heather Juzenas, Vice President of Marketing & Member Services

Heather Juzenas

You may have noticed that energy use increases as the outdoor temperature drops.

This happens because activities are being done inside of the home and heating systems run more often to counteract colder outdoor temperatures. This time of year, we like to share our best tips for saving energy (and money) during the chilly winter months.

Invest in Energy Savings: Reduce your water heating bills by insulating your water heater tank and pipes.

Save even more by installing low-flow faucets and showerheads. When it is time to replace your appliances, be sure to buy an Energy Star® appliance (washing machine or dishwasher) to maximize your hot water use.

THINK TWICE ABOUT SPACE HEATERS Fast & Free: Ditch the space heater. Small space heaters are meant to do exactly as their name says: heat a small space. If you use portable space heaters to heat your entire home, you will see a big spike in your energy bill.

Invest in Energy Savings: You can improve the overall efficiency of your home by fixing inadequate insulation, sealing drafty windows and exteriors doors and replacing an inefficient heating system. You can save money and increase the comfort of your home by properly maintaining and upgrading your equipment.

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR THERMOSTAT Fast & Free: Select the lowest comfortable thermostat setting for your family. The amount of energy needed to heat your home increases when it is colder outside.

This happens because your heating system must run longer to make up the difference between the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperatures.

This is true if you never move the thermostat.

REDUCE HEAT LOSS FROM YOUR FIREPLACE Fast & Free: Keep the chimney damper closed unless a fire is burning. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a window wide open during the winter. It allows the cold air to come in and the warm air to escape.

Invest in Energy Savings: Seal air leaks around windows and exterior doors by caulking and weatherstripping. Air leaks and drafts force your heating system to work harder than it should.

Invest in Energy Savings: Plug and seal the chimney flue if the fireplace is never used. You can also install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system to blow warm air back into the room.

DO NOT MAKE YOUR FURNACE WORK HARDER THAN IT SHOULD Fast & Free: Do not cover vents with furniture or rugs.

Your HVAC system uses the same amount of energy when it goes through six vents or ten vents. Unless you are closing vents in a room that is insulated and sealed from the rest of your home, the unconditioned air is getting mixed in, making your home less comfortable.

Saving energy is saving money. Start by making small changes to your daily habits then look for ways to invest in energy efficiency. If you do not already use SmartHub to monitor your energy use, I encourage you to give it a try. You can look at your hourly energy use to see when it spikes or dips throughout the day.

Invest in Energy Savings: Replace your furnace filter regularly. Ensure that your heating system is optimized for efficiency with regular maintenance and proper insulation.

Visit www.myenergycoop.com/smarthub to learn more or give us a call. Our member service representatives can take an in depth look at your energy use and suggest ways to lower it.

USE COLD WATER TO REDUCE WATER HEATING COSTS Fast & Free: Set your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees. This helps you save energy and reduce mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes.

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Track your energy use in SmartHub

Scan Me

SmartHub has several features that make managing your account as easy as possible. Through the web or your smartphone, you will be able to: Pay Your Bill

View Energy Use

Contact Member Services

Manage Notifications

Access Payment History

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SOCIAL ENGINEERING

By Scott Stitts, Vice President & Chief Information Officer In today's world, technology plays a key role in our daily lives, and you can find information on anything and everything. Because of this, there is an increased threat of attacks via social engineering, and it appears more than normal.

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Social engineering is a manipulative tactic used by cybercriminals to exploit Scott Stitts human psychology and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. It is crucial to be aware of methods used by cyber criminals.

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It is imperative that you take protective measures to avoid falling victim to their schemes. Here are a few practical tips on how to minimize the risk of becoming a social engineering victim.

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a second form of verification beyond just a password. Choose complex and unique passwords for different accounts to prevent your account from being compromised.

Be wary of unsolicited communication. Avoid responding to unprompted emails, messages or phone calls requesting personal or financial information. Be skeptical of urgent or alarming messages, as this is a common tactic used by social engineers to manipulate victims.

Limit what you share on social media. Adjust the privacy settings on your social media accounts to control who can access your personal information.

Always verify requests for financial transactions.

When receiving requests for financial transactions or changes to an account, confirm the request by using verified contact information to communicate directly with the person or organization.

If you suspect you have been targeted by a social engineering attack, report it to the authorities or the company of the social platform involved. Reporting incidents helps raise awareness and contributes to the collective effort to put an end to cyberattacks.

Knowledge is your best defense. Educate yourself with the common attack methods, such as phishing emails, pretexting and impersonation.

Verify the source and the sender. Do this before clicking on any links or responding to a message.

Contact the person or organization directly using trusted contact information, rather than the information provided in the suspicious message.

Apply two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security by requiring

By being more aware and following the tips listed above, you can drastically reduce the risk of becoming a victim of social engineering attacks. Remember, cyber threats constantly evolve – so staying informed and using a safe approach with your online interactions is essential to protecting your digital presence.

Avoid Becoming a Social Engineering Victim Ask Yourself These Questions 1

Did the message arrive unexpectedly?

Is it the first time the sender has asked you to perform the requested action?

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Stop, look and think before you act!

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Does the request include a stressor, such as “you need to do this now”?

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Can performing the request harm your interests?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, try to confirm whether or not the request is legitimate.

BA R E S T E E L R E P L AC E M E N T

By Dan McVey, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer — Gas Operations Pipelines are crucial components of the cooperative’s energy infrastructure because they ensure the efficient and safe transport of natural gas.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to upgrade aging infrastructure, particularly bare steel pipelines. These pipelines, once the standard, are Dan McVey now being replaced with more advanced materials like corrosion-resistant coated steel or polyethylene plastic pipe, offering a range of benefits for both the environment and member safety.

Upgrading to corrosion-resistant materials minimizes the likelihood of leaks, reducing methane emissions and environmental impact associated with natural gas transportation. This aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and transition towards cleaner energy solutions.

SAFETY Safety is of greatest importance in the natural gas industry, and the replacement of bare steel pipelines addresses several safety concerns. Corrosion-resistant materials not only prevent leaks but also reduce the risk of catastrophic failures and ruptures. Modern pipeline materials are designed to withstand external forces and pressures, providing a higher level of safety for both the infrastructure and the communities we serve.

We have replaced and removed over one hundred miles of bare steel natural gas pipelines from service since the beginning of our infrastructure replacement program in 2013. The pipelines were prioritized for replacement with our integrity management programs. These programs help assess risks from both a safety and leakage mitigation perspective. Through this process, leakage rates have fallen dramatically, and our unaccounted-for gas is also at a historically low level. We have made good progress but must continue the replacement process to gain the many advantages of modern infrastructure.

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE As our natural gas industry evolves, so do regulatory standards and requirements. Upgrading to corrosionresistant materials ensures compliance with modern safety and environmental regulations enforced by the Public Utility Commission of Ohio (PUCO). This not only protects the industry stakeholders from legal consequences but also shows a commitment to responsible and sustainable energy practices.

COST/BENEFIT

FIGHTING CORROSION

While the initial investment to replace bare steel pipelines is significant, the long-term cost-efficiency cannot be overlooked. Corrosion-resistant materials require less maintenance and repair over their lifespan, resulting in reduced operational costs. These corrosionresistant materials are likely to be in service for over one hundred years. The investments being made are going to be a benefit for our members in the long run.

One of the primary concerns with bare steel pipelines is the susceptibility to corrosion. Over time, exposure to the elements and corrosive substances can weaken the steel, leading to leaks and potential hazards. By replacing bare steel with corrosion-resistant materials like coated steel or plastic, the risk of corrosion-related incidents is significantly reduced. This not only enhances the longevity of the pipeline, but it also ensures the safety and reliability of our gas transportation system.

The benefits of replacing bare steel pipelines are extensive. From environmental considerations to enhanced safety and cost-efficiency, the transition to corrosion-resistant materials is a critical step in the evolution of our pipeline infrastructure. As we continue to prioritize sustainability and safety, investment in modern pipeline technologies is not only good for our members but also a crucial contribution to a cleaner and safer energy future.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT The transition from bare steel to modern materials contributes to a positive environmental impact.

Corrosion-related leaks from aging pipelines can result in the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

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Thank You

Operation Round Up Members!

The Operation Round Up Foundation awarded $67,816 to the following community organizations in October 2023: Center for Disability Services for public treatment kits Hartford Township Fire Department to buy Marcs Radio Hospice of Knox County for armrest covers Monroe Township Fire Department (Johnstown) to purchase a fan Newark Police Department for a drone Somerset-Reading Township Fire Department for a battery in a ventilation fan Bethel Mission to purchase crockpots My Place to Be to purchase and install classroom cameras North fork Local Schools for a walking path project Wiggin Street Elementary School for a Touch Math Resource/License Big Brothers Big Sisters to purchase STEM kit supplies Esthers Place of Grace towards a vehicle Granville Center for Arts for patio furniture Watkins Memorial HS Band Boosters to purchase an UTV Monroe Township Fire Department (Mt. Vernon) for a camera American Heritage Girls towards a camping trailer West Muskingum Softball for a softball field project Bishop Fenwick to purchase shades Licking Valley FFA towards a vehicle

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Because of the generosity of our members rounding up their bills to the next whole dollar amount each month, The Energy Cooperative's Operation Round Up Foundation has donated more than $4.1 million to community organizations.

The Operation Round Up Foundation awarded $70,327 to the following community organizations in December 2023:

KNOX ESC Preschool for playground equipment Newton Township to purchase fire hose sections and nozzles salvation army of mount vernon for building renovations licking county master gardeners for a polyhouse rebuild homeless hands of zanesville for a roof muskingum Valley esc to upgrade play area holy trinity Lutheran CHurch to purchase an AED

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

Scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit myenergycoop.com/roundup.

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Propane TRUSTED & LOCAL

Keep driveways and lanes maintained by creating a clear, safe path to your propane tank.

We cannot deliver propane if the pathway to the tank is not safe.

Important Reminders Do not wait until you are running low on propane to contact us for a refill.

Send us a propane meter reading every month.

Help Us Keep Your Tank Full!

Take a picture of your meter and tank gauge and email it to callcenter@theenergycoop.com or text it to 740-348-1120.

Call us at 740-344-2102 and give your meter reading and tank percentage to one of our member service representatives.

Send the information to us through our website myenergycoop.com/submitpropane-meter-reads

myenergycoop.com/propane myenergycoop.com

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SYS T E M G R OW T H

By Pat McGonagle, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer NATURAL GAS COOPERATIVE

The Energy Cooperative recently closed on a $150 million long-term loan facility in collaboration with our bank and strategic partner, National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC). This facility will help the cooperative meet the shared strategic initiatives of both the Board of Directors Pat McGonagle and our management staff. The agreement provides access to capital to replace aging infrastructure and meet the expansion opportunities on our system.

Simultaneously, the natural gas division is experiencing a similar wave of upgrades and expansion. The board continues to support the replacement of bare steel pipe with polyethylene pipe while also meeting the needs of system expansion in western Licking County. As a result, infrastructure investments are being made to ensure the efficient transportation and distribution of natural gas to our members.

The construction and maintenance of transmission and distribution pipelines plays a pivotal role in expanding the reach of the natural gas system. These upgrades not only enhance the reliability of the natural gas supply but also contribute to the economic development of the region by supporting industries dependent on affordable and accessible energy.

At the December 2023 board meeting, the board approved the 2024 consolidated capital budget of $38.1 million. This budget is aimed at maintaining reliable and resilient systems for all divisions.

Upgrading and expanding capital assets within the cooperative service territory is a critical undertaking that directly impacts the reliability and efficiency of our utility systems. The simultaneous upgrades of electric and natural gas systems and expansion of these systems reflect the cooperatives’ commitment to meet the growing energy demands while embracing technological advancements.

In summary, The Energy Cooperative's upgrades and expansion of electric and natural gas systems emphasize a comprehensive approach to meeting the evolving energy needs of the cooperatives systems. The investments in both divisions reflect a commitment to safety, reliability and resilience.

With the commitment of CFC and our Board of Directors, we are poised to navigate this changing landscape with confidence – realizing our vision for long-term success while providing our members with safe and reliable energy.

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

In the electric division, the cooperative has witnessed a surge in demand due to commercial and industrial development and projected member growth. To address this, substantial investments are being made to expand the capacity of existing system assets. Upgrading older distribution lines, adding new distribution lines and substations are essential components of this expansion.

These changes help facilitate the efficient transportation of electricity from the cooperative to our members.

Moreover, advancements in smart grid technology are being used to enhance the resilience and responsiveness of the electric system. The Energy Cooperative continues to invest in modernizing its control systems. These upgrades improve the reliability of the electric supply.

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Youth Programs & Scholarships The Energy Cooperative proudly supports local scholars by offering them several opportunities to further their education. We believe in the next generation and work to continue finding ways to help support their growth.

That is why scholarships and our youth programs will remain a priority for us now, and in the years to come.

Children of Members Scholarship

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 2-9-24

This $2,000 scholarship is processed and awarded through The Energy Cooperative. Overall, the judges are looking for the most well-rounded, accomplished students. The Children of Members scholarship winners are interviewed for the opportunity to move forward with Ohio's Electric Cooperative’s (OEC) scholarship program. OEC will conduct a second round of interviews, and additional scholarship funds are available to those finalists.

QUALIFICATIONS • •

Parents/Legal Guardians of applicants must be members of The Energy Cooperative Applicants must be a graduating high school senior

Operation Round Up Scholarship

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 3-8-24

This $2,500 scholarship is processed and awarded through the Operation Round Up Foundation. The judges are looking for scholars committed to pursuing a college education. The scholarships reward students who express accountability, integrity, innovation and community commitment through awards and efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS • • •

Parents/Legal Guardians of applicants must be members of The Energy Cooperative Parents/Legal Guardians of applicants must be active participants in Operation Round Up Applicants must be accepted to an accredited 4-year or 2-year technical school

Youth Tour - Join Ohio teens on a free trip to Washington D.C. APPLICATION DEADLINE: 2-26-24

Looking for a great opportunity for your teen? Youth Tour provides exceptional leadership experience and is a FREE trip to our nation’s capital paid for by The Energy Cooperative.

During the month of June, National Rural Electric Cooperative’s Association (NRECA) organizes this youth trip to Washington D.C. Students get an inside look at the electric industry, learn about the legislative and governmental process, and get the rare opportunity to visit our nation’s capital. Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives sponsor a group of students going into their sophomore, junior or senior year of high school. This week-long trip takes place June 15-21, 2024.

For more information about scholarships or Youth Tour, visit our website myenergycoop.com/youth-programs.

DIRECTOR'S CORNER

By Brad Patton, District 3 In November, I was interviewed for a “Get to Know Your Director” video that was shown to all employees at The Energy Cooperative. This gave them a chance to learn more about their Board of Directors.

The videos highlighted who we are, our career paths and cooperativeBrad Patton specific questions. As I considered my answers, I realized my knowledge has grown drastically over the last 18 months. Serving on the board has helped me to gain more appreciation and insights through the different perspectives from both employees and our members.

I want to share some of our impressive statistics to remind you, and to bring you up to date on the things I was surprised by, and you may be, too.

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DID YOU KNOW

The Energy Cooperative’s mission is to provide safe and reliable energy to our members with highly responsive service, consistent with the Cooperative Principles.

The Cooperative Principles are a great reminder of how we do business. If this term sounds familiar to you, it is due to references in this publication, on our website and social media. That is by no mistake!

The cooperative principles are a guiding force and a daily reminder of how we strive to operate. As a director, I often see them in action from community events like Kid's Day and the Director Elections. It is easy to see how important they are to our cooperative.

In my time on the board, I have learned that we leave a lasting impact in our community. We will experience growing pains in the coming years. In our evolving and fast-growing communities, growth is needed.

Thank you for allowing me to be your Director of District 3; I am thankful for the opportunity to represent you.

70K+ Total Meters 27K+ Electric Meters

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Counties Served

160+ Employees

Gas 38K+ Natural 5K+ Propane Meters Meters

Electric Line Miles

Transmission, 3K+ (Total Primary & Secondary)

1.2K+ Gas Pipeline Miles

Credits Retired Each Year $600K+ Capital for Past Two Years to Electric Members Funded through The Energy Cooperative’s $4.1M+ Grants Operation Round Up Foundation

G E T T O K N OW YO U R D I R E C T O R 5th generation farmer in the Utica area farming 2,800 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat

28-year member of the Homer Volunteer Fire Department, where he served 6 years as treasurer and 6 years as chief 15

Served as a board member of Licking County Farm Bureau for the past 4 years; Member of Highwater Church for 10 years 74 0 - 3 4 4 - 2 1 0 2

Staying safe on ladders Do Inspect the ladder Only use in a safe environment free of clutter Make sure the ladder is on a firm level base lean at approximately 75 degrees from horizontal maintain 3 points of contact (hands or feet) Stay near the middle of the ladder

do not Overload it or carry loads Overreach Allow more than one person on the ladder at one time Stand ladders on moveable objects or uneven ground Use the top two steps on either a ladder or a stepladder myenergycoop.com

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LADDER SAFETY

By Connie Hogue, Vice President of Human Resources & Safety DRESS PROPERLY

Most people have climbed a ladder at least once in their lifetime. While it may seem second nature to the people who use them on a regular basis, it is vital that we take the proper steps to ensure our safety.

March is Ladder Safety Awareness Month and Brain Injury Awareness Month – unfortunately, these two topics correlate with one Connie Hogue another. Keep these tips in mind to stay safe when you are working on ladders.

You should wear fitted clothing, nothing too baggy that could get stuck on the ladder. Wear closed-toe shoes that have good traction on the ladder. Add an extra layer of protection by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like hard hats, wrist guards, and knee or elbow pads. These types of gear are designed to help protect you and cushion the impact if you fall.

SELECTING YOUR LADDER Select the right type of ladder for the specific task or job.

• • • •

Step Ladder – self supporting Straight Ladder – must lean up against a surface Extension Ladder – can be raised (most common) Platform Ladder – build-in platform

Be sure your ladder has the correct duty rating for your job (heavy, medium or light).

Find out the heaviest load it can hold. The weight of the load should include your body weight, the weight of your clothing and the weight of the materials you are using. You should also use a ladder made for industrial, commercial or household use depending on your situation.

MAINTAIN 3-POINT CONTACT Three-point contact means you either have one hand and two feet or two hands and one foot on the ladder at the same time.

These simple, yet necessary steps, can significantly reduce your chances of falling off a ladder. Falling is one of the primary causes of accidental deaths.

Depending on the height of the fall, it may not result in death, but it could cause a severe injury such as brain damage, internal bleeding, or a broken bone.

Each year, over 22,000 people are injured when using a ladder. In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates around 150 people die from their injuries.

INSPECT YOUR LADDER FOR DAMAGE If you notice any loose bolts, dents, pieces missing, or that the steps are covered in dirt or grease, do not use it! You should get a new one or borrow one from a family member or a friend; always remember to check and make sure it is in good condition before climbing.

Ladders can be created with aluminum, fiberglass, wood, steel and plastic. Be sure to take into consideration the material your ladder is made of.

These materials do not last forever, and if you have a ladder that is old and starting to deteriorate, you need to replace it with a new and improved one.

Falls from ladders can be entirely preventable if you follow the right steps before, during and after climbing.

It is crucial that you take your time with the certain task at hand, watch your step, and always keep the 3-points of contact on the ladder. Never become overly confident in your ability to use a ladder. Stay diligent and always focus on keeping safety first.

PLACING A LADDER Scan the surrounding area of where you plan to place your ladder and keep an eye out for any potential hazards.

Place the ladder on a flat, stable and dry surface far away from powerlines or energized electrical equipment. Make sure it is locked in place and sturdy before you start to climb it.

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Thank You

to our employees for a successful toy drive in December 2023. We donated hundreds of toys and personal care items to the Salvation Army of Newark and Utica Church of Christ to help give local children in need a happy holiday.

We were built by our communities and always look for ways to give back.

AT T E N T I O N N AT U R A L G A S M E M B E R S 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.

If an unsafe condition is found, the gas piping will need to be promptly repaired.

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.

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.

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. myenergycoop.com

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.

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WINTER SAFETY WORD SEARCH

Did you know most home fires happen during colder months? Play it safe this winter season.

Read the safety tips below, then find and circle the bolded words in the puzzle.

A P I R P A J G F W D C Q T W U L B S G W N N P T S A T A T R L A Y P J I U Q P Q N G E O C T W R Y J D X A R X D B L Z J F T P M K G C I B T L T C F X B K Y Z S E M B Q G E B D B G B W B Z H K T Z H J H R M X C V X J E B X S X B Q C K V A V I M A B O K A T C S I K F E X Y T Q Y K J S F N Q V T J W L E V J A N V U W C B A P A W R T R E L E C T R O N I C S O W Z B K R Y X S B V A Q O U E S D R O C N O I S N E T X E P I F J R W K J B Q P U B D T Z

Never overload electrical outlets with too many electronics.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month.

Never leave a candle burning in an empty room.

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Keep flammable items at least three feet away from a space heater.

Extension cords should only be used temporarily.

Damaged or frayed cords should be thrown away.

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

1500 GRANVILLE ROAD

PAID

P.O. BOX 4970

COLUMBUS, OH PERMIT NO. 608

NEWARK, OHIO 43058-4970

BUSINESS INFORMATION

SAFETY REMINDERS

The Energy Cooperative’s business hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• • •

Member service: 740-344-2102 Electric outages or emergencies: 888-535-5732 Natural gas or propane emergency: 740-344-2102

740-344-2102

If you see a downed power line or other electrical hazard, call 911 then call our outage line at 888-535-5732. Assume every downed power line is energized and dangerous.

If you smell rotten eggs or suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately. Call 911 then call us at 740-344-2102.

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Energy

1500 Granville Rd., PO Box 4970, Newark, OH 43058

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