Care should be taken as temperatures drop
heaters, resulting in approximately 300 deaths.
Bullhead City may not experience the harshest Old Man Winter extols on other areas of the nation, but cold is a relative term.
“This is a celebratory time of year and we want our members to be with their friends and family,” Campos said. “Electricity brings with it many benefits, but as with anything else in life, if there isn’t a healthy respect, a situation can turn sideways quickly.
When the thermometer drops below 60 degrees, it may feel downright cold to many Mohave Electric Cooperative members and others at higher elevations will experience even colder temperatures. A desire to feel warm may have many digging out space heaters from the attic or the back of a closet. It’s a nice amenity, but care needs to be taken if members are to remain safe until the air begins to warm in February and March.
“Never, under any circumstance, should our members be using a power strip or extension cord with a space heater.”
“This is a serious warning The rule of thumb is to always review our members need to heed.” manufacturer warnings before
Rick Campos, “This is a serious warning our MEC Chief Operating Officer members need to heed,” said Rick Campos, COO at MEC. “Members have heard the saying: ‘it can be a matter of life and death.’ That’s exactly right when discussing the proper use of space heaters.”
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 25,000 home fires a year are traced back to space
plugging in any electrical device. This is particularly important with space heaters.
“Power strips are not designed to handle the high-current flow needed for a space heater,” Campos said. “The result can be the strip overheating or catching fire.” The heating elements in a space heater can reach temperatures in excess of 500 degrees. “We simply ask our members to use space heaters safely,” Campos said. “Rule number one is to plug a space heater directly into a wall outlet. No other devices should be plugged into the same outlet.” Other important safety tips: u Keep space heaters at least three feet away from any flammable items; u Use them only on a flat, dry surface, and; u Turn space heaters off and unplug them if there is nobody in the room.
“The safety of our members is important,” Campos said. “For anyone who has used power strips without a problem to this point, my warning is that it only has to happen once. It’s best to be cautious and avoid a potential tragedy.” Currents Banner Mohave Electric Cooperative’s 2018 Boom Box Parade float. Employee generosity resulted in the donation of hundreds of toys that were later distributed to underprivileged children throughout the community. Visit www.mohaveelectric.com
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Save energy, money and stay warm, too
With air conditioners being the biggest energy consumer during the heat of summer, it can be difficult to reduce bills and save. So, take advantage of the opportunity to budget for summer in the winter by reducing energy consumption. It can be accomplished without teeth chattering and skin becoming cold to the touch. “Members in a good portion of Mohave Electric Cooperative’s service territory enjoy a milder winter than in many areas of the country,” said Steve Bouman, energy management specialist with MEC. “This doesn’t mean they don’t get cold. “We grow accustomed to warmer temperatures, so what feels warm to some people, is cold to many of the MEC members.” But it remains a good time of year to reduce power consumption and save money better spent trying to stay cool during the heat of summer.
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be hands, feet, or head. Be sure to wear socks and slippers around the home to keep your feet off cold surfaces and, yes, wear a hat … even if you’re indoors.
Use your noodle
This tip is about trapping heat inside a home and keeping the cold air out. Cut a pool noodle in half, wrap it with a towel or other fabric, and place it at the base of a door frame. For those who don’t have a pool, the noodles can be purchased at a variety of retailers and generally cost just a few dollars each.
Fans still work in winter As most are aware, heat rises.
Warm air trapped at the ceiling won’t do much to warm a member sitting on a couch. Turn on ceiling fans to their lowest setting in a clockwise direction (spinning right to left when looking straight up at the fan). This will push the warm air downward helping to heat the home instead of the ceiling.
Layer up
It’s been burned into our brains that putting on several layers of clothes is the best way to stay warm. It’s true.
Program the thermostat
Heaters don’t need to work as hard in the winter to warm a home in the Bullhead City area as an air conditioner does to cool it in the summer. So, program the thermostat to turn on an hour before returning home so it isn’t working to warm empty space throughout the day.
Window dressing
If the outside temperature has resulted in bathing suits, shorts, and t-shirts being put in storage, it’s time to switch the curtain schedule around the house. The same heavy wool or fleece drapes work as well keeping both heat and cold out of the house. However, in contrast to the summer months, it is wise to open shades during the day in the winter to take advantage of the sun warming the home free-of-charge.
Changing your body temperature is quicker and easier than altering room temperature. Rather than turning up the thermostat, put on another layer of clothing. You’ll feel warmer, reduce energy consumption, and save money.
Even Santa wears a hat
Cover up properly
Apologies in advance if this tidbit ruins a childhood memory, but it’s not actually true that you lose most of your body heat through your head. People lose heat through any exposed surface of the body, whether it
Thinner blankets go on top and leave the thicker ones close to the skin. In addition, do not place a bed against outside-facing walls and windows. If that’s the only practical option, pull the bed away from the wall a few inches to remain warmer.
Hazard Hamlet, an educational tool Mohave Electric Cooperative borrowed the educational display Hazard Hamlet from Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association. The display was used in classroom presentations and at the Fire Safety and Prevention Fair. Hazard Hamlet has a number of potential dangerous electrical situations, such as a backhoe being used without knowing the location of underground electrical wires. Because the display is electrical, youths are asked to stand back. Visit www.mohaveelectric.com
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The operation was a success; in a few years many will save Mohave Electric Cooperative has made it a mission to help its members save money, and shade is certainly a step in the right direction. Hence, the MEC Operation Cool Shade program; the sale of four types of shade trees to members at a reduced cost. Members also receive an energy-saving LED bulb with the purchase of each tree. Savings from the trees aren’t seen overnight. They must be planted in the proper locations – shading the east, west, and south-facing walls – and nurtured to maturity. At this time, the trees cast a long shadow, protecting homes from direct sun during the heat of the day. The popularity of the program was evident on the first day of sales, when a one-day record of 954 trees were sold. The 600 rosewoods sold out in just over a day and all 1,800 available trees were sold nearly three days before the sales deadline. “The level of interest in Operation Cool Shade is fantastic,” said Steve Bouman, energy management specialist with MEC. “The first person in line arrived before 7 a.m. and sales didn’t begin until 8.” The program is partially funded through a surcharge on member bills mandated by the Arizona Corporation Commission. Each year, MEC partners with the Bullhead Mohave County Master Gardeners to improve the odds of success. The
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master gardeners conducted a presentation and demonstration Oct. 17 at the Bullhead Mohave County Library. When the weather cools, the time is right to get the A line formed around the side of the MEC Member Services Office newly acquired on the first day of Operation Cool Shade tree sales on Sept. 11. trees in the ground, The first member arrived before 7 a.m. providing the time utility wires and pipes. needed to adjust to the new surroundings before spring. An occasional mistake is leaving the trees Equally important is looking up. in the planters too long without enough “Never plant trees where their growth water. will interfere with overhead power lines,” “Getting the trees in the ground soon Bouman said. “A good rule to follow is, at after purchase is important,” Bouman maturity, the trunk and branches of trees said. “Leaving them sitting around for a should be at least 15 feet away from the period of time can reduce the odds of overhead power lines. This should be considered with every planting project, success. not just for those purchased through the “Another factor is water. All the trees cool shade program.” sold are desert adapted, but they still require periodic deep watering. This Bouman added that members should encourages the roots to spread and grow also be mindful to plant 15 feet from downward, which increases long-term driveways, patios, sidewalks, and block stability. Members sometimes mention a walls. tree falling over in a strong wind. That can happen if roots remain too close to Tree pickup was Nov. 9 at the Justice Complex parking lot and photos from the surface.” that event will be available on the MEC Members need to consider safety as Facebook page and in the January issue well. Calling Arizona 811 at (800) 782- of Currents. 5348 or visiting arizona811.com before any digging project is important. Arizona MEC thanks all its members for taking 811 will notify utility locators who then steps to conserve energy and save mark the placement of underground money.
Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce Installation and Awards
Rick Campos (above), COO of MEC, standing behind Bullhead City Mayor Tom Brady, was installed as a Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce board member. Right, MEC CEO Tyler Carlson accepted an award naming MEC the 2018-19 Chamber Member Business of the Year, Oct. 11. Visit www.mohaveelectric.com
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MEC announces plan to bring fiber broadband to members
In a first-of-its-kind endeavor for a cooperative in Arizona, Mohave Electric Cooperative has announced an ambitious effort to bring fiber-optic broadband service to 100 percent of its members. MEC is partnering with TransWorld Network Communications, a service provider with over 25 years of experience working with electric cooperatives. “It’s wonderful our members are excited about this project, but we need to be careful not to get ahead of ourselves,” said Tyler Carlson, CEO of MEC. “Although the board of directors has voted to move forward, there are still many steps left in the process before the service is available. “We are moving forward, but completing
this effort is contingent on finding the necessary funding.” The first stage was a survey conducted by MEC to explore member expectations and needs regarding internet use. The survey “take rate,” meaning members who would use the service, was 95 percent. MEC followed the survey with a feasibility study and, in September, the MEC board of directors voted to proceed. “We asked and our members answered,” Carlson said. “Having access to reliable, cost-effective, high-speed fiber service is something members desire throughout our service territory. “This isn’t going to happen overnight.
Financing through the duration of the project must be secured and the infrastructure needs to be built.” TWN will be providing the actual service. “The communities served by Mohave Electric have been underserved for reliable, true broadband service for too long,” said Colin Wood, CEO of TWN Communications. “We are excited to help them fill that gap and bring service to their members.” For those concerned about electricity rates, Carlson said this is a stand-alone service and rates will not be affected. To join a list of interested parties, visit: mecbroadband.twncorp.com/
Clockwise from top left - Mohave Electric Cooperative board members Joe Anderson (left), Carlos Tejeda, Cindy Christy, Toni Barbaro, and Michael Bartelt enjoyed National Night Out festivities. The newest member of the Bullhead City Police Department SWAT team, part of the estimated crowd of 300, and a young participant making use of one of the many handouts. Due to ever-increasing attendance, the event will be moving to the BHC PD parking lot in 2020.
MEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer