Sdrea west river june

West River Electric June 2018 Vol. 19 No. 2

Joy Ride? A Look at Electric Vehicles

Page 8

Tractor of Tomorrow?

Page 12

MANAGER’S NOTE

We dodged a bullet

What a Spring it has been What a spring it has been. We dodged several bullets, or I should say bullets in the form of ice, in April. There were several nights I lost sleep when they gave out weather forecasts. However, we were blessed with plenty of snow but very little, to no, ice. It has really warmed up now, but I hope it continues to bless us with moisture. We were plenty dry heading into winter.

Dick Johnson dick.johnson@westriver.coop

Step back and take a second to think about doing it safely.

With this colder than normal spring, many of our members have seen some very high heating bills. The heat rate we offer goes off after your bill cycle was run for April. Your May bill did, or will, reflect those heating kWh’s at normal rates. We offer the heat rate only during those months that Basin offers the discounted rate to us. In past years we have seen those cooler days the end of April and May that are on the higher rate but this year was an exception. I would have loved to have the discounted rate longer this year too!

I had a linemen tell me the other day he was visiting with a member. The member said something like “I suppose your first priority is to get the lights back on.” Our lineman said, “No, my first priority is to work safely, so I can go home every night to my family, then my next priority is to make sure I get the lights on.” He told me that he probably was out of line to tell a member that. I told him absolutely not!

We should all think towards safety as our first priority whether at work or home. Here are some “I am just” statements we should never use that I hope will help drive home the point: •

“I am just” running to the store for something, I can just leave my seatbelt off

•

“I am just” going to quickly grind this piece of metal off, so I don’t need to wear safety glasses

•

“I am just” going to pound a couple of pieces of metal together so there is no need for hearing protection

•

“I am just” going to drive that 4-wheeler just a little faster to cut off that cow and get her back in

•

“I am just” about done, and even though it is very late, I can get 1 more field baled yet tonight

•

“I am just” going to step on the very top rung of that ladder and I will be on the roof

•

“I am just” going to get on that chair to reach that item on the top shelf; I don’t need a sturdy ladder

These “I am just” statements really show how our decision can greatly affect us if something goes wrong. The extra second could end up not getting us home to our families safely that night. As you look at that brief list, you can see why I felt our lineman was totally on target with his priorities. We preach a safety 2777100 culture here at West River Electric. It starts because we have one of the most dangerous jobs around, but we push for a safety culture for our entire employee team to adopt safe practices when they get home too.

With the busy summer here, please step back and take a second to think about doing it safely. “I am just” as guilty as anyone in taking that shortcut, but I have learned through our safety program the importance of taking that extra second to get home to see my family at night.

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Cooperative Connections | June 2018

Joel Stephens & Matt Kruse pulling a guy wire as part of the Line Maintenance.

MAINTENANCE CREW What do they do?

Mike Letcher mike.letcher@westriver.coop

As mentioned before the linemen at WREA do everything from construction to checking on trouble reports to substation work. The one area where we felt this approach was not working out was line maintenance. It seemed as though we were rushing through our annual line patrol and the associated maintenance so we could get back to new construction. With that in mind, a few years ago we decided to create a dedicated maintenance crew in the Rapid area.

Dustin Brimm and Turner Donahue doing tree trimming.

This is a two man crew that only does maintenance.

They are responsible for annual line patrol and meter reads as well as all associated replacements/repairs from resagging line to pole changes and tree trimming.

They work with the staking dept. and myself to identify line sections that we need to look at replacing in future work plans as well as assist in long range planning.

The crew rotates annually with the journeyman in charge rotating back to the regular crew while the other lineman moves up to be in charge of the maintenance crew for the next year. This way they have a year to see how the crew functions and then they are in charge of it for the next year. They analyze outage data to focus on the lines we have the most trouble on as well as working on other reliability issues. The crew appeared to be making improvements in our system reliability in the Rapid area so we started a similar crew in the Wall area. Overall this should reduce our outage numbers and increase reliability to you the member.

June 2018 | Cooperative Connections

3

SAFETY TIPS

Electrical Safety on the Farm

Primary Elections Near

Farming is among the more dangerous occupations for several reasons, including potential for encounters with electrical hazards. Before taking to the fields, the Safe Electricity program urges farm workers to be aware of overhead power lines and to keep equipment and extensions far away from them.

A primary election determines which candidates will be on the ballot in the November general election.

Safe Electricity encourages farm managers to share this information with their families and workers to keep them safe from electrical accidents.

Start each morning by planning your day’s work. Know what jobs will happen near power lines and have a plan to keep the assigned workers safe.

Keep yourself and equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines in all directions, at all times. Use a spotter when moving tall equipment and loads.

Use care when raising augers or the bed of a grain truck.

It can be difficult to estimate distance and sometimes, a power line is closer than it looks. Use a spotter to make certain you stay far away from power lines.

Always lower equipment extensions, portable augers or elevators to their lowest possible level, under 14 feet, before moving or transporting them. Wind, uneven ground, shifting weight or other conditions can cause you to lose control of equipment and make contact with power lines.

Be aware of increased height when loading and transporting larger modern tractors with higher antennas.

Never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path. If power lines near your property have sagged over time, call your utility to repair them.

Don’t use metal poles when breaking up bridged grain inside and around bins.

As in any outdoor work, be careful not to raise any equipment, such as ladders, poles or rods, into power lines. Remember, non-metallic materials, such as lumber, tree limbs, tires, ropes and hay, will conduct electricity, depending on dampness and dust and dirt contamination.

Use qualified electricians for work on drying equipment and other farm electrical systems.

If you are on equipment that contacts a power line, do not exit the equipment. When you step off the equipment, you become the electricity’s path to ground and receive a potentially fatal shock. Wait until utility workers have de-energized the line and confirmed it is safe for you to exit the vehicle. If the vehicle is on fire and you must exit, jump clear of the vehicle with both feet together. Hop as far from the vehicle as you can with your feet together. Keep your feet together to prevent current flow through your body, which could be deadly.

Electrical work around the farm can also pose hazards.

Often, the need for an electrical repair comes when a farmer has been working long hours and is fatigued. At such times, it’s best to step back and wait until you’ve rested.

Source: safeelectricity.org 4

Cooperative Connections | June 2018

Voters in South Dakota head to the polls in June for the primary election while voters in Minnesota follow suit Aug. 14.

In South Dakota, there are 24 House and Senate races with primary elections that will be decided on June 5. Those wishing to vote in the primary election have until May 21 to register to vote. Absentee voting began on April 20.

Minnesota’s Primary Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 14. Minnesotans can vote by mail or in person from June 29 through Aug. 13.

As part of the election cycle, co-ops across the county are engaging in Co-ops Vote, a non-partisan program developed by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives. The Co-ops Vote campaign seeks to help get out the vote and insert issues important to co-ops and their communities into the public discussion.

KIDS CORNER SAFETY POSTER

“Never play or climb on power lines.”

Caroline Ekberg, 9 years old

Caroline is the daughter of Lance and Doris Ekberg, Hamill, S.D. They are members of Rosebud Electric Cooperative, Gregory, S.D. Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). If your poster is published, you’ll receive a prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address and the names of your parents.

Colored drawings are encouraged.

RECIPES

Dairy Delicious Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Lemon Ginger Blueberry Muffins

2 boneless chicken breasts

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese

2 cups flour

1/4 cup milk

1 tsp. chili powder

1/3 cup water

2/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 cup shredded cheese

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 tsp. cumin

12 6-inch flour tortillas

1 tsp. McCormick® ground ginger

1 tsp. McCormick® pure lemon extract

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 cup blueberries

Place chicken, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, cream cheese and water in crock pot. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or 4 hours on HIGH. Place 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture into each tortilla.

Top with 1 to 2 T. shredded cheese. Roll tightly and place in a single layer on greased baking sheet. Bake at 400°F. for 10 minutes or until tortillas are slightly browned and cheese is melted.

Cortney Reedy, Tea, S.D.

Crunchy Ice Cream Bars 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1/2 cup peanut butter, creamy or chunky

4 cup Kellogg’s Cocoa Krispies 1 pint ice cream

Mix corn syrup thoroughly with peanut butter. Pour over Cocoa Krispies and stir until well coated. Press mixture into a 9x13-inch buttered pan. Place in freezer to firm up. Cut into 12 3-inch squares.

Place a slice of ice cream between 2 squares. Cut each square into 2 bars. Wrap individually in foil and keep in freezer until needed.

Cindy Reu, Luverne, Minn.

Lightly grease 12 muffin cups or line with paper baking cups. Set aside. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, ginger and baking soda in large bowl. Mix sour cream, milk, oil, egg and lemon extract in medium bowl. Add to flour mixture; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. (Batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.) Gently stir in blueberries. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each cup 2/3 full. Bake at 400°F. 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of muffins comes out clean. Serve warm. Makes 12 (1 muffin) servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 213, Total Fat 9g, Sodium 122mg, Cholesterol 29mg, Carbohydrates 30g, Protein 3g, Dietary Fiber 14g Pictured, Cooperative Connections

Cowboy Caviar 2 cans Mexicorn

Strawberry Cheesecake Pie 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup chopped almonds

2 cups cold milk, divided

1 T. sugar

1 (3.4 oz) pkg. instant vanilla pudding

1 9-inch graham cracker crust

1 cup sour cream

In a bowl, combine strawberries, almonds and sugar. Pour into crust. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth; gradually add 1/2 cup milk. Add pudding mix and remaining milk. Beat for 1 minute or until blended; pour over strawberries. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until set.

Stephanie Fossum, Hudson, S.D.

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 1 cup Miracle Whip

1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies 6 green onions, chopped Fritos Scoops corn chips

1 cup sour cream Mix together all ingredients; serve with corn chips.

Jane Ham, Rapid City, S.D.

Please send your favorite dessert, salad and garden produce recipes to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in June 2018.

All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.

June 2018 | Cooperative Connections

5

The threatening call!

GRANDPARENT SCAM What Is It? And Why Are They Targeting Grandparents?

Veronica Kusser veronica.kusse@westriver.coop

There is a new scam that we would like to be sure our members are aware of. As my husband and I are having dinner in a local restaurant this past Tuesday night, I over hear a table with several grandparents sitting at discussing their weeks events. I can only imagine they are out enjoying the wind that blows in Western SD and catching up with the retired friends that still live in the area.

One gentlemen says to a group of women at his end of the table, “you should hear about the phone call I received on Friday evening.” A man calls saying he is my grandson and he is in jail in Puerto Rico. “Grandpa I need $12,000 to get out of jail and get back to the United States”. Grandpa said “I listened to him beg and give me instructions for a short time of how to send the money and last but not least it was, please don’t tell my parents what happened or where I am at”. Grandpa then asked if he could speak to his grandsons wife, the man on 6

Cooperative Connections | June 2018

Gift Cards Request

the other end of the phone said he had to go and hung up.

Well this grandpa called his daughter, (the grandsons mom), and confirmed that it was not true. His grandson was no where near Puerto Rico, and that the man on the end of the phone was trying to scam him. Pulling hard on those 10369300 heart strings, many grandparents may have just done what was requested of them. Our grandkids are everything to us, and we would do anything to keep them safe, out of trouble and even go so far as to keep a secret from their parents. Well that may not always be the best way.

Here are a couple of tips we recommend if you ever get a call supposedly from one of your grandchildren claiming to be in another state, or even foreign country and desperately need “several thousand dollars to get out of a jam?” Your natural knee jerk reaction may be to jump in and help, withdraw your life savings or whatever it may take, but that may not be the thing to do.

1. Take a deep breath or two, relax and be non-commital.

2. Ask the caller for a phone number where you can call them back at.

3. Make that call to your son or daughter who would know if your grandchild is away from home as the caller claims.

Maybe they have spoken to them recently.

4. If you know your grandchild’s cell phone, call him/or her and leave a voicemail, if you need to, encouraging them to call you back as soon as possible.

You can also text them, but always ask them to call you so you have that verbal contact with them.

It can be very embarrassing to have fallen victim to such a crazy act, so they tend not to tell anyone.

5. Be aware, if the caller doesn’t sound like your grandchild, they may say they have a bad cold or that they have a bad connection. Never commit to anything on the phone.

Generally, grandparents are asked to wire the money to some out of state or out of the country location. Sometimes grandparents are told to buy thousands of dollars in pepaid debit cards and then call the grandchild with the numbers from the back of the cards, and sometimes they will even request that you send cash.

SCAM

The grandparent scam has been proven sucessful because it is simple, it uses one of the older adults most reliable assets their heart strings. Older people are often the easiest targets because they are likely home during the day, they expect people to be honest and are less likely to involve the authorities when they have been taken advantage of. It can be very embarrassing to have fallen victim to such a crazy act, so they tend not to tell anyone. They feel stupid, feel gullible and it can cause anxiety and depression

There is an email version of this same type of scam that is going around, so please remember to do some checking before you fall victim to such a crime. If a supposed grandchild, relative or friend calls or emails and claims to be in dire need of money, remember to stop and take a deep breath or two, act only after you have verified the location of that grandchild, friend or other relative.

And remember don’t ever hesitate to call your local authorities before acting on anything like this. Don’t be embarrassed and don’t be angry, they are your grandchildren and we would do anything to protect them.

Like I tell my kids, use those eyes that I always claimed to have in the back of my head when you were little.

Cashing out Savings!

June 2018 | Cooperative Connections

7

INNOVATION

The 2017 Ford Focus, with a price tag in the $35,000 dollar range, can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6 to 11 seconds, which is about average for all U.S. cars.

What You Don’t Know about Electric Cars Could

THRILL YOU

Electric Vehicles Aren’t Just for City Driving.

Paul Wesslund

Photo Caption NRECA Contributing Writer

If you want a really powerful car, maybe one that can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds, consider an electric vehicle like the NIO EP9.

You’re right, that’s too powerful. The NIO EP9 would also cost you more than a million dollars. But even more modest versions offer a respectable kick. The Chevy Bolt and Ford Focus, with price tags in the $35,000 dollar range, make the jump to 60 mph in 6 to 11 seconds, which is about average for all U.S. cars.

There’s a built-in reason electric cars hold their own in performance, says Brian Sloboda, a program and product manager at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

“In an electric car, all of the power is going into the wheels. With a gas-powered car, a lot of power is lost inside the mechanical engine,” says Sloboda. “If you sit in an electric car and the driver smashes down on the accelerator, you are going to be thrown into the back of your seat, much more so than many gasoline cars.”

In March, Goodyear announced a new tire that would hold up better under the “instant torque from electric motors.”

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Cooperative Connections | June 2018

But wait, there’s more.

“The battery is at the bottom of the car, so you have a lower center of gravity, which means you can take the corners crisper,” says Sloboda. “If you do a lot of driving in the hills or mountains, they are fun.”

Electric vehicles hold a lot of other surprises compared to the

INNOVATION traditional view of them as a glorified golf cart. Even electric co-op in rural parts of the country are hearing interest from their members.

About 700,000 electric vehicles drive on U.S. roads today, according to an analysis by CoBank, a financier for electric co-ops.

That number could jump to 3 million in the next five years, says CoBank. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration projects electric vehicle sales growing from about 1 percent of the market today, to 12 percent by 2050.

Car makers are pushing those trends. In October, General Motors said it would launch 20 new electric vehicles by 2023. In January, Ford announced plans to invest $11 billion in a lineup of 40 hybrid and electric vehicles by 2022. In March, Volkswagen said it had secured $25 billion in electric car batteries and technology and plans to scale that up to $60 billion.

One of the most radical new notions about electric vehicles, advises Sloboda, is to think of them not as cars or trucks, but as consumer electronics.

“The internal combustion engine is a perfected technology, so those cars aren’t improving at a very rapid pace,” says Sloboda.

“But electric vehicles are evolving at a very rapid pace, so you’re really kind of comparing it to a cell phone or a computer.”

What that means for consumers, says Sloboda, is that they might consider leasing an electric car rather than buying one, to make it easier to trade in the car to take advantage of the annual improvements in battery life, and other features.

Other unexpected benefits of electric vehicles that could speed their acceptance, says Sloboda, include range, maintenance and more competitive costs.

Will I run out of juice?

The electric vehicle industry has a term for the biggest roadblock to its growth—range anxiety. But Sloboda says the fear of getting stranded far from home with no way to refuel may be overblown, and getting less concerning.

“The range on the electric cars you can buy today is perfectly sufficient to cover almost everyone’s daily commute,” he says.

Sloboda says that while electric cars won’t work for someone regularly commuting 100 miles a day, “For most people, even in rural areas, that number is under 40 miles a day. Most electric cars on the market today have between a 120 mile range and some of them are getting close to a 200 miles.”

The Federal Highway Administration reports the average American drives 37 miles a day.

Less hassle Electric car acceptance doesn’t need to wait for a network or charging stations to appear around the country, says Sloboda.

He sees refueling more like this: you plug your car into an outlet in your garage at the end of each day, and by morning it’s fully charged.

“No more having to stop and fill your tank up once or twice a week,” he says. “You can charge it at home while you’re sleeping and wake up to a full tank every single day.”

Electric cars can also save on maintenance, says Sloboda.

“With an electric vehicle, you don’t have oil changes, and you don’t really have transmission fluid changes,” he says.

And regenerative braking in electric cars uses the electric motor to slow the car rather than relying only on brake pad friction.

Sloboda says, “A lot of electric vehicle owners are saying they’ve never replaced their brakes because you just don’t have the physical wear and tear on the brake pad.”

Costs are coming down.

Sloboda says electric car costs today make them a luxury car, but that’s changing. As electric car research, development and production increases, costs will be coming down. Tax breaks for electric cars at the federal level and in some states can reduce costs by several thousand dollars. And Sloboda notes that electricity costs less per mile than gasoline.

But one of the main reasons drivers buy electric cars is for environmental reasons.

Sloboda says an electric car “is cleaner than a gas-powered car, no doubt about it.”

Another advantage of an electric car, he adds, is that “you’re powering it with electricity from your local electric co-op.”

Paul Wesslund writes on cooperative issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

June 2018 | Cooperative Connections

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YOUTH

2018 WEST RIVER ELECTRIC SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Veronica Kusser veronica.kusse@westriver.coop

West River Electric believes that communities are strengthened by investing in our future leaders. To support their continued learning, the Board of Directors of West River Electric and Basin Electric Power Cooperative have awarded scholarships since 1990 to young members pursuing a college degree or post secondary education.

The cooperative hopes the recipients will complete their education, return to their community and apply their skills locally.

The scholarships are for college and tech bound students across West River Electric’s service area.

The scholarships are available to high school seniors and others pursuing a college degree or vocational degree. This year one $1000 and five $500 scholarships were awarded. We also gave out 4-$500 scholarships 4554300 to students who attended our Annual Meeting. Plans for the recipients of the 2018 scholarships include studies in Secondary Education, Math Education, Medical, Nursing, Welding, Agriculture and Radiology.

$500 Annual Meeting

$500 Annual Meeting

$500 Annual Meeting

Damion Bresee

Tate Eisenbraun

William Housman

$500 Annual Meeting

Monica Bielmaier

$1000 Basin

$500 Scholarship

$500 Scholarship

$500 Rushmore

Abigail Baker

Jordyn Thayer

Thomas Shaw

Brianna Phillipsen

$500 Scholarship

$500 Scholarship

Riley Klueber

Emily Pauley

Congratulations to the Class of 2018 from the Board and Employees of West River Electric... always remember “The Beautiful Thing About Learning is That No One Can Take It Away From You.”

-B.B. King

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Cooperative Connections | June 2018

COOP NEWS

NOMINATING COMMITTEE FOR WREA TO MEET major supplier to the cooperative.

There are two ways to run for election: by nomination or by petition. No nominations are taken from the floor at the annual meeting.

Three incumbent directors 4204000 Howard Knuppe - New Underwood, Stan Anders - Union Center and Andy Moon Creighton have said that they will seek re-election.

If you are interested in being nominated or would like to nominate an individual, you may contact one of the following members of the 2018 Nominating Committee. The committee will meet May 30, 2018 to determine the slate of candidates.

2018 Nominating Committee Members Dennis Fernau of New Underwood Rosie O’Neill of Caputa Angela Philippe of Rapid City Travis Enright of Union Center At the April 2018 West River Electric Board of Directors meeting, the Board chose the 2018 Nominating Committee.

The committee must nominate at least one person for each of the three districts in the coops service area. Candidates must be members of the cooperative and reside in the district they are nominated from, be in good standing with the cooperative, not be employed or financially interested in a competing enterprise or

Roger Scott of Rapid City Todd Whitaker of Rapid City Patty Kjerstad of Wall Josh Geigle of Creighton Elden Helms of Creighton

WREA ANNUAL MEETING IS OCTOBER 13, 2018

WREA PAID OVER $460,370 TO AREA SCHOOLS West River Electric pays a kilowatt hour tax on all kWh sold throughout the cooperative. Under South Dakota law, a formula is used to calculate the amount of tax from the kWh’s sold that is returned to the school district in which the 10807001 electric services were provided. West River Electric’s wholesale power supplier, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, also pays the kWh tax on their portion of the member’s power bill. In 2018, West River Electric will return $460,370.09 to area schools that operate in our service area.

Pennington County Schools received $382,547.65 Meade County Schools received $72,351.65 Jackson County Schools received $4,589.70 Ziebach Country Schools received $448.88 Oglala Lakota County Schools received $305.27 Haakon County Schools received $126.94 June 2018 | Cooperative Connections

11

INNOVATION

Meet the Electric John Deere Battery-run Tractor Showcased in Paris Kaley Lockwood editor@sdrea.coop

In order for the SESAM to take off, the battery capacity will need to expand to support the sun-up to sun-down longevity of farm work.

A peak under the hood of John Deere’s first, fully battery-powered tractor.

The all-electric tractor is modeled after John Deere’s 6r series tractors.

Green and yellow are arguably the second-most American set of colors, behind red, white and blue of course. This rings true particularly for those who operate John Deere machinery on a daily basis, as the growth of our nation is supremely dependent on the country’s agriculture industry, including the good folks who support it.

Technology in recent years has been the catalyst for the boom and bust of many industries. In the past decade or so, advancements in farming technology have primarily been focused on automation and precision, but with the automobile industry moving towards electric vehicles, the ag-industry is following suit.

John Deere showcased the first, fully battery-powered tractor in 2017 at SIMA, an international agribusiness tradeshow in Paris. This technological innovation was given a ‘special mention’ as it truly the first of its kind.

Nicknamed SESAM, for Sustainable Energy Supply for Agricultural Machinery, this all-electric tractor is modeled after John Deere’s 6r series tractors.

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Cooperative Connections | June 2018

In a press release by John Deere, SESAM is said to have all of the same “features and functionality of a ‘conventional’ tractor while offering the benefits of electric power.” This emissions-free tractor runs at a lower noise level than other traditional tractors and is operated using two independent electric motors. The electrification of this tractor simplifies the moving parts and thus, greatly reduces the need for maintenance.

These two motors power an adapted DirectDrive transmission, producing 130 kilowatts of continuous power with a peak output of 400 horsepower, according to Farm-Equipment.com. The website also affirms that the tractor takes three hours to fully charge and can run up to four hours in the field with speeds ranging from 2 mph to 30 mph. As a comparison, the Tesla model 3 may have a capacity of up to 75 kilowatt hours of battery storage (kWh), providing a range of about 310 miles. The SESAM has a capacity of 130 kWh with a range of about 34 miles, which

INNOVATION

means that this tractor uses a lot more electricity in a shorter period of time.

In order for the SESAM to take off, the battery capacity will need to expand to support the sun-up to sun-down longevity of farm work. In fact, the President and CEO of Autonomous Tractor Corporation, Kraig Schulz, purported that a 200 horsepower electric tractor would hypothetically need about 1,500 kWh of batteries to complete a full day’s work. As energy storage technology continues to advance, it’s only a matter of time before John Deere manufactures a tractor that can meet this need.

Although SESAM’s battery technology may not yet be practical for a full day of farming, the all-electric tractor is a very exciting development for the agriculture industry. This is one of many future steps in the direction of electrifying agricultural machinery and integrating this equipment with renewables. As the press release

stated, “The SESAM tractor is a major part of John Deere’s vision of the energy-independent farm of the future.”

This push towards electrification of farm machinery in lieu of using fossil fuels directly supports the beneficial electrification movement. This concept, known fully as “environmentally beneficial electrification,” is gaining traction among a growing number of groups in the U.S. including local electric cooperatives. Frequently promoted as a means to reducing greenhouse gases and helping the environment, beneficial electrification also helps consumers by providing products that are cleaner, quieter and easier to maintain.

John Deere’s SESAM tractor does just that.

Kaley Lockwood writes on cooperative issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

The tractor takes three hours to fully charge and can run up to four hours in the field with speeds ranging from 2 mph to 30 mph.

In 2017, John Deere showcased the first, fully battery-powered tractor. This technological innovation is truly the first of its kind. Nicknamed SESAM, for Sustainable Energy Supply for Agricultural Machinery, this all-electric tractor is modeled after John Deere’s 6r series tractors.

June 2018 | Cooperative Connections

13

NEWS BRIEFS

WREA RETIREMENT AND PROMOTIONS

Jeannie Smith is retiring June 1 of 2018. She started her career here at WREA July 1, 1996 as a Billing Clerk.

In July of 2001 she was promoted to the Data Clerk and became more involved in the billing process. In April of 2013 Jeannie was promoted to the Billing Supervisor, a position she has taken great pride in. It was a goal of hers to be sure the members get an accurate bill each month.

She is excited to see what retirement brings. She plans to travel, spend time spoiling her grandchildren and spend time in her yard with her dogs.

Alicia Fortune was promoted to the Billing Supervisor as of April 1, 2018.

She was hired as the Accounting Clerk in May of 2008 and in April of 2013 was promoted to Data Clerk.

Alicia graduated from Wall High School and Western Dakota Tech with a degree in Office Technology. She was previously employed by Scotchman’s Industries in Philip and Wall Drug.

Prior to this time she took a couple of years off to be with her children. She and her husband Cory have 2 boys, Riley, and Carter, and a girl, Chloe.

They live on a ranch east of Wall.

Aimee Paulsen was promoted to the Billing Clerk as of April 26, 2018.

She was hired as the Billing Support Clerk in April of 2017. Aimee was an Administrative Assistant for Wall School for the 17 years prior to coming to West River Electric. She is looking forward to the opportunity to get to know our members better.

Aimee and husband Jason have 2 children, Macee and Graysen. They enjoy spending time with family and following their kids in sports. They have a ranch north of Wall where Jason enjoys being outdoors.

West River Electric received the South Dakota FFA Distinguished Service Award Board President Andy Moon was on hand to receive the FFA Distinguished Service Award at the 2018 South Dakota State FFA Convention held at Frost Arena on the SDSU campus. West River Electric was recognized for the outstanding support of FFA and Agricultural Education in South Dakota through the efforts and dedicated service we provide.

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Cooperative Connections | June 2018

NEWS BRIEFS

West River Electric Will Be Closed On Monday, May 28, 2018 in Honor of Memorial Day.

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month

(USPS No. 675-840)

Our Mission: West River Electric Association, Inc. shall strive to continually improve customer service and satisfaction by providing safe, reliable, efficient and reasonably priced electricity and services, while leading in the development of our community for the well being of our members.

Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight for maximum energy efficiency. Test the seal by closing the door over a piece of paper (so that it’s half in and half out). If you can easily pull the piece of paper out, your seal may need to be replaced or the latch may need to be adjusted.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Board President: Andy Moon

Did you change your phone number or email It is important to keep your information updated with West River Electric.

We would like to be able to keep you updated on planned outages or other important information that may affect your service. Contact us at 279-2135 or 393-1500 to make changes to your information.

Locate Your Account Number If you locate your account number anywhere in this issue of the West River Electric Cooperative Connections you will be a winner.

There will be five account numbers placed randomly throughout the Connections. If you spot your account number and notify our office before the 10th of the next month, you will receive a $10 credit on your next bill.

West River Electric Office Hours

Board of Directors Stan Anders – Vice President Jamie Lewis – Secretary Larry Eisenbraun – Treasurer Jerry Hammerquist Howard Knuppe Marcia Arneson Chuck Sloan Sue Peters CEO and General Manager: Dick Johnson – dick.johnson@westriver.coop Editor Veronica Kusser – veronica.kusser@westriver.coop

A night depository is available at both offices for your convenience.

WEST RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS is the monthly publication for the members of West River Electric Association. Members subscribe to Cooperative Connections as part of their electric cooperative membership for $6 a year.

West River Electric Cooperative Connections purpose is to provide reliable, helpful information to electric cooperative members on matters pertaining to rural electrification and better living. Nonmember subscriptions are available for $12 per year. Periodicals Postage paid at Wall, S.D., and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to West River Electric Cooperative Connections, PO Box 412 , Wall, SD 57790-0412.

Service & Billing Questions? Contact 605-279-2135 or 605-393-1500 during offices hours. E-mail us at info@westriver.coop for questions on your account.

Other correspondence to: West River Electric Cooperative Connections, PO Box 3486, Rapid City, SD 57709; telephone (605)393-1500, Exts. 6519, 6517, 6531 or 6522; fax (605)3930275; e-mail veronica.kusser@westriver.coop.

Rapid City Office

Wall Office

3250 E Hwy 44, Rapid City, SD Monday-Friday 7:00 am-5:00 pm 605-393-1500

1200 W 4th Ave, Wall, SD Monday-Friday 7:00 am-5:00 pm 605-279-2135

June 2018 | Cooperative Connections

15

DATELINE

Now though May 24

Box Elder/Douglas School District Community Library, Monday-Thursdays, Douglas High School Library

June 15-16: Czech Days, Tabor, SD, www.taborczechdays.com, taborczechdays@yahoo.com

May 19

High School Graduation, 3 p.m., School Gym, New Underwood, SD

May 19

Photo courtesy: Becky Tycz, Tyndall Tribune

High School Graduation, 1:30 p.m., Gym, Wall, SD

May 20

Rapid City Christian High School Graduation, 2 p.m., School Gym, Rapid City, SD

May 20

High School Graduation, 2 p.m., High School West Gym, Sturgis, SD

May 26

Opening Shoot, Wall Archery Range, Wall, SD, 605-279-2665

May 27

Central High School Graduation, 1:30 p.m., Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD

May 27

St Thomas More High School Graduation, 2 p.m., Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rapid City, SD

May 27

Stevens High School Graduation, 5 p.m., Civic Center, Rapid City, SD

June 1

Wall Swimming Pool Opening Day, Wall, SD, 605-279-2665

June 1-3

Regional High School Rodeo, Rodeo Grounds, Wall, SD, 605-685-4166

June 2

June 23

June 4

June 25

Kids Carnival, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979 Movies Under the Stars Paddington 2, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979

June 9

Dakota Rods & Classics Annual Spring Cruise In, Black Hills Harley Davidson, Rapid City, SD, 605-484-7560

June 11

Movies Under the Stars Zootopia, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979

June 18

Movies Under the Stars Spider-Man: Homecoming, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979

June 23

Pennington County 4-H Rodeo, Wall Rodeo Grounds, Wall, SD, 605-515-3575

Wall Community City-Wide Yard Sale, Wall, SD, 605-279-2665 Movies Under the Stars Peter Rabbit, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979

June 29

Shrine Circus, Rodeo Grounds, Wall, SD, 605-209-2556

July 13-14

Annual Wall Celebration, Main St, Wall, SD, 605-279-2665

July 14

Cruiser Car Show & Street Fair, Downtown Rapid City, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979

July 16

Movies Under the Stars Coco, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979

July 2

Movies Under the Stars Beauty and the Beast, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979

July 3

4th of July Fireworks, Wall Golf Course, Wall, SD, 605-279-2665

July 9

Movies Under the Stars The Nut Job 2, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979

July 12-14

SDRA Rodeo, Rodeo Arena, Wall, SD, 605-279-2665

To have your event listed on this page, send complete information, including date, event, place and contact to your local electric cooperative.

Include your name, address and daytime telephone number.

Information must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to your event. Please call ahead to confirm date, time and location of event.