Carroll County REMC earns respected accreditation

Information from your electric cooperative
Carroll County REMC earns
respected accreditation
P.O. BOX 298
DELPHI, IN 46923
PHONE NUMBERS & HOURS
Local.......................................... 765-564-2057
Toll Free.....................................800-506-7362
After Hours Emergencies......... 765-564-2057
Toll Free.....................................800-506-7362
Fax............................................. 765-564-4461
E-mail................................... info@ccremc.com
Web Site............................. www.ccremc.com
Call Before You Dig...................800-382-5544
Office hours: 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday
TO REPORT AN OUTAGE
•Check circuit breakers or fuses first.
•If possible, check to see if neighbors are
also out.
•Phone 765-564-2057 or 800-506-REMC
(7362) and report the outage. Give the name
the service is listed under. If possible, give map location and account number from bill.
•Give us your phone number in case we
need to call you back. State the problem, such
as loss of power, partial power, dimming or
flickering lights.
•Please be patient. Our crews will restore
service as quickly as possible.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
James Jeffries, Delphi........................ District 1
Marilyn O’Farrell, Delphi.................... District 2
John Reiff, Monticello
(Secretary-Treasurer)..................... District 3
Tom Flora, Delphi (President)............ District 4
Marilyn Hile, Camden
(Assistant Secretary-Treasurer)....... District 5
Kevin Bender, Delphi......................... District 6
Robert Allbaugh, Bringhurst
(Vice President)................................ District 7
METER READING DATES
Cycle 1: Aug. 29, 31, and Sept. 1.
Cycle 2: Sept. 17, 18, and 19.
Operation Round Up
application deadline
If your organization is interested in applying
for an Operation Round Up grant, applications
are available at the REMC office and will be
accepted through Sept. 30. If you have any
questions, please contact Peg Minnicus, Carroll
County REMC member services representative,
at peg@ccoproundup.org.
“Carroll County REMC
is honored to receive
accreditation through
the Rural Electric Safety
Accreditation Program
(RESAP),” said Randy W. Price, Carroll
County REMC CEO.
“The accreditation program is administered
by the National Rural
Electric Cooperative
Association (NRECA).
Stan Quinn
A cooperative earns
accreditation through
an organized analysis of our system’s safety and
loss control program that measures overall effectiveness of our cooperative.”
“Safety accreditation is about being all that
you can be,” said Stan Quinn, Carroll County
line superintendent. “It is about keeping people
safe and taking care of them. Safety accreditation
holds the cooperative accountable to provide its
employees with the proper resources to maintain
a safe work environment. By taking care of our
employees like this, it also helps take care of our
members.”
The accreditation program was created in
1967. Over the years, it has developed into a
tool to assist electric utility management in its
role and commitment to achieve and maintain
high safety standards for the protection of its
employees and the community served. Currently,
there are 437 accredited systems, including one
municipality. The program is geared toward rural
electric cooperatives, but any electric utility may
apply for accreditation.
Accreditation is valid for a three-year period.
Some of the accreditation guidelines include:
•Does the system have a written safety or loss
control policy?
•Is the responsibility for the program assigned
to the general manager?
•How often is pole-top rescue training conduct ed?
•What percentage of employees has had first
aid and CPR training?
•Are job briefings conducted prior to start of
work?
•Are employees trained in hazard recognition?
•Does the system distribute printed safety material or conduct community education programs?
•Are the vehicles properly maintained?
“The board of directors and I are very proud
of our employees,” concluded Price. “Without
their day-to-day level of high performance, the
distinction of the accreditation process would
not be possible.”
Celebrating an anniversary
In 1984, Ronald Reagan defeated
important to us. Keeping members
Democrat Walter Mondale in the fall
satisfied is a top priority. The greatest
election. At the 1984 Olympic Games,
thing about my job to me personally
USSR/Soviets boycotted the games
is working outside.”
in retaliation for the 1980 Western
“My most unusual experience
Boycott. The first Apple Macintosh
was running wire with a boat,” said
went on sale and Sony and Philips
Jargstorf. “We pulled wire across the
introduced the first commercial CD
Wabash and the Tippy.” Each lineman
Players. Sony made the first 31⁄2-inch
has a unique story. That is the history
computer disk.
of the cooperative.
In 1984, a gallon of gas cost $1.10.
Jargstorf and his wife, Diana, have
The average monthly rent was $350.
two children: Justin, a student at PurA movie ticket was $2.50. The averdue University, and Jordayn, a junior
Mark Jargstorf
age income per year was $21,600.
at Delphi Community High School.
A Dodge Ram 50 truck cost $8,995.
Jargstorf enjoys hunting, fishing,
And in 1984, Mark Jargstorf joined Carroll
gardening, cooking and being outside.
County REMC. A 1980 graduate of Delphi High
“We congratulate Mark on his silver anniverSchool, Jargstorf was a construction and agri- sary,” said Randy W. Price, REMC CEO. “It’s
cultural worker before joining the cooperative. the dedication of our employees that makes this
This year marks his 25th anniversary at Carroll
cooperative special.”
County REMC.
Jargstorf attended Indiana University, I.U.
“The most important part of my job is safety,”
Kokomo and Ellsworth Community College.
said Jargstorf. “Being a lineman, you have to Peg Minnicus, members services representative
trust someone else with your safety. We watch said, “Twenty-five years of service is something
out for each other. Our members are also very to celebrate.”
ELECTRIC CONSUMER • SEPTEMBER 2009 • 7C
Carroll County REMC partners with 4-H members
The 2009 Carroll County 4-H Fair opened Friday evening, July 10, in
Flora and continued
through the following
Friday, July 17. Carroll
County REMC was very
proud to sponsor the
4-H Electric program
for area youth.
“If you look around in any direction, you
can see electricity at work,” said Peg Minnicus,
Carroll County member services representative.
“From the clock on the wall to the television
airing favorite shows, it’s almost impossible to
imagine a world without electricity.”
“The Carroll County 4-H Electric program
helps youth understand the phenomenon of
electricity,” said Randy W. Price, Carroll County
CEO. “Through hands-on experience, students
have an opportunity to develop important skills.
Lessons include electrical principles, safety with/
around electricity, and electrical wiring skills.
The 4-H program also includes life skills such as
decision-making, using science and technology
and communication skills.”
Prior to the judging at the fair, Stan Quinn,
Carroll County REMC line superintendent,
and Travis Curts, lineman, helped with the 4-H
Electrical workshops. “We are very proud to have
Carroll County REMC employees dedicated to
the success of the local 4-H program,” said Price.
Carroll County 4-H winners in the electric
program included:
Division I
Champion — Dayanara Newman
Reserve champion — Trent Green
First year — Jared Wilson
First year — Alexis Newman
Division II
Champion — Cole Pearson
Reserve champion — Austin Brower
Division III
Champion — Robert Wilson
Reserve champion — Colin Edging
Division IV
Champion — Dustin Paul
Reserve champion — None
What is 4-H?
Alex Plank, left, participates in the 4-H Electric
judging process.
Division V advanced
Champion — Trey Overhouser
Reserve champion — Cameron Morrow
Overall winners
Grand champion — Dustin Paul
Reserve grand champion — Robert Wilson
State Fair selection
Division I
Dayanara Newman
Division II
Cole Pearson
Division III
Robert Wilson
Division IV
Dustin Paul
Jared Wilson, left, listens intently as Rachel
Cruz, Wabash County REMC, judges his
Division I entry.
Advanced
Chart diagram —Trey Overhouser
“Caring adults oversee the 4-H Electric
program and the 4-H members’ experiences,”
said Minnicus. Learning experiences include:
Division I,“Getting on Track with Electricity;” Division II, “Scoring Electricity Through Magnetism;” Division III, “Alternating Your thoughts
About Electricity; Division IV, “Light the Way;”
and Division V, “Advanced.”
“Carroll County REMC is proud to work
with this year’s award winning 4-H members,”
concluded Price.
It is a volunteer-led organization that reaches youth through a variety of programs in both rural and urban settings. 4-H provides fun, educational opportunities at the local, state, national, and international levels. Its programs are
hands-on, age-appropriate and university-based.
8C • ELECTRIC CONSUMER • SEPTEMBER 2009
Susan Wagoner, Miami-Cass REMC, left,
reviews Austin Brown’s Division II entry. Brown
received reserve champion honors in his
division.
Judge Ed Gilbert, Duke Energy, congratulates
Cameron Morrow, Division V reserve champion,
on a job well done.
Experts present facts about wind energy
O
n Wednesday, Aug. 12 approximately 350
people attended the wind renewable energy
meeting hosted by Carroll County and White
County REMCs. “Over the past few months, both
cooperatives have been fielding countless questions about wind energy,” said Randy W. Price,
Carroll County and White County REMC CEO.
“To address those questions, the neighboring
cooperatives hosted an informational meeting
featuring a panel of four experts on renewable
energy, specifically wind energy.”
“We attribute the influx of wind energy
questions to the major wind projects in White
and Benton counties,” Price said. “When area
residents see huge towers and turbines in their
back yard, they want to know what the wind farm
means to them and to their electric bill. REMC
wants to make certain that residential members
know the facts about wind energy. Large-wind
farm facts are distinctly different from small-scale
projects. There is a lot of misinformation out
there. Our goal is to keep members informed.”
Price facilitated the panel discussion featuring presentations by: Eric Cotton, a partner with
ECI Wind and Solar; Chad Martin, renewable
energy extension specialist in agricultural and
biological engineering at Purdue University; Greg
Wagoner, vice president of business development
at Wabash Valley Power Association, and Ken
Ritchey, retired general manager at Tipmont
REMC. Following the presentations, audience
questions were addressed.
Know the facts
“It is important that people know the facts before
investing in a wind turbine,” said Ritchey. “What
we don't want to happen is to have someone
A dealer was on hand to demonstrate the
Windspire machine. It drew a large crowd
outside after the meeting concluded.
making a decision to invest in a small-scale wind
project, and then in a few months or even a year
later they regret what they've done.”
“There are several reasons why people are now
attracted to wind energy,” continued Ritchey.
“One of the most common reasons is being able
to save money on monthly utility bills. However,
it may take 25-30 years to recoup the original
investment.”
“Residential turbines might be more suited for
those who believe in renewable energy and are
looking to reduce their carbon footprint,” said
Ritchey. For some in attendance, going green
was more important than cost savings.
“I think it’s important to remember there
are many things you can do with your heating
and cooling to help reduce your electric bill,”
said Ritchey. Showcasing a picture of Peg Minnicus, Carroll County REMC member services
representative, and Casey Crabb, White County
REMC member services manager, Ritchey said,
“These two and all REMC employees are there to
help inform you on ways to cut your energy use.”
Wind zones north of Indy
“The wind turbines west of Brookston are definitely not small wind,” said Eric Cotton with a
smile. He said it is clear that some spots locally
are good for wind. Ninety percent of the Indiana’s
strong wind sources are north of Indianapolis.
Cotton explained small wind turbines that
produce 300-400 kw hours per month cost
approximately $15,000 while units that cost
$100,000 produce 2,200 kw hours per month.
When considering a home wind-energy
system, Cotton informed REMC members that
planning is critical. Site, turbine and tower selection, foundation, wiring, permitting and other
factors must be considered. “The payback is really
difficult to nail down,” said Cotton. “We have to
guess the future value of energy.”
Greg Wagoner, a vice president of Wabash
Valley Power Association (WVPA), said people
should keep in mind small wind turbine power
can be very unpredictable and are going to save
consumers from high energy costs. You never
know when the wind is going to blow, and you can't
store wind energy.” He explained if consumers
were convicted to the wind energy process, the
local REMCs will be there to assist, but remember
the key is to involve the local utility early.
Wagoner went on to explain WVPA is very
involved in renewable energy. “Currently, fourfive percent of our energy is renewable,” said
Wagoner. “Our number one goal is to provide
our cooperatives electricity at the lowest cost.
Currently, 70 cents of every dollar you pay to
Carroll County and White County REMCs comes
to WVPA as their power provider.”
“It’s great to see so many people interested
in wind energy,” said Chad Martin. He said it is
important to weigh the environmental benefits
of wind energy, not solely the cost savings. He
said federal and state grants can assist in private
and business ventures.
Wind energy wind
forum presenters
Eric Cotton
Eric Cotton is a partner with ECI Wind and Solar
LLC, a renewable energy engineering and service
company serving the Midwest since 2005. Cotton
lived off of the grid for over five years, and installed
some of Indiana’s premier grid-tied RE systems. He
has a bachelor of science and a master of science in
chemistry from Ball State University, and is currently
a doctorate candidate at Purdue University.
Chad Martin
Chad Martin is the renewable energy extension
specialist in agricultural and biological engineering at Purdue University. He earned an associate of
applied science degree in agriculture business from
Joliet Junior College; a bachelor of science degree in
agriculture education from Western Illinois University;
and an master of science in agricultural and extension
education from Purdue University.
Martin focuses his Extension efforts in the areas of
on-farm energy efficiency, biomass energy resources,
and wind energy. He works with producers, small
businesses, Purdue faculty and Extension educators,
and state and federal government agencies to deliver
programs. He is a member of the Indiana Wind
Working Group, and along with Purdue faculty has
initiated the Indiana Biomass Energy Working Group.
He provides presentations to diverse groups and coordinates the development of educational resources.
He’s also a Carroll County REMC member.
Greg Wagoner
Greg Wagoner is a graduate of Indiana University’s
Kelly School of Business, where he received a bachelor
of science degree in business management. Wagoner
began his electric utility career with PSI Energy in 1981.
He held various positions in the power production,
generation dispatch, and wholesale marketing areas.
In 1998, he moved to Constellation Power Source,
Inc. as the vice president of origination.
In April 2004, Wagoner joined the cooperative world as Wabash Valley Power Association’s
director of business development. He was promoted
to manager of power supply in April 2006, and in
December 2007 was named vice president of business
development.
In this role, he has responsibility for G&T growth
opportunities, demand-side management, green power
initiatives, power supply portfolio management, federal and state legislative and policy programs and
wholesale supplier negotiations.
Wagoner is a director on Wabash Valley Energy
Marketing, Inc. an affiliate of Wabash Valley Power.
He also serves as an alternate director on the National Renewables Cooperative Organization (NRCO).
Wagoner also serves on several committees of the
Wabash Valley Power board of directors.
Ken Ritchey
Ken Ritchey grew up in rural central Pennsylvania
and graduated from Penn State with a degree in
electrical engineering. He began his rural electric
career with the Rural Electrification Administration
(now Rural Utilities Service), and then spent 15 years
in Alaska with Matanuska Electric Association — 10
years as manager of engineering and five years as
general manager.
For the past 14 years, Ritchey served as general
manager of Tipmont REMC near Lafayette. He also
served on the boards of Touchstone Energy and the
Cooperative Response Center headquartered in
Austin, Minn.
ELECTRIC CONSUMER • SEPTEMBER 2009 • 9C
CO-OP NOTES
Small weatherization steps can yield big results
Operating statistics
W
June
2008
Kwh purchased
15,690,902
Kwh sold
14,857,754
Number of
connected members
6,834
Miles energized
959
Average kwh per
residential member
1,052
Average residential
monthly bill
$104.55
Average cost per
kwh to member
8.20¢
Interest
$28,010
Taxes
$30,018
2009
16,277,086
15,079,569
6,840
963
1,062
$115.89
9.10¢
$26,242
$31,859
When you pay the bill,
remember to change the filter
Every month when
you write your check
to pay your electric
bill, change or clean
your air conditioner’s filter as well.
Clean filters allow
air to pass through
easily and uninterrupted. The easier
the flow of air, the
less work your air
conditioner has to
do — and the less energy it has to use. That
means more money in your pocket.
Air passing through clogged filters carry dirt
through your ducts and into your rooms. Dirty
indoor air can irritate family members.
The filter for your central air conditioner is
in the wall or ceiling, usually behind a grate.
Filters are also contained within window units.
There are two kinds of filters: reusable filters,
which you can rinse, dry and replace (be sure to
thoroughly dry a reusable filter before replacing
it; remember, your air conditioning system is
electric); and disposable filters that you replace
with a fresh one each month.
eatherization — the process of sealing air leaks and
properly insulating a home
— can produce an average energy savings of $358 per year,
according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
And good news! Through
the 2009 American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act, known
as the stimulus bill, you can recover 30 percent
of the cost — up to $1,500 — of insulation materials and exterior doors, windows, and roofs
designed to help reduce your home’s heat loss
or gain (installation costs are not covered). The
credit applies to improvements made to existing
homes in 2009 and 2010.
Here are a few of those improvements, as well
as general tips, that can help make you home
more energy efficient:
Heating and air conditioning
Heating and air conditioning uses the largest
chunk of your home energy dollar. Keep it running “lean and mean.”
•HVAC systems should be checked to verify
they are moving the correct amount of air. An
HVAC technician can tell you if it is.
•Heat pump and air conditioning systems should
be checked annually to verify they are properly
charged, strictly in accordance with manufacturers’ guidelines.
•Inside and outside coils should be kept clean
and free of debris.
•Gas furnaces should be tuned for maximum
combustion efficiency.
•Return filters should be changed monthly.
•Have a HVAC technician check carefully for
duct leaks. Leaks that are found should be
sealed with fiberglass mesh and mastic sealant.
Windows
A considerable amount of heat transfers through
windows. If you have single-pane windows, consider doing the following:
•Tighten and weather-strip your old windows
and then add storm windows.
•Compare the above cost with replacing your
old single-glazed windows with new doubleglazed windows.
•In colder climates “low-e” coatings on glass can
help reduce heat loss through windows.
In hot climates, consider adding solar screening
to west-facing windows that catch a lot of heating late in the day. Solar screening is sold at
many home improvement stores.
Air infiltration
Air that transfers in and out of homes through
cracks, crevices and holes can increase energy
consumption. Here are some helpful tips to avoid
air infiltration:
10C • ELECTRIC CONSUMER • SEPTEMBER 2009
•Seal around pipe penetration
coming through walls.
•During hot and cold weather,
ensure windows are closed
tightly and locked.
•Ensure weather-stripping
around doors and windows
is tight.
•When your fireplace is not
operating, its flue should be
closed tightly, with a sign
hanging from the f lue handle warning it is
closed.
•Check the ceiling behind the cornice of built-in
bookshelves for holes cut during construction.
•Drop-down, disappearing stairways should fit
tightly into the ceiling and be carefully weatherstripped.
•Whole-house attic fans should be sealed tightly
during the winter.
•Make sure your outside dryer vent door closes
when the dryer is not in use. This requires
cleaning away lint accumulation periodically.
Insulation
Use home remodeling projects as a convenient
means to add more insulation to existing cavities.
Different insulation requires different installation techniques — follow what is recommended
by the manufacturer.
•If you have R-19 or less insulation in your attic, consider bringing it up to R-38 in moderate
climates, R-49 in cold climates.
•In cold climates, if you have R-11 or less floor
insulation, consider bringing it up to R-25.
•Blown in wet cellulose or high-density foam
insulation can stop infiltration better than
fiberglass.
•Proper installation of insulation should prevent
moisture in your walls.
•Perimeter insulation around crawlspaces,
basements, and ceiling insulation are the most
important places to have adequate insulation.
•During construction, seal all openings, plates
and walls with foam or caulk.
•Insulate and seal ducts in attics, crawlspaces,
garages, and other unheated areas.
Selecting a contractor
When selecting a contractor, keep in mind the
cheapest price is not always the best value. Here
are some questions to ask when deciding who
to use:
•How long have you been in business?
•Can you provide proof that you are state-licensed
and carry workers’ compensation insurance?
•Can you provide the names of neighbors who
have used your services?
•Are you a member of the Better Business Bur eau? — Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives’ Home
Energy Savings Guide