Students Enjoy ECI-Sponsored Youth Tour - East

Sept./Oct 2010
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8
Students Enjoy ECI-Sponsored Youth Tour
Iowa electric cooperative youth meet with Iowa’s
congressional delegation
11
12
Connor Roth of Luzerne and Nicole Thompson of Palo represented East-Central
Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative as part of a group of 40 Iowa high school juniors
and seniors representing 24 Iowa electric cooperatives on the 2010 Iowa Electric
Cooperatives’ Annual Youth Tour of Washington, D.C.
At the June event, Roth was chosen to represent Iowa and to serve on the
2010-2011 Youth Leadership Council. Roth was selected from 11 Iowa youth tour
participants who applied for the position. One representative from each of the 44
states that sent youth on the annual trip serves on the Youth Leadership Council.
“We’re very proud that an ECI REC student was named to this leadership
role,” said Greg Pavelka, ECI’s marketing and economic development director who
also chaperoned the Youth Tour. “We are sure she’ll represent Iowa well!”
Continued on page 2
Inside
Sign Up for RECare....................................................................... 2
Direct Payment & Budget Billing ................................................ 5
The Evolution of Lighting............................................................. 9
Get Help With Winter Heating................................................... 10
2
Community Connected
Sept./Oct. 2010
Youth Tour
Character Counts!
The 2010 two-day Character Counts!
session was held on June 28 and 29 in
Cedar Falls at the AEA 267 building. The
Making an Impact session, led by two
instructors from Des Moines and Eagle
Grove, was well-attended by 27 teachers
from 18 different school districts. This
was ECI REC’s 8th year co-sponsoring
the Character Counts classes with
primary sponsor Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO), ECI’s power provider.
The ECI REC team assisted with organizing, locating, and scheduling the event.
Table of Contents
Youth Tour........................... 1-2
Character Counts! . .................. 2
RECare Participation................ 2
Ruth Meets With Ficken............. 3
PACs Make Difference.............. 3
Overdue Bill? Call ECI............... 4
Operations Crew Update............ 4
Direct Payment, Budget Billing......5
SCADA Goes Live.......................5
ECI Electricity Sources................6
Fire Preventation......................6
ATV Safety..............................7
New Security System at ECI........ 7
Energy-Saving Classes .............. 8
Model Home Open House........... 8
Reduce Peak Hour Usage............ 8
Choose CFLs and Save ................. 9
The Evolution Of Lighting........... 9
Get Airtight!......................... 10
Heating Bill Help.................... 10
Survey Findings...................... 11
Starmont Schools Project.......... 11
2010 Annual Meeting Recap ...... 12
October is Co-Op Month........... 13
Co-Op Connections Card........... 13
Questions or Complaints........... 13
Statement of Non-Discrimination..... 13
Get Powered Up..................... 14
Fall Member Meeting............... 14
CEO Message.................... 16, 14
Classifieds............................ 15
Take the Member Challenge....... 15
NOTICE: ECI REC will be closed
Sept, 6 for Labor Day and Nov. 11
for Veterans Day.
From page 1
All 40 Iowa students met as a group with Iowa Sens. Charles Grassley and Tom
Harkin, in addition to breaking into groups to meet with the representative for each
of their specific districts in the U.S. House of Representatives. Roth met with Rep.
Boswell, and Thompson met with Rep. Loebsack. Students asked the senators and
representatives questions about the nation’s worst-ever oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico
and a struggling economy. They also voiced concerns about the nation’s debt, which
some economists have said is unsustainable; nutrition at public schools; and the
quality of education.
Answers and solutions about the issues varied among the congressional delegation, but there was agreement on energy and environmental policies: lawmakers want
to do what is best for the environment without harming the economy.
In addition to meeting with the members of Congress who serve them, students
also visited the memorials, monuments, and other attractions of the nation’s capital.
Youth Tour participants saw, among other things, the Washington Monument,
several presidential and war memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, the Supreme
Court, Capitol Hill, and the White House. These visits were co-op sponsored.
This June youth tour event, organized by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, had record attendance of 1,494.
RECare Dollars Rise Slightly, but Member
Participation Decreases
Contributing to RECare, a program that distributes funds via community action agencies to low-income consumers within the Benton and
Buchanan County communities, is one easy way to help others in our
communities. The funds members donate help pay for heating bills or
winterization costs.
“We would like to thank all our
members who are giving for the good of
others within our communities,” said ECI
$6,936.34
REC Finance and Consumer Services
Manager Teresa Floyd. “Though our
$6,151.00 $6,133.00
number of contributors decreased to 104
from 107, the financial commitment to
the program increased slightly.
“We are hopeful we can continue this
trend toward higher contribution and get
back to our 2007-2008 total of more than
$6,900. ECI REC realizes economic times
are tough, but we encourage our members
to contribute any amount with which they
are comfortable. You can help those less
fortunate than you!”
Member Contributed
To sign up for RECare, complete and
return the form on the next page.
RECare Dollars
Looking Out for You
Sept./Oct. 2010
Balanced, Affordable,
Fair, Achievable
ECI REC staff and directors continue to meet
with legislators who serve both within and on the
edges of the Cooperative’s service territory. The
message remains consistent:
• Find a balanced solution to concerns about
global warming.
• Be fair, keeping electricity affordable for all
Americans.
• Recognize that climate-change legislation
must consider regional differences in how
electricity is produced.
• Work to make sure that limits on carbon
emissions are achievable based on existing
technology.
State Rep. Gene Ficken (left) and CEO Harry Ruth
3
PACs Make a Difference for Members
Your electric cooperative is facing significant increases in the costs associated
with providing electricity. Some cost increases are the result of economic
forces, and some are the result of political action.
ECI REC uses Cooperative funds to communicate with our representatives, but we cannot contribute to the campaigns of elected officials who best
represent your interests. Instead, Cooperatives have created two political
action committees (PACs). The Action Committee for Rural Electrification
(ACRE) distributes funds to candidates for federal elections, and the Friends
of Rural Electrification (FORE) supports state-election candidates.
Support is determined after evaluating a candidate’s position, public
statements, and voting record on issues critical to electric cooperatives.
Committee assignments and leadership positions are also important considerations.
ECI REC’s directors and managers contribute to these political action
committees with their own personal funds, and we invite our memberconsumers to join us in providing support by filling out the form below. Even
if you contribute on an individual basis to local candidates, PAC contributions are still important—they represent the grassroots support of hundreds
of Iowa electric cooperative employees.
Your contributions will be divided equally between federal and state
elections. With the exception of a small federal tax of less than one percent,
all contributions go to candidates.
Clip and mail
✄
Clip and mail
✄
YES, I want to be a part of members helping
others and contribute to RECare.
Yes, I will support candidates through ACRE
and FORE.
I will contribute $__________per month to RECare.
(I understand that this amount will be automatically added
to my monthly electric bill.)
I will make a one-time contribution to RECare. My
check is enclosed.
Name:_ _______________________________________
ECI Account No._ _______________________________
Address: ______________________________________
City: _ ________________________________________
State: _ _____________________ Zip:_______________
Signature:_ ____________________________________ Date: _________________________________________ Return form to: ECI REC | RECare | PO Box 248 | Urbana, IA 52345
I will make a one-time contribution of $______. My check
is enclosed.
I will contribute monthly. Please add $______ each month
to my electric bill.
Name:_ _______________________________________
ECI Account No._ _______________________________
Address: ______________________________________
City: _ ________________________________________
State: _ _____________________ Zip:_______________
Signature:_ ____________________________________
Date: _________________________________________
Return form to: ECI REC | PACs | PO Box 248 | Urbana, IA 52345
4
Keeping the Lights On
Sept./Oct. 2010
Members Have Options To Catch Up on Past-Due Utility Payments
Member-consumers with past-due utility payments are advised to contact ECI REC to
learn about repayment options that allow them to maintain utility service.
If members are not in default on a previous default-payment agreement, ECI can
offer a reasonable payment agreement with the option of spreading payments for past-due
In hot weather:
amounts over at least 12 months, and possibly longer. Before contacting ECI about these
• Turn the thermostat up a few degrees.
arrangements, it is crucial to calculate how much it is possible to pay each month, because
• Use fans.
• Shade home interior from direct sunthe terms of an accepted agreement have no flexibility. Missing a payment by even one day
light.
may void the agreement and subject the member-consumer to service disconnection with
• Avoiding use of heat-producing appliancjust a one-day notice. Calculations for monthly payments of past-due amounts should
es during the hottest times of the day.
• Make sure air conditioners are free of
take into account that monthly payment for current utility expenses continue as usual.
obstructions.
After contacting ECI, if member-consumers are not able to reach a payment arrangeIn cold weather:
ment, they may call the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) toll free at 1-877-565-4450, email the
• Turn the thermostat down as much as
safely possible, especially when sleepboard at iubcustomer@iub.state.ia.us, or send a letter to 350 Maple Street, Des Moines,
ing or whenever the home is unoccuIowa 50319-0069.
pied.
IUB also notes that, in some circumstances, local Community Action Program agen• For personal comfort, add layers of
clothing and bedding.
cies, churches, or other community organizations may be able to help customers having
difficulty paying their utility bills and who inquire about financial assistance.
Other simple steps to conserve energy
throughout the year are sealing air leaks
One long-range financial option is enrolling in ECI’s budget-billing program, which
on home exteriors and around windows
enables members to make equal monthly payments. ECI sets the budget-billing amount
and doors, having a home energy audit,
based on average costs, and a member-consumer pays the fee each month. The monthly
and using a programmable thermostat.
ECI offers Weatherization Incentives (see payment amount is adjusted from time-to-time to account for actual usage. For more
page 10).
information on this option, see page 5.
Iowa Utilities Board encourages memberconsumers with financial difficulties to
take these simple steps to use energy
wisely.
Operations Crews Perform Regular Line and Equipment Repairs, Upgrades
Underground cable replaced
ECI REC La Porte City member Glen Foss experienced two
underground cable faults in a month’s time, and ECI determined
replacement of that old, underground cable was necessary.
A 560-foot cable was replaced on the south edge of La Porte, in
Black Hawk County. It took crews a full day to bore along highway
218, place the new cable, and complete the project upgrade.
Engineering Design Technician Sam Garwood staked the
project, and Linemen Pat Hyland, Kevin Walton, and Ben Donnelly,
along with summer help Philip Miller, completed the project.
Spring creek substation goes dark
Above: Lineman Kevin Walton
operates the boring machine.
while Philip Miller (inset),
summer staff member, feeds
the underground cable.
Right: Spring Creek bypass.
In mid-June the Spring Creek Substation experienced a one-hour
and twenty-three-minute outage. A faulty regulator bypass switch
blew, causing an internal connection failure and blown fuses within
the substation. The outage affected 272 members. ECI crews have
since replaced the faulty parts and equipment, and Spring Creek
Substation is operating at full capacity. The likely cause of the
bypass switch blowing was lightning.
Keeping the Lights On
Sept./Oct. 2010
ECI REC’s Direct Banking and Budget
Billing Make Life Easier
Asked what they prefer to paying bills, most people
answer, “Anything!” If that is your answer, you may
want to consider an automatic payment plan and
budget billing from ECI REC.
Direct payment plan
You can pay your ECI REC electric bill automatically every
month with our direct payment plan. Your monthly payment is
automatically withdrawn directly from your checking account,
removing the work and the worry of on-time payment. It can
save you money in postage and checks. The direct payment plan
is free for all eligible ECI REC members.
Your payment to ECI REC is withdrawn on your billing
due date. If that date falls on a weekend or holiday, it is withdrawn the following business day.
To sign up for a direct payment plan, complete the form
below, or visit us at www.ecirec.coop and download the form. If
you have further questions, our customer service representatives
are available to help you. Just call us toll-free at 877-850-4343.
You can cancel your automatic payment any time by calling us.
Budget billing
Combine auto-banking (direct payment) with budget billing!
If you have an ECI REC usage history of less than 3,000 kWh
per month, the cooperative offers a budget-billing option to
level monthly electricity payments. We calculate your monthly
payment based on your 12-month usage history or the usage
history of the past occupants of your residence.
Budget billing has many advantages: it reduces waste, saves
time, is reliable, and it allows you to plan ahead for things such
as vacations. Knowing your monthly utility expense in advance
helps with planning your finances.
Both the budget billing and direct payment forms should
be returned to: ECI REC, PO Box 248, Urbana, IA, 52345.
Clip and mail
Direct Payment Authorization Agreement
CHECKING or
✄
SAVINGS ACCOUNT
Bank Name_________________________________________
Bank Address_ ______________________________________
City, State_ _________________________________________
Routing No._________________________________________
Bank Account No.____________________________________
Signature___________________________________________
Signature___________________________________________
CREDIT CARD
Credit Card:
Master Card
Visa
Credit Card No. ______________________________________
Expiration Date: _ ____________________________________
Signature:_ _________________________________________
Signature:_ _________________________________________
I authorize East-Central Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative to deduct from my bank/
credit card account the total due each month as shown on my monthly electricity
bill. All transactions are debited on the first business day of each month. Please
include a voided check if you are deducting from a checking account.
Clip and mail
YES, tell me my monthly budget amount.
Name:_ ___________________________________________
ECI Account No.(s): _ ________________________________
Address:_ _________________________________________
Daytime Phone: _ ___________________________________
City: _________________State: ____ Zip:______________
ECI REC Tests Upgraded Remote Switch Control Technology, Then Goes Live
Left: Gary Marlow tests SCADA in the office. Right: Doug
Applegate in the BECCA substation verifies computers are
operating the correct switches.
5
ECI’s operations department and information services personnel have been busy wrapping up testing and training on the
upgrade of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system
(SCADA), an automated program that monitors electricity flow,
allowing remote operation of electrical circuits and equipment
for quicker power restoration. Testing took place from the office
computer system to the automated switches within ECI’s substation. The office computer system and substation voltage verification testing were necessary to verify all systems were communicating in order to assure safe, reliable electricity distribution.
✄
6
Keeping the Lights On
Sept./Oct. 2010
CIPCO Provides 40% Carbon Free Power to East-Central Iowa REC
Except for a small amount of energy from seven ECI wind
turbines and two sets of solar panels, Central Iowa Power
Cooperative (CIPCO) provides all of ECI’s electricity. Iowabased plants generate 95% of CIPCO’s power supply.
CIPCO has one of the highest carbon-free percentages
in the Midwest: 40.7%. In fact, Iowa’s only nuclear power
plant, NextEra Energy Duane Arnold, LLC (formally known
as DAEC), and the hydropower and wind energy sources in
CIPCO’s portfolio produce no carbon emissions. CIPCO
plans to double its use of another carbon-free source in the
next three years with additional wind generation.
Walter Scott #4, near Council Bluffs, is a super-critical
coal plant completed in 2007. It has state-of-the-art pollutioncontrol equipment and produces 15% less carbon dioxide than
older coal-fired plants.
CIPCO is owned by ECI, 11 other electric cooperatives,
and one cooperative of 15 municipal electric utilities. The pie
chart on this page shows CIPCO’s sources of power in more
detail.
CIPCO policy is to own the generating units producing
much of its electricity. CIPCO operates and owns 100%
of the generating units at Fair Station and Summit Lake.
Since large generating units are more efficient, CIPCO buys
a portion of such projects. It owns 20% of NextEra Energy
Duane Arnold, LLC, 9% of Walter Scott #4, 11.5% of Walter
Scott #3, and 4.6% of the Louisa Generating Station. As a
result, in 2009 CIPCO received about 90% of its energy
needs from units in which it has ownership. Another 7%
came from price-certain long-term contracts.
Safety
Check It Off! October Is Fire Prevention Month
These simple and easy steps will help
you to identify and correct fire and
other electrical dangers commonly
found in homes.
1. Check for the presence and
proper placement of smoke alarms.
Test each one. Smoke alarms should
be located on every level of the home,
inside each bedroom, and outside each
sleeping area. Test smoke alarms on
a monthly basis. Replace all smoke
alarms when they are more than 10
years old. Know at least two ways
out of every room, and practice your
escape plan with your family.
2. Check that wattage of all bulbs in
your lights are the bulbs the appropriate wattage for the size of the
fixtures. A bulb of too-high wattage
may lead to fire through overheating.
3. Check all lamp cords and extension cords. Shock or fire hazards can
result from damaged cords. Take any
item with a damaged power cord to
an authorized repair center, or safely
dispose of the item and purchase a new
one. Tightly wrapped cords can lead to
overheating. Extension cords are not as
safe as permanent house wiring.
4. Check all wall outlets and
switches. Improperly operating
outlets or switches indicate an unsafe
wiring condition may exist. Check for
unusually warm outlets or switches, or
crackling, sizzling, or buzzing, which
may indicate an unsafe wiring condition exists. Call a licensed electrician
to identify the cause.
NextEra Energy
Duane Arnold
Safety
Sept./Oct. 2010
7
National Farm Safety Week Focuses on ATVs: Work Smart, Ride Safe
Children account for more than one-third of ATV-related injuries and 28 percent of ATV-related deaths,
according to the The Childhood Agricultural Safety Network. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 16 year of age not operate ATVs. Children and young adolescents lack the
knowledge, physical size and strength, and cognitive and motor skills to operate an ATV safely.
In agriculture, rates of childhood
ATV injuries and fatalities continue to
increase, running counter to a trend that
shows injury rates declining for most
agriculture-related activities.
“We know ATVs are a way of life for
farmers and other land owners. But they
pose a significant hazard to children,”
said Regina Fisher, M.S., Agricultural
Youth Safety Specialist at the National
Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety.
The following is an excerpt from a
true story. Ten-year-old Kyle rode the
family ATV across the neighbor’s field
visit his friend. On his way home the
ATV hit a rut and tipped, suffocating
him to death.
“I got to the scene about 15 minutes
after the incident happened and began
to administer CPR,” said Kyle’s dad.
“Holding my little boy in my arms, I felt
the warmth drain out of his body. In a
few horrible moments of breathing for
him and tasting the cookies and milk on
his breath, I came to the awful realiza-
tion that I had been wrong to let him
ride a full-sized ATV. The memories of
my son and the last time I held him will
never go away.”
If parents make an informed decision
to allow children to operate ATVs, education is extremely important; in fact it is
the law for kids ages 12-17 who ride ATVs
on designated public land or land purchased with ATV registration funds. The
Iowa DNR and the ATV Safety Institute
(ASI) both offer education courses.
Both courses focus on heavily on
safety and are open to riders of all ages.
Varying fees may apply, but some ATV
sellers cover class fees for new riders.
To register for the ATV RiderCourse®, contact the ASI Enrollment
Express hotline at 1-800-887-2887. A
listing of available DNR courses can be
found at www.iowadnr.gov/training.
You may also receive course information, class offerings, and other information about the DNR ATV Education
Program by contacting Rhonda Fowler
at 515-281-3208.
ATV Basics for All Riders
•Read your ATV owner’s manual to
familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s
operation.
•Check the vehicle’s mechanical
condition regularly, especially lights.
•Wear protective clothing, including a
helmet and goggles, suitable for the
environment.
•Be aware of the terrain in the area
you plan to ride.
•Check the weather conditions,
particularly forecasts for snow or ice.
•Ride in a group of two or more—
never alone.
•Don’t remove the factory-installed air
box or muffler.
Cooperative Increases Security Measures at Urbana Headquarters
Safety is one of ECI REC’s core values.
Recent suspicion activity in the area caused
the Cooperative to take action and add new
security cameras. The improvement was part
of the 2010 budget.
“We need our employees to feel safe, and
so that was one concern, said Teresa Floyd,
manager of finance and consumer services.
“We also need to protect our assets, which
are also our members’ assets. Our members paid for this
building, and ECI REC has an obligation to protect it, within
reasonable cost, for the membership.”
Previously, the building had only one camera at the front
desk that recorded to VHS tapes. “It was
outdated and had very limited views,” said
Floyd. “We now have cameras that record
both key locations inside and outside. The
new technology allows us to keep at least 30
days of recording.”
The new system records only movement,
not sound or voice. The drive-up payment
drop box is protected by after-hours recording.
“All employees in the facility have the option to view
various camera angles from their computers, so we can make
informed decisions when approaching the front counter,” said
Floyd.
8
Energy Wise
Become an EnergySaving Pro With
Classes at Kirkwood
Kirkwood Community College is
offering a series of five evening,
continuing education courses focusing
on energy-efficiency.
Through the classes, participants
will learn to:
• Conduct a home energy audit.
• Choose the best insulation for your
purpose.
• Retrofit or remodel for energy
efficiency.
• Maximize furnace and air-conditioning system performance.
• Get the biggest return-on-investment when selecting lighting and
appliances.
“ECI REC supports our members’
energy-efficiency initiatives,” said Frank
Weber, member services director. “So,
when members complete the course
and provide us a copy of their Kirkwood
Community College Energy Consumer
Certificate, we will credit their electric
bill for one-half of the tuition.
“It’s just another reason it pays to
save energy!”
All five sessions will be available
at three Kirkwood Community College
locations: Kirkwood Training and
Outreach Services Center, Marion;
Jones Regional Education Center,
Monticello; and the Kirkwood College
Iowa City Credit Center, Iowa City.
For more, information call
Kirkwood at 319-398-1022 or
1-800-332-8833, or visit the Industrial Technology, Energy section at
www.kirkwood.edu/ce
Sept./Oct. 2010
Model Home Open House Scheduled for November
Gissel Model Home Open House
Dates: Sat., Nov. 13 - Noon to 4 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 14 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Directions: The Gissel home is located
at 1845 Grant Ave., Independence,
Iowa. Follow the signs from Independence, taking Highway 150 north to
Otterville Blvd., then travel west three
miles through Otterville. Take Grant
Ave. north one mile.
Pam and Dean Gissel, along with the East-Central Iowa REC, would like to invite you
to view their new home on Saturday, November 13, and Sunday, November 14.
“This new home features state-of-the-art technology in environment, indoor air
quality, indoor and exterior lighting, water quality, personal safety and security, and
energy efficiency, so we’re excited to partner with Pam and Dean in showcasing the
home to fellow members,” said Frank Weber, member services director.
This 2,160 square-foot, two-level home is heated and cooled by two geothermal
heat pumps: a 4-ton water-to-air unit for forced air heating and cooling, a second 4-ton
water-to-water unit to supply heat for the hydronic in-floor heat in the basement and
garage. The water-to-air unit has an incredible co-efficient performance of 4.3 on low
speed. The systems were installed by Rabe Hardware of Blairstown.
“This heating and cooling system is one of the most efficient types available on the
market today,” said Weber.
Energy-efficient water heating is provided to the premium-grade, no-vent electric
water heaters by the hot water generation of the geothermal heat pump. The home also
has low-flow faucets and shower heads.
“The insulated concrete form (ICF) foundation, ENERGY STAR® appliances, CFL
lighting, and Low-E windows in the home are also great examples of energy-efficient
choices,” said Weber. “All members interested in learning more should stop by the open
house in November!”
Reduce Energy Use During Peak Hours
Peak hours are the busiest times for your local electric cooperative, since many people are
using electricity at the same time. It costs your co-op more to generate electricity when
demand soars during peak periods, so the cost of your electricity also may rise. Obviously,
using less electricity during peak periods can save your co-op—and you—money.
Use the energy you need, but use it wisely! Here’s how you can help during peak
hours, which generally are on the coldest winter days between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
• Shift household chores and activities away from peak periods. Wait to run your dishwasher until you go to bed, for instance.
• Use the most energy-efficient appliances you have. Your microwave oven, for example,
uses considerably less energy than your stove or cook-top.
• If you’re buying a new appliance, make sure you get a highly efficient one. Look for
ENERGY STAR® labels when you’re evaluating different models.
• Be aware of your energy consumption. Get in the habit of using energy efficiently yearround.
Energy Wise
Sept./Oct. 2010
9
Did you know you typically
spend more lighting your home
than operating your refrigerator annually? If you’re using
standard light bulbs and inefficient fixtures, you’re wasting
energy and money.
Choose CFLs and Save
With Special Offers from ECI REC
Saving energy and money really is as easy as a twist of the wrist with free CFLs from ECI
REC and rebates from participating retailers!
From September 13 through December 15, residential members of ECI REC are eligible for $2 rebates from some retailers that will allow them to purchase ENERGY STAR®
qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) for as little as 99 cents each. In addition to
discounted CFLs, if ECI members haven’t already done so, they may pick up seven free CFLs
from the Cooperative’s Vinton, Independence, or Urbana locations while supplies last.
The list of retailers participating in the rebate program was still being finalized at the
time of publication. To find a retailer in your area, visit www.iowachangealight.com or call
800.339.6856. There is a limit 12 CFLs per customer, while supplies last.
Replacing just the five most frequently used light bulbs in your home with ENERGY
STAR qualified CFLs can save approximately $35 in annual energy costs.
“Switching to energy-efficient lighting is a simple first step toward saving energy while
helping the environment,” said Lisa Franck, manager of communications at ECI REC. “We
want to make this step easy for our members.”
Switching to energy-efficient
lighting can save you time,
energy and money—and help
protect the environment.
Make your next light bulb an
ENERGY STAR® qualified compact fluorescent light bulb.
Compared to standard incandescent light bulbs, ENERGY
STAR qualified CFLs:
•Use up to 75 percent less
energy
•Last up to 10 times longer
•Save you money
The Evolution of Lighting: Toward More Light, Less Heat
Incandescent light bulbs create light by passing an electrical current through a metal wire until it
becomes so hot that it glows. Most of the energy is wasted as heat. Thomas Edison’s invention was revolutionary for his time, but 130 years later, we have much more efficient ways to get the job done.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can create the
same amount of light as incandescent bulbs using only onequarter of the amount of energy! ENERGY STAR® qualified
CFLs last between 6,000 and 15,000 hours, or 5 to 13 years
based on an average use of three hours a day.
CFLs don’t look or always act like incandescent bulbs
because they use different technology to produce light. In a
CFL, an electrical current passes through electronics, instead
of through a wire. The current excites gases inside the coated
glass tubing causing a reaction that produces light.
LED lighting products typically don’t use light bulbs at
all, but are complete lighting systems that consist of a fixture
with a permanent light source. LED lighting has the potential
to be even more efficient and last even longer than fluorescent
lighting, but non-qualified products on the market vary
greatly in performance.
When an electrical current moves through a chip of
semiconducting material in LEDs, it produces light. Though
cool to the touch, LEDs generate a small amount of heat that
affects the efficiency and performance of an LED product if
the heat is not drawn away by a well-designed fixture.
LED EXPECTATIONS
In the next 20 years, LED lighting in the United States could:
•Reduce electricity demands from lighting by 33 percent.
•Eliminate 570 million metric tons of carbon emissions.
•Save as much as $265 billion in energy costs.
•Avoid 40 new power plants.
Look for more on LED
lighting in the next issue
of the Heartland Link.
10
Energy Wise
Winter Is Coming—Get Airtight!
The average Iowa family spends more than half of its annual
household energy bill on heating and cooling. That’s a significant number, but you can dramatically reduce these costs—up
to 20 percent, according to ENERGY STAR®—by making
simple weatherization and insulation upgrades to your home.
According to the Iowa Energy Center, adding insulation
to your home can cut heating and cooling costs significantly,
depending on factors such as the original amount of insulation
in your home, house size, air leaks and personal energy use
and living habits. Many variables affect the amount you’ll save,
but the fact remains that insulating your home can be a wise
energy investment.
“ECI REC support members’ efforts to weatherize their
homes by offering a great rebate program,” said Frank Weber,
member services director.
Members who make energy-efficient weatherization
improvements may qualify for rebates of up to $2,200* if your
home meets these key criteria:
• A residential home built before 1986
• An upgrade (retrofitting existing home), not a new addition
• Total project cost of $150 or more
• A residential home with electric heat and/or central air
conditioning
• No natural gas heating
“To learn if a weatherization project you are considering
qualifies for these rebates, we ask that our members please
contact ECI REC prior to beginning work. We’ll also happily
provide tips to help ensure your project gets the results you
expect,” said Weber.
Members should acquire and read the rebate forms that
can be found at www.ecirec.coop, as additional criteria apply.
*Only members using all-electric heat may qualify for maximum rebates.
ENERGY STAR® TIP
Where are the biggest air
leaks in my home?
Many air leaks are easy to find
because they are easy to feel, such
as those around windows, doors,
and through electrical outlets.
But hidden air leaks in attics,
basements, and around chimneys are often more significant
sources of energy loss. Consider addressing these big leaks
first because they will have a greater impact on improving your
comfort and reducing your utility bills. Visit ENERGY STAR
Home Sealing online for a guide with suggestions and pictures.
Sept./Oct. 2010
Two Options for Heating Bill Help
East-Central offers a special HeatPlus rate from October
1 to June 1. This rate is available for 0.0455 cents per kWh, almost a
50% savings over the average, regular heating season kWh cost of 0.09
to 0.115 cents (depending on rate class and monthly usage). To qualify for
this special HeatPlus rate:
1. Your heating system must be electric and be metered separately.
2. The primary electric heating source must operate first, with the
back-up system operating only when the primary system is unable to
satisfy the indoor thermostat setting.
3. A premium-grade 50-gallon electric water heater must be installed
and provide l00% of the domestic water heating for the home (except
for the energy supplied from an electric heat pump desuperheater).
4. The space heated by the primary electric system must be an area of
400 square feet or more.
Call today to see if your home or business qualifies!
The 2010-2011 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
Program (LIHEAP) has been established to help qualifying low-income
Iowa homeowners and renters pay for a portion of their primary heating
costs for the winter heating season. The assistance is based on household
income, household size, type of fuel, and type of housing.
If you are not sure where to apply, please call your local community action
agency or write to: LIHEAP, Iowa Department of Human Rights, Capitol
Complex, Des Moines, IA 50319
INCOME MAXIMUMS - For households with more than six members,
add $1,403 per three months, or $5,610 annually for each additional member.
Household Size
1
2
3
4
5
6
3 Mo. Gross Income
$4,061
$5,464
$6,866
$8,269
$9,671
$11,074
WHEN TO APPLY - Seniors (60
& over) and/or disabled: October
1, 2010 to April 30, 2011; All other
households: November 2, 2010 to
April 30, 2011.
WHAT TO TAKE - Proof of
income for all household members
age 19 and over (most recent 3
months’ check stubs, award letter
from Social Security, or 2009 tax
return); Social Security numbers of
household members; recent heat,
electric, and telephone bills.
WAGE EARNERS - Please bring
copies of your check stubs for the
three-month period preceding the
date of application, or a copy of
your federal income tax return.
Annual Gross Income
$16,245
$21,855
$27,465
$33,075
$38,685
$44,295
FIXED INCOME - This income
may include: Social Security
Benefits, Supplemental Security Income, Family Investment Program,
Veteran’s Assistance, Unemployment Insurance, and pensions.
Please bring copies of your most
recent 3 months’ check stubs.
SELF-EMPLOYED/FARMERS -
Please bring a copy of your most
recent federal income tax return.
FIP AND SSI RECIPIENTS Your Medicaid number is on your
Medicaid card. The numbers needed
are immediately following your name
and number in the aid type box.
If you receive alimony or child support,
it will also need to be verified.
Sept./Oct. 2010
Energy Wise
11
Surveys Focus on Energy Efficiency Lighting Upgrades Will Save
Starmont School $25,000
Co-Ops File Energy-Efficiency Report
The Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives (IAEC)
recently submitted the Iowa Electric Cooperatives’ Joint
Final Report on energy efficiency to the Iowa Utilities Board.
While the IAEC facilitated the compilation of this information, the individual goals were set by the governing bodies of
each participating cooperative. The report found that:
• Electric co-ops in Iowa continue to demonstrate commitment and results with respect to energy efficiency.
• Participating RECs invested an average of $11.5 million
in energy-efficiency programs in 2008 and 2009. That’s
a half-million dollar increase compared to the statewide
association’s 2008 report.
• This energy-efficiency investment resulted in an average
savings of 50.4 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, compared to 31.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity saved in
2007.
• Iowa’s electric co-ops offer 36 unique energy-efficiency
programs to member-consumers.
“We want to thank our member-consumers for taking
time to learn about and participate in the energy-efficiency
programs offered by ECI REC,” said Harry Ruth, CEO of
ECI REC. “The success of our energy-efficiency programs
depends on member-consumers’ interest in and use of these
programs. During tough economic times, energy efficiency is
even more important, and we’re proud that co-ops continue
to be a resource for Iowans and provide economic benefit to
families and businesses in the state.”
Survey Shows Support for Co-Generation
The 2010 Renewable Energy Survey of electric co-ops, coordinated by the IAEC, showed increased support in 2009 from
these co-ops for interconnection with member-consumers’
independently owned renewable-energy generation systems
such as wind turbines.
According to the survey, in 2009, privately owned renewable electricity generation interconnected to electric co-op
electric grids more than doubled.
Out of the 101 privately owned renewable electricity
generation facilities interconnected co-op grids at the end of
2009, 86 were wind turbines, 14 were solar-powered systems,
and 1 was a methane-recovery facility.
“Every electric co-op in Iowa has an interconnection
policy in place so privately owned electricity generation can be
interconnected,” said Ruth. “Those interconnection policies
are consistent with federal and state laws.”
When Starmont School officials decided to go green more
than a year ago, they thought a renewable energy project
might be the answer. But today, work on a more cost-effective
solution—retrofitting lighting with more efficient fixtures—
is nearly complete. It’s a solution the school would not have
found without the help of East-Central Iowa REC.
“Initially, school representatives contacted ECI REC
because they were interested in interconnection with our
grid,” said Frank Weber, member services director of ECI
REC. “However, we recommended that a professional energy
audit would be a good first step to help the school determine
if equipment retrofits or upgrades could result in a reduction
of electrical demand.”
The audit, conducted by Kelly Needles of the Energy
Group, a Des Moines company, indicated that the school
could reduce its electrical usage by nearly 25% by replacing
existing lighting and adding occupancy sensors in classrooms,
offices, hallways, locker rooms, bathrooms, and work areas.
“The audit was a great choice for Starmont,” said Weber.
“ECI REC covered 70% of the audit cost for the school, and
officials learned they could save more than $25,000 a year by
implementing the lighting and sensors suggested in the audit.”
The audit was also perfectly timed and positioned the
school for eligibility for partial funding from the America
Recovery and Reinvestment Act available through the Iowa
Office of Energy Independence. And, rebates amounting to
over $25,000 are available from ECI REC.
Superintendent Matt O’Loughlin and Principal Sue
Burrack are well pleased with the results of the upgrade so far.
Burrack observed that the performance improvement from
the old lighting to the new is, “almost unbelievable!”
“The lighting project is just the first step in our decision
to go green at Starmont,” said O’Loughlin. “Once we have
determined our energy needs, we will investigate renewable
energy resources such as wind turbines. ECI’s staff has been
of great assistance in this venture and we look forward to
working with them in the future.”
Starmont Superintendent
Matt O’Loughlin
(bottom right) and
Principal Sue Burrack look on as
Chris and Milan
Anderson make
the school’s lighting more efficient.
The Cooperative Difference
12
Sept./Oct. 2010
2010 Annual Meeting of the Members Recap
2010 Prize Winners
The 15 Annual Meeting of the Members of East-Central Iowa REC was held on
$50 Wal-Mart Gift Cards
the June 17. The annual meeting was well attended by almost 280 members
Linda Donlea, Independence
Alfred Schwartz, Vinton
and guests.
Lester Cherry, Winthrop
During the meeting, Allen Albers, Burt Byers, and Jim Alberts were reelected to serve
Sean Dolan, Masonville
three-year terms of office on the Board of Directors.
Youth Tour winners Lindsay Kelty from the Vinton/Urbana area and Cally Bengston from $50 Fareway Gift Cards
Stella Mazur, Rowley
the Fairbank area shared with the membership some of their experiences while in Washington, Janet Parr, Blairstown
D.C., last summer. Both young women expressed words of appreciation for the opportunity
Dean Allen, Fairbank
Ken Westphal, Fairbank
to be a part of the 2009 Youth Tour. ECI REC sends two high-school juniors on the trip each
year.
$50 Go America Gift Cards
As part of the meeting’s activities, ECI REC member-consumers completed 261 postcards
Joseph Roether, Waterloo
Betty Anderson, Independence
thanking Sen. Charles Grassley and Rep. Leonard Boswell for co-sponsoring legislation that
Gary Waters, Independence
prevents the EPA from regulating greenhouse gas emissions
Margaret Mangrich, Winthrop
For more information from electric generation. Members also completed 84 poston how you can contact cards encouraging Sen. Tom Harkin and Rep. Bruce Braley to $60 Cy & Charley’s Gift Cards
Wm Venneman Jr., Strawberry Point
your legislator, log onto do the same legislation.
Harold Stickfort, Dunkerton
CEO Harry Ruth encouraged members as they filled
www.ourenergy.coop. Tim Dorsey, Independence
out the postcards. “Way to go ECI members! ECI REC’s
Ivadell Straka, Blairstown
board of directors and employees would like to say thank you for continuing to support our
$100 Energy Credit winners:
grassroots efforts to communicate with our lawmakers.”
District 1, Benton Area
James Walker, Vinton
Following the meeting, representatives of the ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Buchanan County Beef Producers grilled
District 2, Buchanan Area
pork-burgers and Homestead Restaurant of Independence catered the side-dishes and beverRichard Short, Winthrop
ages. Joseph Weber of Brandon also served ice-cream.
Finally, a Board reorganization meeting followed. Elected to office were President, Steve
Rau; Vice President, Allen Albers; Secretary/Treasurer Jim Alberts; and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, Don Shonka.
“We successfully addressed Cooperative business today,” said ECI REC CEO Harry Ruth. “We also had the chance to
thank our members for their participation in our democratic processes with a nice meal and prizes.
“I’d like to thank everyone who helped make this event go smoothly.”
Members attending the 2010 Annual Meeting received an East-Central Iowa REC hand-cranked LED flashlight and
paring knife upon registering. Door prizes included gift cards.
th
Left: Elected at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the Members
were: (left to right): Allen Albers, Vice President and district
13 representative; Jim Alberts, Secretary/Treasurer and
district 23 representative; Burt Byers, district 17 representative; Steve Rau, President; Donald Shonka, Assistant
Secretary/Treasurer.
ECI REC welcomes members to the
Heartland acres Agribition Center.
CEO Harry
Ruth reviews
ECI’s reliability
in 2010.
Youth Tour winners Lindsay Kelty and Cally Bengston
The Cooperative Difference
Sept./Oct. 2010
13
Discover the
Value of Co-op
Membership!
October Is National Co-Op Month
The cooperative
difference defines
who we are and what
we can achieve:
looking out for our
member-consumers’
best interests.
Each October, cooperatives all across
America celebrate the accomplishments
and contributions of our nation’s cooperatives. Observing National Co-op
Month gives electric co-ops yet another
reason to tell our member-consumers
that they are part of something special.
At a time of increasing national concern about the
economy, especially rising energy costs, we also must communicate the cooperative difference to decision makers at all
levels whose actions affect our members and the communities
in which they live and work. The cooperative difference defines
who we are and what we can achieve: looking out for our
member-consumers’ best interests.
For more information of National Cooperative Month,
visit www.coopmonth.coop.
Questions or Complaints
ECI REC strives to provide you with the best service at the lowest possible
cost. But sometimes you have questions regarding your electrical service
or billing, or possibly a complaint. We would like to know. Please contact us!
Our office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Local phone: 319-443-4343
Toll free: 877-850-4343
Fax: 319-443-4359
E-mail: ecirec@ecirec.coop
By mail:
East-Central Iowa REC
2400 Bing Miller Lane
PO Box 248
Urbana, IA 52345-0248
If you have a complaint related to East-Central Iowa REC’s service, rather
than its rates, and the complaint is not resolved, you may request assistance
from the Iowa Utilities Board.
Des Moines local: 515-281-3839
Toll Free: 877-565-4450
Fax: 515-281-5329 E-mail: iub@max.state.ia.us (in subject area note customer service)
By mail:
Customer Service
Iowa Utilities Board
350 Maple Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0069
East-Central Iowa REC, a
Touchstone Energy® cooperative, is pleased to announce we
are in the process of introducing Co-op Connections®, a
program that helps you obtain discounts on products and
services from participating local and national businesses.
“Whether shopping at local businesses or national retail
chains, now our members can receive savings on everyday purchases,” said Harry Ruth, ECI REC CEO. Members will also
get 10-60% off prescriptions at participating local pharmacies.
In December, you will get your Co-op Connections card
free, simply because you’re a member of ECI REC. A list of
participating businesses will accompany the card. To use your
card, look for the Co-op Connections stickers in windows of
local businesses, and present your card at the time of purchase.
“It’s just one more way you benefit from being a member
of a Touchstone Energy® cooperative,” said Ruth.
To take a sneak peak at some of the participating national
businesses from where you will receive savings on purchases,
log onto www.connections.coop, or go to ECI REC’s Web site
and select News and then What’s New.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
East-Central Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative is the recipient of Federal
financial assistance from the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, and is subject to the provisions of Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, as amended; Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974 as amended;
the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department
of Agriculture which provide that no person in the United States on the
basis of race, color, national origin, age or disability shall be excluded
from participation in, admission or access to, denied the benefits of, or
otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any of this organization’s
programs or activities.
In accordance with Federal law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of
race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability (Not all prohibited
bases apply to all programs).
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue,
SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD).
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
14
The Cooperative Difference
CEO Message
Sept./Oct. 2010
continued from page 16
Get ered
Pow
Up!
The kids are back in school, and the
Energy Kids Web site is redesigned
to be a great resource get kids’ brains
back in action. In fact, the site was
named Best in Show, Best Web Site,
and Best Shoestring Budget project by
the National Association of Government
Communicators in 2010!
The site’s mascot, Energy Ant, leads
kids though five categories: What is
Energy?, Energy Sources, Using and
Saving Energy, Energy History, and
Games and Activities.
Ideas for your kids’ next science
project can be found in the Games and
Activities section. Learn the keys to a
successful science fair project and find
links to energy experiments, courtesy of
the National Energy Education Development Project. You’ll find a guide to
planning a science projects, and project
ideas for kids of all ages from kindergarten through high school. The site even
has a special section for teachers.
Log on today and start your kids’
energy education!
2010 Fall Member Meeting With the CEO
This year’s fall meeting will be held at the VFW Building at 128 3rd Avenue in
Independence on ­­­­Wednesday, November 10, 2010. The meeting will begin at
6:30 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m.
“This meeting is a great opportunity for members to have open conversation
in a small-group setting with our CEO,” said Lisa Franck, manager of communications. “CEO Ruth will be happy to answer our members’ questions.”
If you are interested in attending this open-discussion meeting with CEO
Harry Ruth, please let us know by completing the form below. Return it by
Friday, October 1, 2010.
As the event date approaches, we will contact those who indicated interest to
confirm availability.
YES, I would like to participate in a small-group member
meeting with CEO Harry Ruth.
Name: __________________________________________________________
Clip and mail
www.eia.doe.gov/kids
✄
A Lifestyle Tip
From ECI REC
In late June, ECI directors Judy Finger,
Don Shonka, Ryan Kress, and Steve Rau;
ECI employees Rod Fletchall, Molly Cook,
and Gary Marlow; and state representatives Gene Ficken and Dawn Pettengill.
toured NextEra Energy Duane Arnold,
LLC, near Palo, Iowa. The Facility is the
only nuclear plant in Iowa. ECI REC’s
power provider, CIPCO, receives 34.1% of
its energy from NextEra Engergy Duane
Arnold. The plant generates 592 million
watts of electricity, enough to supply the
annual needs of more than 600,000
homes, and is a safe, reliable, and
low-cost producer of electricity.
of the time. Therefore, for every megawatt
of wind capacity, there must be a fossil
fuel generator to back it up. Most backup
units are natural-gas-powered turbines—jet
engines connected to an electric generator.
The remaining alternative is natural gas,
the prices of which have traditionally been
volatile. However, developers in the United
States have learned how to extract natural
gas from shale rock, and production has
increased significantly in recent years.
Will the need to construct new baseload
generation plants affect rates? Yes, it will. The
need for additional capacity will put upward
pressure on rates across the United States.
That is an excellent reason to take advantage
of your Cooperative’s rebates and make your
home or business more energy efficient. The
more efficient our homes and businesses
are, the longer we can wait before building
additional generating capacity.
Address: ________________________________________________________
ECI Account #:_____________________ Phone # ________________________
Number attending meeting_ _________________________________________
Return form to: ECI REC | Member Meeting | PO Box 248 | Urbana, IA 52345
Classifieds
Sept./Oct. 2010
15
Classifieds Free to ECI REC Members Only
For Sale: Antique dump rake, $1000;
heavy lift chains, ½” and 5/8” x 16, 18
and 20 ft., Case Hardened, $50 - $60.
Ph: 319-934-3202.
For Sale: Set of encyclopedia Britunnica; glass and weathered brass
outdoor porch lights.
Ph: 319-334-2760.
For Sale: 4400 JD combine, $3,000;
213 Flex head bean head, $1,000;
444 corn head, $1,000; 12404 JD
planter; JD C-12 cultivators bigger,
$400, smaller $300; Gravity wagons,
$750 a piece or $1,500 for the pair;
antique rake plow.
Ph: 319-334-3738.
For Sale: 1997 Cadillac, needs
battery, like new inside; bobsled.
Ph: 319-439-5316
For Sale: Dee-Zee Silver Series
split-lid crossover pick-up toolbox,
brite-tread aluminum, L69.75” x H20”
x W20”, $300. Ph: 319-334-4310
For Sale: Non-working push mower
for parts, $5; two matching end
tables, $5 for both; handmade
turquoise crib set, bumper pad, skirt,
two blankets, $10; white cradle, $10;
white changing table, $15 or both for
$20. Ph: 319-845-5112.
For Sale: Missouri Fox Trotter, mare
black and white Tobinao seven years
old, very pretty, trail broke, $2,000;
1997 Exiss Extremist, 3-horse slant,
14’ living quarters, 4x6 slide out, full
bath, 18’ awning, dual hydraulic jacks,
nice condition, $30,000.
Ph: 319-474-2467.
For Sale: Yamaha Alto YAS-23
very good condition, pads replaced
not very long ago, hard case, a
few reeds and accessories, $400;
personal electronic Provo Craft
CRICUT machine, used about four
times before upgrading to larger one,
$80. Ph: 319-227-7444
For Sale: Entertainment center, $50;
new oak frame futon, $250; new
large loose cushion couch, $250;
recliner, $35; wingback chair, $50; ski
machine, $35; two newer large dressers, $200 each; snow blower, $75;
portable dishwasher, $150; freezer,
$175; refrigerator, $200; microwave,
$25; three dining chairs, $25 ea.; side
board (oak top), $100; spool bed, $60.
Ph: 319-446-6006
For Sale: New Holland 256 cycle
mower; JD 1600, 14’ Hydro swing
haybine; 7x12 Heider wagon on #45
Kewanee gear w/hoist; Owatona
windrower; New Holland #27 silage
blower. Ph: 319-436-2918
For Sale: Solid oak bookcase 7’ x
2’-8”, $40; “Bistro” table with two
stools, butcher block top 2’ x 2’, dark
green legs, $25. Ph: 319-334-8308
For Sale: 1994 Suzuki King Quad
400 4X4 ATV, winch, 48” blade,
5-speed automatic, $1,500. Ph: 319436-3042 or 319-899-4423
For Sale: 1985 Ford Ranger with
topper, good condition, 5-speed
manual transmission, 88,540 mls.
Ph: 319-935-3721
For Sale: 1999 Chevy Suburban,
2500, 4WD, third row seat, towing
package, loaded, 89,000 mls., runs
and rides great, $7,200 OBO.
Ph. 319-433-8705
For Sale: 16’ Bayland wire corncrib,
good Shape, you take down, cheap.
Ph: 319-540-3512
For Sale: John Deere Category 1
Quick Hitch, green, like new, $275.00;
King Kutter II, 3-point tiller, 60” cut,
one year old, like new, $1,250.00.
Ph: 319-472-2260
For Sale: Snow blade for 4-wheeler
or lawn mower. Ph: 319-454-6459
For Sale: 1948 8N Ford new tires
on back. Good Shape. Ph: 319-4792724
For Sale: 1997 Jayco Designer Series M-246FB travel trailer,
27’x8’.2”, two axel, 4,444 lbs, 19’
Awning, two doors, sleeps six, heavyduty hitch, needs A/C, everything else
works great, very well maintained,
stored inside, $5,100 OBO. Ph:
319-433-8705
For Sale: A-C Model C tractor with
NF with 60” Woods belly mower in
excellent condition, $2,800.
Ph: 319-240-3424
For Sale: Ornate bronze chandelier
light fixture, glass 16” diameter, 20”
length, takes three 60 watt bulbs,
$50; oak entertainment center, 56”
wide, 51” tall, TV opening 33 ½ “
wide, 25 ½ “ height, glass side doors,
oak door to close over TV, $150;
two brass non tarnishing carriage
lights, $50; oak octagon mirror, rose
and light blue stained glass flowers
around mirror, 34” wide, 27 ½ “
length, $50. Ph: 319-436-3042
Wanted: 4-row corn planter.
Ph: 319-560-8423
Ads for the Nov./Dec. Heartland Link must be received by October 1, 2010.
East-Central Iowa REC will publish non-commercial advertisements as a service to our members. All ads are free. They may be submitted by any member or employee of EastCentral Iowa REC. Ads should contain a phone number, name (if desired), a brief description of items with price if applicable. Each ad is limited to maximum of 50 words.
Editor reserves the right to edit or reject any ad. No ads will be taken over the telephone—please mail or bring your ad to the office.
Member Challenge
Take the Member Challenge
Congrats to the July/August Winners
Find the answers within the stories, features, and content of this newsletter and you
could win a prize. Sixteen names will be drawn from all the correct entries.
Cynthia Fritsch __________________ $10 Credit on Electric Bill
Zieser Ag Inc ___________________ $10 Credit on Electric Bill
Otto Eschen, Jr._ ________________ $10 Credit on Electric Bill
James Van Etten_________________ $10 Credit on Electric Bill
Lawrence Noe___________________ $10 Credit on Electric Bill
Van A. Wechel Farms Inc _ ________ $10 Credit on Electric Bill
Leslie Duncalf___________________ $10 Credit on Electric Bill
Walter Bruce____________________ $10 Credit on Electric Bill
Bobbi and James Rich_____________________REC Flashlight
Kevin Louis______________________________REC Flashlight
Robert Bush_ ___________________________ REC Calculator
Robert Allard____________________________ REC Calculator
James and Carol Arbuckle______________ REC Thermometer
John Beierschmitt_____________________ REC Thermometer
Carroll Takes___________________________REC Rain Gauge
James Connell_ ________________________REC Rain Gauge
1. KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON: The only nuclear energy plant in Iowa is the
_____________________.
2. ENERGY WISE: What are the dates of the Gissel Model Home Open House?
3. THE COOPERATIVE DIFFERENCE: For more information on how you
can contact your legislator about your energy concerns, log onto
_____________________.
Find the answers to the questions, print the word(s) at the top of the next page, cut it out,
and send it to: ECI REC, PO Box 248, Urbana, IA, 52345. You may mail your entry along
with your electric bill payment, but remember there is a deadline! Entries for this issue
must be received by October 1.
1._ ______________________ 2. _ _______________ 3. __________________ POSTMASTER: Send address changes to “Heartland Link,” 2400 Bing Miller Lane, PO Box 248,
Urbana, IA 52345.
Phone:
(319) 443-4343
Ownership: East-Central Iowa Rural
Electric Cooperative
Publisher: Harry Ruth
Editor:
Lisa Franck
Cooperative Information
East-Central Iowa REC
2400 Bing Miller Lane
PO Box 248
Urbana, IA 52345-0248
PH: 1-319-443-4343
TOLL FREE: 1 -877-850-4343
FAX: 1-319-443-4359
E-MAIL: ecirec@ecirec.coop
WEB SITE: www.ecirec.coop
Hours
Monday-Friday
(closed Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)
Office: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Line Department &
Member Services Department
7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Visa and MasterCard Accepted
We’re on the web!
WWW.ECIREC.COOP
✄
“Heartland Link” (USPS No. 313-160) is published
bimonthly for $3.30 per year by East-Central Iowa
Rural Electric Cooperative, 2400 Bing Miller Ln.,
Urbana, IA 52345-0248 with outposts located at 1707
First St.. E. Independence, IA, 50644 and 1600 West
D. St. Vinton, IA, 52349. Periodicals class postage
paid at Independence, Ia, and additional mailing
offices.
Please note: NO ENTRIES will be taken over the phone.
Clip and mail
Sept./Oct. 2010
Vol. 17 - Issue 05
Message
From the CEO
The U.S. Needs More
Baseload Generation
CEO Harry Ruth
Most of the current electrical generating plants in this country were built between the 1960s
and early 1980s. These plants are getting old and may need to be replaced in the next 20
to 30 years.
Where will this new generation capacity come from? It will not be from coal-fired plants.
Although coal is the most abundant and cheapest fuel option in the country, state lawmakers have made it clear that they want no more coal-fired plants built in Iowa.
How about “clean coal” technology? There is a great deal of research currently under
way, but there is no process for capturing and storing carbon dioxide that has been proven
to work on the scale of a 600 mega-watt coal-fired generator. Most people believe that a
proven means of capturing and storing carbon dioxide on a large scale will not exist until
around 2025.
It will not be from nuclear-powered generation—no nuclear power plant has been built
in the United States in 30 years. Few utilities want to be the first to do so. Nuclear power
plant construction is estimated to cost at least $6 billion—a great deal of money to risk.
A few utilities in the country are moving forward with plans for nuclear plants. They
will probably not come online before 2020. If these projects are successful; then you will
see more to follow. However, it currently takes ten years to plan for a nuclear plant, get the
licenses, and complete construction. That means this second wave of nuclear plants will
not come on line much before 2025.
Two companies have designed modular nuclear power units. Because these units are
only 50 or 125 megawatts (a standard nuclear generator is 1,000 to 1,600 megawatts),
their availability could speed construction with off-site building and post-installation fueling.
This new design has not yet been approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, but a
number of electric utilities, including CIPCO, are watching this new technology very closely.
How about energy from the wind? To state the obvious, the wind does not blow all of
the time. Even the most productive wind farms rarely generate electricity more than 40%
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