Co-op makes application for additional revenue

COVER:
The guys at Creative Ornamental Iron in Miami show off
a beautiful spiral staircase in
production. The staircase is
just one of the many custom
pieces crafted at the shop for
home- and business-owners
around the region who are
looking for practical yet distinctive accent decor. From
left are John Scorse, Matt
Schumacher, James Forrester
and Charles Wells.
INSIDE:
Request under review
The cooperative’s request for
additional revenue is under
commission review.
3
Lasting impression
Beautify your home with an
accent piece from Creative
Ornamental Iron in Miami.
4
Copper theft again on rise
The nation is seeing a resurgence in the number of copper thefts.
6
Christmas cooking
Cooperative employee Susanne Frost shares some of
her family’s holiday favorites.
7
Hometown connections
Use the Co-op Connections
Card to shop and save in your
hometown this Christmas.
8
Light your way with LEDs
Your holiday decorating lighting options are
numerous thanks to LEDs.
10
STS changing names
Cooperative meter reading
contractors announce a name
change from STS to Metadigm.
11
Northeast Connection
All Around Green Country
Events are published as space allows and must be submitted at least 60 days in advance. Include a telephone number for publication.
Send information to Northeast Connection Events Calendar, P.O. Box 948, Vinita, OK 74301. Email: clint.branham@neelectric.com, or
fax: 918-256-9380. Please call ahead to confirm dates and times.
NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 26 • Fairland
Twin Bridges Park of Lights Display
Twin Bridges State Park
918-542-6969
DECEMBER 4 • Welch
Christmas Parade
Downtown
918-788-3616
DECEMBER 1-19 • Pryor
Camp Dry Gulch Christmas Train
Dry Gulch USA
918-234-8100
DECEMBER 4 • Grand Lake
Christmas Light Boat Parade
Cherokee Yacht Club
918-782-4421
DECEMBER 2 • Pryor
Christmas Parade of Lights
Downtown
918-825-0157
DECEMBER 4 • Grand Lake
Polar Bear Plunge
Arrowhead Yacht Club
918-782-3292
DECEMBER 2 • Vinita
Christmas Parade
Downtown
918-256-7133
DECEMBER 5 • Vinita
Holiday Parade of Homes
Various locations
918-256-7133
DECEMBER 4 • Salina
Christmas Parade
Downtown
918-434-8181 or 918-434-6776
DECEMBER 6 • Grove
Angel of Hope Ceremony
Lendonwood Gardens
918-786-2938
DECEMBER 4 • Miami
Miami Business Expo & Rotary Club Breakfast
Miami Civic Center
918-542-8405
DECEMBER 7 • Pryor
Classical Pianist Sam Rotman Performs
Grace Bible Church
918-825-5147
DECEMBER 4 • Vinita
Summerside Winery Open House
Summerside Winery
918-256-3000
DECEMBER 11 • Grove
Annual Lighted Christmas Parade
Downtown area
918-786-9079
DECEMBER 4 • Grove
Christmas Thyme Tour of Homes
Various locations
918-791-9355
DECEMBER 11 • Jay
Christmas Parade
Main Street
918-253-8698
DECEMBER 4 • Miami
Holiday Home Tour
Various locations
918-542-1590
DECEMBER 11-12 • Miami
Midwest Regional Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”
Coleman Theatre
918-540-2425
DECEMBER 4 • Miami
Route 66 Christmas Parade
Downtown
918-542-4481
DECEMBER 17 • Grove
Marty Haggard Concert
Royal Bay Theatre
918-786-4272
DECEMBER 4 • Bluejacket
Christmas Parade
Downtown
918-784-2382
DECEMBER 18 • Grove
One Grand Christmas Bazaar
Grove Community Center
918-786-6600
Co-op makes application
for additional revenue
N
ORTHEAST Oklahoma Electric Cooperative has filed an application for a revenue
increase with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. Prompted by the findings of
a comprehensive cost of service study, the request for a 7.95% revenue adjustment
is currently under commission review.
How much does the co-op plan to increase its rates?
An 7.95 percent average increase has been requested. For an average household, that would
mean an additional $8.38 per month. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) must
approve the revenue increase. The OCC could approve all, part or none of the requested
increase.
Why does the co-op need to increase rates?
A revenue adjustment has been sought to ensure the financial stability of the cooperative going
forward, as well as maintain the quality and reliability of electrical service for its members.
The adjustment will also help the co-op achieve better equity between rate classes.
What is the cooperative doing to minimize the impact of the increase?
The cooperative reviews every area of its operation in an effort to lower its costs and minimize
the impact of a potential revenue increase. Every division within the organization has been
successful in trimming operational expenses.
When will I see the increase on my bill?
A January 2011 implementation date has been requested for the revenue increase. Electric
service provided on and after January 1 could be subject to the increase.
What can I do to reduce my bill?
The cooperative offers programs such as energy audits to identify opportunities for homeowners to reduce power usage, increase efficiency and sometimes comfort. In addition, we
offer an average monthly payment plan that averages monthly costs in order to soften the
cost impact to members during the high usage months.
Additional questions?
If you have questions regarding the proposed revenue increase or would like more information about an energy audit or one of our payment plans, please feel free to call and
speak to a member service representative at 1-800-256-6405.
Public Hearing Information
A public hearing on the proposed revenue increase is being conducted by the Oklahoma
Corporation Commission on December 2, 2010 in Oklahoma City. Official notice of the
hearing was given in November.
Statement of Nondiscrimination
Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, Inc., is a member-owned, not-for-profit service organization that
adheres to rules, regulations, and policies, which provide that no person on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, age, religion, union affiliation, veteran’s status, 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.
The person responsible for coordinating this organization’s nondiscrimination compliance efforts is the Human
Resources/Benefits Administrator. Any individual, or specific class of individuals, who feels that this organization
has subjected them to discrimination may obtain further information about the regulations listed above from
and/or file a written complaint with this organization. Complaints must be filed within 180 days after the alleged
discrimination. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible.
Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D
Connection
Northeast
Northeast Connection is published monthly
as an effective means of communicating
news, information and innovative thinking
that enhances the profitability and quality
of life for members of Northeast Oklahoma
Electric Cooperative.
Please direct all editorial inquiries to
Communications Specialist Clint Branham at
800-256-6405 ext. 9340 or email
clint.branham@neelectric.com.
Vinita headquarters: 4.5 miles east of
Vinita at 443857 East Highway 60.
Grove office: 212 South Main.
Business hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. until
5 p.m. Offices are closed Saturday, Sunday
and holidays.
A representative is available 24 hours at:
1-800-256-6405
If you experience an outage, please check
your switch or circuit breaker in the house
and on the meter pole to be sure the trouble
is not on your side of the service. If you
contact us to report service issues or discuss
your account, please use the name as it
appears on your bill, and have both your
pole number and account number ready.
Officers and Trustees of NEOEC, Inc.
President
Dandy Allan Risman
District
Vice President
Harold W. Robertson
District
Secretary-Treasurer
Benny L. Seabourn
District
Asst. Secretary-Treasurer
Everett L. Johnston
District
John L. Myers
Member
Sharron Gay
Member
James A. Wade
Member
Bill R. Kimbrell
Member
Jack Caudill
Member
5
1
2
3
District 4
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9
NEOEC Management Team
Robert Echenrode
General Manager
Larry Cisneros, P.E.
Manager of Engineering
Susanne Frost
Manager of Office Services
Cindy Hefner
Manager of Public Relations
Lisa McMeen
Manager of Financial Services
Rick Shurtz
Manager of Operations
December 2010
Lasting impression
T
Beautify your home with an accent piece from Creative Ornamental Iron
HERE is just something about ornamental
iron that imparts a certain distinctive charm
to whatever it adorns. Be it a gate or a
handrail, there is nothing that says rugged character like a custom accent fashioned from this
timeless metal.
Matt Schumacher and John Scorse are longtime friends and neighbors who have combined
unique artistic talents to establish a custom
ironworks shop in Miami, Oklahoma. Creative
Ornamental Iron prides itself on truly innovative
design.
This joint venture combines experience in the
design and production of custom-built products.
Local installation is offered for both commercial
and residential applications. Schumacher and Scorse
create handcrafted decor of the highest quality for interior or exterior use.
Our goal, says
Scorse, “is to create
Earnestine
custom built items
Helmick
designed for a lifetime
Marketing
of use.”
Specialist
Soon after forming their partnership,
Scorse and Schumacher purchased a building east of
Miami where they acquired much needed space. The
additional space allowed them to diversify by expanding into the steel supply side of the business. That is
how S&S Steel Supply came into existence. Since steel
trucks deliver steel just about every other day it was a
natural addition to the business.
Creative Ornamental Iron is a full-service fabrication shop, specializing
in decorative metalwork.
Every project is built to
the highest standards of
craftsmanship. On-site
analysis and attention to
detail ensure a quality
product and customer
satisfaction.
Computer-aided design software (CAD) and
metalworking technology enable the development of unique designs
4
Northeast Connection
— just for you and your style of living. Or, Creative
Ornamental Iron can use your drawings and ideas to develop a distinctive custom design created just for you.
If you have a sketch, or even a picture from a magazine, simply take it to the shop—or email it—and they
will estimate the cost of recreating your concept. You
can rest assured the finished product will reflect your
lifestyle and last a lifetime.
The folks at Creative Ornamental Iron not only
work with homeowners, they have also established a
working relationship with many of the top contractors,
architects and landscapers in the area. They work with
several contractors in Joplin who remodel older, multistory buildings and are pleased to be able to help these
contractors meet building and fire code specifications
by fabricating fire escapes, emergency exits, joists,
decking, structural beams and columns, and wheelchair
ramps.
Gates are one of the most sought after items. There
are a variety of gate types
and designs from which to
choose, or simply request a
custom original. Entrance
gates can slide or pivot and
be matched with perimeter
fencing for purposes of
aethetics and security.
Creative Ornamental
Iron not only fabricates and
installs entrance gates, but
can also equip you with the
latest in automated technology, powered by your
choice of solar or electric. The system can be
designed to call your cell phone and allow you
to grant access to your property even if you are
away from home.
Maintaining the quality performance of what
it sells is a high priority at Creative Ornamental
Iron. Scorse assures that theirs is not an 8 a.m. to
5 p.m. business. When someone calls for service,
he and Schumacher respond quickly.
Creative Ornamental Iron is becoming more
involved in the green initiative by adding solar
panels to the mix. Solar is not only eco-friendly
but also practical for locations where electricity
may not be readily available.
Looking for something to enhance the elegance of your home’s interior decor or complement that exterior project? Creative Ornamental
Iron can create stylish accents that fit themes
such as Southwest, Old English, Colonial or
Modern. The company’s goal is
to meet the needs of its customers
with items that reflect a certain
lifestyle and taste. The availability of textured metals can also
give products a unique appeal.
There are many areas both
inside and outside the home to
consider for ornamental accents.
Spiral staircases, handrails for
balconies and steps, outdoor
furniture, trellises, security doors,
swimming pool security fences
and grillwork for windows can
really add a nice touch. Smaller
items such fireplace inserts, specialty tools for fireplaces, beds,
tables, racks, candelabras, benches, swings, pot and pans holders
demonstrate that you are not limited
to larger projects.
S & S Steel Supply sells steel
products to the public which gives
farmers, ranchers, and welders in the
area a local outlet for these items.
You’ll find gate latches, pipe, fence
panels, angle iron, channel flats, and
building components such as rebar,
red iron, and culverts. If they don’t
have it, they can get it for you.
Pipes are stocked in precut
lengths to help farmers and ranches
build fences, and a selection of
culverts are available. Having a steel
yard nearby allows contractors to call
and order prefab lintels in the desired
quantities and sizes and have them
ready for pick-up.
Creative Ornamental Iron and
S & S Steel Supply are customer-focused and offer
personalized service. Scorse and Schumacher share the
belief that word-of-mouth and quality products are their
best forms of advertisement. This emphasis on customer satisfaction is evident by the amount of referrals
received.
Call 918-540-1600 for more information on either
business or visit the showroom at 58250 East 100 Road
in Miami. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to
5 p.m.
You can also visit online at:
www.creativeornamental.com.
Pictured, this page and facing, are various custom projects
and ornate designs, from gates to handrails to unique swings
created by the f0lks at Creative Ornamental Iron in Miami.
5
December 2010
Reports of vandalism growing nationwide
Copper theft risky business
C
OPPER theft has become a serious public safety
issue in recent years as the price of copper in the
U.S. has increased. People are increasingly being
injured and killed while trying to steal copper wire from
utility companies. As a result, utilities across the country
have been forced to respond with new measures for safeguarding their equipment and their employees from the
dangers posed by these brazen thefts.
“As the number of copper thefts has continued to
rise, this issue has not only impacted the U.S.
electric utility industry which has been forced to
repair and replace damaged or stolen equipment, but has had an adverse effect on the
general public,” explains Brett Brenner,
president of the Electrical Safety Foundation International, based in Arlington,
Virginia. “People are experiencing
property damage and power outages
as a direct result of these thefts.”
One recent copper vandal, in
particular, paid dearly for his lapse
in judgement.
Deputies from the Ross
County (Ohio) Sheriff’s Office, responding to a report of a
person inside the South Central
Power facility in Clarksburg, found a man dead. The deputies found a pair of bolt cutters beside him.
Employees for the utility believe the man had cut one
of the grounding wires. When he went to cut a second
wire, the man was apparently electrocuted because the
electricity had nowhere to go but through him.
The sheriff said copper grounding wire belonging to
the utility was found in the bed of the individual’s truck,
which was parked inside the substation. The substation
Lucky Account Number
C
HECK your copy of the Northeast
Connection each month and see
if you are the lucky winner of a $25
electric bill credit. Match the number in the box below to the account
number on your monthly statement,
then call 1-800-256-6405 ext. 9340
to claim your prize.
This month’s winning
account number is:
6
Northeast Connection
960187
lock was on the front seat.
Closer to home, Oklahoma Electric Cooperative
(OEC) is facing an estimated $1 million repair bill after
copper thieves wrecked a substation—making off with all
of about $100 worth of the metal, a co-op official said.
Randy Simmons, manager of operations at the Norman-based co-op, said power outage calls began coming
in and crews were dispatched to the substation.
“They called me saying that the whole
substation was just about ruined. It had been
on fire,” said Simmons. “And with further
investigation they saw that there had been
copper that had been taken.”
Simmons estimated $1 million
in damage was done. The thieves had
tried to get up on a big transformer,
and he was amazed not to find anyone
injured.
Simmons said 40 to 50 pounds
of copper was taken, and when he
checked prices in Oklahoma City the
next day, he found copper running
between $2 and $2.85 per pound,
depending on how well it is cleaned. “They got maybe $100.
Maybe,” he said.
Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative cares about
the safety of its members. Here are a few things that will
go a long way in securing your safety and the safety of
others.
• If you see any unusual activity in or around substations, towers, utility poles, storage sites and other electric
utility property, report it immediately by calling 1-800256-6405.
• No one should ever climb substation fences, utility
poles or towers. People must also stay away from substations and transformers. Activity like this is hazardous and
can result in severe injury and death.
Said Rick Shurtz, operations manager for Northeast
Oklahoma Electric Cooperative of the rash of copper
vandalism:
“As we read about these recent incidents, our cooperative remains deeply concerned for the personal safety
of both the public and our line personnel. Protecting our
members’ power system is also a priority and we will
report any acts of vandalism to the proper authorities.
Damaged equipment from copper theft can be extremely
costly to repair or replace, and a life is irreplaceable.”
7
December 2010
Use your Co-op Connections Card and save
Hometown shopping the way to go
D
ON’T forget your Co-op Connections Card
when shopping for the perfect gift for that
special someone this holiday season. Several
area retailers offer significant discounts to Northeast
Oklahoma Electric Cooperative members who present
the card at checkout.
Read on for a few great examples of how to shop
locally, conserve fuel and save additional dollars on
purchases.
Chelsea Family Pharmacy, located at 600 Walnut
Street in Chelsea, will take 25% off any over-the-counter
puchase of $25 or more. The pharmacy is a popular gift
stop that carries a large line of Melissa & Doug brand
educational toys for children, and hunting-themed lodge
decor.
“We have a little bit of everything,” said pharmacy
tech Courtney Brown.
Shoppers at Chelsea Family Pharmacy will also find
a variety of collegiate-licensed souvenirs for Sooner
and Cowboy fans, as well as unique items such as Tyler
candles and Tervis tumblers.
“We have a good selection for a small town,” Brown
said, “so people don’t need to leave town to find a great
gift.”
Chelsea Family Pharmacy is open from 9 a.m. until 6
p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
on Saturday. They are closed Sunday.
A 20% storewide discount is available to shoppers
presenting a Co-op Connections Card at Janet’s Home
Accents & Gifts in Vinita. The store is located at 217
South Wilson and there you’re guaranteed to find something unique for everyone on your shopping list.
The holidays are already in full swing here, and
visiting with store manager Arlene Hefner can’t help but
ignite your Christmas spirit.
“We have eight different trees
on display—each with its own motif,” she explained, adding that the
shop’s combination of sights, sounds
and aromas create a lovely holiday
ambience that shouldn’t be missed.
Shoppers at Janet’s will find a
large selection of gift ideas from which
to choose. The store carries festive
home decor from wooden signs to glassware to ceramics,
as well as jewelry, purses, cards and calendars.
You’ll find a line of men’s products from Zen for
Men, OKA-B shoes, Neighbors bulk coffees, Dee-Lite
finch feeders, collectible figurines from Willow Tree,
Ahava products, gourmet food mixes (soups, cheese
8
Northeast Connection
The holidays are on display at Janet’s Home Accents & Gifts in
Vinita. Janet’s is one of several local retailers participating in
the Co-op Connections Card discount program.
balls, hot and cold dips, cheesecake bakes, etc.) from
Wind & Willow, Gooseberry Patch cookbooks, Colonial
candles, Camille Beckman products, items
from Archipelago, Aromatique fragrances
and Lampeberger lamps.
Need to put the finishing touches on
your holiday interior decor? You’ll find
swags, wreaths and the like at Janet’s.
Store hours are 10 a.m. until 6:30
p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
For shoppers looking for added
incentive, Hefner said “Every month we do a customer appreciation drawing.”
Folks in the Grove area won’t want to miss out on the
countless gifting possibilities at Gourmet’s, which sits at
the corner of 3rd & Main in downtown Grove. The store
is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday,
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
“We have a lot of unique items,” said Gourmet’s
owner Janine Caldwell.
For instance, Caldwell said, the latest limited edition
set of collectible figurines from designer Jacqueline Kent is
available at Gourmet’s.
“We have her pieces for this year, which are Santa’s
elves, and they’re absolutely beautiful.”
Gourmet’s describes itself as “the kitchen store with so
much more” and is a truly one-of-a-kind place that features
everything from quality Cuisinart and Krups appliances, to
everday kitchen gadgets, to fine China, to gourmet coffees.
Browse the store’s selection of glassware and collectorquality serving pieces and gear up for holiday hosting with a
visit to Gourmet’s.
“We have the things you need in your kitchen during the
holidays and all the foods that are stocked for entertaining—
the chips and dips, relish trays, and holiday breads,” said
Caldwell
Be sure and allow plenty of time to browse the
immense inventory on your first visit to Gourmet’s, which
offers a 10% discount on purchase totals (not including
Holland Grills) to cooperative members presenting a Co-op
Connections Card at checkout.
Cooperative members can also receive discounts when
shopping at Osborn Drug in Vinita and at The Crooked
Little House pecan orchard in Adair.
Present your Co-op Connections Card and receive 10%
off Woodwick candles at Osborn Drug. Take an additional
10% off purchases of $30 or more (excluding in-shell,
cracked or shelled pecans) at The Crooked Little House.
Osborn Drug is open 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The Crooked
Little House is open 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through
Saturday, during the holiday season.
To find out more about the Co-op Connections Card
discount program or for a complete listing of participating
local and national businesses, visit www.neelectric.com and
click on the Co-op Connections Card icon at the lower right
portion of the homepage.
GreenPower is electricity generated from clean and renewable
resources such as sunlight, wind, water and biomass. Get all the details
on how you can support renewable resources by calling 1-800-256-6405.
Sami Jo Frisby
Frisby joins NEOEC
family this summer
N
ORTHEAST Oklahoma Electric Cooperative welcomed Sami Jo Frisby to the family
this summer. Frisby joined the co-op on July
26 as a member accounts/collections clerk.
Duties for Frisby include preparing and processing service orders on past-due accounts for field
collectors. She maintains records by keeping them
updated and accurate at all times.
“I also communicate with dispatch and member
services throughout the day to notify them who has
paid on the past-due accounts list that day,” Frisby
explained.
A lifelong Vinita resident and graduate of Vinita
High School, Frisby furthered her education at
Oklahoma State University. Upon completion of
her bachelor’s degree at OSU, Frisby joined Tulsabased Trinity Life Insurance as an agent. She was
recognized as the top sales person by the company in
2008.
Of course, growing up, Frisby also gained lots of
hands-on business experience working for her father
Joe in the family garden centers. Frisby Greenhouse
is one of the region’s largest wholesale and retail
suppliers of bedding plants, trees and various other
gardening supplies.
Of her time thus far at the cooperative, Frisby
says:
“I have really enjoyed working with the
people here at REC. Everyone has been very
friendly and has been willing to help me when I
have had questions.”
9
December 2010
‘Tis the season
LEDs open up a world of holiday lighting options for creative homeowners
C
HRISTMAS is right around the corner. Amid
the hustle and bustle of the holiday season
you’ve once again put off decorating until
the last minute. Not to worry. There are countless,
simple lighting solutions that will have your home
twinkling with holiday cheer in no time.
The popularity of LEDs has begun to soar in
recent years. Since their introduction, manufacturers
have continued to work hard to develop this technology while making it more affordable. The market
now supports an endless variety of LED products
that can help make your holiday lighting display as
unique as it is beautiful.
Gone are the days of branding oneself while
hanging bulky strands of white-hot, incandescent
lights. No more troubleshooting unreliable, nextgeneration mini-lights. Lessen your concerns over
fire safety when decorating real trees. Say good-bye Colorful LEDs can make your holiday lighting project come alive.
to all of the energy-hogging, fuse-blowing, glassbreaking humbug that comes with an outdated product.
will thank you for investing in an LED light that glows
A new, brighter day has dawned for your holiday
cooler, lasts ten times longer and requires 75 percent less
display. Both your pocketbook and your epidermis
energy to power than traditional lighting.
If yours is a standard display with
strands of lights tracing the eaves of your
home and perhaps net lights in a few
trees in your yard, consider adding some
VER the last few years, LED
technology has been developvariety by taking advantage of the counting rapidly and is now being used for
less other LED lighting products now
all types of lighting, from Christmas to
offered by manufacturers.
architectural lighting. And, since they use
Consider, too, that all of these LED
up to 90% less energy than conventional lighting, you can enjoy spectacular
components can be used with simple timlighting displays without a large electric bill. LED advantages include:
• Low energy consumption. Bulbs range from 0.83-7.3 watts compared
ers or even automation control software
to 8-45 watts for compact fluorescents (CFLs) and 40-150 watts for incandesthat allows you to use your home comcents.
puter as a tool to create an interactive
• Long service life. LED bulbs can last more than 50,000 hours whereas
display that would put Clark Griswold to
most CFLs have a rated lifespan of 6,000-15,000 hours and incandescents
average only 750-1,000 hours.
shame.
• Durable. LEDs resist thermal extremes and vibrational shock.
Be sure and purchase UL-approved
• Directional distribution of light. Good for interior task lighting.
lighting products rated for outdoor use.
• No infrared or ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Excellent for outdoor use
Lawn lights: One of the newest
since UV light attracts bugs.
LED lighting options. Roll out and stake
• Safety and environmentally conscious. LEDs contain no mercury and
remain cool to the touch.
these strings of lights in 10-foot intervals
• Available in dimmable. Dimmable LEDs do not change color tint when
across your lawn for an elaborate and
dimmed, unlike incandescent lamps.
eye-catching effect.
• No frequency interference. No ballast to interfere with radio and tele Decorations: There is a wide varivision signals.
• Color. LEDs can be manufactured to produce all colors of the spectrum
ety of LED decorations from which to
without filters. They can also produce white light in a variety of color temchoose, including snowmen, wreaths,
peratures.
tree toppers, candelabras, tealights and
Why LED lighting?
O
10
Northeast Connection
much more. Incorporate one or more of these options into for wrapping trees, or other applications where bright,
your decor for a focal point.
even light distribution is important. The wide angle bulb
Rope lights: One of the most versatile accent lightis approximately the size of a pencil eraser and is a great
ing products available, durable LED rope lights are peralternative to traditional mini Christmas lights.
fect for outlining edges or wrapping columns and rails.
Net lights: Create a more professional display by
Icicle lights: A popular alternative to basic strand
lighting trees, shrubbery and more without a lot of effort.
lights, these dangling strings shimmer
Snowfall lights: One of the most
with festivity. Hang icicle lights from
impressive additions to any outdoor
eaves, gutters, railings or fences and
display, these light tubes add a new
transform any setting into a winter
dimension by emulating snow falling
wonderland.
against the night sky.
Chasing lights: Want to change
Lightshow trees: Designed for
things up this year? A little motion
outdoor displays, LED lightshow
can really set your display apart.
trees dazzle by cycling through an
Enjoy the dazzle and impress the
assortment of effects. They come in a
neighbors with animated lighting. Use
variety of sizes and light colors.
indoor or outdoors and select speed
Garland: This holiday greenery
and function options with controllers
is anything but traditional. Bring your
to customize your display.
Christmas decorating into the 21st
Twinkle lights: Twinkle lights
century with energy saving, coolhave a random twinkling/blinking
to-the-touch LED colored garland
Use LED lights and conserve energy.
pattern, creating a festive accent for
strands.
your holiday display.
Bubble lights: Clip these colorful, gel-filled lights
Pre-lit Christmas trees: Eliminate the hassle of
onto your tree and experience holiday nostalgia. Relive
spacing light strands in your tree every year. More and
the fascination that you felt the very first time you saw
more people are turning to pre-lit trees and saving time
these brightly colored bubbling lights on a Christmas tree.
and effort.
Mini lights: A popular choice when less is more,
Wide-angle lights: One of the latest LED products
these attractive lights are small yet brilliant and perfect
to hit the store shelves, 5mm wide-angle bulbs are the
for a more traditional look.
brightest, most focused string light on the market. The
Fairy lights: When you don’t want that special acwide-angle bulb style distributes light evenly in all direc- cent overpowered by voluminous lights, basic fairy light
tions, produces consistent output, and is not affected by
strands can offer that just right decorating touch. Let your
the angle from which the light is observed. Wide-angle
creativity run wild with these tiny lights that come in a
bulbs are recommended for indoor and outdoor displays,
variety of bulb shapes.
Meter reading service unveils new name
A
N impending name change was recently
announced by the meter reading company
serving Northeast Oklahoma Electric
Cooperative members.
Specialized Technical Services, or “STS,” as it has
become known to cooperative members over the past
decade, will heretofore be known as Metadigm Services,
according to company officials.
Brenda Hicks, local project manager for Metadigm
Services, says cooperative members will still see the same
friendly faces as before.
“Our commitment to quality and a high level of customer service will remain the same,” said Hicks.
NEOEC began contracting with Specialized Technical
Services in August of 1999. The company employs seven
people locally on a full-time basis.
Co-op meter-reading contractor Specialized Technical Services is changing its name to Metadigm Services.
11
December 2010
Northeast Oklahoma
E
lectric Cooperative
P.O. Box 948, Vinita, OK 74301 • www.neelectric.com
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
TULSA, OK
Permit 2171
Save electricity from going down the drain
W
ATER use and electricity go hand in hand.
Heating water can account for as much as
25 percent of the total energy consumed in
a typical home. What’s more, systems used to process
public water supplies and deliver it
to homes require large amounts of
electricity.
If your home receives water from
a well or spring, the pump also draws
power. So when we use water, hot or
cold, we’re also using energy.
Techniques for trimming water
use in your home are surprisingly
simple. For one, you can significantly
reduce water consumption by simply
repairing leaks in fixtures—faucets
and showerheads—or pipes.
You can also reduce water heating
costs in a matter of seconds by lowering the thermostat setting on your
water heater. For each 10-degree reduction in temperature, you can save about five percent in energy costs.
Although some manufacturers set water heater
thermostats at 140 degrees F, most households usually
only require them set at 120 degrees F. However, if
you have a dishwasher without a booster heater, you
12
Northeast Connection
may require water temperature within a range of
130-140 degrees F for optimum cleaning.
Adding insulation to your water heater can save
as much as ten percent in costs. To determine if you
need to insulate your water heater,
touch it. A tank that’s warm to the
touch needs additional insulation.
Insulating your water heater
tank is fairly simple and inexpensive, and will pay for itself in about
a year. You can find pre-cut jackets
or blankets available from $10- $20.
Choose one with an insulating value
of at least R-8. In addition, don’t set
the thermostat above 130º F on an
electric water heater with an insulating jacket or blanket—the wiring may
overheat.
Installing insulation on gasor oil-fired water heaters is more
difficult. For these appliances, it’s best to have a
qualified plumbing and heating contractor perform
the work.
For more tips on trimming water use in your
home, including pipe and water heater insulation
techniques, visit www.energysavers.gov.