Rural DeLight - Wild Rice Electric Cooperative Inc.
Transcription
Rural DeLight - Wild Rice Electric Cooperative Inc.
Wild Rice Electric’s December 2014 • Volume 74 • Issue 12 News from Wild Rice Electric Co-op, Inc. PO Box 438, Mahnomen, MN 56557 www.wildriceelectric.com 75 Years of Service Wild Rice Electric Cooperative is celebrating 75 years of service this year. To mark this milestone, we will be publishing the history of the co-op in a three-part series over the next few newsletters. It is fascinating to look back at the co-op’s origins and think about how far we’ve come over the past 75 years! Part 1 of 3 Named after a grain that grows wild in shallow northern lakes, Wild Rice Electric Cooperative, Inc., had its first sparks of life on August 15th, 1939. Serving a region consisting of Mahnomen County and parts of Becker, Clay, Norman, and Polk Counties, plus a small part of Clearwater County, it has been characterized as having a split personality. Divided down the middle by Highway 59, the east half is an area of lake country much in demand among vacationers who build lakeside cottages or stop off at resorts while the west half is largely farming country. In 1935, this area had become part of the territory that was to be served by Lake Region Co-op Electrical Association, with headquarters first in Fergus Falls and later in Pelican Rapids. While other sections were getting electricity, the northern section had been bypassed. Finally, on that summer day in 1939, something was being done. A meeting was held at the Town Hall in the small town of Flom in Norman County. A group of people listened attentively as a farmer named Peter Ingebretson of Ulen introduced Director Elections 2015 At the Wild Rice Electric Cooperative, Inc. annual meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 19th, 2015, director elections for Districts 1, 2, and 3 will be held. If you are a Wild Rice Electric Cooperative member interested in becoming a director, contact Wild Rice Electric Cooperative, Inc. at (218) 935-2517 for information and Albert R. Knutson, project superintendent director qualifications. Directors standing of Lake Region Co-op Electrical Associafor re-election include District 1 – Larry tion. Mr. Knutson in turn introduced Julius Sollie, District 2 – Mark Habedank and Ausen, representing the examining division District 3 – Russell Okeson. Directors are of REA in Washington. elected by ballot for a three-year term. Mr. Ausen minced no words in urging the group to withdraw from the Lake Region system. In accordance with Article III, Section 4 of the Bylaws; it shall be the duty of the board of directors to appoint, not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than ninety “It is to your advantage to have a smaller days (90) before the date of a members’ project with an office in the center of the meeting at which directors are to be electfive-county area,” he declared. “Now is the ed, a committee on nominations consisttime to set up an organization by seceding ing of nine (9) members in good standing, from the Lake Region group. I can assure whereby three (3) members shall be selected from each district of the Cooperative so you that money for this project has been as to give equitable representation on the earmarked by REA and that an allotment committee to the geographical area served for construction of the system will soon by the Cooperative. The board of directors reach you.” will appoint the nominating committee at their monthly meeting scheduled for TuesWith Mr. Ausen’s admonition that, “Now is the time to act,” ringing in their ears, the day, December 23rd, 2014. A list of those group did act. A motion was made by Ed appointed will be provided in the January Herberger of Fertile and seconded by John issue of the Cooperative’s newsletter, the Christenson of Twin Valley that members Rural DeLight. in all of Mahnomen and parts of Norman, Clay, Becker, and Polk Counties withdraw The Cooperative’s service territory is dividfrom the Lake Region Co-op Electrical As- ed into three director districts. Each of the sociation and form their own cooperative. districts is represented by three directors The motion was carried unanimously. who are qualified members of the Cooper(75 Years of Service is continued on page 4) (Director Elections 2015 is continued on page 4) Over the Manager’s Desk Steve Haaven Around The Co-op CEO Winter is Just Ahead As I write this article we are experiencing the first significant snowfall of this winter season which reminds us the year of 2014 is coming to an end and very cold temperatures lie just around the corner. Although it is likely this first snow will be gone by tomorrow, the cruel fact remains that winter is inevitable if you live in Northern Minnesota. Heating, no matter the method used, becomes a challenge and is costly during the winter season. As you know, last year propane prices increased dramatically right when everyone needed it most. Many members had little option but to pay those high prices. I encourage you to look at electric heating options for this winter and beyond. Wild Rice Electric’s dual heat rate of 5.3 cents per kilowatt hour, plus Minnkota’s four mill surcharge, is equivalent to propane at $1.38 per gallon or fuel oil at $1.40 per gallon. Options for heating with electricity include the use of baseboards, boilers, plenum heaters, air source heat pumps, and ground source heat pumps. In addition to dual heating, other load control programs are available. An adequate backup heating system is required to take advantage of these load control programs. Rebates are available for converting to a number of those options. If you are interested in more information, contact our Member Services Department at (218) 935-2517 or (800) 244-5709. Another reminder for members who have electric heat for their primary residential heating system is that your electric bills for the heat portion are exempt from Minnesota State Sales Tax from November to April each year. To qualify, an Exemption Certificate (found elsewhere in this copy of the Rural DeLight) is required to be on file. All certificates signed during previous years are on file and no refiling is necessary. If you qualify and are being taxed on your bill for the heating portion, please complete the certificate and return it to our office. If you have questions, contact our Billing Department for details. Safety is a Priority Wild Rice Electric promotes safety to our employees, directors, and members. Our goal is to create and maintain a culture of safety in the workplace, reduce accident frequency and severity, and expand to an even higher compliance level. In our business, there is no room for error with lineworkers consistently working with 7200 volts of electricity. One wrong move can spell disaster. Similarly, the general public is reminded to be diligent when it comes to respecting electricity. The product we deliver to your homes provides a tremendous service and does all kinds of work. Crews occasionally notice situations where some people have attempted to take short cuts or tamper with electric equipment and report it to the cooperative. When reported we then contact the State of Minnesota concerning the situation. If an immediate safety hazard exists, the service has even been disconnected until the appropriate corrections have been made. Should you notice a situation that simply does not look right or appears dangerous, please contact our office at (800) 244-5709. Wild Rice Electric recently applied for accreditation through the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. The program is intended to control and prevent work related failures that cause fatalities, injuries, illness, equipment damage, and damage to or destruction of property. I am pleased and proud to report the co-op rated very well during the extensive application and observation. This marks the 30th straight year your cooperative has been so accredited. I would like to express my appreciation to our employees and board for reaching that milestone. It isn’t an easy process and is quite an accomplishment. Even more importantly, it exemplifies our continued effort to create and maintain a culture of safety. Please keep safety in mind during this holiday season. Many of us become involved in a host of activities during the busy season, from decorating homes to cooking for large family gatherings. Be careful to check drop cords and lights. Also use care to not overload circuits. Slam the Scam Minnesota utilities are joining forces to raise customer awareness and fight back against scams. Reports of phone and email billing scams are increasing at alarming rates, representing thousands of dollars lost by victims. In an effort to warn members and shut down scammers, an awareness campaign to “SLAM the SCAM” has been launched. If you think you are targeted by a scammer to simply end the conversation – SLAM down the phone. Scammers tell intended victims their account is past due and threaten disconnection. They often require victims to pay using a pre-paid debit card and they will email phony bills. Protecting personal and financial data is a top priority. If you are behind on your bill, you will receive written notice before a service disconnection. Never give out personal information, credit card numbers, or wire money as the result of an unexplained or unsolicited call or email. Simply, if it doesn’t feel right “SLAM the SCAM” to end the conversation. We often think these scams only happen in bigger cities, but members in this region of Minnesota have called in to report such activity. Happy Holidays On behalf of all of us at Wild Rice Electric I would like to wish each of you a happy holiday season. Please keep safety in mind during this joyous season. s y a d i l o H y Happ from all of us at Wild Rice Electric! Employees Ken Ahmann Chase Ashmore Crystal Askelson Jolene Brevik Mike Baukol Al Brunner Craig Burrack Ken Crane Perry Doerfler Keith Geray Tom Guenther Duane Gunderson Steven Haaven Ross Halland Blair Halvorson Nick Jasken Jill Kettner Deanna Lefebvre Gary Neis Dan Noll Board of Directors Linda Noll Travis Obowa Scott Olson Ryan Omang Nathan Pazdernik Heather Pederson Josh Roed Tom Ryan Lisa Schoenborn Bob Spaeth Tim Stock Abby Stueness Sue Swanson Adam Sweno Jayne Thompson Dave Thronson Cody Turner Mike Vasilakes Tim Voss Nathan Zortman Gary Bergan Diane Christianson Mike Guetter Mark Habedank Greg LaVoy Jeff Nornes Russell Okeson Larry Sollie Roger Winter Celebrate with Savings Buy energy efficient Christmas lights and decorations with LED Rebate Coupon How to Apply 1.Purchase LED Christmas plug-in (not battery operated) lights and decorations in 2014. 2.Complete this coupon and submit it to your utility by Dec. 12th, 2014, with your original sales receipt and the LED packaging showing the ENERGY STAR® logo and number of lights per string. 3.Strings must be 100 or fewer lights. 4.$3/string of lights, maximum of 5 strings per customer. Rebate cannot exceed price of LED string per package. ENERGY ASSISTANCE Copies of the Cold Weather Policy are available at: Wild Rice Electric Cooperative, Inc. 502 North Main, PO Box 438, Mahnomen, MN 56557 Phone: (218) 935-2517 -- Toll free (800) 244-5709 If you need help paying your electric utility bill, you may qualify for state or federal fuel assistance. Disputes regarding the options available can be appealed to the Wild Rice Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board of Directors. For complete qualification and application information, contact your local county welfare or community/citizen’s action council listed below. These organizations may also provide budget counseling. IF YOU LIVE IN Becker County or Mahnomen County: contact Mahube Community Council, PO Box 747, Detroit Lakes, MN 56502, Phone: 847-1385; Mahube Community Council, PO Box 78, Mahnomen, MN 56557, Phone: 935-5022; Energy Assistance Program, 3303 US Hwy 59, Waubun, MN 56589, Phone: 218-473-2711; Becker County Human Services, 712 Minnesota Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501, Phone: 218-847-5628; Mahnomen County Human Services, 311 North Main, Mahnomen, MN 56557, Phone: 218-935-2568. Name: Account #: Address: LED REBATE COUPON Phone #: Number of Strings Rebate per String Total Rebate IF YOU LIVE IN Clay County: contact West Central Minnesota Communities Action Inc., 411 Industrial Park Blvd, PO Box 596, Elbow Lake, MN 56531, Phone: 1-800-492-4805 or 1-218-685-4486; Clay County Social Services, 715 11th St. No., Suite 502, Moorhead, MN 56560, Phone: 218-299-5200. IF YOU LIVE IN Clearwater or E. Polk County: contact Inter County Community Council, PO Box 187, Oklee, MN 56742, Phone: 218-796-5144; Polk County Social Services, 612 No. Broadway, Suite 110, Crookston, MN 56716, Phone: 218-281-3127. IF YOU LIVE IN W. Polk County or Norman County: contact Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, 1407 Erskine Ave, PO Box 607, Crookston, MN 56716, Phone: 1-866-264-3729 or 218-281-9080; Norman County Social Services, 152nd Ave E, Ada, MN 56510, Phone: 218-784-56510. BUDGET COUNSELING: West Central Minnesota Communities Action Inc., 411 Industrial Park Blvd, PO Box 596, Elbow Lake, MN 56531, Phone: 1-800-492-4805 or 1-218-685-4486; Consumer Credit Counseling Service, 1201 25th Street South, Fargo, ND 58102, Phone: 1-701-235-3328; Family Life Services, 15 South 10th Street, Fargo, ND 58102, Phone: 1-701-237-9247. Off-peak Members Should Expect an Average Number of Winter Control Hours This Year The Additional Young 2 Energy Will Help Limit Control Hours Last winter, the so-called polar vortex sent much of the region into a deep freeze. Even if the cold-weather phenomenon returns this winter, members who participate in the off-peak electric heating program should anticipate an average number of winter load control hours. Minnkota Power Cooperative, your cooperative’s wholesale power provider, estimates 240 hours of dual-heat load control this winter. This compares to the 10-year average of 255 hours and last year’s total of 301 hours. The key difference from last year is that Minnkota has increased its purchase of energy from the Young 2 power plant by about 114 megawatts capacity. As part of a long-term transaction, the additional energy from the coal-based plant will help meet peak winter demands and future load growth projections. “The added Young 2 energy will reduce our exposure to the volatility of the wholesale energy market and should also help limit our hours of control,” said Todd Sailer, Minnkota senior manager of energy supply. Winter load control projections are based on reliable power plant operations and normal market conditions. Sailer warns that load control estimates can change due to circumstances such as storms, power plant outages, and transmission line congestion. The availability of wind resources also has the ability to impact control hours. “If our power supply resources perform well, we will have power to serve our loads at almost all hours during the winter season,” Sailer said. “The challenge comes when we have unplanned outages or during extreme cold periods when the demand for electricity is high.” Surplus energy can typically be purchased from the regional wholesale energy market at affordable prices. With demand skyrocketing across the Midwest last winter, prices momentarily went as high as $2 per kWh. “Controlling load during these periods protects consumers from the volatility of the market and prevents the need to build new power plants just to serve peak loads,” Sailer said. “The savings by doing this are passed on to members through the low off-peak electric rate, which is approximately half of the regular retail rate.” An off-peak system consists of an electric heating source as its primary component. A supplemental heating source will need to operate several hundred hours or more during the winter season. Sailer said members with a well-maintained backup heating system should not notice a difference in comfort level when their off-peak heating system is controlled. “The ability to manage costs and plan for the heating season is one of the many benefits of the off-peak electric heating program,” Sailer said. Millions of dollars have been saved due to the successful operation of Minnkota’s load management system over the past 36 years. “Load management is a vital tool for Minnkota and the associated systems to use to keep wholesale power prices competitive and winter heating bills low for retail consumers,” Sailer said. Electric Heat Rebates Available Great new incentives are available for the installation of qualifying electric heating equipment. Cooperative members will receive $20 per kilowatt (kW) installed with a maximum rebate of $600. The system must be the primary heating source in the building and on the off-peak program with a qualified backup heating source. The system must be hardwired; plug-in systems are not eligible. Some restrictions apply. Please contact the cooperative’s member services department for more information. 75 Years of Service (continued from page 1) Director Elections 2015 (continued from page 1) At the same time, the group elected nine people to serve as incorporators and also as directors. The group of directors was as follows: Garfield Olson of Detroit Lakes; Oscar J. Olson of Lake Park; Peter Ingebretson of Ulen; Lewis Kirkeby of Twin Valley; Alfred R. Olson of Gary; Iver J. Westad of Fertile; Mrs. Maybell Milstein of Mahnomen; Clarence Kampstad of Lengby; and O.P. Refling of Fertile. ative and reside within the district to be represented. One director from each district is elected at each annual member meeting for a term of three years. At this time, the name of the association was designated as Wild Rice Co-op Electrical Association. Peter Ingebretson was named as the first president of the new cooperative, with Mr. Refling as Vice President, Alfred R. Olson as Secretary, and Mr. Westad as Treasurer. L.A. Wilson of Mahnomen was the first choice of the board for project attorney and Arnold Christopherson of Fergus Falls was recommended as project engineer. Look for part 2 next month! The nominating committee is scheduled to meet at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21st, 2015 at the Cooperative’s offices. The committee shall nominate one or more qualified member(s) from each district for each office of director slated for election, to be elected by the membership at large at the annual meeting, and shall prepare and post at the principal office of the Cooperative at least thirty (30) days before said meeting, a list of nominations. Any fifteen (15) or more members may make other nominations in writing over their signatures not less than twenty (20) days prior to the annual meeting and the secretary shall post the same at the same place where the list of nominations made by the committee is posted. Ads FOR SALE 1994 Ford pickup, 4WD, 6 cyl, straight stick, $1200. 218-375-3766. Queen size hide-a-bed, in exc cond, $50. 218-847-1829 or 701-630-9213. Frabill ice fishing shelter “Refuge” model, used only twice, from Gander Mountain, $100. 218-435-6820. Elec snow blower; Elec leaf blower; 8’ pickup topper; Big round grass hay bales. 218-483-4164. Popup camper; Trailer hitch for 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. 218-847-3565. Pickup box trailer w/ wood splitter, $500; 360 Johnsrud Chainsaw, like new, $300; Olympic weight center, $750 new, sell for $325; 16 ft 4-horse pumper pull stock trailer, $1500. 218-396-0590. 2002 Buick Century, 4DR, tan, v-6, needs work or good for parts, good tires. Ph: 218-850-1805. 1949 C Farmall, narrow front, new tires, good paint, exc cond. 218-563-7339, leave msg. or 218-280-0524. Hampshire sheep breeding rams, ewes, and lambs. Registered stock fit for 4H and FFA projects. 218-396-0408 JD 4020 w/ cab, new back tires, $4500 OBO. 218-847-6242. Maestro acoustic guitar, made by Gibson, nice shape, $150 or trade for guns and pay the difference in cash. 701-2931295. Hamilton upright piano, $25Kitchenaid conventional wall oven, $30; Sewing machine cabinet w/ lots of storage, $25; Vintage GE fridge, $25. 218-261-0346. Earth wood stove holds 20” wood, $150. 218-431-0442. With the start of another heating season, we would like to remind our residential consumers who have electric heat as their primary heating system, that their electric bills are exempt from Minnesota sales tax from November through April. If you qualify and have not signed a tax exemption certificate previously, please contact our office for details. All certificates signed previously are on record and no refiling is necessary. WANTED 2 – auto washing machines, 6 mos old, $250 each; 1949 Dodge pickup, no rust, w/o flatbed; 1968 IHC 2-ton truck w/ box & hoist, new tires. Both project vehicles. 701-541-2812. Snow thrower, Troy-Bilt 21” w/ elec start, $200, new rubber on auger. 218-9375331, rural Hawley. Brown lift chair, 16 mos old, has battery backup. 218-849-2530. CIH 8600 air drill, 30’, has recent opener discs & new tires on cart, used last spring, $8000; Wil-Rich 3400 42’ field cultivator, used this fall, $8000. 218-938-4546. Approx 8 cords mixed hardwood & poplar, $850; Approx 8 cords poplar, $800 or $110 per cord. You haul wood. Twin Valley, 218-935-5576, leave msg. ’98 Chev Silverado X-cab 4x4 1500, 204, mi, Astro, really clean, 2nd owner, always garaged, well maintained, have records, clean title, no hard driving, $3800 OBO. 701-237-3694 or 701-318-4028. 2012 Polaris 570cc Razor Arctic Cat F7 snowmobile, always stored in shed; Alfalfa, grass and straw round and small square bales, stored inside. 218-584-5302 or 701-866-0093. Direct vent LP cast iron stove, 20,00030,000 BTU input; 15 cubic ft Norge chest freezer; Whirlpool top loading clothes washer; Whirlpool combination elec range w/ microwave. 218-280-8924 or 218-280-8923 1950s vintage stamp collection, some 2500 stamps, both American & world-wide, all categorized in albums, make offer. 218-846-0845, Detroit Lakes area. Big round bales of grass hay. 218847-8777. Rigid tripod vise stand; Rigid ½”/1” pipe threader; Lineman’s climbers w/ leather safety belt; Lowry organ w/ bench, very nice, ideal for small church or home, $35 OBO. 218-5845587. Six 10’x5” cedar fence posts; 12’ wooden step ladder; 100 gal Rubbermaid stock tank; Several tents; 16” Poalon chain saw; Canadian goose decoys; Chicken wire fencing. 701282-3679. Old fashioned wood quilting frame complete w/ clamps, sized for using w/ full-size quilting material. 218847-4900. 7” reels of recorded music, 60’s & 70’s; Red 17 ft fiberglass canoe, $200, very good. 218-935-5110. Duncan Kiln, model #DK820X-2, 18” W, 18”D, $250; New Paasehe air brush set & portable air compressor, $250; Misc ceramic supplies, light kits, brushes, decals, & more, make offer. 218-849-2479. ’98 Chev Lumina, needs eng, good body; B – JD tractor, needs work; Schwinn exercise bike, XR7, exc; Dynamark rider mower, good. 218-584-4603. Miter saw stand, $15; Scroll saw / light, $100 OBO; Antique grain bin fan, $50; Ice house propane heater, $35; Black & Decker drill, $50; Kerosene heater, $80. 218-532-7359. Christmas tree blue ridge spruce 7 ½ ft tall, 2,116 tips, beautiful, paid $100, used 3 yrs, selling for $50. 218-9352493 or cell 218-261-0238, Ron or LaVonne Voltz. Heating Sales Tax I, Name EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE Account Number hereby verify that I use 50 percent or more electricity for residential heating purposes and request that Wild Rice Electric Cooperative, Inc. deduct the 6.875 percent sales tax for those months that are exempt. Consumer’s Signature Date 1850 Oliver Diesel tractor, any cond. 218686-3243. Young dog or puppy from a breed that would have some livestock herding instinct. 218-935-2471. Foreign coins & paper money, old US paper money; Duck stamps and old baseball cards (1960 & older); Gold rings & things. 218-847-1023. Skid-steer trailer, fold-down ramp style, whatever. 218-935-5110. 6 young laying hens; Young farm dog. 218-584-4603. Old hand crank wall telephone, must be complete & in good cond. 218-473-2591, Marge. Our Ad Policy • All ads must be 30 words or less. • Ads will be abbreviated at the co-op’s discretion. • No real estate or commercial ads will be accepted. • Ads are published for members at no charge as space permits on a first-come, first-served basis. Unpublished ads will not be carried over. • Ads are due by the 5th of the month prior to publication. • Members may submit only one ad per issue. • Ads must be resubmitted to run an additional month. • Ads must be typed or in clear, readable print. Editor reserves the right to edit or reject any ad. • You can submit your ad by mail, email or fax. Phone ads will not be accepted. • Fax ads to: (218) 935-2519 • Email ads to: info@wildriceelectric.com • Mail ads to: Wild Rice Electric P.O. Box 438 Mahnomen, MN 56557 PERIODICAL 502 North Main, P.O. Box 438 Mahnomen, MN 56557 Rural DeLight (ISSN 0194 505X) Published monthly by Wild Rice Electric Cooperative, Inc., P.O. Box 438, Mahnomen, MN 56557, in the interests of its members and others. Periodical postage paid at Mahnomen and additional mailing offices. USPS 468-810. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes, Form 3579 to: Wild Rice Electric Cooperative, Inc., P.O. Box 438, Mahnomen, MN 56557-0438. Subscription rates: Members, $1/year; Non-members, $2/year. Phone: (218) 935-2517 In this Issue: ❖❖ ❖❖ ❖❖ ❖❖ ❖❖ ❖❖ ❖❖ 75 Years of Service (part 1 of history series) Director Elections 2015 Over the Manager’s Desk with Steve Haaven Happy Holidays from Wild Rice Electric Off-peak Members Should Expect Average Number of Winter Control Hours Celebrate with Savings Want Ads Wild Rice Electric’s office will close at noon on Wednesday, December 24th and re-open on Friday, December 26th for the Christmas Holiday. The office will also close at noon on Wednesday, December 31st and re-open again on Friday, January 2nd for the New Year’s Holiday. In the event of an emergency or outage, please call (218) 935-2517 or (800) 244-5709 and our answering service will be able to assist you. We wish all of you safe and happy holidays! News from Wild Rice Electric Co-op, Inc. Phone: Serving you 24 hours a day (218) 935-2517 (800) 244-5709 Office Hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday Website: www.wildriceelectric.com