Dakota Electric Association named Majestic Hills Ranch, Lakeville, as the local 2011 Touchstone Energy Community Award winner

Crow Wing Power names the local Cuyuna chapter of the Minnesota Off Road Cyclists (MORC)as the annual Commitment to Community Award winner

Operation Round Up® reaches $1 Million milestone in giving to community programs

Dakota Electric recognized for supporting community programs

$1.5 Million returned to Lake Country Power members during Christmas season

MREA Online Energy University News

Federated Rural Electric uses grant for storm water control structure

2011 Jay York Scholarship awarded

Glawe Team reeled in 1st place Walleye at MREA's 10th Annual Fishing Tournament

Great River Energy is donating $100,000 to flood relief efforts in North Dakota

Minnesota Rural Electric Association Congratulates Hailey Meyer - NRECA Youth Leadership Council Delegate

Operation Round Up Donations Distributed

The year 2012 is the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC)

Dakota Electric Association named Majestic Hills Ranch, Lakeville, as the local 2011 Touchstone Energy Community Award winner.

FARMINGTON, Minn. (Dec. 29, 2011) — Dakota Electric Association named Majestic Hills Ranch, Lakeville, as the local 2011 Touchstone Energy Community Award winner. Angel Foundation, Minneapolis; Cheerful Giver, Eagan; and Kids 'n Kinship, Apple Valley, were named runners-up, and each of the four applicatants received a plaque and a check for $500. “Dakota Electric is proud to be able to recognize these organizations doing great work in our local communities,” said Greg Miller, Dakota Electric’s president and chief executive officer. “As a member-owned cooperative, we are committed to our local communities and this is a way to encourage and honor those who are like-minded.”
Majestic Hills Ranch (www.majestichillsranch.com) helps children with special needs by providing therapeutic riding sessions that build self-esteem, muscle strength, coordination and cognitive skills. The ranch also assists military veterans and youth organizations, such as scouts and 4-H. Cheerful Givers (www.cheerfulgivers.org) provides toy-filled birthday gift bags to families in need so that children can receive a special gift on their birthday. The gift bags are distributed through shelters and food shelves. Kids ‘n Kinship (www.kidsnkinship.org) connects adult mentors with children who are in need of a positive role model in their lives. The organization serves about 170 children each year and always has a waiting list. The Angel Foundation (www.mnangel.org) provides financial assistance for cancer patients’ non-medical basic needs expenses and provides education and support for families. The organization has granted more than $2.5 million to more than 2,500 cancer patients since 2001. In 2010, there were 99 cancer patients who received $51,000 in financial assistance in Dakota County.
The Touchstone Energy Community Award recognizes organizations for outstanding contributions to the local community. Majestic Hills Ranch award application will be submitted for the statewide Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award. The statewide award recipient will be selected from local award winners throughout Minnesota and will receive $1,000. The Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award will be announced in February, during the Minnesota Rural Electric Association’s annual meeting in St. Paul. Dakota Electric’s applicants, Cheerful Givers and Kids ‘n Kinship have been past winners of the statewide Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award.

Crow Wing Power awards local Cuyuna chapter of the Minnesota Off Road Cyclists organization
Brainerd, Minn. (December 20, 2011) - Crow Wing Power (CWP) is one of several Minnesota Touchstone Energy Cooperatives that participates in an annual Commitment to Community Award program.  This year, the cooperative was able to give their award $500 and a plaque to a unique organization that’s changing the economics of several small towns.

The winner of CWP’s annual Commitment to Community Award was the local Cuyuna chapter of the Minnesota Off Road Cyclists (MORC) organization for their outstanding mountain bike trail opened this summer in the Crosby area.

Working in close partnership with the DNR, MORC, International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and area legislators, this project became a reality. Located near the towns of Crosby, Ironton and Cuyuna, the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area now offers more than 20 miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails from easy to extremely difficult; a destination that is drawing regional, national and International biking enthusiasts’ attention.

The new mountain bike trails have helped to transform the mine pits into a truly unique mountain biking experience that is now drawing many people to the area.

Steve Weber, DNR Manager of the Cuyuna State Rec Area said his trail counters have counted 15,552 mountain bike trail users this summer. Jenny Smith, Vice President of the Cuyuna Lakes Trail Association and member of MORC, was one of many who lobbied at the State Capital for a bonding bill that funded a portion of the trail. She said it took many years to get the trail to a reality and included a great group of hard-working volunteers to keep the momentum going and to familiarize legislators about what this project could do to boost the local economy and enhance the public Cuyuna State Recreation Area state-owned land.

“The economic boost has already been felt by area businesses since the Cuyuna Lakes
Mountain Bike trail grand opening in June,” says Chris Ruttger from Bay Lake Lodge outside of Deerwood.

When asked what she’s experienced with increased café traffic, Maureen Christopher owner of Heartland Kitchen in Crosby said, “Oh my! This couldn’t have happened at a more critical time when we needed it most. The biking people are some of the nicest people, so courteous and it’s just been great to see more patrons.”

The trail system threads its way through the beautiful Cuyuna State Recreation Area with numerous spring-fed lakes, so swimming, fishing, paddling and diving make for great post-ride activities. A paved trail that intersects the system provides an option for family members who may not want an off-road experience.
The MORC chapter held a grand opening in June of this year drawing a crowd of 600 to experience the trails first hand. 

Renowned National and World Champion Mountain Biker, Hans Rey, attended the opening ceremonies and later had a chance to sample the trails. “The Cuyuna Lakes trails are among the best XC trail network I have ridden – super flowy and fun,” said Rey.

Grand Rapids, Minn. (December 16, 2011) – Lake Country Power is celebrating a milestone with its Operation Round Up® program this month. The cooperative’s member-driven charitable giving program has surpassed $1 Million in contributions after its Trust Board approved $38,000 in contributions to local community programs this month. 

Since the program’s inception in October 2004, $1,030,240.10 has been distributed to hundreds of community-based projects and programs.

The success of Operation Round Up® is credited to the nearly 66% of Lake Country Power members who participate in the program by lending a helping hand to the communities and residents of northern Minnesota.

Operation Round Up® is a charitable program unique to electric co-ops, which is designed to provide financial assistance to worthwhile activities and community projects by “rounding up” member’s electric bills to the nearest dollar. The average donation of each participating Lake Country Power member is $5.52 annually.

“When you see the many faces of appreciation for support and gratitude among the recipients of Operation Round Up contributions, you know your pennies and time are being put to good use,” said Jennie Hanson, Operation Round Up Trust Board President. “Just imagine if 100% of the co-op’s members participated.”

“It’s heartwarming to hear how this charitable program is reaching out and touching the lives of so many individuals and benefiting the good causes in our communities of northern Minnesota,” said Debbie Bruns, Trust Board member of Operation Round Up. “I feel honored to serve on a committee for such a worthwhile program.” 

Contributions are provided each quarter to community organizations. The cooperative’s Trust Board reviewed and considered 53 grant applications and distributed funds to 32 projects and programs this past quarter. 

Second Harvest North Central Food Bank received $4,000 toward its Itasca Holiday Program. The program has provided holiday food boxes and gifts for children of families and individuals experiencing financial hardship for 17 years. The program also serves elderly and disabled individuals with limited income and family support. There are eight distribution sites within Itasca County to help reduce transportation issues for recipients.

“Receiving support from Operation Round Up is just great,” said Susan Estee, executive director for Second Harvest North Central Food Bank. “The Itasca Holiday Program provides a gift of hope for people in that it shows someone cares about them and their situation.” 

Tri-Community Food Shelf received $4,000, which will be used for fresh food vouchers. Clients of the food shelf will be able to shop fresh produce for themselves at the grocery stores in Cromwell, Tamarack and Wright. The voucher value per family is based on household size.

“Although the need for food shelf assistance has leveled off since last year at this time, there still is a need,” said Dianne Knoben, executive director of the Tri-Community Food Shelf. “We are so thankful to the Lake Country Power members who participate in the Operation Round Up program because the need for a food shelf isn’t going away anytime soon.”

Care Partners received $2,000, which will help toward their financial assistance program.

“Operation Round Up has helped us immensely,” said Tasia Hoag, coordinator at Care Partners. “The financial support allows us to help people on the Iron Range who become stricken with cancer pay their bills.”  

All funds generated through Operation Round Up are set aside in a trust fund. A Trust Board of nine co-op members are appointed by the co-op’s board of directors to administer the trust fund. After careful review and consideration by the trust board, the funds are distributed to charitable organizations through an application and selection process. The trust board uses special guidelines and policies when choosing recipients.

Most Recent Recipients

• Ma & Pa Kettle Days, Inc.
• Mount Itasca/Itasca Ski and Outing
• Lakeside Community Club
• The Salvation Army Heatshare
• Carlton VFW
• Bethlehem Quilters
• Second Harvest North Central Food Bank
• Lutheran Social Service of MN/Sr. Nutrition
• Cromwell Bethany Quilters
• KOOTASCA Community Action, Inc.
• Tri-Community Food Shelf
• Let’s Go Fishing – Lakes Area Chapter
• International Wolf Center
• Project READ – ISD #318
• Christmas Food Boxes at Hope Lutheran Church
• Adopt a Senior Citizen Program
• Twelfth Step House, Inc.
• Science Explosion! 2012
• Community Café
• Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry
• Ely Winter Festival
• Friends of Vermilion Country School
• Sisu Heritage, Inc.
• Mesabi Community Orchestra
• Care Partners
• Northwoods Hospice Respite Partners
• Voyageurs Area Council/Boy Scouts of America
• Close Up (Deer River Close Up 2012)
• Grand Rapids Area Library Foundation/Riverfront Energy Center
• Happy Days Preschool
• Onigum Parent Committee
• HOWA Family Center

Applications are available online at www.lakecountrypower.coop. The next application deadline is February 15.

Lake Country Power, www.lakecountrypower.coop, is a Touchstone Energy® cooperative serving parts of eight counties in northeastern Minnesota. The rural electric cooperative provides services to nearly 43,000 members and has offices located in Grand Rapids, Kettle River and Mountain Iron.

Dakota Electric recognized for supporting community programs
Farmington, Minn. (Dec. 15, 2011) — The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in Minnesota recognized Dakota Electric Association’s community involvement efforts by naming it the Outstanding Philanthropic Organization for 2011.
Professionals in the community who recognized the cooperative’s generosity over the years nominated Dakota Electric for this award. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Dakota Electric takes the seventh cooperative principle seriously as it shows support for community through employee volunteer efforts and contributions.
While the cooperative doesn’t have a large budget for donations, it does stretch what it has to spread the donations around its service territory, providing support for youth clubs, sporting activities, school districts, non-profit organizations, health and human services, emergency responders, special fundraising activities and more.
Dakota Electric makes up for its small donations budget by supporting community efforts in other ways. Employees and board members spend time serving chambers of commerce, Rotary clubs and various non-profits and community organizations. Dakota Electric’s President and CEO Greg Miller volunteers with the foundations of the Minnesota Zoo and Dakota County Technical College.
Each year, through the company’s internal “Dakota Cares” campaign, employees donate approximately $20,000 to local charities through the United Way, Community Health Charities and a
local food shelf. Dakota Electric’s community outreach touches individuals and groups throughout its service area.
 “We do what we can to be involved in the community,” Miller said. “While we are not a large company that donates a lot of money, we are happy to be recognized for our faithful support to local organizations.”
AFP gives this annual award to organizations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment through financial support and by giving encouragement and motivation to others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement.
Dakota Electric not only provides volunteers and donations to organizations but encourages community involvement by recognizing area leaders with its Township Officers Award, celebrating non-profits through the Touchstone Energy Community Award, training future leaders by sending youth to Washington D.C. and providing opportunities for its members to be generous with their time and finances through programs such as GreenTouch and Helping Neighbors.
“It is quite an honor to be recognized for doing something that we enjoy and has been part of our DNA from the beginning,” Miller said “Cooperatives have always been about supporting their local communities and making their corner of the world a better place. We are happy to have been selected for this prestigious honor.”
“Each of the honorees has demonstrated exceptional leadership and generosity of time and resources to encourage and advance philanthropy in our community,” AFP president Heidi Droegemueller said. “We salute their efforts to change our world for the better and applaud their selfless giving.”

From left to right: Mike Ferber, president, Fundraising Solutions; Dakota Electric board member Janet Lekson; Dakota Electric president & CEO Greg Miller; AFP president Heidi Droegemueller; Dakota Electric board chair Jim Sheldon.

$1.5 Million returned to Lake Country Power members during Christmas season
Grand Rapids, Minn, (December 9, 2011) – Lake Country Power members will see a rebate on their electric bills this month, just in time for Christmas. Lake Country Power’s board of directors authorized a retirement of $1.5 Million in capital credits. Capital credits are a benefit and the cornerstone of co-op membership.

More than $1 million in capital credits will be retired to members who used electricity in 2010. Another $375,000 will be distributed to members from unretired capital credit allocations in 1983.

The refund for most members this month represents a 1.5 percent rebate, or an average of $25 per member, on the amount of electricity used last year. Active members will receive a credit on their December bill, and inactive members will receive a check after December 15. The individual member’s share of the refund is based on the volume and value of energy purchased during the years being retired.

“Allocating and retiring patronage to members helps distinguish cooperatives and makes our business model unique,” said General Manager Rick Lemonds. “The board recently took a major shift in how it retires capital credits, and we are retiring patronage from 2010. It’s been the board’s goal to reach a hybrid process which allows capital credit retirements to be paid to both current and former members.”

Member equity, or capital credits, is created when any earnings (revenues minus expenses) are left over at the end of each year. This creates a margin. At the end of each year, the co-op assigns each member’s account a share of the margin, known as an allocation. Capital credits are distributed when the board authorizes a retirement.

“Margins earned from electric revenues are a key source of equity for not-for-profit electric cooperatives,” said Lemonds. “Anytime we need to borrow money for capital improvements, lenders look to the underlying financial strength of the electric co-op. Strong and consistent equity levels are one key aspect of financial strength. It’s essential for a co-op to maintain the right balance between retiring capital credits to members and retaining sufficient equity on its balance sheet.”

Before returning these margins back to members, Lake Country Power uses this capital to help offset the cost of debt for equipment and materials used for the construction and maintenance of the electric distribution system. This helps lower financing needs.

More than $26 million in capital credits has been returned to cooperative members through the years. For more information about capital credits, visit Lake Country Power’s Web site at www.lakecountrypower.coop.
     

MREA Online Energy University News
Maple Grove, Minn. (November 9, 2011)
New Courses in the MREA Online Energy University

New Course:
Payment Card Data Security  

This new course covers the information needed to conform to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). The course explains the importance of data security and the standards for accepting credit card payments. It is addressed to personnel involved in payment processing using customer credit cards.

The objectives of the course:

• Explain the importance of customer data security
• Explain Payment Card Industry's Data Security Standards
• Describe the costs and risks of failure to comply with security standards
• List the merchants PCI DSS
• Show how to protect data
• Explain how to restrict access

Refresher Courses for Lineworker and Field Personnel

We have an extensive and growing library of courses designed as refresher courses for operations personnel. These refresher courses provide overviews and are not suitable for in-depth requirements. Today we offer:

• Bloodborne Pathogens - OSHA Standard
• Accident Investigation
• CPR - AED Training
• De-energizing Lines and Equipment (OSHA 1910.269 (m))
• First Aid Training
• Electrical Substations
• Electricity Distribution
• Hazard Communication Standard (OSHA)
• Lockout/Tagout - OSHA Standard
• Smart Meters

Save yourself some time in selecting courses that fit the specific needs of your staff or department. Combine these online energy courses for your new employees:

New Employee Learning Plan

• Business Etiquette
• Business Writing Skills
• Electricity Industry - An Introduction
• Personal Computer and Internet Security
• Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
• For those with little electricity experience:
       Atoms, Conductors, Insulators and Flow
       Circuits and Wires
       Voltage, Current and Resistance
• For those with little electric utility experience:
       Electricity Substations
       Electricity Distribution
       Electricity Generation

Accounting & Billing Learning Plan

• Basic Financial Statements
• Electric Utility Accounting
• Electricity Diversion, Detection and Revenue
• Recovery
• Evaluating Financial Leases
• FACT Act Red Flags Programs for Energy Utilities

New Director Learning Plan

• Board Delegation of Operating Authority
• Board Governance of Electric Cooperatives (for Coops only)
• Governance of Public Electric Utilities (public utilities only)
• Board's Role in Monitoring Performance
• Ethics for Electric Utilities
• Electricity Industry - An Introduction
• Business Continuity Planning
• Meeting Management Skills
• Strategic Planning for Electric Utilities

Federated Rural Electric uses grant for storm water control structure
Jackson, Minn (October 11, 2011) - “Water” we going to do with the drain-off storm water?
Federated Rural Electric began working with the Jackson County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to answer this question in 2010. A rain garden was ruled out due to the gravel/sandy nature of the co-op’s pole yard. A storm water control structure was the answer. 
Federated’s project was designed and built with the capacity to store 4.3" of rain over 24 hours to remove sediment and slowly discharge that storm water over time. The outcome will be a significant decrease in sediment and energy in the discharge water, eliminating active gully erosion that was occurring in two areas. This will provide storm water storage and decrease storm water discharge to the Des Moines River.  It will also serve as a pilot project for others in demonstrating the effectiveness of urban storm water control in a rural setting.

The local SWCD worked with Cottonwood SWCD and Murray County on a joint grant application using funding from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment (3/8ths of 1 percent sales tax passed in November 2008). Federated was awarded $25,662.85. Federated provided 25 percent in matching funds or in-kind labor. The project’s engineering was completed by South West Prairie Technical Service Area’s Russ Hoogendoorn, engineer; and Mike Skogland, technician.
“This project truly shows the benefit of cooperation,” stated Richard Burud, Federated’s general manager. “We appreciate the expertise and guidance from SWCD’s district manager Brian Nyborg and the SWCD, along with the joint application.”
“I appreciate Federated’s forward thinking on this project,” Nyborg said. “They saw a problem and have been proactive in resolving a water-quality issue. The project will serve as a great example for others; we all have a stake in clean water.”

Federated Rural Electric is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative serving 5,000 members in Jackson and Martin Counties. The Jackson SWCD in Lakefield will help landowners with questions or if they are interested in projects ranging from grassed waterways to sediment basins. Call 507-662-6682.

2011 Jay York Scholarship awarded
Worthington, Minn (September 22, 2011) — The Jay A. York Scholarship was established in recognition of the first Minnesotan to head the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Jay York was a prominent figure in rural electric cooperative issues for nearly 30 years. He was elected in 1964 to the Nobles Cooperative Electric board. Mr. York was not only well-known for his great leadership ability but also great dignity, a disarming understanding of the issues, and an unyielding dedication to his fellow rural Americans.

This year eleven cooperatives participated in the scholarship in honor of Jay. They were: Dakota Electric Association, East Central Energy, East River Electric Power Co-op, Federated Rural Electric Association, Nobles Cooperative Electric, People’s Cooperative Services, Redwood Electric Cooperative, Renville-Sibley Cooperative Power Association, Sioux Valley Energy, Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric, and Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association. From these eleven cooperatives, four winners were randomly selected. Each winner will receive a $300 scholarship that is made available from the participating cooperatives. They were Clint Birtzer (Dakota Electric), Erik Chouinard (East Central), Kyle DeLay (East River), and Zachary Leebens (Nobles).

Clint Birtzer took advantage of the Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program at Inver Hills Community College during his junior and senior years in high school. He is attending his last year at Inver Hills and next year will transfer to the University of Minnesota to study Journalism. Along with writing, Clint enjoys music and plays his guitar in a Bluegrass band. He is the 2009 and 2011 Minnesota State Flat-picking Guitar Champion.

Erik Chouinard is a 2010 graduate of North Branch Area High School. He attended his first year of college at Itasca Community College where he participated in football and made the Dean's list. This year Erik will graduate with a two year Associate of Arts degree from Anoka Ramsey Community College. His plans are to continue his education at Minnesota State University.

Kyle DeLay is a 2011 graduate of Beresford High School. He plans to attend the University of South Dakota with hopes to become a dentist or doctor.

Zachary Leebens graduated from Murray County Central High School in May 2011. He is studying criminal justice with an emphasis on forensic science at the Colorado Technical University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Nobles Cooperative Electric is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative in southwestern Minnesota serving approximately 4,900 members in Murray and Nobles Counties.

Electric Co-op Poles Remain the Key to Safe, Reliable, Affordable Power
By Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC

NRECA Arlington, VA (September 11, 2011) - The path of power to your home is guarded by silent sentinels—utility poles―that are under constant attack by Mother Nature and, sometimes, by people.
“ 122,000 miles of line, supported by utility poles, keeps power flowing across Minnesota,” explains Shari Wormwood of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association.
Nationwide, electric cooperatives own and maintain 2.5 million miles of line stretching across three-quarters of the U.S. landmass. Some lines are buried, but more than 2 million miles of lines are above ground. Since there are generally 18 wood poles for every mile of distribution line, electric co-ops rely on more than 37 million poles to safely and reliably deliver affordable power to your home.

Pole Patterns
Utility poles take several forms: concrete, steel, ductile iron, composite fiberglass, and—overwhelmingly—wood. Why do utilities prefer treated timber?
Tried-and-true wood poles are more affordable. Steel and composite fiberglass poles often cost at least twice as much, although these alternatives claim a longer lifespan (most have not been in service long enough to verify the claims). Combined with a proven service life that can span several decades, treated wood poles provide the most affordable choice for most cooperatives.
“Generally, utilities turn to alternative poles when nothing else will work,” explains Shari Wormwood “If you’ve got a woodpecker problem, wood simply won’t cut it. Utilities in storm-saturated parts of the country may turn to underground lines, but more often than not these utilities opt to ‘harden’ their lines by installing larger wood poles and shortening the span between poles to help the system weather storms more successfully.” 
For utilities battling copper crime, ductile iron poles offer an interesting option—they eliminate the need for copper grounding wires running up the side of a pole. But these poles aren’t as easy to climb in a pinch, and could pose a problem if not easily accessible by bucket truck.
“Co-ops expect poles are going to last at least 40 years in the field, barring unpreventable storm damage and other accidents,” stresses Jim Carter, executive vice president for Wood Quality Control, Inc. (WQC), a subsidiary of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. WQC estimates cooperatives are responsible for between a quarter to a third of the nation’s annual wood pole production.
Each year, electric co-ops spend roughly $300 million to purchase close to 1 million wood poles and 2 million crossarms—amounting to a whopping 20 percent to 33 percent of a co-op’s annual materials budget.  WQC, created in 1982, works closely with both manufacturers and co-ops to monitor pole construction conditions and make sure co-ops invest in high-quality poles that meet strict federal Rural Utilities Service (RUS) standards.

Double Duty
Not only do poles support the nation’s power system; telecommunication companies often rent space on poles to attach telephone and cable wires.
Each pole, averaging a height of 40 feet, breaks down into three zones. The supply space, which shuttles electricity from generation plants and substations to homes and businesses, can be found at the top of every pole. In most cases, a crossarm—a beam fixed horizontally across the top of the pole—divides the supply space from the middle neutral space, called a safe zone. The safe zone forms a barrier between lines carrying high-voltage electricity and the area rented to other utilities, known as the communications space.

Hazardous Mission
Affordable wood poles stand the test of time—each pole’s lifespan ranges from 30 to 50 years, and in the right conditions, a wood pole can last much longer. To lengthen a pole’s life, wood is pressure-treated with preservatives. But no matter how strong a pole may be, both nature and people threaten a pole’s ability to serve.
Wood poles battle a wide array of adversaries: acidic soil in the Midwest, heavy moisture in the South, and woodpeckers in the Mid-Atlantic. Utilities generally inspect poles on a 10- to 12-year cycle to identify potential problems.
Poles age differently depending on region, so RUS divided the nation into five decay zones. Poles in Zone 1—Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and portions of Alaska, Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas―face the lowest risk of decay, while Zone 5 poles in Louisiana, Florida, Hawaii, and the coastal regions of Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia sustain the highest risk. Utilities generally replace 2 to 3 percent of aging and decaying poles every year.
Natural decay, storm damage, and bird and bug attacks aren’t the only concerns. People shorten a pole’s lifespan, too.
The National American Wood Council estimates 5 percent of poles replaced annually were broken by car accidents. Attaching signs, basketball hoops, clothes lines, birdhouses, satellite dishes, or other items to wood poles with staples or nails can also shorten a pole’s lifespan. Not only do these items create safety hazards when lineworkers need to climb a pole; the small incursions speed a pole’s decay.
Strong poles deliver reliable power. To learn more about how Minnesota’s electric cooperatives are looking out for you by providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy, visit www.mrea.org.

Sources: NRECA, Wood Quality Control, Inc., American Wood Protection Association, Western Wood Preservers Institute

Megan McKoy-Noe  writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. Will Linder contributed to this article.

Energy-saving competition produces creative ideas and impressive results

Rockford, Minn. (August 24, 2011) — A contest between two electric cooperatives designed to educate their members/customers about saving energy produced unexpected and impressive results, and changed the way the participants think about conservation.
 Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association (WH) located in Rockford, Minn., and Lake Region Electric Cooperative, located in Pelican Rapids, Minn., wrapped up their “The Littlest User” contest on July 31. The contest kicked off on April 1, giving each cooperative’s team – which each consisted of six member households – four months to reduce their energy use as compared to the same timeframe last year. WH took an early lead in the competition and emerged as the winner of the four-month contest with a total energy reduction of 43 percent. The Lefevre family of Maple Grove, Minn. reduced their energy use by 58 percent and walked away as the individual household winner of the contest.
The friendly competition encouraged participants to make small changes around their homes to help reduce their energy use. It wasn’t long before WH’s team – the Watt Watchers – noticed a difference in their routines as well as their electric bills. “If it’s not critical, it doesn’t stay plugged in,” said Kent Lefevre. “Changing a few small things can make a huge difference.”
           
Although skeptical at first, the Lefevre household put the “simple changes” theory to the test. To achieve their 58 percent reduction, the family made surprisingly small changes like unplugging devices that were not in use and turning off the TV when they left the room.
According to Ted Pribyl of Maple Lake, Minn., most of his household’s energy reduction was accomplished by using less artificial light.
“I like a lot of light,” said Ted. “Before the contest we had 300-watt light bulbs in the garage. Those have now all been replaced with CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs).”
Ted also said that he tried to take advantage of daylight and was more conscious about whether or not he needed to turn on lights.
By doing these simple things, the Pribyls cut down their energy use by 25.69 percent.
“I do a lot of little things that the rest of the family probably doesn’t even notice,” said Lisa Zipp, of St. Michael, Minn. “I wait until my hair is half dry before I blow dry it and adjust the thermostat during the day to reduce our heating and cooling costs. It all adds up.”
For the Zipps, these small changes added up to reducing their use by 20.70 percent.
Changing the way they did laundry paid off for the Dorvinen family. By using their dryer less and not using the heated-drying feature on their dishwasher, the family managed to cut their use by nearly 35 percent.
Most of the families also commented that conserving electricity brought them closer together. TV and computer use were often replaced with playing board games and spending more time outdoors.
“We always knew that we were big on board games,” said Shannon Bry. “Since the contest started, we’ve been playing them a lot more.
Most of the families said that they’d find it hard to go back to their energy-wasting ways.
“I was surprised to find out how easy it was to cut back on our use,” said Steve Walstad of Buffalo, Minn. “It just shows how wasteful we were being before the contest.”
Most of the participants also said that they’d encourage other households to try to cut back on their energy use as well.
As Kent Lefevre said, “Try it. All you have to lose is a high energy bill.”
The households tracked their energy-conserving efforts by using MyMeter. MyMeter is an energy use monitoring software developed by Accelerated Innovations – a St. Paul, Minn. based business-solutions company – that allows its users to view complex energy use data in a simple graphic format. This allows the participants, as well as other members in both cooperatives, to view how changes they’ve made around their homes directly affect their energy use.
WH is a member-owned non-profit electric utility that provides electric power to Wright County and the western part of Hennepin County. The cooperative has been a corporate citizen in this area since 1937 and currently serves more than 46,000 electric accounts. The utility started its security division in 1989 that provides local home security solutions as well as monitors alarm systems for more than 50,000 customers in 32 states and three Canadian provinces. -press release

Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative temporarily de-energized and took down power lines in order for the former St. Joseph Catholic Church to relocate from the village of Lexington to its new home at the Pioneer Power showgrounds in Le Sueur County.

Wright-Hennepin recognizes OSI for its conservation efforts

Rockford, Minn. (August 18, 2011) Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association (WH) recently presented Open Systems International, Inc. (OSI) –  a new WH commercial customer – with a $40,000 energy efficiency grant for the company’s use of energy-efficient innovations in its new corporate headquarters in Medina, Minn.
The efficiency grant program is part of WH’s Conservation Improvement Program (CIP).


WH presents OSI with an energy efficiency grant at OSI’s headquarters. Pictured left to right are WH President and CEO Mark Vogt, WH Board Chair Chris Lantto, WH Key Account Executive Lane Wilson, OSI Vice President Ron Ingram, OSI Director of Finance and Accounting Liz Geris and OSI Senior Consultant, Business Operations Ed Fitzpatrick.

Grants are awarded to businesses that install energy efficient equipment which reduce electricity consumption. OSI’s new corporate headquarters utilizes energy-efficient lighting as well as a ground-source heat pump (a heating system that uses the earth’s temperature to heat, cool and provide hot water for homes and commercial buildings), which is what qualified the company for the grant. “It’s been great working with Wright-Hennepin,” said OSI Vice President Ron Ingram. “We look forward to working with them in the future to further enhance our energy-efficient practices.” The company is also pursuing LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification for its building. This certification was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to recognize sustainable structures throughout the country. “OSI made smart decisions at every turn to optimize their energy efficiency,” said WH Key Account Executive Lane Wilson. “We look forward to working with them as a new member of WH.” Each year, WH spends more than $500,000 on residential and commercial conservation programs per Minnesota Dept. of Commerce guidelines, including about $100,000 in energy efficient grants to commercial customers.
WH is a member-owned non-profit electric utility that provides electric power to Wright County and the western part of Hennepin County. The cooperative has been a corporate citizen in this area since 1937 and currently serves more than 46,000 electric accounts. - press release

MREA Burn Center Benefit Golf Tournament participants enjoyed beautiful weather at Breezy Point on August 4.
Thirty-three teams came out for the 2011 MREA Burn Center Benefit Golf Tournament on Thursday, August 4. After the tournament, golfers gathered for a banquet and silent auction. Proceeds will be donated to the Hennepin County Medical Center, Regions Hospital, and Miller Dwan Hospital Burn Center. MREA thanks the golfers and long list of sponsors including their Members and Associated Members who donated thousands to cause.

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Winning Team Members from Dakota Electric Association: Joel Ford, Randy Ratzlaff, Rodney Raymond, and Tracy Weirke

Hospital Team Winners from Essential Health Dawn Burn Center: Barbara Johnson, Chris Russ, Richard Kanoff, and Rahul Aggarwal

Glawe brothers reeled in 1st place Walleye and 2nd place Northern at MREA's 10th Annual Fishing Tournament

Ottertail, Minn. (June 4, 2011) Eighty-three fishermen turned our for MREA's 10th Annual Fishing Tournament on June 4. Teams headed out at 6:40 a.m. but Phil and Bruce Glawe were back with their six fish by 8:00 a.m. Bruce Glawe caught the 1st place Walleye and brother Phil Glawe, Service Manager at Wright Hennepin Electric Association caught the 2nd place Northern. Phil says it was just a lucky day, but his team did take 4th Place in 2010, so his experience didn't hurt. Proceeds of $2,651.66 will support Lineworker Training Programs at Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Minnesota West Community College, and Dakota County Technical College. Thanks to the Beltrami partipants from Bemidji who held a fish fry on Friday, June 3rd and for RESCO who sponsored the tournament banquet. Pictures can be veiwed and downloaded from: www.mrea.org.

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1st Place Walleye - Bruce Glawe/Phil Glawe Team
2nd Place Walleye - Jeanne Avendt/Al Lehman Team
3rd Place Walleye - Joe Ecklund/Kevin Hanson Team
4th Place Walleye - Paul Bergren/Brian Dykhoff Team
5th Place Walleye - Brian Olson/Bill Steinbach Team
6th Place Walleye - Chad Cronquist/Glen Marcotte Team
7th Place Walleye - Randy Curtis/Brian Johnson Team

1st Place Northern - Jeff Sievers/Al Ripley Team
2nd Place Northern - Bruce Glawe/Phil Glawe Team

Great River Energy is Providing $100,000 for Flood Relief in North Dakota

Bismarck, ND. (August 3, 2011) - In response to widespread flooding across North Dakota, Great River Energy is donating $100,000 to support flood relief efforts in Bismarck and Minot and the surrounding area. The donation will include $50,000 to the North Dakota Community Foundation Flood Relief Fund and $50,000 to the Minot Area Community Foundation Flood Relief Fund.

“Flooding has impacted many of our employees, families, friends and neighbors in the communities in which we operate,” said David Saggau, President and CEO. “We want to do what we can to help those affected by the floodwaters.”

Great River will continue to provide flood assistance in other ways including paid time off for employees to help with flood disaster relief, preparedness, public safety efforts and the threat to employees’ homes. Employees are eligible for up to 32 hours of paid time off through August 15 to aid in the flood fight. Thus far, employees have worked 1,220.5 hours (equivalent to more than fifty 24-hour days) in flood assistance efforts, in addition to untold hours that they have donated on their own time.

Great River Energy also donated more than 600 one-ton sandbags and hundreds of pallets for storage and transportation of sandbags at areas affected by the flood. Other assistance has included donations to the Salvation Army and Red Cross to support flood fighting efforts. Great River Energy is also planning to conduct employee flood cleanup days this summer and fall in the flood impacted areas.

Great River Energy, Maple Grove, Minn., is a not-for-profit cooperative which provides wholesale electric service to 28 distribution cooperatives in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Through its social responsibility efforts, Great River Energy is committed to supporting the communities in which it operates --- it is the essence of being a cooperative. Great River Energy’s operations in North Dakota include Coal Creek Station, Underwood, Stanton Station, Stanton, Spiritwood Station, under construction just east of Jamestown, and an office in Bismarck. - press release

Operation Round Up Donations Distributed

Brainerd, Minn. (August 2, 2011) —The Crow Wing Power Community Trust Board donated more than $53,000 to local community programs during their third quarter meeting held in July.  Operation Round Up is funded by participating members of Crow Wing Power who allow the cooperative to round up their electric bills to the nearest whole dollar.  The additional change is pooled and distributed quarterly.  Since the program’s inception in late 1996, Round Up has donated more than $2,000,000 to community projects and programs in Cass, Crow Wing and Morrison counties. - press release