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Making Washington Work for YouElectric coopera-tives are deeply connected to the communities they serve and are fo-cused on meeting consumers’ energy needs today and into the future. Providing our

consumer-members with safe, reliable and affordable power will always be our highest priority, but this requires much more than simply maintaining overhead power lines and other infrastructure.

It requires us to focus on what our elected leaders are doing in Washington to ensure they are acting in our best in-terest. Here are some of the things we’re keeping an eye on in the nation’s capital.

RURAL Act Congress created a problem for electric co-ops when it made changes to the

tax code in 2017 that inadvertently put co-ops’ tax-exempt status at risk if they receive government grants. This could stick co-op members with the cost of paying taxes unless Congress fixes the problem. Fortunately, there is a solution. Bipartisan legislation known as the RU-RAL Act has strong support in Congress, and we’re working with lawmakers to pass this important legislation.

Wind EnergyRecently, the U.S. Department of En-ergy selected the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) — our national trade association — to research small-scale, community-based wind energy solutions that can be de-ployed by electric co-ops. This research, to be conducted in partnership with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, is critical to helping co-ops meet their members’ desire for affordable renew-able energy solutions.

Connections

P.O. Box 758, 410 S. High Street, Dighton, KS 67839620-397-5327

www.lanescott.coop

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Lane-Scott ElectricCo-op Assn., Inc.Board of TrusteesDick Jennison President

Craig Ramsey Vice President

Paul Seib Secretary

Eric Doll Treasurer

Ed Gough Trustee

Chad Griffith Trustee

Harold Hoss Trustee

Rad Roehl Trustee

Richard Sorem Trustee

ManagementRichard McLeon General Manager

Nate Burns Manager of Electrical Operations

Katherine Lewis Manager of Financial Services In Case of an Outage

If your electricity is off for more than a few minutes, call 800-407-2217. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After-hours calls will be answered by the dispatch and standby personnel.

24-Hour Electrician Service

If you are without electricity or have an electrical emergency on your side of the meter, we have a master electrician on staff available 24 hours a day.

Richard McLeon

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Why is My Power Out? When power goes out, we are working hard to restore it.We hate it when the power goes out just as much as you do. When there is an outage, we work hard to resume service as quickly and safely as possible.

Many times, the reasons for outages are beyond our control. Here are the main reasons the power goes out:STORMS – Conditions brought on

by storms such as high winds, ice and lightning can interrupt service. Lightning itself does not impact outages as much as people think, but it can strike trees and cause branches or even whole trees to fall on distribution lines. Light-ning can cause a problem if it strikes substation equipment, such as a large transformer. Strong high winds and ice that accumulates on lines can also impact distribution.

TREES AND VEGETATION – Branches, limbs or trunks can fall on lines and vegetation (such as vines) can grow around poles, lines or other equipment. Ice and wind can make matters worse. This is why we continuously work to keep rights of way near power lines and equipment clear.

ANIMALS – It is estimated that 11% of all outages are caused by our furry

friend the squirrel. They love to chew on the weatherproof coating around lines. We put non-harmful devices on our equipment and lines to make it less comfortable for animals to perch, rest or make a nest. A bird on a wire is harmless and safe as long as it touches the line and nothing else.

ACCIDENTS – Cars, trucks and farm equipment that collide with a utility pole can cause an outage.

PUBLIC DAMAGE – Unsafe digging, equipment or line damage, vandalism or theft can all cause interruptions in the energy chain.

OVERLOAD – This happens where de-mand spikes, such as when too many air conditioners run on a hot summer day, causing blackouts or brownouts.

EQUIPMENT ISSUES – We maintain and inspect all our lines and equip-ment regularly; however, sometimes equipment malfunctions and we address those problems as soon as they happen.

Please contact Lane-Scott Electric Co-operative at 800-407-2217 with questions about outages or to learn more about the steps we take to provide reliable service.

WHY IS MYPOWER OUT?

STORMSMother Nature can interfere with power delivery.

VEGETATIONThis is why we work hard to keep power lines clear.

ANIMALSCurious animals can cause damage, especially squirrels.

ACCIDENTSRun-ins with a utility pole or other equipment can cause an outage.

PUBLIC DAMAGEUnsafe digging, equipment or line damage, vandalism or theft can all interfere.

OVERLOADThis happens when demand spikes, like on a hot summer day.

EQUIPMENT ISSUESWe maintain and inspect equipment regularly, but sometimes malfunctions occur.

Thank you for your patience during outages.

When the power goes out, we work hard to resume service as quickly and safely as possible.

Here are some common reasons the power goes out:

Carbon CaptureIn response to public policy discus-sions in Washington about ways to reduce emissions, electric co-ops are participating in cutting-edge research to capture and use carbon emissions to make commercial products. This work is underway at the Integrated Test Center, just outside of Gillette, Wyoming, where researchers will strive to advance tech-nologies and expand understanding of what’s possible in this new arena.

Rural BroadbandMany electric co-ops are working to help close the digital divide by bring-ing broadband to unserved and under-

served areas. NRECA called on Congress to make more funds available for rural broadband deployment. Congress answered the call and funded ReCon-nect, a pilot program that supports efforts to make broadband possible in rural communities. The first grants were announced late last year, with sev-eral co-ops and their communities the beneficiaries.

These are just a few of the ways elec-tric co-ops are working in Washington to meet the needs of the communities we serve. Because our commitment to you extends far beyond the edge of our service territory.

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Making Washington Work for You Continued from page 16A

Lane-Scott Electric $500 Continuing Education ScholarshipsLane-Scott Electric believes in the development of effective leaders through educational opportunities. For this reason, Lane-Scott is now offering two $500 scholarships to high school seniors or college students wishing to continue their education regardless of field of entry.

EligibilityCurrent seniors or high school graduates who plan to further their education are eligible. Each applicant must be enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited university or college, including junior, community, vocational or technical college.

Scholarship merit is based on GPA, achievements, extracurricular activities, community and school involvement, and without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, national origin, or existence of a physical handicap. Anyone may apply but preference will be given to those in the Lane-Scott Electric service territory.

Selection ProcessThe scholarship committee will make selections based on the mentioned criteria. Each applicant must be willing to be interviewed by the committee.

PaymentThe scholarship recipient will notify Lane-Scott Electric of their enrollment by completing the

Lane-Scott scholarship disbursement form, which can be downloaded from our website (www.lanescott.coop), along with a letter from the accredited college verifying enrollment. The Cooperative will then make payment directly to the institution in two installments, one-half for the first semester and one-half for the second semester. Should the recipient withdraw from college, payment of the scholarship shall cease, and reimbursement of unused money shall be made back to Lane-Scott Electric.

How to ApplyContact Lane-Scott Electric for an application or fill out the application on our website, www.lanescott.coop. Completed applications must be postmarked and/or returned to Lane-Scott Electric by April 15, 2020.

Mailed applications should be sent to:Lane-Scott Electric CooperativeScholarship CommitteeP.O. Box 758Dighton, KS 67839

Glenn English National Cooperative Leadership Foundation ScholarshipsYouth Tour Alumni Scholarships are available to former participants in NRECA’s Washington D.C. Youth Tour program and awarded through the NRECA.

EligibilityTo be eligible for the Youth Tour Alumni Scholarship you must be a U.S. Citizen, be a former participant in NRECA’s Washington D.C. Youth Tour program, have received academic credits equal to at least one year of college, have completed at least one semester at an accredited university or college as a full-time student, be enrolled as a full-time student at an accred-ited university or college by the application deadline of April 1, 2020, be working on completing your first undergraduate degree.

For Information on How to ApplyVisit: www.electric.coop/our-organization/youth-programs/scholarships/

Scholarship Opportunities

Engineers of the Future Scholarship Available to individuals pursuing a career in electrical engineering.

EligibilityTo be eligible for the engineers scholarship, you must be a U.S. Citizen, must be enrolled in an ABET, 4-year program of electrical engineering or electrical engineering technology, and have at least a ‘B’ average in major subjects, be enrolled as a full-time student, and have already received academic credits equal to at least one year of college.

How to ApplyVisit: www.electric.coop/engineers-future-scholarship/

The application deadline is 11:59 P.M. EST, May 15, 2020.

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Stay Safe at Work and HomeElectrical safety is often an overlooked topic for employee orientation and training, but following on-the-job electrical safety tips can protect both employees and employers. These tips aren’t just for the office, either. They can apply at home too.

In GeneralDo not complete electrical work if

you are not qualified. Employees asked to change light fixtures, repair wiring, install outlets or other types of electri-cal work have been injured and killed on the job. It is best to leave electrical work to a professional electrician.

IndoorsDo not talk on a landline phone during

a thunderstorm. Many people think this is a myth but it is not — a bolt of lightning striking a telephone line can come through the wires and enter a headset. That jolt can burst your ear-drum or even cause cardiac arrest.

Use high-quality extension cords with appropriate gauge and length endorsed by a reputable laboratory.

Do not run extension cords under

carpet. Out of sight, out of mind, and the cords could get damaged under the carpet or overheat, causing a fire.

Another reason not to place extension cords under carpet: They should be used as a temporary solution. If your workplace needs more outlets, have a professional electrician install them.

Electrical cords can be a tripping haz-ard; use heavy-duty cord covers.

Do not overload the electrical sys-tem at your work by plugging in too many items or plugging in items that draw too much power.

Speaking of drawing too much power, ask before using a space heater at work.

Do not use damaged cords, plugs, out-lets or outdated electrical equipment.

Do not yank on an electrical cord to unplug something; grasp the plug instead.

OutdoorsBe vigilant about power line loca-

tions. Window washers, roofers, painters and other workers have been injured and killed after making contact with power lines either with

a tool or object they were holding or by direct contact.

If your employer asks you to trim trees, do not trim any foliage or limbs within 10 feet of a power line in any direc-tion (20 feet is better!). Trimming near power lines should be left to OSHA-certified line clearance workers.

If you operate farm machinery or drive a truck that has hydraulic beds or lifts like a dump truck, a grain truck or arms/extensions like a garbage or concrete truck, always be aware of power line locations and use a spotter. Contact with a power line can kill. If your truck, tractor or equipment does come in contact with a line, DO NOT get out. Call 911 and wait for crews to de-energize the power so you can exit safely.

If you use scaffolding or a boom lift to raise you up, always be aware of power line locations.

Around WaterWater and electricity should not

mix and it greatly increases the chance of shock. Keep all electrical equipment away from standing water or damp conditions indoors and out-doors and do not operate equipment with wet hands.

Make sure any outlet that is near a water source and all outdoor outlets are ground-fault circuit interrupter protected.

Working on th

e LINELane-Scott Celebrates Christmas

Lane-Scott’s Christmas float at the Old Fashion Christmas Celebration in Dighton.

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