Substation transformers upgraded RECC’s crews had a change of pace in December, when they spent two days working in the co-op’s substations instead of the distribution lines running through our service area. It’s all part of the system that’s needed to bring reliable electric energy to our members. Continuing load growth caught up with the transformer at the Lowder substation, where transmission line power at 69,000 volts is changed to 12,470 volts for our distribution lines. Th e 5-megawatt transformer was being loaded to its fullest capacity, mainly during the fall grain drying season. Th is can lead to overheating, which shortens the life of the transformer. Th e solution was a new, larger 10-megawatt transformer that should carry the load at the Lowder substation for many years to come. Th e change also gave crews the opportunity to upgrade the old, individual transformers at the Taylorville substation with the newer 5-megawatt unit from Lowder. Th e high voltages in a substation mean that no job is simple, but the RECC linemen followed a coordinated plan that led to a safe and timely transition. To make sure that all members had power through the installation process, the main feeder lines were switched to “backfeed” from other substations. In the case

The new 10-MVA transformer was delivered at the Lowder substation on Dec. 2, replacing a 5-MVA transformer that was taken to the Taylorville substation.

Pages 1, 3 Substation transformers upgraded

Page 2 November Board report

Page 4 Heat pump rules are different

Page 5 Cut your utility bills

Page 8 Youth Day set for April 21

Volume 61, #1

January 2010

(Continued on page 3)

of the Lowder job, this involved circuits from the Girard, Palmyra, Farmersville and Glenarm substations, which were switched around 6:30 a.m. on Dec. 2. While a couple of fuses in the lines picked that unfortunate time to blow, creating outages for a few members, the plan went forward in the cold (and later

rainy) weather. Linemen replaced the faulty fuses, and got everyone’s power back on, before descending on the substation for the big project. With all power off at the transformer, some crew members started disconnecting high-voltage supply wires

2

Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative3973 W. State Route 104

P.O. Box 19

Auburn, IL 62615

217/438-6197

Fax: 217/438-3212

e-mail: recc@recc.coop

Board Of DirectorsJimmy L. AyersChairman

Chris WilcoxVice Chairman

Cassie L. Eigenmann Secretary-Treasurer

Mel RepscherAsst. Sec.-Treasurer

John A. BeattyThomas “Ted” DowsonLee W. Marten Erv ShoresDavid E. White

President/CEODavid Stuva

Rural Hilights (USPS 473-140) is published monthly for $3 per year by Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative Co. Publication Offi ce, P.O. Box 19, Auburn, IL 62615. Periodical postage paid at Auburn, IL and at additional mailing offi ces. Postmaster: Send address changes to Rural Hilights, P.O. Box 19, Auburn, IL 62615.

Dana Smith, editor

Resume of MinutesRegular Board MeetingNovember 23, 2009

Th e regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative Co. was held at the cooperative headquarters at 6 p.m. on November 23, with all members present except Chairman Ayers. Also present were President/CEO David Stuva; Director of Member and Public Relations, Dana Smith; Manager of Offi ce Services, Dean Fuchs; Manager of Operations and Maintenance, Lou DeLaby; Field Engineer & Purchasing Agent, Martin Hinton; Senior Member Accounts Representative, Shelley Crocks; and Attorney Jerry Tice. * Vice Chairman of the Board Chris Wilcox called the meeting to order. Th e minutes of the October 26 regular Board meeting were approved as presented. * CEO Stuva called upon Dean Fuchs and Shelley Crocks to present the cooperative’s delinquent accounts write-off s for calendar year 2008. Ms. Crocks reported management recommended write-off s totaling $17,488.35 in delinquent accounts, which was 0.16 percent of 2008 total revenues. * CEO Stuva and Lou DeLaby discussed a two-vehicle accident that took out a riser pole, which took most of the day for crews to repair. One driver remained in his truck when power lines were draped over it, probably saving his life. * CEO Stuva and staff presented the 2010 Capital Expenditure Budget, which included a proposal to lease two line trucks instead of purchasing. * Th ere was no IMEA Report. * Th ere was no AIEC Report since there had not been an AIEC Board meeting since the last board meeting of RECC.

Board report

* Th e Attorney’s Report was given by Attorney Tice.

President/CEO’s Report CEO Stuva reviewed the following reports which had either been mailed or distributed to all directors and attorney: Member and Public Relations, Job Training and Safety, Meters and Outages, Operations and Maintenance, Engineering and Construction, Cash Disbursements Summary, and Check Listing. Th e Board accepted the reports. Financial and statistical reports for October 2009 were reviewed and accepted. CEO Stuva also reviewed plans for upcoming meetings.

Board Action Th e Board acted on the following: * Approved the application for, or reinstatement of, membership and electric service for 27 persons. * Approved the list of delinquent accounts to be considered write-off s for 2008, totaling $17,488.35. Th e cooperative will continue collection eff orts unless an account is under bankruptcy proceedings. * Approved the Capital Expenditure Budget presented by management. * Approved a Special Board meeting for Dec. 21 to review the proposed 2010 Operating Budget. * Appointed voting delegates to NRECA and affi liated organization meetings to be held in February 2010. Th e meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

3

Substation transformers upgraded (Continued from page 1)

and insulators while others worked on the outgoing side. Metering equipment, lightning arrestors and other related equipment also had to be re-installed. “We had a lot of activity throughout the day, with our own trucks plus a crane and trucks to haul the transformers all concentrated in a small area,” says Lou DeLaby, Manager of Operations and Maintenance. “I was very happy with our men who worked through the long day to get the transformer installed safely and get our members back onto their normal feeder circuits.” Th e 5-megawatt transformer was delivered directly to the Taylorville substation for later installation. Th at time came on Dec. 15, when much of the same process was repeated. “Taylorville had six individual, single-phase transformers. Th ey were older, and becoming obsolete,” DeLaby says. Th e coolant oil was pumped out of the six transformers before moving them, and they were shipped to a recycling center in Kansas along with the oil. Th e new transformers are all working well, with capacity to meet future growth on the co-op’s lines, according to DeLaby. “We’ll be adding new voltage regulators at Lowder, and doing some other work around the substations, but the hardest part is behind us. We appreciate the cooperation from our members, as well as help from Prairie Power cooperative, IMEA, and Ameren to make these projects go smoothly.”

EA,

Journeyman Lineman Curt Fishburn works on connections in the Lowder substation, in the transformer upgrade project.

RECC linemen installed the single 5-MVA transformer that once served at Lowder at the Taylorville substation.

The second of six old transformers at the Taylorville substation is prepared to be lifted out on December 15.

4

If you have an electric heat pump or geothermal system in your home, you’re lucky. Th ese systems put more heat energy into your home than they consume in electricity, making them highly effi cient. Th ey move heat into your home instead of generating heat. Operating your heat pump or geo unit smartly will help you get the most out of your already energy-wise system. But because a heat pump or geo system works diff erently from a propane or natural gas-fi red furnace, the same energy-effi ciency rules don’t always apply. An electric (air source) heat pump uses a copper coil in the outdoor unit to capture heat from the outside air in the winter. Th at same coil rejects heat outdoors for air conditioning during the summer. A geothermal system is also a heat pump, but it uses a loop of plastic underground to move heat in or out of the house. Th e key to success for these high-effi ciency systems is the refrigerant gas circulating through heat exchangers and a compressor. Th is gas can be cooled to very low temperatures, so that it picks up heat from outside or below ground. Th e compressor concentrates the heat to keep your room at a comfortable temperature. Because heat pumps are sized very close to the actual heating load of a home, they don’t change the indoor temperature quickly. Th at’s the reason for the fi rst rule change.

Don’t bump the thermostat We’ve all been taught that turning the thermostat down when you’re away, or asleep at night, reduces the energy used. Th at’s true while the temperature setting is lower, and the house is losing less heat energy.

But, when you turn the thermostat back up, a heat pump takes a while to catch up to the setting. Th e ther-mostat senses that it’s been running several minutes, but isn’t reaching the higher set point, so it brings on the backup, or auxiliary, heat source. Th at’s where your energy savings disappear. An all-electric system uses strips of resistance heaters to add more heat to the system and get you back to the temperature you set. Instead of using the compressor system with 200 to 400 percent effi ciency, you’ve brought on resistance heaters at 100 percent effi ciency. Th ey’ll get the job done, but they’ll cost you more. So, we recommend you leave the thermostats set at a constant temperature unless you’ll be away for more than a day or so. When you return, set the thermostat up by just two degrees at a time, to keep the auxiliary heat from kicking in. It will take a little longer, but the savings can be worth the eff ort.

The sound of effi ciency Another diff erence that owners of high-effi ciency electric heat systems may notice is that their units seem to run a lot in the winter. “It didn’t shut off all night!” we sometimes hear from terrifi ed new owners who expect to hear the frequent cycling they had with an old furnace. Long run-times actually mean an electric heating system is properly sized, as they put out just enough heat to keep your home comfortable in cold weather. Start-ups are an ineffi cient time for any heating system. One reassuring perspective is, when your heat pump or geo compressor is running, it’s heating your entire house with about as much electricity as it takes to operate an electric oven. Th at’s a lot less energy than a furnace would use, so you can sleep securely while knowing your high-effi ciency electric heat system is doing its job!

Heat pump rules are differentHeat pump and geo systems aren’t like gas furnaces

5

Tune in to Doug Rye Doug Rye may be the best-known residential energy consultant in the nation. Since 1990, his weekly “Home Remedies” radio show has provided practical insight into home construction ideas and energy effi ciency measures. Doug is known nationwide for his honest, down-to-earth and friendly style. His show airs live each Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (Central Time) on WSMI 1540AM. Callers with energy effi ciency, new construction and remodel questions are always welcome and encouraged to call the show. Th e station number is 1-800-477-1037.

As I mentioned last month, we have so very much for which to be thankful this holiday season. And electricity is certainly one of the most important things. I am still reviewing the lists that many of you have submitted about additional uses for electricity. Please be patient with me and I promise I will name the winner in next month’s column. I have been teaching folks about energy effi ciency for over 30 years and I tell you, there is more information available today about that subject than at any other time in history. It seems that everyone has an interest and opinion about saving our world and helping people have lower utility bills. Every day I see energy tips on television, in magazines, newspapers and even direct mail pieces sent to the house. You can go to the Internet and read about energy effi ciency for hours. Most of the stuff I see says something like this: “Saves up to 50 percent on your heating and cooling costs.” If that were true, I would suggest you do just two of the items and save 100 percent. If only it were that easy. Actually folks, up to 50 percent means anything from 1 percent to 50 percent. If that product saved you 10 percent it would meet the claim. Simply stated, there are lots of folks out there trying to sell you something. It is my opinion that few, if any, of the advertised products regarding energy savings actually will give you the advertised savings. Th is may come as a shock to you, but misleading advertising is not new. About 25 years ago, I developed

what is still known as the Doug Rye Super Energy-Effi cient house. It also happened to be very “green” but that color wasn’t as important in those days. Th e Doug Rye house had cellulose insulation, lots of caulking, energy-effi cient windows, tight ductwork and a geothermal heat pump. When people built their houses in this manner, they could heat and cool a 1,200-square-foot house for about 50 cents per day or $15 per month. One day a national company came to me and said if you will use our product in your houses we will guarantee a 30-percent savings on heating and cooling costs. Well, I fi gured 30 percent of $15 is $4.50 a month. I asked what it cost to use their product on a 1,200-square-foot house and he said, “$1,100.” Well, I immediately knew this was not a good investment. I also knew his product wouldn’t do anything to make a Doug Rye house more effi cient. But they persisted and showed me a four-page warranty of which I read every single word using a magnifying glass. Th e warranty said to fi le a claim one must submit a copy of the last 12 months’ utility bills prior to the installation of the product and a copy of 12 months’ utility bills after the installation of the product. Th e claim must be fi led in the 13th month after the product was installed. I noticed that the name of the warranty company was at the end of the form so I called them for more information. When I talked to the man at the warranty company he wasn’t even familiar

with the product I was asking him about. He told me his bonding company had placed warranties on hundreds of products and just assumed they would have to pay a few claims. Th ey intention-ally made it as diffi cult as possible to fi le the claim, he added. Well, at least he was honest about it. Folks, just remember there are a lot of people trying to take your green by claiming to be green. Please listen to me and don’t believe everything you hear.

Energy Effi ciency Commandment No. 7:Thou shalt not believe everything you hear

Doug Rye says …

Cut your utility bills

6

News & NotesNews & Notes

Th e Ball-Chatham School District presented awards to members of the 20/20 Strategic Summit Planning Commission of 2008. Sandy Lex, RECC’s Executive Assistant, served on this commission which met over a three month period. Th eir goal was to set the District’s Vision and Mission statements, as well as their strategic Objectives. Th e award reads, “VISION – A leader’s job is to look into the future, and to see the orga-nization not as it is…but as it can become.” Sandy and her husband, John, have two sons who graduated from Glen-wood High School, and two still in the school system.

Sandy Lex receives school award

Tax credits still available Just because 2009 is over, it doesn’t mean that the tax cred its for energy saving improvements to your home are gone for-ever. Below are some of the tax credits still available for this year and beyond. Check out energystar.gov/taxcredits for more informa tion. Federal Tax Credits (up to $1,500) for Con sumers for Energy Ef-fi ciency are available in 2010 at 30 percent of the cost for existing homes for: • Windows and Doors • Insulation • Roofs (Metal and Asphalt) • Heat Pumps, Furnaces and AC • Water Heaters (non-solar ) • Biomass Stoves Tax credits are available at 30 percent of the cost, with no upper limit through 2016 (for existing homes & new construc tion) for: • Geothermal Heat Pumps • Solar Photovoltaic • Solar Water Heaters • Small Wind Sys tems • Fuel Cells

Th rough rain and wind and snow and ice, Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative strives to keep the pow-er on, but sometimes weather con-ditions cause our members to lose power. Although our crews work as quickly as possible to restore power, there are some steps you can take before, during and after an outage to make it easier to cope. Th e key is being prepared. Be sure to plan for these fundamental needs. Check these areas to see if you’re prepared: Light - Secure fl ashlights, battery powered lanterns and extra batteries. Avoid light sources that require a fl ame or fi re. Water - If you depend on a well, you’ll need to fi ll bathtubs or other large containers for household use, like fl ushing toilets. Fill clean pitch-ers or jugs for drinking water.

Food – Nonperishable foods that don’t need cooking are ideal, like canned soup, peanut butter, bread and crackers. Don’t forget a manual can opener! Heat - Have blankets, sleeping bags and extra clothes, including hats. If you have a fi replace, make sure to have a good supply of kin-dling and wood. Be extremely care-ful when using alternative heating sources. Some are not approved for indoor use and could be a fi re or carbon monoxide hazard. Make sure your fi re extinguisher and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Information - Get a portable AM/FM radio with extra batteries for local information and a NOAA Weather Radio for weather warn-ings. A wind-up or battery powered

alarm clock might come in handy too. Cordless phones don’t work without power, so have at least one wired phone available. Medical - Have a contingency plan in place for patients who have a medical necessity for electricity. Th is includes backup power, extra medi-cal supplies or an alternate location until the outage is over. Make sure supplies of prescription drugs are adequate and have a fi rst-aid kit. Standby Power - If you connect a generator to your home’s wir-ing system, it is critical that it be properly installed. Feedback from an improperly installed system can electrocute anyone coming in con-tact with wires your generator has energized.

Be prepared for extended outages

7

_______Clothes Dryer, Electric Replacement – $25

_______Clothes Dryer, New Home or Gas Conversion – $25

_______Electric Range, Electric Replacement – $25

_______Electric Range, New Home or Gas Conversion – $25

_______Water Heater, Standard Warranty – $200 (less than 10-yr waranty)

_______Water Heater, Life–long Warranty – $250 (10-yr or longer warranty)

MEMBER RESPONSE PAGE

Electric heating equipment rebatesAn electric heat rebate form must be completed. Minimum system sizes apply.

• Geothermal System – $500/home

• Air Source Heat Pumps – $500/home (with electric back-up)

• Air Source Heat Pumps – $200/home (with gas back-up)

_______Peak Switch

_______Dual Meter Heating Rate

_______Security Light Rental

_______Convectair Heaters

_______New Home Energy Guidelines

_______Surge Suppressor Lease

_______Co-op Power Plus™ Visa

_______DTN Wireless Internet

_______Marathon Lifetime-Warranty Water Heaters

_______Long Distance Saving Rates

_______AT&T Wireless Cellular Phone Savings

Please send me information on services from RECC:

Member Name Account No.

Mailing Address

Town Phone

Rural Electric Convenience CooperativeP.O. Box 19, Auburn IL 62615Telephone: (800) 245-7322 (RECC) or (217) 438-6197 • www.recc.coopNormal offi ce hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Please include a copy of your sales receipt for your new electric equipment, purchased and installed within the past 12 months.

Electric equipment rebate request

Th is water heater is for: _______New Home _______Gas Conversion

_______Electric Replacement

8

P.O. Box 19Auburn, IL 62615

RECC is sponsoring up to ten area students for the popular Rural Electric Youth Day in Springfi eld on April 21, and a chance to win a FREE trip to Washington in June. Th e Youth Day program includes touring the Capitol, the new Abraham Lincoln Museum and other historic sites, and meeting with their state legislators. Two of those students will be selected to attend the Youth To Washington trip, June 11-18, with about 1,000 young people from around the country. Any junior attending a high school in RECC’s service area is eligible for these expense-paid programs. Ap-plication request forms will be sent to our local schools later in January, or students can call our offi ce. We will mail an application kit and back-ground information directly to the student. Th e application includes a summary of the student’s school and civic activities and accomplishments,

and a brief essay question pertaining to the rural electric program. At the end of the Youth Day activities in April, the students will have individual interviews to select two winners for the trip to Washington, D.C. Th ey will be judged on their application information, personal poise and confi dence, and demonstrated understanding of the rural electric program. Th e two winners will travel by bus from Springfi eld to Washington this summer, in one of the best-recognized youth programs in the nation’s capital. Tell your child, grandchild, neighbor or friend about these two super programs sponsored by your

Rural Electric Youth Day set for April 21

ng

c electric cooperative, and encourage them to apply. Th ey can call our offi ce at (800) 245-7322 to ask for an application packet, or e-mail a request to recc@recc.coop. Don’t let them miss this chance to meet new friends, learn about our government and co-ops, and have fun!