May 2018

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May 18, 2018 - with assistance from Hot Line Foreman, Jack Regan, during Career Day at Postville schools on May 2. Postv
acec

May 2018

Volume 20 / Issue 5

NEWS

May is National Electrical Safety Month Teach kids at an early age about indoor electrical safety

Electric vehicles gaining momentum

10 ways to save energy

Go green for $1 per month

Photo contest winners

Perspective A message from Paul D. Foxwell, Executive Vice President/General Manager

Spring clean your way to energy savings!

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he beginning of spring brings optimism as we put the cold temperatures of winter behind us and watch the landscape turn green and come back to life. As you gear up for warmer weather, it’s a great time to expand your “spring cleaning” routines into discovering energysaving opportunities. Whether it’s sealing up areas around the exterior of your windows, adding insulation or scheduling an air conditioning tune-up, every action counts. The simple steps you take now can reduce energy consumption and lower your energy bills as warmer temperatures arrive.

Providing robust energy efficiency programs and services has long been the foundation of Iowa’s electric cooperatives’ commitment to environmental stewardship. We like to think the greenest kilowatt-hour is the one that is never used. During the past 10 years, Iowa’s electric

Go green for $1 per month Evergreen is a renewable energy “green power” program available for your home, farm or business through Allamakee-Clayton. Evergreen’s renewable energy comes from wind and waste-toenergy sources such as landfill gas and livestock manure. If you wish to support renewable energy, you can purchase blocks of energy. In addition to your normal electric bill, you pay a small extra charge each month to offset the additional cost of renewable generation. Now even more of your electricity can come from renewable generation resources. Contact ACEC for more information or visit www.acrec.com

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ACEC NEWS

cooperatives have invested more than $120 million in energy efficiency measures, saving at least 6 billion kilowatthours. That’s enough kilowatt-hours to power more than 600,000 homes for a full year! Our commitment to the environment doesn’t end with energy efficiency. Through investments in renewable energy, a reduction in the use of transportation fuels and innovations in technology, we take pride in the areas we call home and strive to maintain the integrity of the land's most precious resources.  We are committed to helping you use energy wisely as we work to provide power that is affordable, reliable, safe and environmentally responsible. In addition to energy efficiency measures, some of the ways Allamakee-Clayton is working to reduce our environmental footprint and allowing our memberowners to play an active role in this process include:

ENERGY AUDITS: Cooperative approved energy audits can result in incentive dollars for new construction and energy efficiency improvements to current structures. Contact ACEC for more information. SMARTHUB ACCOUNT ACCESS: Track your daily electric consumption and compare your electric use to your accumulated account history. Set up your account or log in at acrec.com GREEN-PRICING PROGRAMS: Allamakee-Clayton Electric offers a program for all members wishing to contribute money toward a fund that will assist in the purchase of alternative or "green" energy for Iowa. COMMUNITY SOLAR: Community solar is a no-hassle clean energy for our members. Purchase a share of the energy produced by ACEC SunSource and receive electric bill credits. GEOTHERMAL HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS: Talk to us about investing in geothermal systems, which can save you 30-70 percent on your energy costs. Geothermal ground source heat pump systems are one of the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available. The geothermal tax credit that was once set to expire in 2017 has been extended to Dec. 31, 2021. This is great news for homeowners who are considering this efficient energy option. REBATES AND INCENTIVES: Allamakee-Clayton Electric has a variety of rebates and incentives available for members who purchase energy efficient products. Visit acrec.com for a complete list of rebates available.

5. BUY ENERGY STAR PRODUCTS. Look for the ENERGY STAR label, the symbol of quality and energy efficiency, on a wide range of consumer products to save up to 30 percent on related electricity costs.

Become a community solar member and earn energy credits on your electric bill.

6. USE IMPROVED LIGHT BULBS. New and improved light bulbs reduce energy use from one-third to as much as 80 percent with today’s increasing number of energy-efficient halogen incandescents, compact fluorescents and LEDs.

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10 WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY 1. SEAL AND INSULATE. Seal air leaks and properly insulate. These are always the first steps for reducing energy waste, saving up to 20 percent on heating and cooling bills and increasing home comfort.

2. TURN IT OFF. Turn off all lights, appliances and electronics when not in use. 3. USE WINDOW COVERINGS. Use your window shades, blinds and draperies to keep the warm sunshine out during the summer months. 4. PROGRAM IT. A programmable thermostat, properly programmed, can save up to 10 percent on cooling and heating costs.

7. CLEAN AND CHANGE FILTERS. Clean or change furnace filters regularly. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system run longer to keep you cool. Schedule an air conditioning checkup to ensure it’s running efficiently. 8. REDUCE WATER TEMPERATURE. Reduce water heater temperature to 120° F to save energy and money on heating water. Turning down the water heater thermostat also can prevent scalding, which is great for households with young children. 9. DO LAUNDRY WITH COLD WATER. Wash clothes in cold water to save an average of $63 a year. Six thousand one hundred sixteen, dash XX 10. CONTROL THE FLOW. Use low-flow faucets and shower heads to save on water heating and water consumption.

Spring is here…

DIG SAFELY The power of human connections

CAL before L 811 you di g MAY 2018

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES GAINING MOMENTUM BY TOM TATE

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he appeal of electric vehicles is gaining momentum. The push for greater mileage in terms of MPG that began in the second half of the last century has been joined by the push for greater miles per charge. But before getting too far into this transportation evolution, a quick history lesson about EVs is in order. The first known electric car was developed in 1837 in Aberdeen, Scotland. Early variants were powered by galvanic cells rather than rechargeable batteries. The lead-acid battery was invented in France in 1859 with further French development leading to manufacturing of these batteries on an industrial scale in the early 1880s. This allowed a rechargeable battery to be installed on the vehicle. Soon manufacturers were selling a wide array of EVs ranging from trams to trolleys, to cars, and even locomotives. Interest in electric cars blossomed in the late 1890s and early 1900s. As roads improved and became more extensive, demand for greater range emerged. A variety of solutions were put forth including the first battery exchanges by an electric utility in Connecticut in 1910 and the first hybrid automobile in 1911. It would not be long until America led the world in number of EVs on the roads. But the rapid expansion of the country and the limitation of electricity to major cities and towns spelled the end of the electric car. The world wanted to be mobile and EVs simply did not have the range required. Enter Henry Ford and the mass-produced, affordable internal combustion engine, and the EV’s fate was sealed. MODERN EV’S

F ast forward to modern times and EVs are dominating the automotive news. Thanks to the electric cooperative movement, electricity is available everywhere in the U.S., the majority of roads are paved and environmental

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ACEC NEWS

concerns are increasing awareness. Seven hundred forty-seven While many drawbacks of EVs are gone, there is still a major concern limiting EV growth dubbed “range anxiety.” This stems from the persistent limited range of all EVs. While the Tesla offering provides 270 miles for their all-wheel drive model and 355 miles on their standard models, that pales in comparison to most internal combustion cars. And, the lack of a rapid charging infrastructure is an ongoing impediment. Just like their 20th century predecessors, pure EVs are great “city cars.” Fortunately, advances in battery technology are hammering away at the range issue. Range is steadily expanding and battery management systems are squeezing out more miles. At the same time, more companies and utilities are installing efficient charging stations at their places of business and in popular public locations. BRIGHT FUTURE

R ange anxiety notwithstanding, EVs have a bright future. Prices are dropping and range is expanding so

owners can confidently drive nearly everywhere with a little bit of planning. On top of this, the cars are just plain cool. The Tesla Model 3 promises a minimalist interior with all the necessary controls and information presented on a large touchscreen in the center of the console as opposed to using the traditional instrument cluster. Further, if you’ve never driven an electric vehicle, you are in for a treat. While an internal combustion engine must rev up to speed, an EV has full power at its disposal instantly. Of course, there are limits on this 0-60 mph capability to prevent inexperienced and over- eager drivers from launching themselves into accidents and

speeding tickets. They are quiet, well-appointed inside and allow you to forever bypass the lines at the gas station–– unless you are in need of some snacks and a slushy. LET THE COOPERATIVE KNOW

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ne final word, if you do purchase an EV, be sure to let your electric cooperative know. The service to your home is sized to meet the demands of your house as they existed

when service was connected. Adding the EV charger creates a risk of overloading the wires and transformers powering your home. Overloaded services can fail and leave you in the dark with an uncharged EV. Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumerowned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

UTILITY POLES ARE NOT BULLETIN BOARDS

Think before you post that sign! Staples, nails and tacks used to hang signs and fliers create dangerous obstacles for electric lineworkers. Their jobs are dangerous enough – help us keep them safe!

GIVE THE GIFT THAT SHOWS YOU CARE. FirstCall means your loved one can summon help at the press of a button. Save $50 with this coupon and give FirstCall to someone you care about. The power of human connections

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MAY 2018

5

ELECTRICAL SAFETY Teach kids early about indoor electrical safety

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ome should be a place of comfort for you and your family. That comfort includes family, familiarity, and safety. Safety requires some work and education, especially with kids in the house. To help protect your family, Safe Electricity encourages you to educate children at a young age about electrical safety. Some of the important lessons that Safe Electricity recommends sharing with your kids are: Let them know that water and electricity are a dangerous mix. Never sit, stand, or attempt to walk through water that is in contact with an electric appliance or toy. Emphasize that electronics and their accessories have to be handled with care. Encourage younger children to ask for help when they want to use an electronic device. Electrical cords and outlets can be of interest to curious young minds but should be left alone. Never put fingers or objects such as forks or knives into electrical outlets. Teach children that they should never stick fingers or objects into toasters or any other electrical appliance.

CHILD PROOF YOUR HOME

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hen you have toddlers around the house, take precautions to childproof your home. The following tips will help you keep your family safe and prevent electrical accidents in your home:  Child proof outlets. One way to do this is to use tamper resistant receptacles. Small fingers can easily fit into sockets, and curious children may poke objects into outlets. A tamper resistant outlet has a shutter system that only accepts electric plugs. Another option is to use simple outlet plugs.  Leave cords out of sight so that children are not tempted to play with them. Holders, spools, and clips can help you do this.  Never leave chargers or extension cords plugged in. A curious child may put a cord into his or her mouth and suffer an electric burn.  Supervise children closely when they play with electronic toys.  Repair or dispose of damaged electronics and cords. Four thousand five hundred thirty, dash two  Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection to prevent shocks. GFCIs detect and prevent dangerous situations where an electric shock could occur. You should have GFCIs anywhere that water and electricity may meet—such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

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ACEC NEWS

HELP KEEP KIDS SAFE WITH TROS

new and renovated dwellings to be equipped with TROs. Therefore, if your home was built before 2008, there is a good chance your outlets may not be tamper resistant. You can help keep kids safe by making sure your outlets are tamper resistant.

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lectricity can often appear much like magic to children. By flipping a switch or plugging an electrical cord into an outlet, appliances come alive and lights illuminate rooms. There are electrical hazards in the home that children need to be aware of—including electrical outlets. Help keep kids safe by making sure your outlets are tamper resistant. Tamper resistant outlets or tamper resistant receptacles (TROs or TRRs) have shutters that stay closed unless a plug with two prongs is inserted into the outlet. Both springs on the shutters must be compressed at the same time to allow an object to gain access. If a child attempts to stick an object in the outlet, the shutter prevents the object from entering and no contact with electricity is made. Since 2008, the National Electrical Code requires all

TROs have shutters that stay closed unless a plug with two prongs is inserted into the outlet. For a variety of safety videos you can watch with your child, visit SafeElectricity.org

I Dan Stelpflug, Director, Operations, Engineering & Technology

n addition to the Cooperative’s routine construction of new service, lineworkers will be focusing on several larger overhead line replacement projects this year. Allamakee-Clayton uses data from construction work plans and long-range plans to prioritize the projects, taking into consideration the load requirements and the age and condition of the existing line.

UPDATE

OPERATIONS

TEN projects in 2018 COMPLETED

1. 4.5-mile single phase replacement in Makee and Jefferson Townships on Sherman Ridge Road just east of Waukon.

6. 4.9-mile three phase replacement in Union City Township between a substation on Dead Horse Hollow Road and Wheatland Road east of Dorchester.

2. 3-mile single phase replacement in Auburn Township along P Avenue and Orange Road in Auburn Township between Eldorado and St. Lucas.

7. 5.3-mile single phase replacement in Auburn Township along Maple Road and Muskrat Road west of Eldorado.

3. 1-mile replacement in Ludlow Township along Highway 51 north of Postville.

8. 4-mile single phase replacement in Ludlow Township along Highway 9 west of Waukon.

UNDERWAY

CONTRACTED

PLANNED

10. 5.2-mile single phase replacement in French Creek Township along Lycurgus Road.

4. 5.7-mile three phase replacement in Giard Township along Golden Avenue, Greenfield Avenue, Granite Avenue and 130th Street east of Monona. 5. 4-mile three phase replacement in French Creek Township along French Creek Road and Rainbow Road west of Churchtown. The power of human connections

9. 5.6-mile single phase replacement in Lafayette Township along Village Creek Drive and Lansing Harpers Road south of Lansing.

MAY 2018

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ACEC member photo contest

WINNERS

POWERLINES

AGRICULTURE

1st

Troy Friederich, Postville Allamakee county, 2017 Bailing Hay

1st

Lisa Moose, Waukon Allamakee county, 2018 Spring Sunset

2nd

2nd

Ted Ager, Waterville Allamakee county, 2016 After the Storm Lisa Moose, Waukon Allamakee county, 2010 Full of Beans

3rd

Scott Boylen, Waterville Allamakee county, 2016 Readying the Soil 8

ACEC NEWS

3rd

Ruth Lloyd, Postville Allamakee county, 2016 Lines and Colors

Thank you to our members who submitted photos to the photo contest! Congratulatons to the winners; we think these photos well represent ACEC's beautiful territory! SEASONS/WEATHER

STRUCTURES

1st

1st

Von Collins, Waukon Allamakee county, 2014 Meandering Up Silver Creek

Madi Kurth, Waterville Allamakee county, 2018 Snow Days

2nd

2nd

Garett Hamilton, Elgin Clayton county, 2017 Cool Side of the Bluff

Garett Hamilton, Elgin Clayton county, 2017 A Country Treasure

3rd

Scott Boylen, Waterville Allamakee county, 2016 Sunset After Ice Storm The power of human connections

3rd

Von Collins, Waukon Allamakee county, 2013 Decades Old Barn

Continued on Page 10…

MAY 2018

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Thank you

Pictured, left to right: Cindy Heffern, ACEC director, Wade Tilleraas, junior judge, Brittany Tilleraas, ACEC member and Blair Everman, first class lineman.

to the judges for selecting the winning photos!

WILDLIFE

MISCELLANEOUS

1st

1st

Jerry Janssen, Fayette Fayette county, 2015 Big Kid, Old Toys

Lydia Guyer, Luana Clayton county, 2017 Peek a Boo, the Foxes See You!

2nd

2nd

Debora Fedeler, Hawkeye Fayette county, 2018 Downy Woodpecker Looking Right

Tracy Elsinger, Colesburg Clayton county, 2011 Gathering Storm

3rd

Fred Meierkord, Harpers Ferry Allamakee county, 2008 High Water Fawn 10 ACEC NEWS

3rd

Cathy Molumby, Elgin Fayette county, 2011 Frog on the Looking Glass

PIE RECIPES FRESH PEACH PIE

1-9 inch graham cracker pie crust Fresh ripe peaches, sliced 1-3oz. pkg. peach Jell-O® 1-3oz. pkg. vanilla pudding 2 c. water Cool Whip®

Postville Career Day May 2

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arlier this month, K-5th grade students were excited to watch ACEC’s Aandi Deering climb a utility pole and demonstrate how the gear helps keep him safely attached to the pole. These youngsters also had a chance to close a fuse with a hot stick with assistance from Hot Line Foreman, Jack Regan, during Career Day at Postville schools on May 2.

Slice enough peaches to fill pie crust. Cook together Jell-O® and vanilla pudding with 2 c. water until clear. Cool; pour over peaches and refrigerate. Serve with Cool Whip.

Irma Kime, Fayette ¾ c. sugar ¼ c. cornstarch ½ tsp. salt 2½ c. milk 2 eggs, well beaten

BANANA CREAM PIE

2 T. butter 1 tsp. vanilla 3 bananas, peeled 1 baked graham cracker pie crust Whipped topping

Combine dry ingredients in heavy saucepan; stir in milk. Cook and stir until pudding thickens. Stir small amount of pudding into eggs. Blend well and beat into pudding in saucepan. Cook and stir 2 minutes. Add butter and vanilla; cover and chill. Slice bananas into pie crust; cover with pudding. Top with whipped topping.

Phil and Charlotte Waldbeser, Elgin Have an idea for a recipe topic? We’d love to hear it.

Send your favorite recipes and/or recipe topics to Jenny McIntyre, ACEC, PO Box 715, Postville, IA 52162 or [email protected]. You’ll receive a $5 bill credit if your recipe is printed. Please note – recipes must be received by the 20th day of the month before intended publication.

June—RECIPES WITH BACON July—SNACK MIXES August—GAME DAY RECIPES

Use caution during spring time planting.

LOOK UP AND LIVE The power of human connections

MAY 2018 11

FIND YOUR SERVICE NUMBER

Three service numbers are hidden within the text of this newsletter. The numbers are from three different regions of our service area – one is worth $5, one is worth $10 and one is worth $12.50 if found. To claim the credit, the number must be yours and you need to notify us when you find it.

CONTACT ACEC HEADQUARTERS 229 Highway 51 • PO Box 715 Postville, IA 52162

1-888-788-1551 or 563-864-7611

WEBSITE acrec.com

OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

ALLAMAKEE ■ CLAYTON

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative, Inc. PO Box 715 ‑ Postville, IA 52162‑0715

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IOWA STATE ONE CALL 1-800-292-8989 SKYWAYS 563-864-7641 or 1-800-864-1611 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ROGER ARTHUR, President, Sumner MICHAEL D. GIBBS, Vice President, Waterville ROBERT V. SWENSON, Sec./Treas., Clermont JEFF BRADLEY, Wadena ARLYN R. FOSSUM, Waterville CINDY HEFFERN, Harpers Ferry LARRY P. LAMBORN, Luana DONALD E. McCORMICK, Harpers Ferry JOHN STORBECK, Elkader

MANAGEMENT STAFF PAUL D. FOXWELL, EVP/General Manager DAVID DECKER, Director, Finance & Administrative Services HOLLEE McCORMICK, Manager, Economic Development & Community Relations JENNY McINTYRE, Manager, Marketing & Communications JOHN MOLUMBY, Manager, Member Services DAN STELPFLUG, Director, Operations, Engineering & Technology

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