Co-op Hotline - July 2015 Issue

Co-op Hotline

Volume: 10, Issue 3 Southeastern IN REMC Member Newsletter July 2015

Office Hours Right of Way clearing key for reliability

7:30 AM to 4:30 PM (EST) by: Bryan Keith Mathews, General Manager
Monday through Friday
There are many ways that your electric of Asplundh, Tommy’s, Townsend Tree
Contact Information cooperative provides you with safe, reliable Services, and Comer mowing crews engage
Local calls: 812-689-4111 electric service. One of the most common in maintaining our ROW.
Toll free: 800-737-4111 and crucial ways is referred to as “right-of-
FAX only: 812-689-6987 way clearing”. If a tree encroaches on this safe distance,
To make a payment: 1-888-999-0762 A right-of-way (ROW) refers to a strip our ROW crews will trim back branches
Call Before You Dig: 800-382-5544 of land underneath or around power lines and brush using approved methods and
that your electric coop has the right and utilizing tools such as chainsaws, mowers,
E-mail: [email protected] responsibility to maintain and clear. Trees bucket trucks, tree climbers, and brush
Website: www.seiremc.com must grow at a distance far enough from chippers.
conductors where they will not cause harm Chemical control methods may also be
Board of Directors to individuals or disruption to electrical used as a way to retard the growth of low
service. A general guideline of maintaining growing plant species beneath power
Vince Moster - District 1 a safe ROW is 20 feet on either side of lines. Herbicides used on your coops
Brad Bentle - District 2 the primary conductors and 10 feet of right-of-way are approved by the EPA
David Smith - District 3 overhead clearance above the lowest wire and Department of Agriculture. They are
Carolyn Armstrong - District 4 on the pole. proven safe for use around people, pet
Melissa Menchhofer - District 5 Clearing the ROW is critical to keeping and animals. Every person that applies
Mike Thieman - District 6 your lights on. On our system 30 percent herbicides to our right-of ways is trained
Darrell Smith - District 7 of power interruptions occur when trees or and certified. ROW herbicides we use
Bonnie Boggs - District 8 bushes grow too close to power lines. target only woody plants containing
Chris Schmaltz - District 9 Southeastern Indiana REMC serves specific enzymes. Your coop has not
members across more than 3,200 miles of utilized the use of herbicides since mid-
facebook.com/SEINREMC line. These lines must be kept clear of trees 1980 when management decided there was
twitter.com/SEIREMC and vegetation in order to supply you with too much liability using it because it was
reliable service. Contract crews consisting not as environmentally as friendly as it is
Publishing Information today. Five years ago we decided to start

Co-op Hotline is published
bimonthly for the members
of Southeastern Indiana Rural
Electric Membership Corporation,
a consumer owned utility, 712
South Buckeye Street, Osgood,
Indiana 47037. Periodicals postage

paid at Seymour, IN

Co-op Hotline, July 2015 - Page 1

our R/W herbicide program back up and we have seen YOUTH POWER
very good results in keeping our ROWs where we used it AND HOPE AWARDS
under control. Your coop has not had any instances where
livestock, fish, wildlife or people have been harmed as a Are you a
result of the herbicide program. MIDDLE SCHOOLER
ROW clearing also keeps your family safe by
ensuring that tree branches do not become energized due in yourMAKING A DIFFERENCE
to close contact with a power line. Distribution power COMMUNITY?
lines can carry up to thousands of volts, and an energized
tree branch is incredibly dangerous-even deadly. Be You could be a winner.
mindful when around trees close to power lines, and make
sure your children know that climbing trees near power TELL US YOUR STORY.
lines is extremely dangerous. Always contact your REMC
if you believe trees or other vegetation are in danger of If you’re a fifth through eighth grader making
contacting the electrical lines. Please, never trim a tree a difference in your community and you live on
in the right-of-way zone on your own and never allow electric cooperative lines, apply now for the 2015
children or anyone to climb a tree with a power line in or
near it. Youth Power and Hope Awards.
ROW clearing is also critical to ensuring that Winners will be honored at a special ceremony
we provide members with affordable electricity. Staying in Indianapolis this December and will get the
ahead of the tree growth minimizes maintenance costs chance to hang out with Luke Zeller, president
incurred by reacting to ROW issues after they’ve become of DistinXion and former professional basketball
a problem and also keeps us from having to come out after
a storm to restore power due to fallen trees. A good ROW player and 2005 Indiana Mr. Basketball.
program affords us the ability to keep lines clear before Applicants must submit an application form,
trees become problems. If it is not it will just be a matter
of time before one is clearing trees in an outage situation. examples of how they have been involved
Compared to the majority of co-ops in the State in their local communities, and a reference
of Indiana, your coop, Southeastern Indiana REMC has letter from a trusted adult. Parents, please visit
one of the highest costs for right-of-way clearing. Your electricconsumer.org/?p=230 for an application
coop expenses approximately 4 million a year trying to and to learn about past award recipients.
keep members in service. The service territory has a lot to APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, OCT. 2.
do with this, but members can help by not planting trees
under or near the power lines. Questions?
We are committed to provide you with reliable Contact us at [email protected] or
service. Having a right-of-way maintenance plan is an
important part of our commitment to you. 317.487.2200.
If you have any questions about right-of-way
maintenance, please contact your electric cooperative.

To request any of the following call:

1-800-737-4111

• Paperless Billing Statements
• High/Low Voltage Demonstration
• Home Energy Audit
• Home Generator Program Info.

Page 2 - Co-op Hotline, July 2015

NOTICE REGARDING CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS Incentive
Program
Southeastern Indiana REMC will no longer accept credit cards as a form of payment
on any accounts other than those billed under the “residential” rate tariff. The reason Electric Water Heaters
for this change is due to the fees being charged by credit card processors to your REMC $50 to $400
when you pay with a credit card.
All Electric Heat Pump
Your REMC does not have the option of adding “fee surcharges” to accounts being and or Duel Fuel,
paid with a credit card. Due to recent fee changes, we can no longer absorb the usage Central Air
fees associated with credit card payments. $150 to $750

As an example, a payment of $1,000 would have a minimum fee of $26.50 and could Geothermal Heat
cost as much as $35.00 depending on the type of card used. If you multiply these Pump
numbers by the many business accounts using credit cards as a form of payment, it $1,500
becomes cost prohibitive.
HVAC systems for
In addition to a written check, we do offer other means of payment electronically. We traditional or Modular
accept e-check and ACH electronic payments. If you have questions regarding this
board approved change or want to get your account setup with e-check or ACH, please homes
call 1-800-737-4111 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. $300 to $1,500

We thank you for your business and understanding as we strive to provide you the
best service at the lowest possible costs.

HVAC systems for
mobile homes -

Manufactured housing
$800 to $1,500

Electric Heating
System Checkup

$50

Refrigerator Roundup
$50

Professionally installed
Duct Sealing
$250 to $500

Professionally installed
Attic Insulation
$250 to $500

Make sure you
check out the specs,
program guidelines
and conditions before
you purchase new

equipment.

Co-op Hotline, July 2015 - Page 3

The Value of Cooperative Membership

Cooperatives are often asked why customers are called of electricity requires highly specialized training. That’s
“members?” The answer is simple. why training and safety are a top priority for your co-op.
Our members own our business. Every decision Apprentice line workers and other cooperative employees
Southeastern Indiana REMC makes directly benefits attend hundreds of hours of training in climbing, power
you – our owner members. Member driven and member plant operations, meter technician and substation
owned, your cooperative looks out for you because we are improvement through the Hoosier Energy Apprentice
you. With members in charge, you can feel confident that Training and Safety program, or HEATS. Certified by
the decisions made are in your best interest and the best the U.S. Department of Labor and endorsed by the
interest of our communities. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, HEATS
That means our members have a say in how our co-op stands out as an industry best practice.
is run. The cooperative business model offers member- Experienced power network workers keep their
owners a way to meet our common need for affordable knowledge and skills fresh through skill improvement
electricity through a democratically owned business. The programs. These courses provide additional safety and
cooperative business model assures that no one benefits at training on subjects ranging from substation operations,
the expense of others and helps build out community for material handling, herbicide application, computer and
the long-term. technology, metering and safety demonstrations.
Distribution cooperatives are the foundation of the
electric cooperative network. Putting members first is as Demonstrating Power Line Safety
important to Southeastern Indiana REMC today as it was
when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt created the Educating the public on power line safety is just as
Rural Electrification Act in 1935. important as training line workers.
Guided by the seven cooperative principles, Southeastern Southeastern Indiana REMC utilizes a live-line
Indiana REMC lives its values through a trusted business demonstration trailer at community events, fairs, farm
structure that balances the needs of individuals and days and other events to demonstrate the dangers of
the community. These values represent the cooperative overhead power lines. During the demonstration, the
difference and how your co-op earns the trust of members public gets a first-hand look at the specialized safety
every day. equipment line workers must wear and learns how to
Working together, we are part of something special – a practice electrical safety.
nationwide network owned and controlled by people like
you. That’s why membership matters. Capital Credits: The Co-op Difference

Energy Efficiency Programs Because cooperatives are non-profits owned by their
members, they invest to provide and improve services
Your electric cooperative uses a self-contained Energy that benefit members and the communities they serve.
Wall - a mobile energy efficiency display - to help educate Patronage capital is one of the unique characteristics of
member-owners on lighting, weatherization and high- the cooperative form of business. Allocating and retiring
performance construction techniques. The large visual capital credits are practices that distinguish co-ops from
display travels to many consumer events, including other businesses.
Southeastern Indiana REMC’s annual meeting a few years Margins at electric cooperatives are allocated to their
ago. members. Capital is required for ongoing expenses,
The Team Up program provides member-consumers with emergency reserves and repayment of loans and the
a wealth of knowledge on energy efficiency programs. bylaws of most cooperatives allow them to use margins for
The program’s website – teamuptosave.com – features an a period of time to maintain a healthy financial position.
online Energy Wall resource guide as well as information When the financial position of the cooperative allows
on commercial and industrial programs. for margins to be returned, the board of directors may
approve payment of the credits to member-owners, a
Safety and Training testament to “The Cooperative Difference.”
From the beginning of the 1950s through 1987,
Working safely on power lines energized with 7,200 volts Southeastern Indiana REMC has returned $16,575,763.22
in patronage retirements.
Page 4 - Co-op Hotline, July 2015

Economic Development

Because they are owned by their members, electric
cooperatives are an integral part of the communities
they serve. Cooperatives do more than just supply
power. They work to attract new businesses and help
expand existing businesses.
Most recent economic development efforts among
electric cooperatives in southern Indiana are expected
to create 2,200 new jobs at 58 new or expanded
businesses and add 45 megawatts of new load for
members. These efforts of Indiana electric cooperatives
are an extension of the rural electrification program’s
original goal to provide a quality of life for all residents
no matter where they live.

Seven Cooperative Principles

Cooperatives are voluntary organizations. These
principles, along with the cooperative purpose of
improving quality of life for their members, make
electric cooperatives different from other electric
utilities. Source: NRECA

Co-op Hotline, July 2015 - Page 5

How power is transmitted to your home

The flick of a switch is all it takes to turn the lights on, That energy is then raised, or stepped up, to make the
but how does that energy get from the generation source journey from the generating source, to the regional grid
to your home? system, to your local electric cooperative where the elec-
tric voltage is lowered before being sent to your home.
Electricity is generated by Hoosier Energy — your elec-
tric co-op’s power provider based in Bloomington. This month highlights how power is transmitted from
distribution substations to your co-ops distibution net-
The process begins by generating electricity from a work to send energy to your home or business.
variety of resources including coal and renewable energy.

Power Switching Transmission Distribution Power from
generation substation substation your co-op
Electricity
Hoosier Energy After leaving generated by These stations At this phase,
power sources a power plant, Hoosier Energy lower the voltage your electric
include coal, electricity feeds and other before being cooperative
natural gas, into a substation utilities is placed sent along to distributes and
wind, hydro and which raises on a regional grid your electric meters the
landfill methane or “steps up” and transmitted cooperative. electricity you
generation. the voltage – at high-voltage use at your home
Hoosier Energy’s similar to water over long or business.
largest facility pressure. distances
is the Merom throughout
Generating central and
Station. southern
Indiana and
southeastern
Illinois.

Process in detail
Power from your co-op

After the voltage is
lowered at distribution
substations, electricity
is transmitted through
powerlines owned by your
electric cooperative.

At your home or business,
a meter monitors your
energy use so your electric
cooperative can prepare your
electric bill.

Page 6 - Co-op Hotline, July 2015

Hoosier energy and tHe MeMber systeMs

Support Clean energy

Hoosier energy and Member Systems Commitment

100% Coal

in 2000: 1,250 MW resource portfolio
was 100% coal.

64% Coal 2,100 MW resource portfolio
3% renewable is more diversified.

today:

33% natural gas

SinCe 1983 2006 2008

CoalCleaning Up VolUntarily adopted VolUntarily adopted

91% reneWable deMand Side
energy ManageMent/energy
reduction in prograM effiCienCy prograM
nitrogen oxide
and sulfer dioxide Target 10% of member Energy savings in 2014
emissions approximated
requirements by 2025
25,400 MWH or
renewable resources include: 0.3% of member sales
landfill gaS
Cumulative program cost
Coalbed MetHane
HydropoWer over
Wind
and otHers $35 Million

Co-op Hotline, July 2015 - Page 7

P.O. Box 196 PRST STD
712 South Buckeye Street U.S. POSTAGE
Osgood, IN 47037
PAID
SEYMOUR, IN
PERMIT NO. 198

GENERAC

Be prepared for CALL FOR
unexpected power DETAILS:
outages. Purchase 800-737-4111
a 22 kW total home
backup generator.

$4,700.51

Statement of Nondiscrimination

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://
www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all

of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter by mail to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of
Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at [email protected].

Page 8 - Co-op Hotline, July 2015