Co-op Hotline - June 2017

June 2017 | Vol. 12, Issue 3

Co-op Hotline

Should you, or shouldn't you?

Purchasing solar panels or wind turbines to reduce your energy costs

Page 2

New cooperative solar site
underway on I-74

Page 3

Operation RoundUp© Grants
Apply Now!

Page 4

Ever wonder how a tree becomes a utility pole?

Watch this quick video on our YouTube channel to find out.

Should you, or shouldn’t you?

Purchasing solar panels or wind turbines to reduce your energy costs
By Bryan K. Mathews

This is a great ques on; one that de- ed from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. during the winter months and 4 p.m.
pends upon who you ask and where to 9 p.m. during winter and summers months. Solar has li le,
you go for your research. To gain an if any, produc on of energy during your highest usage me.
understanding of renewable energy, So, why would you consider installing? Wind produc on, on
Bryan K. Mathews your coopera ve installed a small the other side of the spectrum, could produce energy during
General Manager wind turbine at our headquarters the peak hours, but with the wind pa erns in our coopera ve
in Osgood, January 2010, and solar territory it has not proven viable.
panels at our satellite office on US 50 in October 2014.
Why did we install the wind turbine and solar panels?
We have read many ar cles on this topic, with messages that Truthfully, for your benefit! Your board and management team
range from one end of the spectrum to the other; some prom- needed to find out how much energy would be produced in
ising free power and others with warnings to be careful about our service territory by our members who wanted to purchase
what you get yourself into. Discussions with our members these kinds of systems to offset their usage. This has allowed
have been very interes ng as well. Some want to produce a us to see the data first hand. This informa on is available on
li le green power to help the environment. Others have talked our website, for your benefit, if you have a desire to under-
with and bought into the sales pitch of solar vendors who stand how these types of renewable energy can fit into your
promise that the return on their investment will pay off their energy needs.
system in 10 years, and a er that … free power!
There is no single, perfect energy choice. All are needed.
So, should you, or shouldn’t you? When taken together, all energy sources – coal, natural gas, re-
Well, let’s look at it from a dollar standpoint. When will the newables and energy efficiency assure reliable and affordable
wind turbine that we installed at Osgood use enough energy power. All the pieces are important; that is why we con nue
to pay for itself? The data shows that the wind turbine will be to work with Hoosier Energy to provide all types of energy
paid off in approximately 238 years. Now, let us do the same sources.
with the solar panels that were installed at our satellite office.
The data that has been gathered from your coopera ve’s solar Again, should you, or shouldn’t you?
panels shows that the solar panels will be paid off in approxi- That is truly your choice. By being a member of Southeast-
mately 25 years. So, from the dollar invested standpoint, our ern Indiana you are purchasing a por on of your energy from
data shows that between the two types of renewables in our renewables. If you desire to do more, give us a call, or log into
territory, solar would be the best investment. our website and get the informa on necessary from an unbi-
ased, non-poli cal, factual data base, that represents you, our
However, consider the fact that you and your fellow co-op member.
members’ usage pa erns prove that the most energy is need-

Page 2 - Co-op Hotline, June 2017

CO-OP HOTLINE New cooperative solar
site underway on I-74
Co-op Hotline is published bimonthly
by Southeastern Indiana REMC's Soon, a new one (1) megawa solar site will harvest the power
Communication Department for members, of the sun along Interstate 74 just east of Greensburg for the
employees and retirees of Southeastern benefit of coopera ve consumers in southeastern Indiana.
Indiana REMC.
The six-acre photovoltaic solar array, located on 16 acres in
ON THE COVER Washington Township off Barachel Lane just east of the I-74
Greensburg interchange, is part of a larger effort by Decatur
This Switzerland County home County and Southeastern REMC’s power supplier, Hoosier
is utilizing rooftop solar panels, but Energy, to add renewable energy op ons to the power supply
are they right for you? Check for Decatur County REMC and Southeastern REMC member
out the General Manager's consumers.
article on page two and decide
for yourself. Construc on of the highly visible array began on April 17 and
is expected to be completed in 90 days. The solar array com-
CO-OP HOTLINE EDITORIAL STAFF pletes Hoosier Energy’s 10-site program. Seven of the other
1 megawa arrays are in opera on and two more are being
B.J. Myers SEND COMMENTS TO installed this summer.
Communications Specialist
e-mail: [email protected] Co-op Hotline Editor Decatur County REMC CEO Bre Abplanalp said the new solar
Southeastern IN REMC array represents an opportunity for Decatur County REMC and
Jarred Meinders P.O. Box 196 Southeastern REMC to obtain informa on on how the latest
CSR/Marketing Osgood, IN 47037 solar technology can provide electricity for member consum-
e-mail: [email protected] ers.
BACK ISSUES
Barry Lauber “Par cipa ng in a larger scale project such as this helps coop-
Director of Office Services To read back issues, log on to era ves learn more about solar’s poten al for our communi-
e-mail: [email protected] Southeastern IN REMC's website
at https://seiremc.com/content/ es,” he said.
newsletters.
Southeastern REMC General Manager Keith Mathews said the
Keith Mathews project will allow the REMCs to learn how this variable energy
General Manager resource integrates onto the grid and how solar might offset
e-mail: [email protected] the need for other more costly energy resources.

Once collected, this informa on will help the REMCs provide
real-world advice to consumers on the opera onal issues,
costs and benefits of solar as a renewable energy resource.

Decatur County REMC, located in Greensburg, Indiana, is a member owned electric
distribu on coopera ve serving 6,300+ members in Bartholomew, Decatur, Franklin,
Jennings, Ripley, and Rush coun es. For more informa on about the coopera ve, visit
dcremc.com.

Southeastern Indiana REMC, located in Osgood, Indiana, is a member owned electric
distribu on coopera ve serving 26,000+ members in Dearborn, Franklin, Jefferson,
Jennings, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland coun es. For more informa on about the
coopera ve, visit seiremc.com.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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 e-mail at program.
[email protected].

© Copyright 2017 Southeastern IN REMC

Co-op Hotline, June 2017 - Page 3

Operation RoundUp© Grants

Applications are being accepted during the month of June

Through the generosity of REMC members, the Southeastern Indiana REMC Community Fund is
prepared to give back to the communities we serve in southeastern Indiana by awarding its second
round of Operation RoundUp© grants. Applications are being accepted throughout the month of
June, and Trustees will meet in July to consider the applications and determine grant recipients.

Eligibility Guidelines

Community service programs, projects and organizations (i.e. fire departments, rescue squads, law enforcement agencies, etc.)
needing assistance for equipment or programs;

Educational and youth programs and projects (i.e. youth wellness, teens at risk, school programs, academic enrichment programs,
etc.) Please note - No college scholarships will be awarded.

Only not-for-profit organizations, governmental entities and school districts that have been granted tax-exempt status by the
Internal Revenue Service 501 (c) are eligible. The organization must contribute to the community’s health and/or welfare and the
organization’s services must be non-discriminatory in nature.

Apply Now

Applications and guidelines are available at the REMC headquarters in Osgood or the branch office in Aurora. You may also
download an application from our website at www.seiremc.com. Deadline to apply is June 30, 2017.

2017 Southeastern Indiana REMC
Scholarship Recipients

Southeastern Indiana REMC awards three $500 We are proud of the accomplishments of these students, as
scholarships each year, through the Southeastern Career well as all of the members of the graduating class of 2017.
Center. We applaud your academic achievements and wish each
one of you the best as you pursue your dreams and goals
The recipients of the 2017 scholarships are as follows: for the future.
• Ashley Bowling - CAD - Milan
• Trevor Elston - Welding - Madison As a reminder, Indiana's electric cooperatives offer many
• Emily Sandlin - Networking - Southwestern career options. Call us for more information!

Ashley Bowling & Trevor Elston Emily Sandlin

Page 4 - Co-op Hotline, June 2017

Ef iciency tips

for outdoor

shops and barns

There are many benefits to having an energy efficient outdoor shop or barn. Aside from saving energy, an efficient outdoor build-
ing can keep the environment around your structure healthy and safe; save money on your water bill; keep your animals happier
and healthier; and save you from costly structural repairs.

Whether you are looking to build a new structure, or make changes to an existing structure, there are many ways you can make
your outdoor shop or barn more energy efficient.

Are you planning to build a new structure on your property?

Follow these tips to achieve energy efficiency:

 Location matters. If possible, carefully consider where you build your shop or barn. Consider drainage, sun exposure and
how the building may affect your neighbors.

 Start with a sustainable design plan. A sustainable design plan, according to the U.S. General Services Administration,
includes the ability to use environmentally preferable products; protect and conserve water; enhance indoor environmental
quality; and optimize operational and maintenance practices.

 If you are hiring a contractor to help build your structure, make sure you look for companies who specialize in “green”
buildings and energy efficient practices.

 Choose efficient building methods. Pole barns offer reliable shelter without costly excavation, concrete foundations or
general site disruption.

Follow these tips to make energy efficient upgrades to an existing structure:

 Replace indoor lighting with energy efficient LED bulbs.

 Ensure your existing structure has adequate insulation levels.

 Choose outdoor lighting designed to be energy efficient, and install motion detectors to reduce energy consumption when
not in use.

 Plant trees around your metal shed or barn. In colder climates, trees act as a windbreak, and in warmer climates, trees have
a natural cooling effect that can reduce temperatures in your metal building 3 to 6 degrees Fahrenheit.

 Consider adding a ceiling fan to circulate air. Typically, there is a 2 degree Fahrenheit temperature increase for every one-
foot increase in ceiling height. A ceiling fan can help keep warm air close to the ground in the winter, and circulate fresher,
cooler air in the summer. Not only will this help with energy costs, it will also help keep the air in the building from be-
coming hot and stagnant, which will keep harmful bacteria from building and will keep insects at bay.

To learn more about how to make your outdoor shop or barn more energy efficient, contact the energy experts at Southeastern
Indiana REMC.

Co-op Hotline, June 2017 - Page 5

CONTRACTOR SAFETY FOR YOUR HOME

HIRE A CONTRACTOR

FOR ELECTRICAL PROJECTS

When planning home improvement projects, do you know
when to DIY and when to hire a professional?

Those wanting to do it themselves can tackle many types of projects,
but when safety becomes an issue, seek a professional with appropriate
equipment, training and insurance.

DOS AND DON’TS FOR PICKING
AN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

D O request to see proof of an electrical contractor’s
license and insurance. If there were an injury on your
property, an uninsured contractor could sue you,
even if you weren’t directly involved.
D O get recommendations from friends and family
members. Do you have a friend who is a general
contractor? Ask who he or she hires for electrical
projects.
D O run a quick check with the Better Business
Bureau. The reports will grade your potential
contractor, and you can also read complaints
Vœ˜ÃՓiÀÅ>Ûiwi`܈̅̅œÃiLÕȘiÃÃið
D O request a quote up front. Top electrical
contractors should be able to give you quotes over
the phone for simple jobs or make a no-charge visit
to your property for more complex projects.
D O N ’ T pull permits for a contractor’s job. An
electrician’s unwillingness to obtain permits is often
a sign the contractor isn’t licensed.
D O N ’ T >ÃÃՓi>Vœ˜ÌÀ>V̜ÀÃ>ÀiµÕ>ˆwi`°œ˜½Ì
risk your family’s safety by assuming a contractor in
an ad is reputable.

Page 6 - Co-op Hotline, June 2017

INDEPENDENCE DAY
WORD SEARCH

Can you find the words associated with Independence Day in
the puzzle? Use the word bank below to check your work.

AMERICA INDEPENDENCE
C E L E B R AT I O N PICNIC
FIREWORKS STARS
RED STRIPES
WHITE FLAG
BLUE FREEDOM

SAFETY TIP: Always have an

adult supervise fireworks activities.
Only persons over the age of
12 should be allowed to handle
sparklers of any type.

Co-op Hotline, June 2017 - Page 7

P.O. Box 196 PRST STD
712 South Buckeye Street U.S. POSTAGE
Osgood, IN 47037
PAID
Office Hours SEYMOUR, IN
PERMIT NO. 198
7:30 AM to 4:30 PM (EST)
Monday through Friday Board of Directors

Contact Information Vince Moster - District 1
Brad Bentle - District 2
Local calls: 812-689-4111 David Smith - District 3
Toll free: 800-737-4111 Carolyn Armstrong - District 4
FAX only: 812-689-6987 Melissa Menchhofer - District 5
To make a payment: 1-888-999-0762 Mike Thieman - District 6
Call Before You Dig: 800-382-5544 Darrell Smith - District 7
E-mail: [email protected] Bonnie Boggs - District 8
Website: www.seiremc.com Chris Schmaltz - District 9